A house isn’t just a house. It’s a constantly moving story filled with history, memories and a blank slate for years to come.
Today, it is my tea room, a dream come true.

No one knows where life will lead. Mine started in an orphanage in South Korea. I was fortunate to be chosen to become a part of a wonderful family who would raise me to be the best person that I can be. But I would never in a million years have thought I would end up where I am today.

I am proud to say I am the third owner of a lovely 1920s Craftsman Bungalow. Sadly, the family who built the home in 1920 lost it during the Great Depression when it was then purchased by the local church to be used as the parsonage. Many pastors have called this house home for about 93 years. Therefore, I felt it was my responsibility to preserve the true beauty of the house.

But I didn’t stop at basic renovations.  I transformed the main floor into a British-inspired tea room called, “SCONE.” The name truly represents my love of baking and Afternoon Tea.  My husband, who was born in Scotland, as well as his family who live between there and England, introduced me to the wonderful world of tea and all the quintessential things that are enjoyed with it.  I may know very little of my Korean heritage, but I grew to love my husband’s. 

I have dedicated my new home to my parents who brought me, a young orphan, to the United States to give me the opportunity to have a second chance at life.  The porch swing (which still needs a little TLC) is dedicated to my grandparents who let me be a child and gave me the love only grandparents can provide.  They would have loved to have been here to share this achievement with me, although I know they are with me in spirit.

This will be a house of love, doing what I love, in my little hometown of Swea City.  What does the future hold? That will be another story. In the meantime, I hope to see you in the tea room one day.