What is The Kerr House?
The Kerr House is a private Health Retreat in Grand Rapids, Ohio. It is housed in a magnificent Queen Anne Victorian manor built in 1880 and on the Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the programs is to work with the total person through exercise, nutrition, body treatments, stress management, attitude, and self esteem. Spending time at The Kerr House is an investment in your health and in your future while you thoroughly enjoy every minute you spend with us.

Where is Grand Rapids, Ohio?
Grand Rapids is approximately 25 miles southwest of Toledo, Ohio, 13 miles west of Bowling Green, Ohio, and 80 miles southwest of Detroit, Michigan. It borders on the Maumee River, which is between State Routes 24 and 65. Interstate 75 is 15 miles East of Grand Rapids, and the Toll Road 80/90 is 20 miles northeast.

What airport would I fly into?
The Toledo Airport is 16 miles from The Kerr House. A Limousine will pick guests up at the Toledo Airport. American, Continental, Delta, Northwest Airlines all fly into Toledo.

The Detroit Metro Airport is 80 miles from Grand Rapids. Arrangements can be made for a Limousine to pick guests up at this airport at an additional cost.

What kind of programs do you have?
The Kerr House offers a 5 night, a 3 night, a weekend, and One Day Programs, and also individual treatments. The overnight programs all offer breakfast in bed each morning, lunch in the charming café, and beautiful candlelight dinners in the dining room, yoga classes and a variety of excellent body treatments, which include massages, facials, and reflexology. There is a large, caring staff to make sure each guest leaves The Kerr House feeling and looking healthier and happier.

Why would I choose The Kerr House over another spa?
There are many wonderful spas, and we highly recommend any that are in the Destination Spa Magazine. We know them and know they are all First Class. The Kerr House is unique in that it is very small, only 5 to 8 guests at a time. That is important to our guests. They like that ‘personal touch’ and the fact that everyone knows your name. Our goal is for each guest to leave The Kerr House feeling on top of the world mentally, physically, and emotionally, loving who they are, and really appreciating how magnificent their minds and bodies are. Our theme is ‘You can improve with age’, and we are serious about that. What are your choices? Everything we offer is optional, nothing is mandatory.

Who comes to The Kerr House?
The Kerr House draws really neat people. The common thread among the guests is that they want to improve their life. They want to be healthier and happier. They come from all walks of life, in all sizes, and both sexes, though we have many more women than men. They come for many different reasons. Many times they don’t know the reason until they leave, but each guest feels an inner peace and knows their life is enhanced.

Some come to make a decision: whether to get married, have a baby, get divorced, change jobs, buy or sell a house, how to handle an illness (their own or a loved one).

Some come to get started ‘living again after suffering a loss. Others plan reunions so they can visit while they renew. Sometimes their doctors have sent them, as their schedules are so intense they must learn stress management to continue at the present pace. (Many doctors come for that same reason).

Many come regularly just because they want to stay on the healthy road and return home enthusiastic, energized, yet relaxed, in addition to being toned and feeling lighter.

Money can buy the use of The Kerr House and programs, but there is no way to measure the value received in a week at The Kerr House.

How many people do you accommodate?
We rarely book over 8 guests at a time for overnight programs. Nine is the limit for Day Programs. Groups who fill the house often increase the number and that works fine.

Do you have women’s weeks?
We do! The majority of our weeks are for women, and are very successful. We have a high rate of return, many bringing family and friends back with them. If a Women Only Week is requested when the reservation is made, we will see that it stays that way.

What about men?
Men are enjoying our programs more than ever. Men need R&R, healthier bodies and minds, better stress management techniques, pampering, and a wise exercise regimen, too. Since good health is ‘in’, men are seeing that they accomplish more when they have energy, and enjoy life more when they are healthy. We only have Men’s Weeks when a group makes a reservation together.

Couples?
Many couples come to The Kerr House, and find it is important for them to make the lifestyle changes together.

Can we rent the whole house?
Yes, we have many families, groups of friends, and companies who fill the house. That isn’t difficult with such a small group, and they really enjoy having the staff and house to themselves.

Companies have learned that health plays a major role in productivity, creativity, and availability. Absenteeism, poor health and attitude cost a company a great deal in many ways. Using The Kerr House for R&R, as an incentive program, as a bonus, as gifts for

Birthdays, Christmas, or Secretaries’ Day is a win-win situation. Everyone benefits. Our program can also be combined with business meetings.

For those in the limelight or in need of privacy, reserving The Kerr House for yourself, your family, or repertoire offers rejuvenating treatments and exercise classes in a warm luxurious atmosphere while rejuvenating your minds and bodies.

What is your food like?
Our food is all REAL food, - no preservatives, additives, or dyes. We serve no diet foods, no sugar free, fat free, or light, as our intention is to stay away from artificial and dead foods and chemicals, and only serve food that can be burned as fuel by your body. Our meals are delicious and receive high raves from our guests, and the presentation is outstanding. Our desire is for each guest to look forward to and feel satisfied with each meal, and to inspire them to continue eating wisely after leaving The Kerr House. We work well with special diets and dislikes.

What kind of exercise do you do?
The exercise classes teach yoga stretching and breathing exercises, learning how to relax, and stress management techniques. We also use rebounders on the five night program, and have equipment available, though it seldom gets used. Walks and long hikes are enjoyed on beautiful tow paths along the Maumee River, formerly used to pull the barges along the Miami-Erie Canal. You leave The Kerr House with a realistic, effective exercise program to continue.

What is the difference between a Private and a Semi-Private room?
A Private room means one person will be in that room. Two guests share a semi-private room. Many family members or friends book the room together, and there are times when two guests prefer to share a room with someone they haven’t met yet. Since we draw such interesting people, that has always worked great and longtime friendships have formed, often returning each year to share a room again.

Will I feel comfortable if I come alone?
The Kerr House is a wonderful getaway. You will feel comfortable whether you came with someone or come alone. We have many regular guests who always come alone and would never consider coming with anyone. Others always bring family or friends with them and enjoy the company and sharing. It’s just a choice.

What do I need to bring with me?
You won’t need to bring very much with you. We furnish robes, as they take the most space in a suitcase. You may want to bring walking clothes and shoes, a swimsuit, slippers or socks, flexible clothing for exercise, clothes for dinner, and your personal items. You might like to bring a camera, too, though we do have disposable cameras in the gift shop.

There is no need to bring expensive jewelry or valuable items.