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Bed-Stuy Mansion Celebrates 20th Anniversary as Bed and Breakfast

By Camille Bautista | July 9, 2015 5:56pm | Updated on July 10, 2015 7:16pm
 Bed-Stuy's Akwaaba Mansion celebrates its 20th anniversary with an open house on July 12.
Bed-Stuy's Akwaaba Mansion celebrates its 20th anniversary with an open house on July 12.
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Facebook/Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Brooklyn's award-winning bed and breakfast is opening its doors to the neighborhood this weekend in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Monique Greenwood and Glenn Pogue first welcomed guests to Akwaaba Mansion on July 4, 1995. The 1860s Victorian mansion on MacDonough Street also serves as the pair’s home.

The couple has since opened five additional inns in four cities, providing space for more than 14,000 visitors, according to the company.

“When we began in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, 20 years ago, people looked at us as if we had three eyes,” Greenwood said in a statement. “We did. The third eye is the eye of vision; the ability to see the possibility.

“We knew that if Brooklyn were a city unto itself, it would be the third largest city in the country, and back in 1995, there were no major hotels here.”

The inn at 347 MacDonough St. won the top spot on the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Showdown” in February, beating out lodgings in Long Island City, Times Square, and Midtown.

On the show, Greenwood bested contestants with her hospitality, including preparing homemade breakfasts for her guests. “Akwaaba” means “welcome” in Ghana. 

“Reaching 20 years in business requires savvy skills in product development, marketing and operations, plus calls for gut, grit and fortitude. Glenn and Monique demonstrate these attributes in spades,” Councilman Robert Cornegy said in a statement.

“Without a doubt, our village is united in pride for what they’ve accomplished.”

The owners will celebrate the business’ birthday with champagne and cupcakes at an open house on July 12 from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the inn's website.