About
Historic Prairie Creek Inn
The STory
Historic Leavitt House
1911
Built in 1911 by Burt W. Leavitt, Lincoln area farmer and teacher, the stone-face block roofed with French tile structure at 70th & ‘O’ quickly became a landmark east of Lincoln.
The Benjamin Davis family purchased the home in 1919, and lived in it until the U.S. Government bought the house and farm in 1929, and there constructed the Veterans’ Hospital. Then house became home to the acting chief surgeons.
In 1980, the home was vacated by the VA, and no one was allowed to occupy it. By 2002, it had been completely vandalized and only a shell remained.
Bruce & Maureen Stahr purchased and moved the home in 2003. Nearly 4,000 people came to watch the 2-day, 11 mile parade, averaging 1 mph. The 406,000 pound load was set gracefully on its new foundation, and over the next 4 years, underwent a complete transformation. The farmstead also underwent much work, restoring the original 3-story barn and farmhouse to usable condition. Now graced with restored period woodwork from another home, marble, oak, walnut, and refinished original bedroom floors, expanded front porch, 4-level elevator, and full basement, the Prairie Creek Inn is ready for anything from family celebrations and weddings to personal getaway retreats.
UNIQUE HISTORY
Starting with a “moving experience”, the Historic Leavitt House (a three-story ornate block structure) was moved from its home of nearly 100 years in Lincoln to a quiet, country farm. Although the dilapidated house was slated for destruction, owners Bruce and Maureen Stahr envisioned a country get-away that would give guests an opportunity to “Make Memories that Matter” . Thus they have not only saved the house from oblivion but have restored the house to a beautiful bed and breakfast.
UNIQUE ACCESSIBILITY
The Leavitt House is equipped with a four-level passenger elevator, walkout street level access, and a handicap accessible bathroom.
UNIQUE AVAILABILITY
You will not find a bed and breakfast in the area with more direct access to the beauty and tranquility of God’s creation. Wildlife, the freshness of nature, and the quiet solitude of brilliant sunrises and Golden Sunsets offer you a bountiful harvest of memories.
Accommodations at the Leavitt House
All reservations include a fully home-cooked breakfast served in the Leavitt House Grand Dining Room.
Rooms
Levels
Guests
Your Hosts
Bruce + Maureen Stahr
We are both lifelong Nebraskans, from farm and ranch backgrounds.
As we grew up and then grew together, we developed a great love for the beauty of God’s creation, the serenity of nature, and the restorative value of solitude. Having raised 3 active sons now out on their own, we are now enjoying a bit of solitude ourselves at this grand home! By trade, Maureen had a career as a school nurse, and Bruce as a UPS Driver. Both of us now retired, we are fully occupied with the Bed and Breakfast, working with a new Equine non-profit ministry, ‘Shoulder to Shoulder Ranch’ onsite, and managing Maureen’s beautiful
childhood home/lake/acreage property near Bridgeport, NE (contact us if you would like to stay there as you travel!). Maureen enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and guitar; Bruce enjoys remodeling, music, and taking naps.
We have come to love this home as we saved it from being razed, survived the renovations, and now are thankful that the home is ready for another 100 years! You can still see some of the renovation and other info. about us at our old website: www.nebraskaprairie.com
If interested, you can learn more of the move and restoration during a private or group tour. There is indeed hope when all seems hopeless… we’re all living proof of that. Restoration and a second chance is what truly gives us life!
Come and join us for a day or a week… there’s plenty to do here!