Map & Driving Directions

17038 320th Street
Shafer, MN 55074
Email: sallybarott@aol.com
Tel./FAX (651) 257-4773

153 Years of History

Photo of the Thorsander Family, Lars, Ingre, Carl August, and Sven. Photo c. 1907 Extensive research has been done on the history of this red-brick country home by the current family members. The property was originally homesteaded by Swedish immigrants, Lars and Ingre Thorsander from Östra Torsås Parish (now Ingelstad) Småland, Sweden. They emigrated in the summer of 1869 with four children. It was a time of famine and hardship in Sweden, and the family made the decision to go to  "AMERIKA" for a new life in the new lands of Minnesota. They purchased the land from the Government and built their first home of logs in the traditional post and beam construction. That building is still on the property and is used as the granary. Lars and Ingre had three more children, born in this Shafer home. In the summer of 1938, the barn tragically burned - all the livestock perished, the family had to sell the farm. Over the years, many Thorsander relatives have returned to see their family homestead. © Cynthia P. Larson Photography of California The house has been owned by only two families, the Thorsander family and their descendents from 1869 - 1938; and the Anderson-Barott family from 1938 to present. Country Bed & Breakfast's proprietor grew up in this house and has many fond memories to share with you. For instance, in 1948, Vilhelm Moberg, Swedish Author of The Emigrants saga, visited the house to deliver a wedding present to the current owner's mother, Lois. In 1982, Country Bed & Breakfast was established. It is one of the first five Bed and Breakfasts under the Historic B&B Association of Minnesota. We look forward to your visit and have many photos and stories to share with you. We take pride in making your B&B experience the best it can be! Välkommen till Country Bed and Breakfast.