A virtual tour can be viewed at
http://www.circlepix.com/home/DJSV57

An interview with Sarah

History and Renovation
of the Burnt Toast Inn

Built about 1915, this American four-square provided a roomy home for several generations of blue collar workers, who originally made up most of the population of the Ann Arbor's historic Old West Side. Fred Miller, a plumber at Hockrein and Riemold, was the first resident, succeeded by a painter, Herman Finkbeiner. The longest occupancy was that of Audra and Paul Stott, who moved here in 1941. Both worked at nearby Argus Camera, Audra in the office and later in shipping and receiving, while Paul started on the assembly line and later worked as a guard. The Stotts supplemented their income by renting rooms to medical students. After Paul died in 1972, Audra switched to women tenants.

Sarah Okuyama bought the house in October 2002, and moved in August 2003. Sarah has renovated the entire house from top to bottom. She removed aluminum siding and, with friends and a sledgehammer, took down the carport herself. She uncovered the porch, removing louvered glass, and revealed the front pillars. Inside she removed eleven (!) doors and several walls.

The small, original kitchen is now a large, open space that looks out onto the dining room, living room, and main hallway. Sarah replaced all the appliances and cabinetry. The second floor has three bedrooms, including the Master bedroom with large in-suite bathroom. The other bedrooms share two bathrooms. A large Attic Suite features attached bath. Throughout she has painted the walls in vibrant colors: pumpkin, red, purple — all with "mis-tints" (returned paint that people ordered but didn’t want). On the walls and throughout the house visitors find interesting art, some of it reclaimed from the roadside. Perhaps the most amazing of these is a large portrait found on the curb that now hangs in the living room. She thinks it bears a strong resemblance to her sister.

The Burnt Toast Inn houses The Antique Shed, an antique and art gallery, featuring primarily Japanese art including kimono, prints, fabric and pottery, which is open to guests of the Bed and Breakfast.

The yard features a giant rock bought at the Rock Shop. "It was the largest, lightest, most interesting rock at the place." She’s trying to decide whether to put a pond in front of it or . . . .   Sarah has also added a deck and a circular slate walkway. An old wrought-iron gate (found) and fence are going up as well. Many plantings are coming in as she prunes the trees to allow for more light.

About Sarah Okuyama, Innkeeper

Sarah has lived in Ann Arbor since 1985, and was a resident of the Burns Park neighborhood for seventeen years before moving to the Old West Side. She has also lived in Sante Fe, and has spent time living in Japan. She has two grown daughters.

Sarah loves color and has a great collection of found objects, and the house is decorated with exuberant color and unusual antiques.

Breakfast at Burnt Toast

Breakfast at the Burnt Toast Inn usually features an expanded continental menu with fresh fruit, juice and great locally-roasted organic coffee and tea. Sarah tries to emphasize fresh foods in season, buying local and organic when she can. Guests may enjoy their breakfast in the kitchen, living room or on the front porch.

Burnt Toast Inn organic coffee is locally-roasted and freshly-brewed every morning at the Inn. Also available for purchase by the bag.

Our dogs

The Burnt Toast Inn has two resident dogs: Bojangles (goes by "Bo") and Buddy. Both are very sweet and large. (See photos at right.)

Note: With advanced arrangements, we will allow a dog with whole house rental of Washington House (security deposit required).