Dr. Ira J. Bates wanted to do something completely different after retiring from a 40-year career as a health care executive. “I always wanted to build my own home,” Bates said. “I wanted to retire in a 21st century home with as many features of a modern, comfortable ‘green’ building that I could think of.”
For the next six years Bates worked on building his dream home atop a hill overlooking the Red Lick Valley near Berea.
Now completed, the building features contemporary architecture and was constructed using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria and in- novations. The home is a certified five-star energy home with geothermal heating and cooling and extensive use of day-lighting. Both natural and recycled materials from local suppliers were used whenever possible.
Once the home was completed Bates began exploring what was next on his retirement agenda. Intrigued by the concept of “green lodging,” Bates decided to share his home with others by opening a bed and breakfast. Bates worked closely with Michael Rodriguez and the Eastern Kentucky University SBDC to develop a business plan and identify what other steps had to be taken prior to opening. Bates also attended several training courses offered by the SBDC.
The Pinnacle View Inn would not have been possible without the extensive assistance of the EKU Small Business Development Center. I faced many technical problems along the way that were critical to my success. The EKU SBDC was a wonderful resource.
– Dr. Ira Bates, Owner
In May, 2010, The Pinnacle View Inn opened its doors. Today the inn provides a unique alternative to local area hotels with its eco-friendly setting and gourmet-style breakfasts. According to TripAdvisor.com’s reviewer data, the inn has garnered top billing as the highest rated place to stay in Madison County.