Hessenland Country Inn History

Our dream of opening Hessenland Country Inn began while we were still operating a Farm in our native Germany in the province of Hessen. Our search began in 1979 when we came to Canada as tourists. We returned multiple times looking for the ideal location, one that would allow us to combine a hospitality business with our hobby of Horse breeding. Currently Ernst still continues his hobby of breeding and raising Hanovarians.

In October of 1982, we immigrated to Canada having finally found the perfect location for our Inn on a 40 -acre farm along the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. The farm’s history dates back to the late 19th century and was operated by the Bedard Family who were one of the first families to settle in this area.

In 1983 we began construction of the restaurant. The doors opened on April 1984 introducing guests to our German traditions and European hospitality. Later this same year, plans began for the hotel. In the spring of 1985 the hotel opened, offering distinctive and charming accommodations. In that same year we welcomed a new addition to our family, Eric Ihrig was born.

Responding to an increase in demand for Weddings and large group functions, expansion once again took place. In 1988 we completed the “Beer Garden”, now known as the Garden Room, the main dining room of the Inn. As the name states, this room, comprised of large windows overlooks the pool and award winning gardens, ponds and sunsets.

Constantly striving to upgrade and exceed guest expectations, leisure amenities were deemed to be necessary. In 1991 the addition of our outdoor pool was completed followed by spa facilities consisting of whirlpool, sauna, massage room and solarium in 1993. Throughout the expansion process the Gardens were always seen as an integral part of the Hessenland experience. The passion for gardening was rewarded in 1995 with the Annual Trillium Award.

Looking towards maximizing the use of surrounding buildings, the original barn of the Old Bedard Farm was torn down to its stone foundation walls and carefully restored. After exposing the natural rock of the walls and integrating most of the original timber in the design of the building, we transformed this barn into a truly unique reception hall in 1997/1998, known as the “Coach House”. To enhance and add to the exterior aesthetics of the reception hall we converted the vacant silo adjacent to the building into a lookout tower that same year. It has since been appropriately named the “ Sunset Tower” , not only providing guests with a spectacular view of the country side and Lake Huron’s world famous sunsets but also allowing guests to dine atop the tower.

2002 marked a milestone for the Ihrig family celebrating their 20th Anniversary in Canada and 2004 also marked the 20th Anniversary for Hessenland Country Inn.

Our youngest son Eric is currently completing his apprenticeship as a Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic with Toromont Inc. in Toronto, Ontario. He absolutely loves his profession and we are very proud of his accomplishments. Our eldest son Frank married Elizabeth Cabral, a native from Toronto also with a background in hospitality. On September 24th, 2004 our family was blessed with the birth of our first child / grandchild Sebastian. We cannot be thankful enough for his innocence, happiness, and curiosity that light up our hearts with joy each and every day.

Together with their diverse knowledge and international experience, Liz and Frank have joined us in operating the family business looking to continue the traditions of European hospitality and the values that have made Hessenland Country Inn a success.

We look forward to welcoming you to the West Coast of Ontario and especially Hessenland Country Inn,

The Ihrig Family & Innkeepers
Christa & Ernst Ihrig, Eric Ihrig, Elizabeth & Frank Ihrig & our “Goldschatz” Sebastian