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LEHI, Utah (AP) -- The Historic Lehi Hotel, built by the town blacksmith's plural wife Sarah Ann Smith, was considered the largest hotel in northern Utah County when it opened in 1887.
Now the two-story building, which is on the state's historic register, is up for sale.
The asking price is $1 million and the deal includes a three-room home and quilting building next to the hotel.
Carl Mellor cites utility bills, taxes and low profits for his decision to sell the building.
"I didn't anticipate I'd be paying $690 for my gas bill," Mellor said.
His tax, which in 1996 was $186, has increased to $6,000.
And aside from the 2002 Winter Olympics, business has not been very profitable.
Mellor, a Lehi history buff, said his intent when he bought it was to have the hotel as a museum and a haven for historians.
It took three years of love and labor to restore the building. In 1998, he and his wife, Dimple, opened the hotel as a bed and breakfast and catering service.
"It is one of the only hotels where train enthusiasts can watch 25 to 30 trains go by each day," Mellor said.
While giving up his dream of a history museum, he hopes someone will be interested in purchasing the hotel and incorporating its historical value in its use.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
