Story continues: Storybook Inn of Kidron celebrates two years

Check out this amazing deal
The generous innkeepers have a promotional discount this year July 1-Dec. 31.
Flat Daily Rate: $180 per night (this is the normal nightly rate throughout the year for the entire house)
Coupon Code: Gazette2023
Discount Offered: Receive $100 off any booking between July 1-Dec. 31, 2023. ***Two night minimum stay required to use coupon code***

Visit www.thestorybookinnofkidron.com to book and for more information, photos, reviews and policies.
Email thestorybookinnofkidron@gmail.com or phone: 330-828-1126 with any questions.

Toni and Heath Studer and children, Jonah, Sienna, Anabelle, and Liliana, are continuing the story and welcoming new characters in each chapter since opening The Storybook Inn two years ago in the heart of Kidron.

 

Dim the lights. Pour yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea and nestle in to your favorite reading space. Ready? Our story begins a few years ago set in the quiet and charming heart of Kidron. The heroes of the story are generous hard-working innkeepers and their four equally kind and sweet children who help out. The themes and messages are upbeat and inspiring with all the components one looks for in a good page-turner of a book that’s difficult to put down.

Here’s the plot: A family wins the bid on a century farmhouse in an auction. The dream they’ve only talked about becomes a reality. But it requires work and time and they have to juggle everything else that life throws their way. They do much of the work themselves and are dedicated to shopping local as they, with help from family members, friends, church and community members rebuild, renovate, furnish and decorate the historical house along Kidron Road. They set up a website and an online booking system.

Turn the page to Spring 2021. The Studers are ready to open the bed-and-breakfast style vacation rental. The attractive name and creative theme immediately draw travelers: The Storybook Inn of Kidron. As each chapter unfolds, new characters are introduced and they delight in the décor and amenities of the house, the care and thoughtfulness of the innkeepers, and their relaxing surroundings.

This story really could be made into a series of books, or maybe even a movie. But for now, it plays out at 4680 Kidron Road.

Two years after opening, The Storybook Inn of Kidron with its attractive coat of “Fly By Night” blue on the exterior and wide front porch where visitors can enjoy watching Amish buggies go by has received rave reviews.

“Every stay is another piece of the story…” states the website at www.thestorybookinnofkidron.com. This couldn’t be more true. In a guestbook, visitors clearly have put thought into their words and relished putting pen to paper.

Heath and Toni Studer said they enjoy reading people’s comments after they check out.

“Once upon a time two sisters, their mom, and the mom’s friend celebrated the mom’s 60th birthday with a short girls’ trip,” one story in the guestbook begins, noting they laughed all night playing board games and eating crackers and cheese and enjoyed cinnamon rolls they purchased from a local Amish grocery store the next day. “Great memories were made by these ladies … The two sisters cannot wait to come back with their young kids!”

Another story includes compliments toward the creativity of the décor in the well-kept farmhouse: “It is a nod to the beautiful, charming lifestyle of yesteryears, when somehow life was more pure, innocent and reflected a culture that recognizes God as creator and author of this world and each of our ‘stories.”

And yet another story detailed how “weary travelers” felt “refreshed and encouraged” and “like we were in a fairy tale of our own.”

A 17-year-old wrote that she “loved all the books and themes” while a 10-year-old wrote she loved the record player. Two other young guests who included their ages wrote in the book that they loved the book quotes and the Narnia closet. “We wish we could have stayed longer,” Abigail, 13, wrote.

The Studers said it’s been nice to be “a blessing” to church missionaries, and local families looking for a place for extended family to stay when they come in for a somber event like a funeral or an important milestone like a reunion, birthday party or graduation.

Since they officially opened for business two years ago, the Studers said local residents have given them positive feedback telling them the vacation rental is “a wonderful addition” to Kidron.

In turn, the Studers make sure to promote all the area has to offer from everything within walking distance such as convenient pizza and ice cream next door to iconic Lehman’s Hardware across the street to Dutch Kitchen in Dalton, Smucker’s in Orrville, and they’re starting to tout the Wayne County Children’s STEAM Playlab, which is set to open soon.

The Studers lowered the cost per night to make it more affordable for people struggling in the current economy. The cost is a flat $180 per night – for the entire house – whether it’s a nice getaway for two, or up to 10 people comfortably visiting, relaxing and snoozing in the rooms containing three queen size and two double beds. Every nook and cranny is clean and well-kept and every room welcomes travelers to sit back and completely make themselves at home. The entire house is updated with heating and air conditioning and includes a kitchen with oven range and microwave. A deep garden tub for a soothing soak is in one of the bathrooms and the second bathroom is modernized with a walk-in shower. The house has free Wi-Fi and a TV and loads of books – of course – as well as board games and puzzles. Towels and bedding are provided. Antiques and handmade and refurbished décor and furniture provide the fun book theme throughout and create little surprises along the way.

May is booked but there is still some availability on dates the rest of the summer and year. Visit the easy to navigate website for more information, photos, reviews and to make a booking.

Guests from near and far close to town and from states including Indiana, Missouri, Michigan and Pennsylvania come in for a variety of reasons from church trips and retreats to reunions and bridal party getaways. In 2022, 85 separate groups booked the house and many left wonderful detailed reviews and notes in the guestbook.

They continue the story. And it’s a good tale. It’s almost like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. The Studer family welcomes anyone to write their own chapter – or more — and be a part of the story.