Brownsdale is about to get another home away from home.

The owners of Jessie’s Guest House are planning to expand soon by opening Josie’s Guest House next door.

Jessie’s, at 27030 State Highway 56, just across the road and south of IBI Data, opened in April of 2013 and goes beyond the scope of a simple place to stay. IBI Data owners Katherine and Michael Harte opened the guest house with hopes of offering a slice of the rural life along with a classy atmosphere and a hometown, family feel.

It’s what Katherine’s grandmother would have wanted, she hopes. After all, it was her grandmother’s house and is named after her.

Similarly, Josie’s was Katherine’s mother’s house and is also named after her, and Josie’s is certainly about family.

“Her goal is just to have families come together and create those memories,” Property Manager Sherry Anderson said.

Both country homes offer an old-time feel that is open to IBI clients or anyone who wants to rent it for the day, weekend or more.

Josie’s, slated to open in November at 27084 State Highway 56, is a bit larger than Jessie’s and has more sleeping space available, along with a back yard, and is more geared toward families.

“It’s meant to bring families together,” Anderson said. “That’s our whole goal.”

Jessie’s is more geared toward couples or girls weekends, and isn’t necessarily kid-friendly with several breakable items. Josie’s opens up the business to young families.

Unlike a bed and breakfast, there’s no service at the homes, but guests have the freedom to bring their own food to prepare and have use of the entire house.

Anderson described both homes as great places to stay when visiting family in the Mower County area over a hotel, especially since it offers a slice of rural living.

People from as far as Australia, California and Texas have stayed at the house, and Anderson noted it’s great for family get-togethers, grooms weekends or girls weekends.

Still, Anderson noted some local residents don’t know it’s ready as a great place for family to stay during visits.

“There are so many that don’t even know it’s even available,” Anderson said.