Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Benstrom.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Moved back to Three Rivers in 2020.
T & R Inn Between the Lakes had been closed for a few years. The previous owners, who started the Inn and wedding venue, were ready to retire. Sold basically everything and then had the property up for sale.
I loved the idea of being minutes from my parents and having a career for the rest of my life. Never would have guessed I would be in the hospitality business. Yet, I enjoy meeting all the guests and providing a comfortable place for them to stay.
I purchased the property with my business partner August 2022.
Renovations began. I moved into the first floor of the old farm house fall of 2022.
The Upstairs at the Inn, the upstairs of the old farm house, opened late 2023.
The Bridal Suite, in the Cottage, and the Wedding venue were open with the first wedding Labor Day weekend 2024.
Just under two acres, the vintage bank hay barn and 1880’s era farm house are surrounded by gardens and lawn.
Most guests love listening to the waterfall and the small stream as it flows down to the Koi pond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with any business there are always things that need to be done. Finding the time to wear all the hats that are needed to run a small business by myself can be challenging, and yet, very rewarding.
I guess one of the biggest challenges is the gardens. There are over 100 species of plants, trees, and grasses here. Most of the plants flower at one time or another, March through November. Had the gardens been kept up as they had been when weddings and events were held on the property, things might have been a bit easier. I would not say I have a green thumb. Gardening had been a hobby of mine over the years. It seems I am always planning for the next season or two.
The other obstacle would be renovating an old house. It turned out very lovely thanks to so many great skilled workers. As anyone who owns a home will tell you, something always needs fixed, adjusted or replaced. Just the nature of the beast I suppose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Inn Between the Lakes is a Boutique Wedding & Event Venue and Short Term Rental.
Offering a unique setting and location for your wedding or event.
The historic original bank hay barn is located on the north end of the property. Its newly constructed large deck and staircase offer a great place to put the band for receptions or have the ceremony. Inside the barn are one of a kind, hand made antique barn wood tables. Lush lawn, flowering gardens, patios, and decks are surrounded by fields creating a lovely space for the perfect wedding or event. Guests can access an ample deck connected to the 1880’s farm house with a bridge over a stream that flows to a koi pond.
All of the short term rental spaces have been newly renovated. Upstairs at the Inn consists of three private bedrooms. Guest share a kitchenette, a bathroom, powder room and a three season porch. The rooms can be rented individually or the upstairs can be rented as a three bedroom apartment. Guest rest on luxury mattresses in cotton sheets. There are plenty of pillow choices, extra blankets and towels.
A bridal suite is in the cottage next to the farm house. It is decorated with a nod to art deco style, mostly black & white. It features a new king bed, cotton sheets, tv, private walk in shower room, kitchenette, deck and patio.
My goal is to offer a unique setting and comfortable accommodations. I want guests to leave having had a wonderful experience, tell their friends and return. So far it seems to be working.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Defining success… that can be tricky, it is so different for everyone. Mostly, I know everything is always working out for me. I do my best to take one day at a time, getting what I can get done, when I can get it done. Also having great help when I need it. When I can do those things, I am successful.
The little things are important. Things probably no one consciously notices but me. The accommodations have to be clean. I try to have little fun surprises for my guest when possible. Comfy, cozy and inviting if guests use any of these words in their reviews of their stay then that has been a success. I also hope that my guest can get a bit of rest, peace and quiet when they stay in one of my accommodations.
Success for a wedding is everyone had a great time, the bride and groom are happy, and everyone got hope safe and sound. And as for me, there is not much to do to be ready for the next wedding.
Pricing:
- Please contact me for venue pricing. Packages are available. Also, check the website for pricing on accommodations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://innbetweenthelakesibtl.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/IBTLLLC
