HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-06-29, Page 32Page 4
— Stops Slfong ‘The ‘Way ’94----
Former New American Hotel gets new life
filled five dumpsters when we tore it apart."
Work began in February and the couple
hoped to have everything ready for summer
guests in June. But when a reservation
request came in from people attending a
May wedding, work picked up. "The
bedspreads were ordered from Montreal and
actually delivered the night before, but we
got it together," said Helga.
In just three months, what had once been
17 rooms and one washroom had evolved
into three rooms and three spacious suites,
all with private washrooms. They are
decorated in tasteful elegance with fine
furnishings and distinctive design
personalities.
The makeover was not restricted to the
upstairs, though most of the main floor work
has been cosmetic. The dining room is bright
and breezy looking, while the lounge has a
quiet more intimate atmosphere for dinner
parties and small banquets. Dinner guests
can choose from a variety of European or
Canadian entrees.
People who live in Brussels have always
known it was a good place to live. The
dressing up of the Brussels Country Inn has
helped to make it a pleasant place to visit as
well.
Charmingly accommodating
What was once 17 rooms and a single washroom in the former American
Hotel has been transformed to three rooms and three suites, all tastefully
appointed in simple country elegance and each with separate bath.
Inn Lovers ... comfort, great food,
relaxation
Beach Lovers ... clear water, sunny days,
relaxation
By Bonnie Gropp
There was a certain sense of satisfaction
in the village of Brussels when Helga and
Joe Springer began restoring the former New
American Hotel in early 1992, not just
because it meant keeping one more business
on main street, but for the historical value as
well.
A community which boasted five hotels in
the late 1800s, the American was the only
remaining one in the village. The second
last, the glorious Queen's Hotel, which was
praised in Lhe 1879 Belden Atlas as "one of .
the finest buildings ... in a place of
corresponding size", was demolished in
1986 to make room for a new supermarket.
For a time it seemed lhe American was to
meet the same fate, having sat empty, a
target for vandals, but by 1987 it was back in
business as a tavem and dining room.
When the Springers took over ownership
five years later it was with the intent of
transforming the business into a luxurious
country inn.
Il had been some time since the upstairs of
the building had been used for anything
other than living quarters for the owner. The
Festival gets
good response
Continued from page 3
year as well as newcomers.
"We had such a response of musicians
wishing to entertain at the festival some
actually had to be turned down," he says.
The quality crafts on display will include
medieval forging, wood carving and stained
glass, says Mr. Robinson.
"The food court is also something we are
quite proud of. A few of the finest rest
aurants in the area have been chosen to
provide authentic Celtic fare."
Mr. Robinson says the event is for the
entire family. "We have tried to make the
festival affordable for a family ($35 for the
three days, for the whole family) and to
provide a safe area for the children. The park
is completely fenced and no cars are
allowed."
"The enthusiasm and support shown by the
community was wonderful in the festival's
first year. The friendly, good volunteers and
the co-operation from the neighbours made
for a very good experience," says Mr.
Robinson.
Mr. Robinson says lhe attendance totalled
3,500 last year and the festival organizers
hope to sec 5,000 out this year.
Information on lhe festival can be obtained
by contacting the Robinsons at 524-24(X).
Springers felt there was a need for overnight
accommodations for visitors to the village so
with the help of a local contractor the
remodelling began. Walls were added, walls
were knocked down. Rooms were enlarged
and bathrooms installed. "Everything was
new, even the baseboards," said Joe. "We
Your hosts
Joe and Helga Springer have made
many improvements to the Brussels
Country Inn.
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