THE HERDSMAN HOUSE

Traditional Mennonite Housebarn paint colours (1846) - summer 2019

This basic wood-frame Herdsman's House is set in rural surroundings in Neubergthal, an early Mennonite street village and national historic site in south-central Manitoba, Canada. The village sits on Treaty one Land, land that the Metis Nation applied for and was denied at the same time the Mennonites were granted this same land. The Herdsman's House, built in ca. 1880s, is the only remaining dwelling of its type in Manitoba. It is a good illustration of the homes built for herd-marshals (cattle) in the farm villages established by the Mennonite settlers beginning in the mid 1870's.

Starting in 2002, Paul and Margruite Krahn began stabilizing and restoring the Herdsman's House to much of its early state. Features include: three rooms with a central Russian Bake Oven/Heater (rebuilt by Restoration Workshop, Parks Canada) ; original fir flooring and reproduced hand painted floor patterns; built-in cupboards/Friesian style bedstay, and handmade doors and windows. in 2015 an addition was added to include a full bathroom and kitchenette.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE and GUEST HOUSE

The Herdsman's House, located one hour south of Winnipeg, just off Hwy 75 on PR 421, is a quiet and conducive place to retreat and create. This four season house is equipped with a queen sized bed, double bed, and schlope benkj ( sleep bench ), bedding and towels, a fully equipped kitchen, 3 piece bathroom, high speed Internet, writing desk, and good natural light .

Interested in running a retreat in Neubergthal? Together with the Morning Dove and Red Granary guest houses, and an extra suite in the Krahn Barn, we are able to offer a catered retreat for up to 12 people. The Krahn barn (our home), boasts a 140 seat concert venue, and available to guests is an outdoor woodfired sauna build in 2021.

We welcome artists of various disciplines, as well as non artists who want to retreat.

"Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to spend some quality artistic retreat time at the Herdsmen House. The sonic soundscape of birds, insects, (in summer), the big sky of the prairies and the incredible hospitality of Paul and Margruite Krahn, have helped me as a composer to complete some major works. I always find a sense of peace and beauty in my time their, along with being able to work out my creative ideas in such a wonderful environment. It will always be my special place to write and create."

- Andrew Balfour (composer, Artist Director for Dead of Winter)

"Everytime I have played The Krahn Barn I have felt welcomed and appreciated as an artist. The venue is a gem full of character and life."
- Alexa Dirks (singer/songwriter - Begonia, New Lightweights)

"The Krahn Barn is a magical place, a haven where people and performers meet to explore community and the transcending power of words and music. I can't wait to get back there."
- Mel Braun ( Baritone/performer, Associate Professor, Desaultes School of Music, U of M)

For booking information contact us at mkrahnweb@gmail.com, margruitekrahn@gmail.com or 1-204-324-1612