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The Regal Plumb - Charming Sun room with natural light Emporia Kansas bed and breakfast an

About

The Regal Plumb began life over a century ago as a private family residence. It changed hands over the years several times, serving several purposes for the people of Emporia, KS and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more about the Regal Plumb below.

A Place for Family:
The Early Days

The Regal Plumb began as a private family home in over 150 years ago, built by Senator Preston B. Plumb. He lived in the home with his wife, Carrie, and their children. In addition to the more ornate areas of the house, small nooks that still speak to a comfortable and loving family life can be found around the home.

 

After the death of the senator in 1891, Carrie began expanding and renovating the mansion, including building the expansive carriage house that was eventually renovated to add more housing. â€‹

Senator Preston B Plumb - builder and original owner of the home that became The Regal Plu

Senator Preston B. Plumb

Carrie Plumb, wife of Senator Preston B Plumb, one of the original owners of the home

Mrs. Carrie Southwick-Plumb

The Regal Plumb - Pale Gold Damask background-min.png

A Refuge for Women:
Plumb Place

In the 1921, the Plumb family and estate donated the house to be used as a shelter for women, along with $20,000 - a exceptionally sizeable sum at the time - to relocate the carriage house and renovate it to create more bedrooms.

 

The property eventually became Plumb Place and served as home and resource for countless women for nearly 100 years, until it ceased operations in 2020.

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You can see what the house looked like inside, before renovation on the blog Restoring Ross. The blog is run by our neighbor, who is currently carefully restoring the historic Cross House, located just across the street:

Home Again:
Lovingly Restored

In 2022, after more than a year on the market, the former Plumb residence was purchased by Christine Stanley. Chris is a life-long Emporia resident and operated her family's store, Stanley Jewelry, until she retired. 

After deciding retirement was just a little too dull for her, Chris made the decision to buy and restore the property. She moved in and began restorations almost immediately, while honoring the history of the people who have called it home over the years. She loves opening her home to bed & breakfast guests and adores helping people host unforgettable events in what is now The Regal Plumb.

New owner Christ Stanley celebrates on the porch on closing day

New owner Christine Stanley on closing day!

The Regal Plumb Emporia Kansas Event Venue and Bed and Breakfast being painted
power washing the original brick on the library
repairing the columns on the front portico

See more photos of the renovation and restoration progress in our gallery.

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