The Gems of Garnett: Monroe 816 + The Kirk House

If you’re seeking a memorable getaway, visit The Kirk House and Monroe 816 in nearby Garnett, Kansas, about an hour away from Kansas City. The Kirk House, a bed and breakfast, and Monroe 816, a furniture and home decor boutique, are offering a fun Fall Girls Getaway that includes exclusive accommodations and activities. Monroe 816 owner, Val Foltz, and The Kirk House owner, Eileen Burns, have been friends for years and embrace every opportunity to collaborate. They love making spaces beautiful and bringing people together. Are you ready to enjoy a relaxing and renewing evening or weekend away? Let The Kirk House and Monroe 816 help you recharge with your friends and family. 

The Kirk House
The Kirk House, a 1913 Colonial Revival, is an amazing place to stay. “It’s a unique experience in that when you walk in, you feel its historic charm and are transported back in time,” Eileen said. “We have restored the large hallway entry to its original state with period wallpapers on the ceiling and walls. To the right and left of the entry are the gathering rooms with updated furnishings, but you still feel the history with the quarter sawn oak paneling and Rookwood tiles on the fireplace.” As you explore the house, you’ll discover that every room has been renovated to include modern amenities with an eye to preserving its original beauty and history. “Each bedroom is named after a previous owner and some are decorated to replicate the rooms from previous owners’ photos.”

The original owners, Sennet and Bertha Kirk, hired George P. Washburn, a prominent Kansas architect who built 13 county courthouses and nine Carnegie library buildings, to design their home. Today, there’s a peacefulness that resonates throughout the house. “There’s a calming coziness about it and we all need a little more of that in our lives,” Val said. Eileen will be pleased to host you at The Kirk House for overnight stays, whole house rentals, reunions and small events.

Monroe 816
Monroe 816, a trendsetting furniture and home décor boutique, embodies the company motto to “live beautifully.” Val and her team take great pleasure in welcoming guests to the boutique. They’ve created a relaxing yet fun ambiance by staging furnishings as they would be in a home, not like a typical retail space. In the fall, she pairs the scent of Hot Apple Cider or Autumn Leaves candles with upbeat background music to round out the welcoming feel. Val said, “I think one of the biggest compliments I get from customers is that they look around and take this deep breath and stand there,” soaking it all in. Many say they can’t believe how beautiful it is. “That’s when I tell people that Live Beautifully with Monroe 816 is not anything you can put into words. Sometimes you just have to walk in and feel it.”

You will find a wide variety of unique home furnishings from candles to Country Chic paint, from restyled furniture to vintage finds and painted pieces. They also carry seasonal and everyday home decor. Val said, “We’re proud that the majority of our products are locally crafted.” She also offers DIY workshops and the opportunity for customers to personally design the perfect wallpaper for their space. Additionally, Monroe 816 has a decorating service and event rentals are available. 

Monroe 816 and The Kirk House have bundled their services, creating a one-of-a-kind, memorable evening or weekend getaway in Garnett. The Fall Girls Getaway package features great activities at comfortable and convenient locations. Groups of 6 to 12 people will be able to reserve the entire bed and breakfast, enjoy a private DIY workshop and VIP shopping experience at Monroe 816. The workshop includes one of three craft options: a decorative cutting board, a house number sign or a boho fall arrangement. When you’re hungry, restaurants are nearby or The Kirk House can cater meals. Nights at The Kirk House include a s’mores bar on the back patio while you relax around the fire pit. 

If you need some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life or want to conserve your energy for the upcoming holiday season, schedule an evening or weekend getaway. You can spend your time relaxing with friends or family, reconnecting and unplugging from daily life. Eileen and Val want to help your group bond over fun experiences and live beautifully. Book your trip today and get ready for a gem of an event.

Visit monroe816.com and www.thekirkhouse.net to learn more.

Garnett’s A Gem
Monroe 816, The Kirk House and other Garnett-based businesses organize and participate in upcoming events.
October 6 and 13: Concerts in the Park
October 7-8: Shop Hop for WINGS
November 10: Monroe 816 Holidays Sip and Shop
November 11-12: Holiday Open House Weekend
December 4: BPW Holiday Boutique, The Kirk House
December 15: Monroe 816 Holiday Beers and Cheer