Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1222800
C M Y K 4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2020 MORDEN Manitoba Fitness Council certifying quality fitness leaders since 1986. For courses, dates and more information visit: www.manitobafitnesscouncil.ca WES'S TIRE SHOP Farm Truck and Passenger Tires as well as on Farm Services WE SPECIALIZE IN: Carbs Wheel Alignment Passenger, Light Oil Changes Light or Heavy Truck Truck & Farm Transmissions Fully Licensed Mechanics Tires, All sizes Brake Service Vehicle Inspection Station Air Conditioning Exhaust Service 24 Hour In-The-Field Shock Absorbers Engine Tune-ups Repair Services R/V Axle Engine Overhauls Alignment GOODYEAR G3X DEALER 1-800-778-2076 | 204-745-2076 CARMAN MB, 215 MAIN ST. N. | westire@mts.net Cartwright, MB Ph 204.529.2484 Your Complete Building Supply Centre Flooring Drafting Paint Hardware Building & Deck Pkgs Cartwright, MB Ph 204.529.2484 Your Complete Building Supply Centre Flooring Drafting Paint Hardware Building & Deck Pkgs Cartwright, MB Ph 204.529.2484 Your Complete Building Supply Centre Flooring Drafting Paint Hardware Building & Deck Pkgs www.westernsd.mb.ca SERVING WINNIPEG & THE PEMBINA VALLEY Little Castle on the Prairie B&B, RESTAURANT AND WEDDING VENUE COULD BE YOURS There's a castle for sale in Morden. The 4,000-square-foot fieldstone structure built in 1902 features three floors and a turret. And it's on the market for a cool million dollars. T he labour of love will be a last- ing legacy for couple Lili and Chris Krushel. Born in China, raised in Russia and the Baltic states, Lili arrived in Canada in 2006, and she immediately fell in love with this country. The entre- preneur, mother, author, pageant winner and Red River College instructor is also the operator, finance manager and events organizer at Bella's Castle. And if you're there on a busy day, she might even be your hostess and server. She and her husband Chris, who was born and raised in Morden, have created a feast for the senses at Bella's Castle. Named after Chris's grandmother, the castle is home to a bed and breakfast, a res- taurant, a gift shop and a wedding venue. "Each suite is different and has all the modern amenities, like cable TV, Netflix, wi-fi, en-suite bathrooms and a two-person Jacuzzi in the large shared bathroom," Lili says. "We have chefs who are passionate about food and deliver an extraordinary experience. Every month, we have a themed night, where we travel back in time to deliver a medieval feast or feature special cultural cuisines." The wedding venue is a one-stop shop, offering catering, wedding cakes, decor and speaker rentals, as well as bridal and guest suites. The gift shop features the work of local artists. There you can find stained glass, paintings, locally made soaps, candles and crafts. "We love to feature our local artists because it not only helps them but people get artwork that they would not get anywhere else." Bella's Castle has been open since 2016. It took the couple about six months to furnish it before welcoming guests to the bed and breakfast. The second year, they added the restaurant and tearoom on the main floor. The third year saw the addition of the patio and tent for hosting weddings. "We always have big ideas on how to better our business and always have new projects on the horizon," says Chris. "Of course we couldn't do it without the help of both grandmas and our amazing private daycare," adds Lili, whose joie de vivre and unique child- hood experiences gifted her with a host of skills that have served her well in business. "Some moms teach you how to cook or do laundry or any other essential skills to survive. My mom skipped all that and just taught me how to do business by bringing me on every business meeting possible," she says. It's not always easy taking care of the multitude of tasks involved in running a business, so when Lili starts to get tired, she spends time with the customers. "I see how they really enjoyed their stay, food and visit. They always leave a little more refreshed than when they arrived and that re-energizes me," she says, adding that creating memorable events and experiences for people is what she loves most. However, Lili and Chris want to spend more time enjoying memorable experiences with their children, so the decision to sell Bella's Castle seemed like the next logical step in their journey. "We want to go out on a high note and are extremely proud of what we have created for the City of Morden and our community," Chris says. "Bella's Castle will continue to succeed for years to come and it will always be in our hearts as a legacy that we've created." BY JANINE LeGAL PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY Lili and Chris Krushel's labour of love, the castle will also be a legacy if they find the right buyer and move on to other things.