~ Meet the Innkeepers ~
Originally from Evanston, Illinois, we visited Galena for the first time in the summer of 2024 and immediately fell in love. From Galena's rich history and charming architecture to the incredible restaurants and shops, we knew Galena was the place we wanted to call home. We are also huge fans of Victorian homes, so we were absolutely thrilled to discover the beautiful former Queen Anne Guest House was for sale. We dropped everything to come back to town and discovered not only a stunning home, but several porch cats as well!
With an abundance of love, sweat and yes, some tears, we have worked to restore our lovely house to its original splendor and to share it with fellow Galena travelers. Thus, the idea for the Painted Cat was born - a tribute to the Victorian "Painted Ladies" and all the cats (both indoor and outdoor!) who share our home! We opened our doors in June of 2025 and have loved every minute of our new adventure. We sincerely hope you fall in love with the home just as we did!
~The Ridd Home ~
Located on the corner of Park and Adams in East Galena's historic district, the Ridd Home stands as an exquisite example of Queen Anne architecture and a reminder of Galena's past. Built for local industrialist and alderman William Ridd and his wife Louisa, construction began in 1891 and lasted until the end of 1892. A September issue of the Galena Gazette described the home this way at the time -
"Mr. William Ridd is building on the corner of Park Avenue and Adams Street one of the finest residences in the city. It is a two story frame 30 x 43 and will contain ten commodious rooms besides a bath room, ample halls and closets. Mr. W. A. Telford is the architect and builder, and the handsome design and convenient arrangement speak well of his ability as an architect. The exterior arrangement is ornamental and pleasing to the eye. There will be several gables, ample porches, and two bays. The corner bay is two stories and extends above all, forming a sightly tower. there is a cellar under the whole house. Good material is being used in the building and it will be one of the best built houses in the city. It will be completed and ready for occupancy early in December."
Over the decades, the home has had several owners including a physician, a caretaker of the Grant Home, and several innkeepers after it was opened as the Queen Anne Guest House in the late 80's. The Guest House closed shortly after the pandemic but was reimagined and reopened as the Painted Cat in spring of 2025.
~ Ashes the Porch Cat ~
When we first visited the house, we were greeted by someone we didn't expect - a friendly grey cat sitting on the porch. After closing on the home almost two months later, we were once again greeted by this friendly kitty. We made fast friends, especially when she got very used to us feeding her first thing in the morning!
Not long after we moved in, we stumbled across an old innkeeper's manual from the early 2000's when the house operated as the Queen Anne Guest House. The manual made frequent mentions of a grey cat named Ashes who lived on the porch - upon further investigation with our neighbors we learned that the cat mentioned and the cat on our porch were one in the same, meaning that Ashes is likely at least 15 years old! Today, guests can frequently see ashes as she relaxes on the porch and plays in the yard, so keep your eyes peeled when you visit - you might just catch a glimpse of this very special cat!
Petición de reserva
