The Alpen Haus SagaThe yearnings to know more about Germany began with the first word of German spoken to Bill Sr. and Lela as they were small children. Both had grandparents who spoke German in their youth.
In 1952 Bill entered the military and received a tour of duty in Germany in February 1953. After spending a year, learning the language and making many friends of the locals , he re-enlisted and sent for Lela to come and marry him there in Karlsruhe. Weekends were then spent touring the country side of Europe on the couple’s 1933 BMW motorcycle.
That tour of duty inspired the design of the new house when fire destroyed the farm house where they were living in 1982.
An Austrian Farm House, with interesting additions of a small turret, Fachwerk designs (half- timbered look) and white trim was chosen as the new look for the farm house. With the help of family and many friends , the excavation and building of the new house was started in June and the first floor was completed by November of 1982.
Over the years many additions have been made, including a balcony and a Gazebo. The Gazebo is the home of the bell tower which was special made in Jochberg, near Kitzbuhl , Austria and transported home on the airplane with the Bill and Lela in 1986. Strong prevailing winds caused the Morris family to decide not to place the tower in the traditional place on top of the house.
Friends from Europe have made numerous visits over the years to the farm. Other guests have come from all parts of the USA , South America, India, Finland, Sweden, England, Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, Russia and the Ukraine.
After the passing of Bill Sr. in 1997, Bill Jr. and Kathy decided to move back to Idaho and make the Alpen Haus their home. The introduction of the Alpen Haus B&B is a natural continuation of the Morris family hospitality with a new slant and a new Host and Hostess.
