As Howarth explained, it is a unique setting for an Airbnb, which is an online rental company.
“The main house that we live in has four bedrooms, with a separate entrance and staircase to the second floor. The Airbnb side has its own private entrance with one suite on the main floor that has two queen beds, a bathroom, coffee maker, mini fridge and microwave. There is a separate staircase and entrance to the second-floor suite, which has two bedrooms with two queen beds in each, a full kitchen, living room and full bathroom. The two suites in the Airbnb have a total of six queen beds and can be rented separately or together.”
Howarth said this development was a natural for her. She was raised in the hospitality business. Her grandmother started it off, and then her mother Heidi took over, becoming the owner/operator of the North 40/Trails West Motor Inn in Brandon for 33 years, as well as the Downs Motor Inn in Winnipeg, now the Howard Johnson Express.
“It feels like ‘home’ to be part of the hospitality business. Although my mom worked long hours, she always managed to make time for family, and I feel it was a gift to be raised in this industry as my sisters and I have taken away many lifelong skills from working in the hospitality industry.”
She said the site was one Barwick had his eye on for a while, a beautiful area that was both rural and close enough to town to enjoy the best lifestyle. The name was inspired by Howarth’s mother’s North 40, with Barwick bringing in the “Back”. Hideaway was added as Back 40 had already been used, but it fits perfectly.
Although the business is under Howarth’s name and run by her, Barwick is also no stranger to the hospitality business, just in a different way. He is a third generation hunting guide. In fact, he started out with his father, long remembered for running Barwick’s Sports Shop for about 50 years. The younger Barwick started IBAR in October of 2008 and it has been going strong ever since.
“My grandfather Herb Barwick and my father Bert Barwick were both recognized as prominent outfitters in our area,” Barwick explained. “My father was a past president of the Manitoba Guides Association. We have made significant investment into this business and to grow our clientele. In speaking with our clients that travel to many destinations and hunt with outfitters all over the world we have been told we are one of the best in the business. We are proud of the fact that our business brings a lot of money into our community and the money stays in the community. IBAR Outfitters is proud of the locally born and raised employees.”
“We work hard to give everyone a positive, memorable experience and are proud to showcase and promote Manitoba.”
IBAR is run completely separately from the Back 40 Hideaway.
Howarth said plans are for the Airbnb to be open all year round. The two suites can be taken for long or short stays. There is full Wi-Fi and Shaw Direct television. The two suites are separate, but have access to a shared patio and hot tub. There is plenty to take advantage of now, and may be more in the future.
“Guests can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets from our beautiful rural landscape and farmland,” Howarth explained. “We have plans to finish landscaping the area outside to include a fire pit area, enclosed patio and eventually walking paths around the sloughs.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff
“The main suite can accommodate up to four people. The second-floor suite can accommodate up to eight. So – a grand total of 12 people can stay comfortably.”
Changes are in the wind for foreign hunters in Manitoba. As Barwick explained, this season was a transition year, and all those who applied for a foreign bird migratory license were automatically drawn. Next year, they will not, with the actual numbers to be announced in the future.
He said he was not sure how it would impact the Back 40, as it is open to everyone, not only hunters. However, for IBAR Outfitters, and the community at large, it will be felt. Lower numbers of foreign hunters impact a number of businesses, like restaurants, bars and accommodations.
“Essentially this means less people will be visiting the town and supporting all our local businesses,” he explained.
As for the Back 40 Hideaway, Howarth said she hopes to build on the great start they have had by continue to create memorable experiences for visitors.
“The feedback we have received from guests so far has been amazing and we hope to continue to provide a unique space for long or short term stays and bring more visitors to town in order to support and compliment what Boissevain already has to offer,” Howarth stated. “A local ‘guide’ book will soon be available to guests, which will highlight the various recreational opportunities in the area, including our new pool, and a list of our restaurants, stores/shops, bakery, the movie theatre and all other amenities in town.”