MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A woman is trying to make a different type of accommodation for tourists more popular in the city.
Susan Lynch says she wants to help older homes like hers become bed-and-breakfasts.
“This house was built by one of the brothers who built the Ocean Forest Hotel,” said Lynch.
Susan Lynch and her husband moved into the former Pine Whispers boarding house in the north part of the city about nine years ago.
“We know for a fact that Bette Davis slept in this house and we’re not sure who else,” Lynch said. “I’m sure there were other stars who did because they could come here and get out of the hubbub down at the hotel on the oceanfront.”
Lynch is trying to make the old Pine Whispers into a bed-and-breakfast.
Lynch has already renovated the house with bedrooms upstairs, each room with a fireplace and fan, along with other amenities.
“We have four rooms that we could use for it,” she said. “We’ve got the pool and a golf cart and the beach.”
The city says B&Bs are only allowed in commercial zones or multifamily neighborhoods, but not single-family areas, where some historic buildings are.
So Lynch is asking the city to create a bed-and-breakfast overlay district.
“That would require the owners of the house to be on the property when guests come,” Lynch said. “It’s a limited number of people. They’re screened, so it’s safe for the neighborhood.”
Lynch says tourists could choose a different option to experience Myrtle Beach’s past.
“It would give you a chance to share the history of the house and just everything about the era,” said Lynch.
Lynch also says several of her neighbors support a bed-and-breakfast district.
The city’s planning commission is expected to discuss Lynch’s idea later in August.
