Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast
Address: 140 B Street East
Telephone: 262-888-7232
Website: ellerbeckbreadandbreakfast.com
District: Avenues
“When we took over in January 2020, it was a bit of a risk,” Kara Leigh admits. “But almost five years in, we’re still excited to wake up every day and do what we do. This is a unique, magical life, and we’re grateful to be able to share it with our guests.”
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City’s historic Avenues neighborhood, the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast is more than just a place to stay - it is a journey into the past. Built in 1892 by English immigrant pioneer, Thomas Ellerbeck, this stunningly preserved Victorian mansion offers guests a blend of history, charm, and modern comfort.
Thomas’s wife, Henrietta Ellerbeck, also an English immigrant pioneer, was a remarkable woman ahead of her time. Known as “Ettie,” she made history by becoming one of the first women in Utah to file for divorce in 1886 after twenty years of marriage. In a bold move for the era, she received $150 per month in alimony, an impressive sum. Henrietta was allowed to live in the mansion for ten years, moving out in 1902.
Tyler and Kara Leigh Alden, the current owners, are continuing the tradition of hospitality that has been part of the home’s legacy since it was converted into a bed and breakfast in the early 2000s. “We were drawn to this place not just because of its beauty, but because of its history,” Tyler explains. “Both Kara and I come from pioneer stock, and we felt a deep connection to the home’s story. It was built during an era when Salt Lake City was still young, and it has seen generations of families come and go.”
Before its transformation into a bed and breakfast, the Ellerbeck served as a private residence for many years, most notably for the Armstrong family, who lived in the home for three generations. The house even had a stint as a law office before being restored to its original grandeur. For Tyler, the bed and breakfast is not just about its interesting history or offering guests a place to sleep; it is also about giving people a taste of Salt Lake. “We love being able to introduce everyone to the city we adore. Whether they’re from out of state, international travelers, or even locals on a ‘staycation,’ we want them to leave with a positive impression of this beautiful city.”
The Aldens, who previously lived in New York City, were both teaching school while dabbling in hospitality through their Airbnb in Brooklyn. After a few years, they realized that “this hospitality thing was what was speaking to us.” They believed that they both had a skill set inclined toward serving others. “Kara really is a hostess through and through. We loved the personal connections that we were able to make.” Together, they have brought their passion for creating intimate, welcoming spaces to the Ellerbeck. “When we moved back to Salt Lake City, we wanted to continue offering that kind of experience, but on a larger scale. The Ellerbeck gave us that opportunity.”
The house itself is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, with its original red brick exterior. The intricate woodwork, though repainted over the years, has retained its historical integrity, giving the house its timeless charm. “There’s nothing franchise-able about this business,” Kara states. “We’ve put our heart and soul into making sure the Ellerbeck is a true reflection of its time, while still offering a magical, comfortable experience for our guests.”
Inside, the house is a treasure trove of antiques and period pieces, many sourced from local antique shops like Euro Treasures. Kara Leigh made a concerted effort to furnish the home with items dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, ensuring that every room is as authentic as possible. “Our tagline is ‘Wake up in 1892,’ and we really wanted guests to feel like they were living in the Victorian era." The foyer greets guests with William Morris wallpaper, a replica from the period, setting the tone for the rest of the house. As you ascend the grand staircase, there is a pioneer quilt and an original grandfather clock standing proudly in the hallway.
Throughout the house, there are many original features. These include the stained-glass windows, which add to the period ambiance, with one featuring the Sego Lily, Utah’s state flower. So too are the home’s four original fireplaces, with their ornate mantels and woodwork, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The ceilings, soaring at twelve to thirteen feet, add a dramatic sense of space, while the tall, ornate baseboards and pocket doors complete the historical aesthetic. Even the door hinges, large and dramatic, are original to the house and serve as a reminder of how homes were built with attention to every detail.
The Aldens have also made a point of celebrating the feminine history of the home. The walls are adorned with images of women from the period, some connected to local history and others representing the broader Victorian era. “We like to see Henrietta as a strong woman,” Kara Leigh says.
Another delightful feature of the Ellerbeck is its on-site café, Café 140B, which is tucked away in the property’s historic carriage house. Tyler and Kara honor Henrietta’s memory by having the restaurant in the Carriage House - the place where she kept her horses. Henrietta was known for her prize-winning strawberries, which she grew on the property. Today, in a nod to her legacy, the Aldens make strawberry jam to be served with homemade scones and clotted cream at their traditional afternoon English teas.
This cozy café space, with six original windows, is open only three days a week - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “It’s a hidden gem that locals love to discover and return to,” says Kara Leigh. The café was inspired by the Aldens’ travels, where they experienced small inns and taverns that offered a blend of local charm and intimate hospitality. “We wanted the café to be more than just an amenity for our guests; we wanted it to be a place where the community could gather and feel at home."
For the Aldens, running the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast and its adjacent café is not just a job—it is a dream come true. Whether you are staying in one of the six carefully curated rooms or enjoying a cup of tea in the Carriage House, the Ellerbeck Bed and Breakfast offers an experience that is as timeless as it is unforgettable.
