Dempster Woods
Located near Highway 81 bypass and 20 minutes from I-80 York exit, Dempster Woods is on a 2 acre wooded property on the north edge of Geneva. The 1887 brick Italianate (National Register of Historic Places) was the residence of two Nebraska senators.
The home's builder John A. Dempster participated in 24 Civil War battles. Upon moving to Fillmore County, he was the first superintendent of public instruction, served as a postmaster, and opened a general store on main street. "Dempsters'Block 1887" still appears on the building.
In 1898 Charles Sloan became the third owner of the home which he occupied until 1948. He graduated from Iowa State College, became principal of the public school in Fairmont, and studied law. He also served as a U.S. Congressman and county attorney and delivered the oration at the laying of the cornerstone of the new Fillmore County Courthouse.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guests experience simple elegance and historic atmosphere as they
enter the parlor. Period furnishings include an Eastlake settee, a parlor table and chairs, a stained glass window, and a piano available to guests. The focal points of the large dining room are the original fireplace and mantle and three long bay windows. Curved pocket doors separate the dining area from the library where Senator Sloan and his wife played a game of dominoes every evening before retiring. Leather recliners, a sofa, and an eclectic collection of books and magazines are available to guests.
Ten foot tin ceilings, seven foot windows, transoms, and stained glass windows are features throughout the house. The open stairway ascends to the second floor accommodations. Doors at the top of the stairs open to three guestrooms, each uniquely named and decorated.
"Rainbow's End," formerly the Sloans' master bedroom, derives its name from the original stained glass window and the door connecting to the private bath. An antique dropleaf table, Eastlake dresser, armoire, and queen-sized sleigh bed offer a comfortable but historic stay. The attached bath with antique corner sink and two person jetted tub is well lighted by a tall window in which hangs another rainbow-hued stained glass.
Our favorite room, "French Connections," is spacious and elegantly appointed with west bay windows, king-sized bed with lace coverlet, dresser, gentleman's chest hiding a TV/VCR, and antique futon. A mini-version of a room in a French chateau, the floral carpet and red walls with gilded fleur-de-lis stenciling suggest a French ambience. Memorabilia from travels to French-speaking destinations add to the old world mystique, a dramatic conversion from what was the Sloan children's "dormitory." The bed converts to twins and the futon can sleep 1-2 extra persons. A shared bath is a few steps away in the back hallway.
The morning sun sheds soft light into this spacious room. The Eastlake bedroom set was Ken's great grandparents. An antique loveseat, sewing machine, and child's rolltop desk are gentle reminders of bygone days. The antique double bed has a homemade quilt. The papered walls are a Victorian "young miss" motif, hence the title "Demoiselle Room." The bath across the hall from the room's back door contains an antique footed tub and shower. It is shared with "French Connections."
"Alice's Window on the Woods" is a cozy, whimsical room with the only view of the wooded area behind the home. An antique twin bed and youth bed with homemade quilts sleep two children or small adults. A small dresser, child's school desk, and a variety of woodland creatures call the young-at-heart into a restful slumber.
SERVICES
Other facility uses include bridal showers, graduation receptions, small conferences, family reunions, bridge/book clubs. The porch areas which wrap around the front of the home provide ample space for larger groups. The enclosed porch is perfect for enjoying breakfast, reading a book, having a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Wicker furnishings and an eleven foot church bench offer abundant seating for a small gathering around the antique stove.
On site massage by appointment may be booked well in advance of your stay.
BREAKFAST
Ken (of French ancestry) and Sandy (former French teacher) often serve filled crepes, their signature dish. Other specialities are Quiche Lorraine, French omelet with homemade salsa, apple and pear tarts, Strawberry Custard Muffins, Puffy Oven Omelet, Broccoli-Tomato Quiche, Carrot Zucchini Muffins, and homemade jam.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
After exploring the two block wooded area behind the neighborhood homes, guests may enjoy visiting the Fillmore County Courthouse (National Register of Historic Places), Wessel's Living History Farm near York, and Ceski Bratri Cemetery near Milligan.
Please see our website for rates and additional information
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