The Official Site for the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association

Kessler Old World Guesthouse

Welcome to our website!  The Kessler Old World Guesthouse is an opportunity to experience an old world guesthouse in the heart of America.
Kessler Old World Guesthouse is located in the Village of Cleveland, along the west coast of Lake Michigan.  We are located in Manitowoc County, just north of the Sheboygan County line.
Points of interest within easy commute abound here in East Central Wisconsin.  A list of some of these points and the drive time from our guesthouse are:
  Whistling Straits Golf Course ----  5 min.
  Blackwolf Run Golf Course -------- 15 min.
  Road America, Elkhart Lake ------- 20 min.
  Maritime Museum,Manitowoc -------- 15 min.
  EAA, Oshkosh, WI ----------------- 60 min.
  Kettle Moraine State Forest ------ 20 min.
  Terry Andre State Park ----------- 20 min.
  Point Beach State Park ----------- 20 min.
  Lambeau Field, Green Bay --------- 45 min.
  Charter Fishing
    Manitowoc, WI ------------------ 15 min.
    Sheboygan, WI ------------------ 15 min.
  Sturgeon Bay, Door County -------- 60 min.
  Downtown Milwaukee --------------- 60 min.
  Thunder on the Lakeshore, Manitowoc - 15 min.
  Wings & Wheels, Sheboygan --------  15 min.  
What began as a desire to purchase an authentic German guesthouse in the Black Forest, evolved into the decision to replicate that guesthouse here in Wisconsin.
The guesthouse was, not only designed, but also built by the Kessler family and friends.  Much labor was provided by guests from the German-speaking regions of Europe.  In addition to building the inn, the guestroom furnishings were also designed and built by Franz and Kay.  The style (4-poster queen-size beds) allow you to rest over 1 meter above the floor.  The armoires, bedside tables, desks and peasant benches in our guestrooms, also copied the Rhine Valley style from 150 years ago.
Interesting notes about the construction of our guesthouse, is the inclusion of salvage materials from a guesthouse built in 1838 and another built in 1682.  The stones on the hearth of the fireplace include a segment of the Berlin Wall, the Versailles Palace, the Dresden Cathedral, the Selz Cathedral, the Montgomery Castle, in addition to special stones from the Rhine Valley and Dakota Territory.
Franz loves to share with our guests, his collection of old German Kingdom's currency and coins, some dating back to the 12th century.  
He also enjoys sharing 800 years of his family history, beginning in Austria, then Switzerland, and then on to Baden and Alsace on the Rhine.
Our guesthouse is constructed to resemble the fachwerk construction (half timbered), typical of the German-speaking Alpine regions. Located on the front of our inn are the coats of arms of the different countries and kingdoms that were, at one time, home to the Kessler family.  
Kay and I have compiled a very detailed German stein collection, that we proudly display on our fireplace mantle and cabinets.  This collection includes some very unique steins.  
Our greatroom is dedicated soley to our guests for their relaxation and socializing.  Our collection of classic German "volk musik", and reading material, combined with a warm fire, creates a most inviting atmosphere. Franz is always telling our guests that when you walk through the front door, your lower lip will start to quiver and you will want to start yodeling.  
Our greatroom includes a very spacious mezzaine that is somewhat secluded. This area is available for reading, gaming or just relaxation.
The entire gallery and mezzaine overlook the greatroom.  All guestrooms face onto the greatroom, 4 on the main floor, 4 on the second floor.  Each of guestrooms has a full private bath and an exit door to the balconies on each side of the inn.  One room, on the main floor, is completely handicap accessible, and the remaining 3 rooms on the main floor, are handicap friendly.  
Our greatroom has satellite TV and a very comprehensive DVD and VCR library.  In addition, our inn has high-speed wireless internet service available to our guests.
After a wonderful night's sleep in our homey guestrooms, we serve a true German früstück as is customary in German guesthouses.  Rudi and Michelle from Waukesha commented that our früstück was like being in Old World Germany".
Sabine, a guest from Hamburg, Germany, summarized what we have been attempting to achieve.  When entering the front door of our guesthouse, she was very startled and proclaimed "Oh my God, I'm on the Romantic Road in Germany"!  In addition, she said that any German would feel very much at home here at our inn.      
Come and experience Old Germany here in Wisconsin!