A Tribute to Our Mom Donna Nestle

Donna Nestle the Heart Behind it All

🌿 A New Chapter at the Nestle Inn: A Tribute to Our Mom

Every historic property has a story but the story of the Nestle Inn is one rooted in love, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a woman who has always put family and community first. Today, we want to share a little more about the woman who makes the Nestle Inn what it is: our mom.

From Bed & Breakfast Life to a New Beginning

Long before the Nestle Inn became what guests see today, our mom spent years running the original Nestle Inn as a charming bed and breakfast. It wasn’t just one house it was several, each with its own personality, each filled with guests who quickly became friends. She poured her heart into that chapter of her life, creating warm, memorable stays for everyone who walked through her doors.

Eventually, she retired from the B&B world, ready for a quieter pace. But life had another plan.

Inheriting the Harbor Haus and a Vision

When her partner, Frank Van Kamp, passed away, she inherited the Harbor Haus a well‑known Hermann property that Frank had lovingly operated for years. It was a bittersweet moment: a gift from someone she cared deeply about, and a chance to honor his legacy while creating something new.

And that’s exactly what she did.

With a fresh vision and her signature determination, she set out to transform the Harbor Haus into the new Nestle Inn a place that reflects both the history of Hermann and the warmth of her own spirit.

A Family Effort, Powered by Love

Our mom may be the heart of the Nestle Inn, but she didn’t take on this transformation alone. She has seven children and every one of us, along with family friends and talented local contractors, rolled up our sleeves to help bring her vision to life.

There were long days, late nights, paint‑splattered clothes, and plenty of laughter along the way. Every room, every hallway, every detail carries a piece of that shared effort. The Nestle Inn isn’t just a renovated building it’s a family project built with pride, teamwork, and a whole lot of love.

Roxy and Sadie: The Real Supervisors

Of course, no story about our mom would be complete without mentioning her two beloved dogs, Roxy and Sadie. If you’ve ever seen them, you know they take their “supervisor” roles very seriously.

Whether they were overseeing porch repairs, greeting helpers, or simply keeping our mom company during long renovation days, Roxy and Sadie were always right there tails wagging, offering moral support and the occasional distraction. They are as much a part of the Nestle Inn family as any of us.

A Place Built With Heart

Today, the Nestle Inn stands as a beautiful blend of past and present honoring Frank’s legacy, reflecting our mom’s vision, and showcasing the hard work of everyone who helped bring it to life.

But more than anything, it represents her spirit: welcoming, resilient, warm, and full of love.

When guests stay here, they’re not just booking a room. They’re stepping into a story one built by family, shaped by community, and guided by a woman whose heart has always been in hospitality.

We’re proud of her. We’re proud of this place. And we can’t wait to share it with you.