Start Your Day With Special Kay.

• Author: Newbold, Farrah
• Position: Kay Malone and Wolfe Krest bed-and-breakfast - Brief Article

Most wives can anticipate a bottle of perfume or maybe some jewelry for Christmas. Not in the Malone household. For Christmas two years ago, Kay Malone received a note from husband Karl saying, "You are now the proud owner of Wolfe Krest."

All in all, it was a rather auspicious way for Kay Malone to embark on a new career as the owner of one of Salt Lake City's turn-of-the-century mansions transformed into a bed and breakfast.

Kay's interest in bed-and-breakfast inns began in 1988 after being named Miss Idaho. She often stayed in bed-and-breakfasts while fulfilling her pageant duties around the state -- they were cheaper for the pageant board and her parents. Enjoying their home-like atmosphere, she imagined owning her own bed-and-breakfast one day, running it with her future husband, growing old together, and retiring on the profits.

Knowing Kay and Karl were fond of searching out real estate around the United States, a friend suggested they take a look at Wolfe Krest. Kay was impressed with its beauty, but never dreamed it would someday be hers. Needless to say, she was thrilled with the gift and began extensive renovations immediately. Wanting to maintain the integrity and charisma of the original manor, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, she kept the original terra cotta molding and capitals, chandeliers and stained glass windows.

Kay is extensively involved in the day-to-day running of Wolfe Krest -- in fact, she's there every day. "They say the only way a business will run is if the owner is there, hands-on, so I am," she says. "I look over all the bills, make the checks out, sign each one, and go through the maintenance logs. I mean, if my husband gave me this as a gift, I've got to make sure...