Historic Hospitality Historic hospitality

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This article was published 15/01/2022 (1598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s a place 45 minutes from downtown Winnipeg where history is reclaimed, maintained and preserved. The moment you drive up the tree-lined lane, you find a haven of tranquility nestled in a refuge of nature.

The Thomas Bunn House Bed and Breakfast, at 103 Bunns Road in St. Clements on the Red River, was built in 1862. Thomas Bunn was a Métis farmer who served in Louis Riel’s government and became one of the first provincial legislators.

Owned and operated by Bev and Fraser Stewart, the heritage house and surrounding area offers an opportunity to experience a closeness with nature and a bond with the past.

“It improves our quality of life, provides a unique aspect to our life, some annual goals to achieve and the opportunity to meet many new and interesting people,” says Fraser.

Rather than demolish and dispose, the Stewarts have spent their lives showcasing and sharing the history of the area. Old barns, sheds and fences, a windmill, a hand-pumped well and a host of historical artifacts adorn the green space surrounding the heritage house in the secluded spot along the Red River.

Bev, 78, a retired nurse from Morris, spent her career at the Selkirk General hospital in various nursing positions including management. Fraser, 84, grew up in River Heights and had a career as a professional agrologist working with farmers on developing sustainable Manitoba forage and grassland systems.

Married since 1965, the couple has three children and six grandchildren and live in their own house on site. They believe in providing good, old-fashioned hospitality and can gladly show guests around, or leave them to self-discovery.

“As a family we feel the importance of sharing this treasure with other Manitobans. The B&B system makes it possible for those interested in the heritage of this area who can visit and live or experience this part of our heritage. There are many artifacts of the area in the house and property, there is a library of interesting heritage material, and a visit will make it possible to learn of some of the early history of our province,” adds Fraser.

Upon entering the Thomas Bunn House, one sees a living museum. The charming stone home has been standing for over 150 years and was designated a heritage site by the Province of Manitoba in 1992.

The vast green space provides guests with opportunities to see deer sauntering by, visit the alpacas, witness the many species of birds at the feeder and in the prairie skies, and multiple sitting areas, both indoor and out, to take it all in. There’s a space to play badminton and horseshoes in the warmer months, and a fire pit encircled by chairs and authentic historical artifacts.

The property has been in the Stewart family since 1944 when it was purchased as a summer home. As Fraser obtained a position with Manitoba Agriculture at Selkirk in 1964, the couple moved there and lived in town until 1989 when they built their current home on a lot on the family property.

“When we first obtained the property, our family had a small hobby farm with purebred Hereford cattle to graze the pastures. Over time this was expanded to a large commercial farm involving about 800 acres and a herd of 50 cows producing breeding stock for local farmers. All family members had full-time work so we managed the farm with the assistance of farm help.”

In 2002 the cows were sold and the bed and breakfast enterprise was initiated.

The first house to be used as a B&B in 2002 was a small bungalow formerly owned by the Fidler family. Since 2011, the Thomas Bunn House has been used as a B&B facility while family members reside in the Fidler House.

Passionate about maintaining the family property and its history, when he’s not feeding the alpacas or looking after the grounds, Fraser can be found in his workshop preserving model boats and ships, reworking reclaimed wood and storing the sheared alpaca wool for future use.

“We always have had livestock on our place,” says Fraser. “Over past years we have had cows, horses, goats, pastured chickens, dogs, cats, llamas and now just have three alpacas. We would like to see the wool from the alpacas used by those interested in knitting or crocheting or whatever you can do with alpaca wool.”

He remains involved in local heritage activities, including the establishment of the RM of St. Clements Heritage Committee to preserve and promote the heritage of the Red River North Region. He helped establish a heritage exhibit in Grand Marais, is one of the founding members of the Marine Museum (Selkirk), developed a booklet on the heritage treasures of the region and is currently working on a tour app with Interlake Tourism and expanding on a heritage website.

Although guests visit from around the world, Fraser says most visitors are from Manitoba.

“Many in this COVID time are looking for a safe, close get-away and as we only have one client at a time, the house is a perfect choice. It is a perfect place for fishermen to stay due to its proximity to the river and we have ample parking for trucks or boats or whatever they need. We have also had small groups gather for retreats or writing or quilting weekends. Once they have spent time they often come again. Many also enjoy the heritage aspects.”

The self-catered B&B provides breakfast food in the fully-equipped kitchen. Guests have the entire house to themselves for the duration of their stay. There’s a dock for those who enjoy fishing, and launch facilities nearby for canoeing and other watercraft. Guided tours can be arranged and local trails can be used for hiking, cycling, and snowmobiling. Pets are welcome as long as they are controlled.

The Stewart family has spent years maintaining the building and property for future generations. Down to every detail, it’s a reminder that we are grounded in nature and in history.

Visit https://thomasbunnhouse.ca/

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca