Our Story
Doug and Gabriela Harper never expected to be in the hotel business, but the big-hearted couple views their work here as a labor of love.
Doug and Gabriela took over operations at the Heartland after the tragic loss of former owners Rory and Sara Mehen. Doug and Rory are long-time friends who met in middle school and shared endless outdoor adventures through the years. Snowboarding, skating, biking or traveling abroad, their shared sense of adventure created a close bond that lasted through adolescence and into adulthood.
Growing up, the Mehen household was one of those special places where the doors were always open and everyone was always welcome. Rory and Sara brought that same brand of open-heartedness and hospitality to the Heartland, making it as much a community gathering place as a business venture.
Moving forward, the Harpers’ goal is to honor the vision and memory of the Mehens by keeping the Heartland going as an asset to the local community, a pet-friendly haven, and a place of respite for visitors to this area that we all love.
Sara’s love for animals was as strong as Rory’s love for adventure, and the Harpers plan to donate a percentage of their profits to McPaws Regional Animal Shelter in honor of Sara, her beloved dog Violet (who still lives at the Heartland) and all of the pets who love spending time here.
The Harpers also want to honor the historic Heigho House’s place in the community by respectfully restoring and remodeling the 1911 mansion. Their hope is that the 100+ year old structure can continue to stand for decades as a symbol of endurance and resilience, and to honor the legacy and generous spirit of its previous owners.