About Us

Some information about the host and the house . . .

Delphos is my childhood hometown and I have fond memories of growing up here. I vividly remember trick-or-treating as a child at this house and wondering about the family who was fortunate to call this house, ‘home’. Later, I would discover that the then present family and my Mother’s family were prior neighbors and good friends. 

This home was built in approximately 1896, give or take a few years, and throughout the years has been home to only four different families. The original family, The Muellers, were local retailers who specialized in farming equipment and resided in the home for approximately 40 years. Some of the family heirs are still local and others have visited and stayed at the guesthouse when in the area. The second family to occupy the home for about the same number of years was Dr. Howard Illig’s family, a beloved family in the community. In fact to this day, many of the older locals still refer to the house as “The Illig House.” When contemplating names for the guesthouse, I considered naming the guesthouse, ”The Doctor’s Inn,” but eventually opted to name it, ”The Victorian Guesthouse.”

After the third family vacated the home it sat empty for a few years and in 2003, while on a return visit to the area, I purchased the home with the idea it would be a fun renovation project. My plan was simple, restore the home to its original grandeur, then eventually retire in Delphos to enjoy a quiet retirement. Since then, the home has undergone a total renovation with the goal of maintaining as much of the home’s authenticity and character as possible. Eventually my retirement plans changed in 2020 and the home was converted to The Victorian Guesthouse! Our guests are mesmerized by the detail and craftsmanship of this Queen Anne Victorian home. Every period detail appears to have been a craftsman’s ‘labor of love.’ If you love “old houses,” The Victorian Guesthouse will not disappoint. When you stay with us you will enjoy clean, safe, well appointed accommodations that are ideal for rest and relaxation. Common areas are large and spacious and are where you will be able to socialize, dine and view the artwork of local artist Lou Mandryk. Lou is a native Ohioan and his artwork includes a collection of landscapes, houses, unique buildings and individuals. He welcomes commissioned work on individual projects if desired.

Our staff prides itself on the cleanliness of our establishment and our attention to detail. Since our inception, we have achieved the highest guest ratings for cleanliness and overall property ratings on both Airbnb & Booking.com in the Lima/Delphos/Van Wert area! Though the house is no longer my residence, it will always be ‘home’ to me. It is gratifying to know that the home now has renewed life and purpose and others are able to enjoy a stay in this unique space. It is more than a stay, it’s an experience! We welcome the opportunity to have you stay with us at The Victorian Guesthouse!

Rest well and travel safely . . .

Don Edwards
Proprietor.

Some information about the host and the house . . .

Delphos is my childhood hometown and I have fond memories of growing up here. I vividly remember trick-or-treating as a child at this house and wondering about the family who was fortunate to call this house, ‘home’. Later, I would discover that the then present family and my Mother’s family were prior neighbors and good friends. This home was built in approximately 1896, give or take a few years, and throughout the years has been home to only four different families. The original family, The Muellers, were local retailers who specialized in farming equipment and resided in the home for approximately 40 years.

Some of the family heirs are still local and others have visited and stayed at the guesthouse when in the area. The second family to occupy the home for about the same number of years was Dr. Howard Illig’s family, a beloved family in the community. In fact to this day, many of the older locals still refer to the house as “The Illig House.” When contemplating names for the guesthouse, I considered naming the guesthouse, ”The Doctor’s Inn,” but eventually opted to name it, ”The Victorian Guesthouse.”

After the third family vacated the home it sat empty for a few years and in 2003, while on a return visit to the area, I purchased the home with the idea it would be a fun renovation project. My plan was simple, restore the home to its original grandeur, then eventually retire in Delphos to enjoy a quiet retirement. Since then, the home has undergone a total renovation with the goal of maintaining as much of the home’s authenticity and character as possible. Eventually my retirement plans changed in 2020 and the home was converted to The Victorian Guesthouse! Our guests are mesmerized by the detail and craftsmanship of this Queen Anne Victorian home. Every period detail appears to have been a craftsman’s ‘labor of love.’ If you love “old houses,” The Victorian Guesthouse will not disappoint. When you stay with us you will enjoy clean, safe, well appointed accommodations that are ideal for rest and relaxation. Common areas are large and spacious and are where you will be able to socialize, dine and view the artwork of local artist Lou Mandryk. Lou is a native Ohioan and his artwork includes a collection of landscapes, houses, unique buildings and individuals. He welcomes commissioned work on individual projects if desired.

Our staff prides itself on the cleanliness of our establishment and our attention to detail. Since our inception, we have achieved the highest guest ratings for cleanliness and overall property ratings on both Airbnb & Booking.com in the Lima/Delphos/Van Wert area! Though the house is no longer my residence, it will always be ‘home’ to me. It is gratifying to know that the home now has renewed life and purpose and others are able to enjoy a stay in this unique space. It is more than a stay, it’s an experience! We welcome the opportunity to have you stay with us at The Victorian Guesthouse!

Rest well and travel safely . . .

Don Edwards
Proprietor