In September 2019, a bold move brought a Washington State native, Victoria Johnson, to Murphysboro, Illinois, a place she had never visited and where she knew no one. Her decision was driven by a long-held dream of owning an inn and event venue—a place filled with history, beauty, and a sense of purpose. When she came across a stunning house on Zillow, it resonated deeply with her, even from afar. Without seeing it in person, she went into escrow, left her job of ten years, and moved across the country. As she approached her 50th birthday, she embraced the opportunity to bring her Hallmark movie fantasy to life, transforming her new home into a thriving business. Victoria jokes, “I realized I wasn’t getting any younger, so I decided to seize the moment. You only live once, as the millennials say!”
Owning the Labrador Lakehouse Inn & Wedding Venue is not just a business for her; it is a heartfelt passion, and a lifelong dream come true. She devotes herself every day to bringing her vision to life, making the inn a sustainable and successful venture. Victoria states, “I aim to create experiences for our guests that foster beautiful, lifelong memories.” Opening the inn a few months before the pandemic presented challenges, yet the support from the Southern Illinois community has been nothing short of remarkable. The Labrador Lakehouse has become a special place embraced by locals, who recognize its unique charm as a sanctuary for healing, relaxation, and beauty. This understanding and appreciation have helped the business not only survive but thrive.
The Southern Illinois community has played a crucial role in the Labrador Lakehouse's success. The spirit of small-town generosity was evident when over 150 people attended the inn’s first fundraiser, sharing their time, talents, and donations. Local news, including Channel 3, covered the event, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the area. Word-of-mouth advertising has been a significant asset, leading to repeat guests, wedding referrals, and visitors attending vendor fairs, spa services, and the recently opened gift shop.
In addition to running the inn, she established a non-profit organization, The Jordan Rader Foundation. The foundation aims to support families who have lost a child by providing healing and retreat opportunities. The community's generosity has been vital to the foundation's mission, with donations helping to offer mini retreats in one of the inn's suites, along with spa treatments for families in need.
Her move to Southern Illinois has been a delightful surprise. Having never lived east of Arizona, she felt uncertain about what to expect upon arriving in Murphysboro. Yet, the friendliness and easy-going nature of the people made her feel at home immediately. The town's interest in the history and future of the property has been heartwarming; nearly everyone she met knew about the house's legacy and showed genuine enthusiasm for her vision.
Running a business in Southern Illinois is about more than just profitability—it’s about being part of a community that cares, connects, and supports one another. It’s about creating a space where people can come together, make memories, and find peace. She loves living in Southern Illinois and looks forward to continuing the journey, growing the Labrador Lakehouse into a place where dreams are cherished and realized.