The Historic Browning House
November 2025
Two short blocks from Lee Summit’s delightful downtown, my friend and I checked into The Historic Browning Bed and Breakfast for a quick girlfriend overnight. Co-owner Cynthia led us upstairs to our cozy room with two queen beds and private bathroom just down the hall. We settled in before heading out to browse the boutiques and have dinner.
Elijah T. Browning built this prominent family home in 1889, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as Browning Row, he constructed three homes. Only this main house contained a kitchen because the patriarch wanted family to dine at his house.
Owners Kevin and Cynthia Samsel grew up and met in California. As a 17-year-old art student, Cynthia was hired to work backstage catering and after-parties for well-known musicians—Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Prince, to name a few. She also catered movie sets starring Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal.
“For eight years, it was my culinary training after working in several restaurants,” says Cynthia. “When I started, I created a fruit and vegetable carving for Diana Ross. She came into the kitchen to find out who made it and thanked me for it. She validated my passion to combine food and art.”
The Samsels honeymooned on the Oregon coast at a bed and breakfast and have often visited inns for anniversaries—which sparked a dream to open their own establishment. Eventually, Cynthia started her own catering business, and Kevin worked in security and law enforcement while they raised their two children in northern California. They also fostered kids and hosted international exchange students who shared their culture and recipes. In 2022, the Samsels, who live on-site, decided to move near their grandkids and bought the Browning home. Along with three upstairs bedrooms and a lovely living room downstairs, guests can enjoy the expansive deck, patio and porch.
For breakfast, Cynthia curates seasonal farm-to-table fare based on her guests’ needs and desires. She served us asparagus and ham crépes, a gluten-free banana muffin, bacon, fruit and velvety panna cotta. Guests can also request charcuterie boards or her freshly baked cakes and pies during their stay.
Currently, Cynthia is writing a cookbook highlighting stories from her career. She has taught cooking classes at The Culinary Center in Overland Park and currently teaches private lessons by request. She also enjoys hosting small chef dinners featuring American or international cuisine—ranging from Japanese to French to Thai. Simple menus start at $45 per person; multi-course meals with wine pairings begin at $65.
Visit TheBrowningLS.com for more information.
Elijah T. Browning built this prominent family home in 1889, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as Browning Row, he constructed three homes. Only this main house contained a kitchen because the patriarch wanted family to dine at his house.
Owners Kevin and Cynthia Samsel grew up and met in California. As a 17-year-old art student, Cynthia was hired to work backstage catering and after-parties for well-known musicians—Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Prince, to name a few. She also catered movie sets starring Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Samsels honeymooned on the Oregon coast at a bed and breakfast and have often visited inns for anniversaries—which sparked a dream to open their own establishment. Eventually, Cynthia started her own catering business, and Kevin worked in security and law enforcement while they raised their two children in northern California. They also fostered kids and hosted international exchange students who shared their culture and recipes. In 2022, the Samsels, who live on-site, decided to move near their grandkids and bought the Browning home. Along with three upstairs bedrooms and a lovely living room downstairs, guests can enjoy the expansive deck, patio and porch.
For breakfast, Cynthia curates seasonal farm-to-table fare based on her guests’ needs and desires. She served us asparagus and ham crépes, a gluten-free banana muffin, bacon, fruit and velvety panna cotta. Guests can also request charcuterie boards or her freshly baked cakes and pies during their stay.
Currently, Cynthia is writing a cookbook highlighting stories from her career. She has taught cooking classes at The Culinary Center in Overland Park and currently teaches private lessons by request. She also enjoys hosting small chef dinners featuring American or international cuisine—ranging from Japanese to French to Thai. Simple menus start at $45 per person; multi-course meals with wine pairings begin at $65.
Visit TheBrowningLS.com for more information.