The Homestead Bed & Breakfast was founded by Shirley Grossman in 1984. At that time, she owned a large 3600 square foot 1851 brick farm house that had been her home since 1963. The Grossmans were only the third family to have lived in the house. The previous family, the Smiths, had lived there from 1880 to 1963. They sold it with all the contents. The house was filled with antiques. This, and the fact that her five children had grown and left the nest, helped her make the decision to open a bed and breakfast. It was a perfect fit for Shirley and the house she loved.
The Homestead Bed & Breakfast was the first bed and breakfast in Washtenaw county.
Shirley ran the Homestead and managed another career as a psychologist for many years and enjoyed great success. Over the years, she made many friends at the inn. Many guests shared her interest in music and theater. Often she accompanied them to performances in Ann Arbor and in other cities including Stratford, Ontario. In June of this year, she passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 77.
Shirley's five children have decided to continue the bed and breakfast. Shirley's daughter, Martha, and her husband Ike now live at the Homestead and are operating the inn.
For many years Martha help Shirley at the Homestead and is looking forward to continuing the hospitality and service.