B.I.G Feature of the Month – Neighbour House Bed and Breakfast

Iris Kadosh, Neighbour House Bed and Breakfast

Imagine loving your work so much that you live where you work and you work to make a home away from home for countless guests. Not only does Iris Kadosh, originally from Israel, live where she works—the Neighbour House—she is living in a home with more than 250 years of history. A history that began with one family seeking the “American dream” and a history that continues to be made by another family living the “American dream.”

The history of Neighbour House dates back to 1738 when Leanhart Nachbar and his family sailed from Holland towards New York. Nachbar and his family were among 38 others who set out to arrive on American soil more than two centuries ago. Strong winds blew the ship off course and eventually Nachbar and his family ended up in New Jersey and settled on a property, which by 1750, he owned after purchasing 310 acres for $352. Leanhart Nachbar changed his name to Leonard Neighbour sometime before 1750. For the next 189 years this homestead was passed down to generation after generation of Neighbours. This homestead was the place for many gatherings of family and friends, celebrations, as well as a working farm.

Around 1929, the family needed to sell the farm and for the first time in nearly two centuries, the property was owned by an ‘outsider.’ The new owners were part of the Johnson & Johnson family who used the house for tenants and farm workers. The house changed owners once more, but stood idle and empty for some time becoming a haven for hobos passing through who damaged the property.

In 1941 Joseph and Marion Decker purchased the house and gradually restored it and lived there for 50 years. It was always a dream of the late Joseph Decker to see the Neighbour House placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1990, the Neighbour House was nominated for placement on the National Register.

The house was purchased in late 1990 from the Decker estate by Jack Borgenicht, who owned the surrounding acreage. After 160 years, the two original Neighbour properties were joined, as they had been over 250 years ago when Leanhart Nachbar first settled there. Today the house is surrounded by 800 acres of preserved farmland.

In 1992, Borgenicht decided to open a bed and breakfast in the historic Neighbour House, which is when Iris and her husband, Rafi entered the picture.

Iris and Rafi Kadosh are first-generation Israelis, who after their time in the Israeli military, spent time abroad before attending school and settling down to get married. Rafi became a school teacher and Iris was a corporate accountant. But according to Iris, “everyone in the world is dreaming of America,” and though they love Israel, they decided to immigrate to the United States in 1987 much like Leonard Neighbour did centuries before.

They moved to Long Valley, NJ in 1990 and through friends learned that Borgenicht was looking for someone to live in the Neighbour House (because law requires overnight occupants if there are guests). The Kadosh’s fell in love with the House as soon as they saw it and moved in.

At first, Iris felt isolated. “I cried for three months. I didn’t see anybody, just birds and squirrels.” For Iris and her husband, their new surroundings were a shocking change from the “city life” they were accustomed to. Slowly they made friends and grew to love where they lived and are happily raising their two sons in what Iris’s husband describes as, “like living in a fairy tale.”

Although Iris and her husband had no experience as innkeepers they grew into it, Iris said. “We got stronger with every guest.” Rafi credits the House’s success to Iris’s hospitable nature.

“We want our guests to feel like this is their home or their grandma’s home. The only rule we have is no smoking, otherwise they are free to use the House as if it were their own home,” said Rafi.

Iris says the most enjoyable parts of running a bed and breakfast are meeting new guests, welcoming returning guests, and getting a chance to socialize with them. She adds that typical “inn guests” range from a family member returning to Long Valley for a holiday or family event, urbanites looking to escape the city, business people, fishermen, antique hunters and crafters, or seasonal guests.

“Every guest is special and we try to make whatever adventure they are on richer,” said Iris.

Because of Iris and Rafi’s warmth towards their guests they often receive letters, cards, birth announcements, and pictures from guests as far away as Japan, Germany, and Australia who want to stay in touch with them. Although Iris and Rafi miss their families in Israel, they feel that their guests have become a part of their family.

In 2000, the Kadosh’s purchased the Neighbour House. So, what started out as a new venture in a new country has turned into their livelihood. The Neighbour family and the Kadosh family are proof that all you need is a dream and the passion to make that dream a reality.

For more information about the Neighbour House visit www.neighbourhouse.com.

In keeping with Identity’s mission of ‘Accept, Appreciate, Achieve’ below are some questions, known as the Identity Five:

Identity Five 1. What have you accepted in your life that took time? Iris: Getting my United States citizenship.

2. What do you appreciate the most in your life? Iris: My family

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Iris: Economic independence.

4. What is your not so perfect way? Iris: As an immigrant my heart is split it two between here and Israel.

5. Susan also has an “I Love My…” section of her Web site where you can say something that you love…it can be anything…I love my cat, I love my friends, I love the weekends….how would you complete the phrase “I Love My…”? Iris: I Love…it HERE!

Identity Sponsor, B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) is an nationwide networking, support and education group for women entrepreneurs. Together Identity and B.I.G support women like you to make or continue your move in life. Follow your passion. You deserve to be featured and spotlighted.