Victorian guesthouse puts Delphos on the Airbnb map

DELPHOS —Don Edwards has been restoring and preserving his Third Street Victorian home for 17 years. Although there are still a few projects left, Edwards has completed enough to open his home to others through Airbnb.

“The house is too big for one person. I’m happy to share the house with others and have a home life – a new purpose,” Edwards said.

Edwards is a flight attendant and is no stranger to staying in different places.

“I have stayed in many guesthouses around the world since the mid 80’s so I understand what the guesthouse experience is and what people expect and want when they stay in a guesthouse. I want my guests to have a stay where they feel at home and that it is an unforgettable moment for them.

While guests are free to mingle, the large house also offers privacy.

“Customers often enjoy meeting and interacting with other customers, which for some is part of the experience,” Edwards began. “However, others may want solitude, peace and quiet and that can be found here too. Luckily the house is large enough that even when the house is full no one feels cramped.

Guests have their own bedroom, clean bathroom, kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, laundry room, common areas, and a large wrap-around porch.

Some of Edwards’ guests include out-of-state contractors working at area factories, interns, people visiting for weddings or other events, and transients.

“A lot of people search on Airbnb for the Lima area and the house will pop up and grab their attention,” Edwards said. “Because it’s only 15 miles, it’s an easy fit.”

While Edwards continues to work on finishing the home, he has no plans to remove the Airbnb listing.

“I love having people here, meeting new people and making new friends,” he said. It gives my home life.

Edwards has enjoyed a 70-75% occupancy rate since the guesthouse listed.