THE INNKEEPERS
amela and Garret Terpstra moved to the city of Hartford in 1985 to raise their three sons. They purchased their 1st home, a 1913 three-bedroom home and would spend the next 20 years restoring it.
As a young family they became very active in the community. Pam began a Christian childcare center in their church and was the director for almost 10 years. Currently Pam is working as a nanny, and will be working in the inn on a full time basis. Garret has worked in the manufacturing field as a toolmaker and as a sales engineer and project manager, and is currently working for a hometown plastic injection mold maker.
In their spare time they enjoyed restoring their home and bargain hunting for antiques. Their love for antiques and family heirlooms together created a very comfortable home. The character of their vintage home and furnishings truly were appealing to the Terpstra’s; even more intriguing was a neglected mansion located just 5 blocks north of their home. Who would have guessed that 20 years later that the Terpstras would be completing their 1913 home, selling it and pursuing a life long dream, a huge restoration project, a Hartford bed and breakfast.
In September 2005, the dream began to unfold and the restoration took hold with their 20 years of experience in home remodeling. The Terpstras felt confident that they had the skills to complete their dream. Garret acted as the general contractor and Pam as the project designer and organized a team of highly qualified craftsmen to complete the project in a timely manner. The community supported them all the way through. The community was so pleased to see the beautiful changes to a building, which had become an eye sore over the years.
Pam and Garrets passion to preserve the original character, architecture and rich history can be felt through out the mansion. An old world ambiance and grandeur were preserved as well. Special attention to detail, comfort and luxurious amenities are what their guests can experience while staying at the inn.
The Terpstras love for cooking and entertaining can be sampled in the delicious four-course breakfast served daily. Heirloom china, linens and crystal are used to create a romantic and elegant experience. A unique wine and cheese reception is served with detail and elegance also.
The Terpstras hard work has truly been a labor of love. The Westphal Mansion is a historical landmark that the Hartford community can once again be proud to have.