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Couple to open home as bed-and-breakfast

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 21, 2009

PLANT CITY - A house in one of Plant City's historic districts will soon see double duty.
Brenda and Guy Ford say their plan to open the Strawberry House Bed and Breakfast evolved from an "Oprah" episode focusing on homeowners thinking outside the box to ease financial strains from today's economy.

One suggestion: operate a bed-and-breakfast in your home.

The Fords saw the program soon after a stay at a lakeside bed-and-breakfast on the Florida-Alabama line, so the idea was especially captivating.

They plan to open Strawberry House next month in their century-old home at 805 N. Wheeler St., just north of historic downtown.

The Fords bought the 4,212-square-foot house in 2000. For Brenda, it was love at first sight.

"I had walked past this house for about 12 years," admiring its architecture and barn-style roof, she said.

They spent $15,000 to $20,000 in renovations and improvements for their bed-and-breakfast

Rates will be $125, with $99 opening specials during the first month; only Friday and Saturday dates are available for now.

For information, call (813) 759-0279 or go to www. strawberryhouseb-b.com.

George Wilkens

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