Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/70344
THE HAPPY HOSTESS SWEET DREAMS GAVE RISE TO ANN'S HERITAGE HOUSE by Liz Katynski Running her own bed and breakfast in a historic old house is a dream come true for Ann Nielsen. "It was at the top of my bucket list. I have always wanted to do this," says the retired nurse and proud owner of Ann's Heritage House in Neepawa. "I'm a people person. I do my traveling through others. I love to hear their stories." Nielsen did a bit of traveling herself before she bought and renovated the 2 1/2-storey brick and wood house in the fall of 2010. Raised in British Columbia, she lived in Neepawa from 1969 to 1986 as a single mother of four daughters, working as a nurse's aide. She went back to school to complete her training and worked as a nurse in northern Alberta, Vancouver and Winnipeg before returning to Neepawa to retire, and to make her dream come true. Her house was built in 1902 in the Queen Ann revival style by a carpenter named R.H. Fusee, who would become mayor of Neepawa. The original owner was J.P. Curran, Neepawa's first registrar of land titles. In 1958, a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Gwyer opened a boarding house here. Later, their daughter, Monica Gordon, took it over as a private home. Nielsen lives in a suite on the third floor, which was formerly the attic. There are three guest rooms — two for couples and one for a single guest. Tub and shower are shared, but the largest room — called the Gwyer-Gordon Room — has its own two-piece bathroom, as well. It faces east and offers a spectacular view of 42 MBiz June 2012 Guests enjoy historic hospitality at Ann's Heritage House. Photo credit: Lesley Skibinsky the sunrise through its three bay windows. The other double room faces south and is shaded by a large tree. The single room was once a nursery. There are stained-glass windows in the living room, along the stairwell and in the attic. And the posts on the veranda, the doors and oak woodwork are all original to the house. Nielsen welcomed her first guests in March, 2011. Visitors enjoy the historical feel of the home, which has a fireplace and curved staircase. At the same time, they appreciate modern conveniences such as central air conditioning, TV and Internet access in every room. And then there's the large dining room, which has its own attractions. From 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. each day, guests can enjoy a leisurely and extravagant meal, which includes vegan and gluten- free options on request. "People come here for the breakfast," Nielsen says. "I'm a good cook. A favourite here is my quiche with biscuits, bacon, sausage, coffee and fruit." Proud owner Ann Nielsen hung out her shingle in 2011. After breakfast, guests can check out the sights in Neepawa. Margaret Laurence Home is nearby, as is the Beautiful Plains Museum, a book store, 18-hole golf course, a bird sanctuary and the Roxy Theatre, a former opera house. The community of 4,000 holds a lily festival in July, and Nielsen says it's earned its reputation as one of Manitoba's most beautiful towns. "This is a small town but it is lovely." www.bedandbreakfast.mb.ca/annshouse MIDWEST