New year, new ideas, new business. That's the adventure one local family is embarking upon. From small town to big time events, the Stafford family is known for music and entertaining.
Now, they're returning to Huntington to share their new flavor, style and expertise with an old Victorian charm backdrop.

“We found this place by accident,” said Kathi Stafford.

But, Kathi and her husband, John, haven't looked back.

“We thought it would be a good business for Huntington and we wanted to give back to the community,” said Kathi.

Kathi grew up in the Proctorville, Ohio area. Her family is from Huntington. She recently bought this old Victorian home--now known as the Historic Huntington House. It’s a destination for special events.

“It was built in the 1800s as a model home for Collis P. Huntington by Delos Emmons. It was a model home to get people to come to Huntington,” said Kathi.

Kathi graduated from Marshall University before launching her music career. She met her husband when she hired him as her guitar player for a band. Together, the couple has made beautiful music together--their latest venture--playing in their son, Jordan's band, OnesAll.

“We call this the music room. We’re professional musicians and wanted to make it right. We’ve installed a Bose sound system, so the music is thumping,” said Kathi.

“We have a multipurpose room that we’re setting up as a wedding chapel for our grand opening gala. We want to give suggestions to folks to let them know the possibilities this house has to offer. In this case, if you’re having a small wedding, you can have a quaint gathering in one of these rooms,” said Kathi.

From a wedding chapel complete with a bridal changing room fit for that fairytale day to a grand banquet room and even children’s play area, this house offers a little something for everyone.

The Staffords are also offering “green” weddings. They will rent out dresses the bride can wear and leave behind. In fact, for any gathering, people can rent out the house and bring their own food and decorations or they can leave it up to the event planners to take care of everything for you.

It's a fairytale home the Stafford's hope will make other's dreams come true.

“You only get one chance in life and we might as well serve each other,” said Kathi.

You can check out Historic Huntington House for yourself at a ribbon-cutting and grand opening party this Saturday, January 2 from 2pm-5pm. The house is located at 1349 Sixth Avenue.

For more information, go to: http://www.huntingtonhouse.info