Meet your British Hosts: Nicky and John Friend

      A "Thank You" card from Lineville Middle School Green Bay.

     After John gave a talk to them about the Queen and life in Britain.

By Barbara Mohr

Twin Cities area writer

Nicky and John fully personify their surname of Friend. This couple shares the rare personalities necessary to be perfect hosts.  Indeed, it has been every guest’s good fortune that the Friends sold everything in Great Britain and pursued their long-held dream of owning a bed and breakfast.  Although many of us have dreams as well; would we have the courage to travel to a different country and pursue an entirely new profession?  This is truly a remarkable couple! John left a long career in printing behind and says he is feeling much more relaxed now.  Nicola’s career in customer service for a British bank has given her the diplomatic expertise to deal with the many issues which can arise in the Bed and Breakfast industry.

But this happily married couple (32 years), also left behind the most important people in their lives – their two lovely daughters; Natalie, 29 and Danielle, 27.  In addition they miss their best friends, other family and their cat, all back in England. The Friends, having traveled extensively on holidays in the States; decided the United States was where they wanted to establish their British Inn. 

They located this spot through the internet and after a couple of visits to inspect it, they purchased the property in February of 2004. The Friends have been learning on the job for the first year. They could certainly write a book about all the joys of owning a bed and breakfast! Both John and Nicky are great fans of a truly American phenomenon – country  music. The dozens of personally autographed photos from country stars lining the walls of John’s office attest to their frequent travels to musical venues.  In fact, they discovered Wisconsin when they attended a country music event in this state. The other ingredient which attracted them to this particular spot was the proximity to Lake Michigan, Green Bay and the short drive to Door County.  “We chose Algoma because it’s a friendly little town,” John said.  Nicky and John often recommend some interesting spots in Algoma to their guests. 

Nicky and John’s English accents add even more charm to this already charismatic couple. John’s slightly cockney accent speaks of a childhood spent in Bromley, South East London. John, a great fan of British football (soccer) still watches soccer matches thanks to the “miracle” of the cable sports network.  But he has adapted to the area.  He is often attired in a Packer hat or jacket, watches Packer games and was even treated to a box seat at a home game by one of his guests!  John is always delightful to chat with and often offers an interesting perspective on various issues. Nicola’s lovely lilting accent is an audio joy to an anglophile like myself.  Somehow, everything sounds more pleasant when spoken with a British accent!  In Nicky’s case, however, every word truly is pleasant.  Her kind and solicitous nature make each guest feel welcomed and appreciated as a unique person. As a frequent guest and friend of John and Nicky, I have personally experienced this gift of welcome.  In fact, their guests frequently develop into lasting friends.  The couple have received numerous invitations from guests to visit them at their homes, which are scattered throughout the country.

The Friends are in this business for all the right reasons.  Their hospitality extends far beyond the usual owner/guest relationship. By establishing and maintaining a wonderful inn with the ambience of a cozy British cottage by the sea, they have achieved their goal of providing guests with a perfect location to refresh their minds, bodies and spirits. Nicky and John’s attention to detail is evident throughout the inn.  In each immaculate suite there are so many extra touches which make each guest feel as if they’re visiting a comfortably appointed private home of friends.  From the soft and beautiful linens, fluffy towels and robes, aromatherapy candles and lotions, interesting reading material, tea pots with assorted teas and cocoa, to the cozy comfort of the hot water bottles provided; John and Nicky have thought of every detail to create a restful sanctuary for each guest. Since I’m unable to convey the true essence of their spirits with mere words; I urge you to come and visit with this lovely couple in person, at their deliciously comfortable Bed & Breakfast.

You just might leave with a new outlook on life, as well as a fuller heart.