An eagle soars past Irv and Lil Krahn’s window while a deer grazes near their front door.
The Krahns want to share this picturesque scene with others. They recently moved into an approximately 5,500-square-foot house along Badger Creek just north of Cartwright and are hoping to open their home to guests for a variety of retreats such as scrapbooking, birdwatching, writing and photography. Lil notes they would also welcome small family gatherings, mother-daughter retreats and corporate retreats.
“We feel very blessed to be able to have this,” says Lil. “And it would give us great satisfaction to share this space with others.”
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The Krahns bought the property, which is located beside the historic Bison Jump, from Roger Penner in late 2007 and did some work in the house prior to moving in the following May. Penner built the house, which consists of three walkout floors and a large double garage, in 2000.
The house can sleep approximately 10 adults comfortably as there are four bedrooms on the middle floor and a loft area above the garage. The basement isn’t finished and the Krahns hope to build a small kitchen and bathroom in this space in the near future. This large space can also be used for workshops. Lil says that meals will be available on-site for guests if they choose.
Penner also landscaped the yard surrounding the house and along the creek. Guests can enjoy the scenic outdoors with a variety of activities such as cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the winter, and fishing and hiking in the summer.
The Krahns recently retired from farming south of the neighbouring community of Mather.
“We need to find something else to do with our time,” says Lil. “I feel like I haven’t quite found my niche in my life just yet. So we’re going to try one more thing.”
They had been mulling over their options for a few years before deciding to purchase the property.
“We were driving in this area in the Christmastime of 2006 and we decided to take a look at this place. So that was the first little seed that was planted,” says Lil. “We never dreamed that we would end up living near Cartwright. But that’s the beauty of life. It finds you in places you didn’t think you’d ever be.”
And the Krahns have found themselves in a beautiful place.
“Each season has its beauty. The other day I was sitting here and an eagle flew right by the window at eye level. It was amazing,” says Lil. “I think everyone can appreciate nature for different reasons.”
Lil believes the property has something to offer and she encourages people to come experience the serenity and beauty of the nature and wildlife surrounding their home.
“It’s a place to come for rest and relaxation,” she says, adding, “The peace and quiet just makes the heart feel good.”
For more information or to book a retreat, please contact the Krahns by phone at 204529-2380 or by e-mail at [email protected].
– Teresa Falk writes from Winnipeg
