For over a half century after the home’s inception, Crenshaw and his family continued to share their residence with students. The property was then sold to William and Martha Hardie in 1942. It was during the Hardie’s 40-year ownership that the property fell into a state of disrepair. Following the Hardie’s, Frances and Peppi Verma took ownership of the house. As it happens, Frances was the granddaughter of Cliff Hare, a colleague of Crenshaw and an Auburn legend who was deeply involved with the academics, athletics and policymaking at API. It is said that Hare would frequently visit his friend’s house for an afternoon cup of tea. Thus, it is fitting that someone from his lineage would be who began the process of making the Crenshaw Guest House what it is today. After four years of labor and remodeling, the Vermas gained approval to operate as a bed-and-breakfast in 1983. In May of 1985, the Crenshaw Guest House was officially opened for business. The Vermas had the privilege of hosting many distinguished guests and would take on a number of property-improvement projects during the remainder of their time at the house, namely enclosing the rear porch and building the additional carriage house rooms which remain on the property today. In 2008, George and Lynn Postell bought the property, carrying on the work of Peppi and Frances until they sold the home to Stephen and Sarah Jenkins in 2013. The Jenkins operated the house for just five years before the Nunnelleys bought it in 2018.
Today, the Nunnelley’s work diligently to maintain the home’s historical artistry while at the same time moving it into the 21st century. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Jenny said. “We try to keep the rooms in keeping with the history of the house but incorporate modern amenities that most people expect and appreciate.” The house itself offers eight separate lodging suites that sleep between two to six guests. To match the Victorian architecture, rooms in the main house possess a more antique style as opposed to the more contemporary feel of the four rooms on the back half of the property. On the first floor of the main house lies the Petrie Suite, the Hare Room and the Nichols Room. “The Nichols room is definitely my favorite place to nap in,” Jenny said. “But the Petrie room is probably my favorite. Its full of period antiques and I love how in keeping it is with
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