(West Okoboji)– One of Dickinson county’s oldest houses will soon be moved to a new location and converted into a business.
The house is currently located on what’s known as the “Resch” farm on the east side of Highway 71 between Spirit Lake and Okoboji.
Donna Muilenberg, owner of the Wash House Gift Shop and Annabelle’s Tea Room, has purchased the house and plans to move it to a lot adjacent to her shop and tea room. Muilenberg says the house will be transformed into a six-room inn with luxury suites and private baths. She hopes to have the “Okoboji Country Inn” open later this year.
The house is a landmark in the lakes area. It was built back in the 1890’s. At the time, Big Spirit Lake, East and West Lakes Okoboji could all be seen from that location…prior to the burr oak trees getting big enough to block the view.
Peter Resch, who came to the U-S in 1884 from Germany, was the first to live in the house. Five generations of the Resch family have lived there over a span of 104 years.
Muilenberg says the house will be moved this coming Thursday, May 25th, weather permitting.
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