History of Garden Gate
In early 1980’s, Jim and Evelyn White purchased property on a quiet street in downtown Caro, Michigan, that had previously served as Holden’s Greenhouse. Shortly thereafter, the White’s built a home on the property and in 1985 opened the doors to the Garden Gate Bed & Breakfast.
The White’s vision was simply, create a friendly and welcoming environment where guests felt like they were at their home-away-from-home. The spacious home features 4 bedrooms and several shared spaces on the main floor. Each bedroom has a private bathroom.
On the main floor, guests can relax in the Fireside Room or take in the sunlight in the Garden Room. Guests can enjoy their breakfast or a snack in the Dining Room or at the table in the Garden Room.
Retirement happened for the White’s, and in 2004, their daughter, Jill, and her dear friend, Sue Ellen, purchased the B&B. Since then, Jill and Sue Ellen have expanded operations to include the Garden Gate Boutique, which is directly behind the B&B, and Garden Gate Vacation Home & Event Rental located kiddy corner from the B&B.
To clean up an eyesore on their block, Jill and Sue Ellen purchased the run-down home across the street in February 2016. After a year of hard work from them and some great contractors, the home was returned to its glory days with much of the original wood trim and flooring being restored. In July 2017, the doors to the Garden Gate Vacation Home & Event Rental opened.
The home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, large living/kitchen/dining rooms, and oversized backyard. It has ample space for family getaways, girlfriend weekends, or hosting small to medium events.
Jill White
After obtaining a degree in interior design from Albion College, Jill returned home to Caro. Before taking over the Bed & Breakfast she held a variety of jobs, including owning another bed & breakfast and yarn shop. Often, she refers to herself as “Jill of all trades”. She is also the owner of Threads of Expression Embroidery.
Sue Ellen Greenlee
Sue Ellen has been a professional seamstress since she was in high school. She raised her family of 2 daughters in Lapeer and is now the proud grandparent of 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson. Her youngest granddaughter raises free-range chickens on a farm in Huron County. These chickens produce Blue Ribbon eggs, which are used for meals/recipes at the Bed & Breakfast.
Alyssum "Allee"
Meet Allee (short for Alyssum)! She is our house companion and guest greeter. Allee doesn’t roam the house and is typically close to Sue Ellen. Though, if you’re missing your own pet, she is sure to provide you with lots of love and enjoys play time with guests. Since Allee is our house dog, no others pets are allowed.