OUR STORY
We began construction on the Inn in 2016. My dad and I had this great idea that we could build a small rental cabin on an old logging job of his. At the same time I was looking to buy a house and dating this really cute girl who had experience in the BnB business. Well it didn't take long for me to realize Anna was the girl for me and that adding her to this rental idea could transform our little cabin into a full blown BnB business. Thus the Timber Baron Inn was born. A two generation family partnership between my parents and my wife and I. I run the business side of things (along with being Annas full time assistant). Anna is chief of operations aka (the person who makes this thing awesome) and my mom and dad are the silent partners that you'll see helping clean rooms, working on the grounds and sharing there love of the area with our guests. It truly takes a village and we're happy to share the Timber Baron Inn and our love of Bayfield with all of our guests.
OUR ROOTS GO DEEP
Bayfield has a rich pioneering history and our family has deep roots in that history. We have had family ties with lighthouse keepers, commercial fishing, logging, fruit farmers and more.
Keepers of the Lights: My great-great-grandfather Vern Barningham was a lighthouse keeper on Raspberry and Outer Island. My grandfather, Richard Carrier, was a Keeper at the Outer Island light station and Long Island's LaPointe light station while enlisted in the Coast Guard.
Commercial Fisherman: My Grandmother Tresa Carrier (Boutin) comes from one of the first families to pioneer Bayfield. One hundred Boutin's came to Bayfield in 1891 with boats and gill nets intending to make their mark as commercial fisherman in the up and coming Northern Wisconsin community. The Boutin's have had a presence in Bayfield ever since. If you're in the mood for fresh, locally caught Lake Superior fish, stop in at Boutin fisheries or the other local fresh fish vendors in the area.
Fruit Farmers: My Great-Grandfather Walter Barningham owned and operated Walt Barningham Orchards, along with being head of the Bayfield Fruit Growers Association. He grew apples, strawberries and raspberries. In his older years he transitioned his efforts solely to his apple crop. My dad tells stories of learning how to graft trees, drive tractors, and straighten nails at his grandfather's orchard located on Star Route, which can be seen from the inn.
Timber Baron: Frank Boutin Jr. was one of the original Boutin's to re-locate here in the late 1800's. He was a very successful business man in Bayfield and owned fishing and logging businesses. He owned and logged vast amounts of land in the Chequamegon Bay area. He built the Historic Chateau Boutin as his personal residence and also owned the first automobile in Bayfield.
Our family history and love of the area runs deep. If you want a local's perspective on the area's history or suggestions for what to do during your stay, we are here to answer any questions you may have.