Given that Susanne and Bill Owens restored a historic 1871 building into a boutique hotel just two blocks from the bicycle-inspired Katy Trail, and given that the French word vélo translates to "bicycle" or "bike" in English, it stands to reason that they christened the new destination spot as Le Vélo Inn.
The imaginative bike hotel in Frenchtown is already known as a journey through time, a celebration of the past, and a gateway to modern comfort. A grand opening was held at the Inn this past December. The property actually harkens back to its roots, given that it first served as the Short Boarding House/Saloon back in the day.
The Owens aren't originally from St. Charles, but indicated they started visiting the city during 2012 when one of their sons, Jakob, received a full scholarship at Lindenwood University. He attended Lindenwood from 2013-2017, and received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.
"We fell in love with St. Charles immediately because of the history and eclectic Main Street, and vowed if we could ever invest in a multifamily property in St. Charles, that we would," recalls Susanne.
The couple ended up purchasing the building sight unseen. At the time, Bill was a train conductor for BNSF Railroad in Chicago. Susanne was working in Hannibal, Missouri, providing anesthesia as a certified registered nurse anesthetist/anesthesiologist.
Susanne says she called their realtor and placed a blind bid on the St. Charles property. "We ended up winning the foreclosure auction."
Bill retired from the railroad early during 2021 to handle the couple's real estate endeavors in St. Charles and Foley, Alabama. Susanne still travels two to three weeks a month to help fund the real estate projects, and Bill often travels with her while still handling decisions and ordering items for the building.
"Our inn seamlessly merges the allure of yesteryears with the convenience of today, inviting guests to relive the captivating era of the late 1800s and early 1900s," explains Bill.
Susanne adds: "As you step into Le Vélo Inn, you'll immediately sense the essence of a bygone era. The walls whisper tales of adventurers on their trusty bicycles and the echoes of other historic events that shaped the world. Every corner exudes modern nostalgia, paying homage to the golden age of cycling and the spirit of exploration."
Located in St. Charles at 1425 N. 2nd St., there are eight, overnight rentals on the property, with each unit reflecting a bicycle that was invented and introduced in a short period of time before the car was invented. The suites are called The Penny Farthing, The Tri-Wheel, The Betty Bloomer, The Swiftwalker, The Velocipede and The Green Tyke.
"Our boutique hotel offers an intimate experience with a selection of thoughtfully designed suites. Choose from our inviting accommodations, which include a cozy studio and five charming one-bedroom, one-bath suites within the meticulously restored historic building. Each suite is a unique ode to the past, furnished with vintage-inspired pieces, antique accents and modern amenities that ensure a comfortable and memorable stay," explains Susanne.
Adding to the allure, according to Bill, are two recently renovated cottages, nestled behind the historic building: The Hub and The Quest. "These duplex cottages provide an extra layer of privacy and versatility for guest stays."
He says the original building opened the same year the Penny-farthing high wheeler bicycle was invented.
Susanne says it was a joy to mix design and history to bring the building back to life. She adds it was a joy to working with the St. Peters-based Newberry Contracting Inc. owner Brad Wilson and designer Megan Wilson, who obtained all the furniture and designed all the suites.
"This project was an effort to give back to the community with a portion of the proceeds from the building being donated to charity," she says.
For those desiring to reserve all eight Le Vélo Inn suites in the historic building and both cottages along with the private courtyard for special events, intimate celebrations or micro weddings, a total of 26 guests can be accommodated. Susanne says several local restaurants cater to their location, including La Belle Vie located just a few blocks away.
"We love to customize events and make guests' visions come to life," she adds.
Whether guests seek solitude, romance or connection, the Owens indicate they're more than ready to oblige.
573.620.1124
LeVeloInn.com
"We absolutely fell in love with this place. Very warm and inviting. They thought of everything. We'll definitely be back."