The Grand Kerr House

05/10/2026

It doesn’t get much better than this…so thankful the current owners of the Kerr House are taking such good care of her.

05/07/2026

I never knew Laurie Hostetler had such a lovely voice…Laurie from The Kerr House..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pesFRSowjvs

05/07/2026

The Kerr House Health & Wellness Spa -In 1977, Laurie Hostetler purchased the Kerr House from Clifton B. Kerr. After founding the Kerr House in Grand Rapids in 1977, she spent three years renovating the Victorian manor in authentic style. She then served as owner/director for 35 years, incorporating three of her dearest loves: antiques, yoga and health. Guests from all 50 states and many other countries visited The Kerr House to experience Laurie’s spiritual and physical healing talents.

04/29/2026

04/27/2026

We love it when former houseguests keep in touch, letting us know how they are doing and maintaining our new found friendships throughout the years. Rick stayed with us during the Glass City Marathon a few years ago and returned to Toledo to run again in 2026, qualifying for the Boston. Congratulations,Rick, on a run well done!

04/20/2026

The Kerr Family. Benjamin Franklin Kerr, born February 7, 1843, was a Civil War Veteran discharged on 8/22/1862 at the age of 19 from military service due to poor health. After four months recuperating he returned to service where he performed the non-combat duties that honed the skills that later ensured his success as a businessman in the dry goods mercantile business in Grand Rapids. Benjamin married Ann Sally Pratt on October 27,1867. Ann’s mother, Susan, gifted the newlyweds with the plot of land where they would eventually build their family home. Benjamin and Ann had seven children: Caroline, Clifton, Nellie, Jessie, Alta, George and Glenn. Nellie passed away in 1875 and Alta passed away in 1882 while the home was being built, leaving five children living in the Kerr family home. Ann’s mother, Susan, also lived in the home until her passing in 1893.

In addition to running his dry goods store, B. F. Kerr was a merchant in the grain business in Grand Rapids. Clifton Colfax Kerr, the eldest son, inherited the Kerr home from his parents and passed it on to his son, Clifton B. Kerr (known fondly as “Red”). The home remained with the Kerr family for 99 years and, due to lost fortunes, fell into disrepair in the 1970’s and was eventually sold to Laurie Hostetler.

04/11/2026

THE BUILDING OF THE KERR HOUSE (first in a series)

The Kerr House, located in Grand Rapids Ohio, is a pristine example of Queen Anne Victorian architectural design. This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and remains virtually unchanged since it was built by the Kerr Family in the 1880's.

Designed by E.O. Fallis, groundbreaking occurred in 1880 and the home was completed in 1883. The structure has exterior walls that are four bricks thick and interior walls that are three bricks thick. These bricks were formed in an oven located at the back of the lot with materials excavated from what would become the home's basement. The original roof was slate with Scottish terra cotta ridge caps. Exterior trim and porches are wood with three porches built on the front, back and side of the house.

The interior of the home features eleven foot ceilings, eight foot doors including two sets of pocket doors, four hand-carved fireplaces and two original stained glass windows. It is said that a master carpenter and two apprentices lived on-site for a full year while completing the interior woodwork carved from white oak, red oak, cherry, butternut, ash and buckeye. The first floor “Christian” door patterns are unique to the home with magnificent original iron hardware still intact. The home was built with running water, heated floors, servants quarters and two bathrooms. Family rooms include a library, formal parlor, informal sitting room, dining room, kitchen, children’s nursery and five bedrooms. The home is approximately 6,000 square feet including the basement, two floors for living quarters, and the attic space.

03/24/2026

We are so thankful to the current owners of The Kerr House who are taking wonderful care of this grand lady. They have brought out her best colors!

02/17/2026

Historic Garden Walk in Grand Rapids Ohio is June 20, 2026. Information and tickets are available at grandgrowers.com.

02/17/2026

Bob clearing the parking area at The Grand Kerr House five years ago today.

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from The Grand Kerr House!