Victorian Getaway offers nostalgic charm
JESSICA ALLEN/DAILY FORUM
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Linda Lajcak adorned the TV room of her Victorian Rental Getaway with patriotic décor. She also refinished the wood on the front of the sofa and chair, along with many other pieces of furniture throughout the two-story house.
Linda Lajcak has worn many hats in her lifetime.
The grandmother served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, volunteered with the Maryville Garden Club and Elk’s Club, founded Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County, and now proudly wears the title of owner of the Victorian Rental Getaway.
Although the house is not classified as a bed and breakfast because it lacks a commercial kitchen, Lajcak rents out each of the four individual rooms or the entire house to guests on a short- or long-term basis.
They then have access to all accommodations such as the kitchen, outdoor porch, and TV room.
The two-story rental has seen guests from all over the U.S. and the world. Many are parents visiting their children at Northwest Missouri State University, but Lajcak has also hosted doctors, lawyers, teachers, businesspeople, and newlyweds.
“We’ve had so many visitors,” said Lajcak. “I’ve had parents from Saudi Arabia, from Spain, from China, and from all over the United States. It’s just endless.”
The yellow house located at 411 North Mulberry Street is truly a labor of love. Lajcak and her husband Jim, who also served in the Air Force, completely gutted the house and put in new plumbing, wiring, and a new roof before it opened for business in 2011.
While Lajcak is not sure of the exact age of the house, she knows it has been a rental house since at least 1926.
The carefully decorated interior of the Victorian Rental Getaway is filled with history and personal touches.
One wedding-themed closet features Lajcak’s own bouquet and cake topper, and the first floor living space contains her great aunt’s sewing machine and a rotary phone from 1951. She gives guests a taste of Missouri via books by Mark Twain and Northwest Bearcat memorabilia.
Lajcak also owns and lives in the house next door, which she plans to turn into a bed and breakfast.
“I’m just trying to figure out how to put the pieces of the puzzle together,” said Lajcak. “It’s a long process but I’m determined to get there one day.”
A typical day for Lajcak involves everything from yard work to steaming sheets, and from refinishing furniture to chasing down contractors for the next-door renovation.
“It’s a homeowner’s life, but I’ve got a little extra,” said Lajcak, speaking of her continued work on both homes.
When guests arrive at the Victorian Rental, she begins by giving a tour of the house and inquiring about any special needs they may have. She also makes suggestions for restaurants or shopping venues and provides directions.
Lajcak, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, worked at two different bed and breakfasts while serving in the military. Her work there spurred her dream of opening her own bed and breakfast someday.
“The experience of working at a bed and breakfast was great because I learned how to do functions and how to manage a business on a civilian level,” said Lajcak.
In addition to overnight stays, the home is available for parties or events such as bridal and baby showers.
In 1996, Lajcak and her husband purchased a house in Maryville for their family, although she did not retire from the Air Force until August of 1999. Lajcak noticed a lack of quality housing in the area while driving back and forth between Maryville and Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha.
“I looked at the housing situation and it was so poor,” said Lajcak.
Her desire to improve housing led to the formation of Habitat for Humanity of Nodaway County. After resigning from her position there, Lajcak went back to school, earning her Bachelor of Arts in merchandising from Northwest, where her husband worked as a driver for 15 years.
Lajcak said it is a challenge to keep up with routine maintenance on her properties, but she loves her role as a hostess.
In fact, hospitality is both the goal and the reward for Lajcak.
“The most rewarding part is making people happy,” said Lajcak. “I always make sure that if I rent to anybody, regardless of whether it’s a day, a week, or a month, that they are satisfied with the accommodations.”
“You’re trying to give a good impression of Maryville and show people the best of the best.”
Lajcak still has a good amount of work ahead of her before she can open her bed and breakfast next to the Victorian Rental, but the challenge is made easier by the knowledge that she is working toward her dream.
“I’ve been so lucky,” she said. “This is what I want to do and what I’ve been working for all these years.”
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Lajcak at 660-541-2767.
JESSICA ALLEN/DAILY FORUM
The Blue Room at the Victorian Rental Getaway features a Holy Communion table, center, once used in a Catholic church, a collection of musical jewelry boxes, and a set of antique twin beds that were used by Linda Lajcak’s children. Lajcak enjoys bringing personal touches to the décor throughout the home.
