“Don't protect by a fence but by friends.” Czech Proverb

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PICTURED: SAM AND RACQUEL BUILT THEIR OWN INN WHILE WE BUILT THE BIG VERSION.

The  Kiezebrink family’s 7200 square foot estate, is a creation of the  Kiezebrink family, architecturally designed by Erik and built primarily  by he and his Dad with family, friends, and some craftsmen helping. What  was intended to be one year of construction, turned into four and a  half, with each phase of construction requiring unexpected twists and  turns. Initially Kiezebrink Juniors lived in the basement under a tarp,  while the Kiezebrink Seniors lived in the remaining free-standing  bedroom after nearly a full demolition of the old farmhouse. A wood  stove kept the pipes from freezing, but temperatures were below 30 and  the family kept warm with space heaters, and by winter camping wearing  layers of clothing, coats, sleeping bags, and sometimes even shoes to  bed, for two and a half winters. During rains, every available pot, pan,  pail and dish, collected water from the drips, as the roof and shingles  weren’t finished until the third winter. By the third year of  construction, deadlines had to be maintained, and family and community  volunteers came out in droves to accomplish the final miracle of  completing floors, washrooms, unpacking furniture, and hooking up phones  in time for the first scheduled guests! Their testimonial was reward  enough: “This is not a five star Inn, this is a seven star!” (Thank you  everyone who helped!) 

Original  siding is now cedar ceilings for covered decks, porches, and archways.  Stones dug up, now adorn gardens. Local artisans helped with the  website, spiral staircase, hand crafted wrought iron railings (Artistic  Wrought Iron by Tito), and some painting (Spice Up Your Space). Since  the Kiezebrinks originally emigrated from Europe and their educational  and charitable endeavors have given them opportunity to serve not only  in Durham Region but also in Asia, Africa, South America and Nunavut,  the themed rooms reflect their passion for investing in people of all  cultures. The front arched mahogany door they ordered from South  America. The Mapenzi Suite’s paintings are originals from Kenya and  Jamaica. Filled with appreciation for the amazing people they’ve met and  for the hospitality of the nation of Canada, their aim is to  reciprocate and share their estate’s hospitality with others. Here’s a  little bit about your hosts!

 PICTURED: HARRY & ERIKA

Erika was born in Germany and  lived on a “Hof” complete with a moat, ballroom, and cheese factory.  During World War II her family was in a position to assist others and  they did so sacrificially, rescuing many Jews and helping them escape.  Then her father was imprisoned in an unknown location, for his efforts.  Erika’s mother despaired when with her husband gone, her home was  commandeered by lice-infested military, their livestock eaten, and their  orchard burned for fuel. Yet with faith and courage she pressed on.  Later, when her husband miraculously survived, they emigrated to Canada.  Erika was just 10 when they crossed the Atlantic on a hospital ship  called “The Homeland” ending up in Port Perry, Ontario. Preparing for  the possibility of another war, Erika’s Dad constructed a bomb shelter  beneath their farmhouse. On his deathbed, he kept his family and  farmland in view, thanking God for the life he’d been able to build in  Canada.

Harry’s  family enjoyed a rich culture and family life in Holland. That  changed…During the war his family’s convictions would not permit them to  join in the annihilation of Jews. Rather they endeavored to thwart  military efforts. They even buried a 10 ton lorry in a forest rather  than let Nazis use it. Harry’s mother died leaving his father and  sisters to raise him. They survived on meager meals of onion soup.  Harry’s father, determined to provide for his family of eight children,  also emigrated to Port Perry where Harry met Erika met in high school.  They were married in 1962 and spent their lives educating the children  of Durham, Erika as a teacher and Harry as Durham’s youngest principal  at that time. To this day, each year an outstanding S.A. Cawker Public  School student is given the “Harry Kiezebrink Humanitarian Award”! They  raised three children and a foster daughter.

PICTURED: ERIK AND DEBORAH WITH KIDS SAM & RACQUEL

Deborah knew poverty first-hand while living in the remote Kalemie, Congo, Africa. The oldest  of seven children born to Charles and Fern Willner, her family assisted  crippled, blind, and those with leprosy with food, as well as helped to  open bush medical dispensaries with supplies provided from European aid  organizations, as well as education and Biblical instruction for  national pastors who wished it.

 In addition,  Deborah’s mother’s education of local women assisted them with hygiene,  sewing, and baking businesses via the creation of ovens in the ground.  Deborah’s mother’s inspiring autobiography called “When Faith is Enough”  contains gripping stories of events and life lessons learned. Browse  through a copy in the Inn library or purchase gift copies in the gift  shop or our online store. At 18, Deborah flew to the U.S. gaining a  Broadcasting/Vocal Performance degree and doing some modeling, then to  Japan to work in public relations, and back to Canada to work in radio,  sales, TV, marketing, and recording some albums where she met Erik on a  blind date. 

Erik  loved the outdoors as a child and began as a five year old helping his  Dad dig up, cart in his wagon, and replant about a third of the trees  that guests now enjoy around the Inn. He worked on his uncle’s dairy  farm. Summer holidays with his family routinely included trips to South  America to volunteer in construction projects to benefit residents in  extreme poverty. He was garnering a Biology degree from the University  of Western Ontario when he met Deborah. He first told her he loved her  and proposed to her on the Inn property. Married in 1991, they became  ministers, started a family, and worked in London, Shallow Lake, and  later the Philippines. Erik continued to lead construction and ministry  projects, taking volunteer teams to South America, Nunavut, and the  Philippines. After completing Masters degrees in Asia, Erik &  Deborah moved to Durham conducting Marketowne Church worship services at  the AMC Movie Theatres for a time. Erik owned a construction company  framing houses for new home builders like Tribute Homes. Deborah worked  as Interactive Business Development Manager for Metroland East  Interactive. Then they with their parents built and launched Nestleton  Waters Inn.