Recently named among Southern Living’s Best Small Towns in the South, Bay St. Louis is turning heads with its vibrant arts district, relaxed, breezy energy and walkable historic downtown.
And if visitors are looking for a charming place to stay while they’re in the Bay, Mary Ellen Warner and Bob Warner Jr. are eager to welcome them. As the owners of Bay St. Louis Cottages, the couple have four upscale vacation rentals in their portfolio.
“My husband and I have a big heart and commitment to Bay St. Louis and the surrounding area …,” Mary Ellen says. “We are dedicated to offering a unique experience for travelers searching for a one-of-a-kind holiday.”
ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
Bob hails from Bay St. Louis and graduated from St. Stanislaus, while Mary Ellen’s family moved to Jackson from Detroit when she was in high school. They founded their small business after Hurricane Katrina when they, like many others, supported the recovery efforts on the Coast.
“When the recovery efforts started to slow down, a close friend showed us a shotgun house that was for sale,” she recalls. “We purchased the house and began a three-year restoration and updating of a cottage. The cottage was one of the few remaining structures of this type of architecture still standing after the hurricane.”
They received a federal tax credit for the work they had done on that original property, now known as La Petite Cachette Main House and Guest Quarters, and opened it to guests in 2014. The couple went on to acquire several more properties — where they have hosted guests from all over the world.
BEING AMBASSADORS FOR THE BAY
The other properties within Bay St. Louis Cottages include The Citrus House, Deuxieme Chance and the Pied-a-Terre.
“The history of Deuxieme Chance is interesting because this 1910 shotgun cottage was headed for demolition several years ago, and we were able to save it and relocate it into another area of Old Town,” Mary Ellen says. “It is in the midst of an addition and rebirth in a historic neighborhood as well.” Citrus House, she adds, has strong ties to a notable old Bay St. Louis family.
While each accommodation has a distinct feel, they share many of the same conveniences and amenities.
“Our apartment, cottages, and house are furnished with comfortable seating, cozy bedrooms, original art, vintage finds and private outdoor spaces with pools,” Mary Ellen says. “Our goal is for guests to enjoy our various accommodations and experience the wonderful culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast!”
During the high season, the Warners average 90 guests per month, ranging from solo travelers on business trips to families visiting during holidays and summer break. Some travelers like to come during the winter months to enjoy the Coast’s warmer temperatures.
For Mary Ellen, the greatest compliment is when guests book a return stay. She notes that several visitors she’s hosted have gone on to buy their own Coast properties.
“We feel that is part of our mission,” she says, “to be ambassadors for Bay St. Louis.”
To learn more: www.baystlouiscottages.com
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