A beautifully landscaped front yard leading to a classic red brick two-story home, with a well-maintained green lawn, a brick pathway, and mature trees under a cloudy sky.

About Havisham House – A Symphony of History and Luxury in Southern Illinois

In the serene town of Alto Pass, stands a timeless piece of French-Victorian architecture, where history breathes through every brick and modern luxury beckons at every corner. Welcome to Havisham House, a name that resonates with elegance, tradition, and a love story with the past.

Image of Havisham House with severe tornado damage.

A Journey Through Time

Built by A.J. Rendleman in 1888 and completed in 1892, Havisham House is an embodiment of meticulous craftsmanship and design, with bricks made right on the property. The home changed hands, witnessed different eras, and stood as a testament to time until it became a beautiful symbol of restoration and hope.

After severe damage by a tornado, it was in 2015 that Tra Bel Schae Properties, LLC, took up the mantle to breathe life back into this weather-ravaged structure. In 2017, Nick & Jerri Schaefer furthered the vision, restoring and decorating both the Main House and the Carriage House into resplendent overnight vacation rentals.

Elegant living room with polished hardwood floors, a brick fireplace, plush cream-colored sofa, and vintage wooden coffee table. An archway leads to a dining area with a chandelier, and the decor includes framed botanical prints and ornate accessorie

Why Stay at Havisham?

When you enter Havisham House, you step into a world where classic allure meets contemporary comfort. Both the Main House and Carriage House are artfully updated with modern luxuries while preserving the warmth and coziness of old-world charm.

Witness the spellbinding intricacy of woodwork, bathe in the soft glow of nearly a dozen chandeliers, and lose yourself in the romance of arched-top windows that frame almost every room. Every detail at Havisham whispers elegance.

Cozy bedroom featuring a dark wood bed with pastel blue and pink pillows, a white comforter, and a soft throw blanket. A floral painting adorns the wall above, and a white-curtained window lets in natural light. Accents include a vintage table.

Your Home Away from Home

But Havisham is more than a beautiful house; it's a home that invites you. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or a memorable vacation with loved ones, the doors are open, and the hospitality is heartfelt.

We, at Havisham House, are more than proud of this architectural gem; we're honored to share it with you. Step into a world that's rich in history, soaked in luxury, and alive with a story that's waiting to be part of yours.

Come, experience Havisham House. It's not just a stay; it's a memory waiting to be cherished.

Meet the Team

General Manager
Crystal was born and raised in Florida and has been in the service industry for over 20 years, specializing in fine dining and craft beer and cocktails. The best part about bartending was the opportunity to serve several famous personalities while working at Disney World in Orlando. She recently moved to southern Illinois with her husband and family. In her free time she enjoys playing with her 3 little boys, cooking and ultra running. Her favorite Havisham cocktail is our Old Fashioned!

Owner
Jerri grew up in Thebes, Illinois and is married to Nick. They have three children... Shelby, Amanda, and Breckstin, two grandchildren...Jude and Margaret, and are members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Anna.
Jerri has a degree in Mass Communication (Public Relations) from Southeast Missouri State University and has years of professional experience in hotel management, marketing and bookkeeping.
Her hobbies are reading, walking, watching old movies, and spending time in southern destinations such as Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA and New Orleans, LA because of their beautiful architectural home designs, history, and delicious food options.
Her favorite books are Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and her favorite movies are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Secret Garden. Jerri's favorite drinks/cocktails at the bourbon bar are the Rendleman's Peach Sour (seasonal) and a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Her roles at Havisham include marketing, weddings, overnight rentals, property design/decorating, bookkeeping, and administrative items. She loves watching weddings at Havisham House and meeting rental guests and bourbon bar customers.

Director of Distilling
Eric is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois. He was raised on a grain farm in Nashville, IL and later immersed in the sales and customer service industry. Eric got his start in spirits while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and since that time has dabbled into the rectifying and distilling end of the bourbon industry.
Eric and his wife reside in Anna. They have three children who keep them busy running from one event to another. When not running with the kids, they enjoy spending time at their farm exploring the creek, walking in the woods, hunting, and fishing in their ponds. Golfing has always been another passion as it is similar to Bourbon and Whiskey, a simple concept “put the ball in the hole”, however the results are usually much more difficult.

Owner
Nick grew up in Wolf Lake, Illinois and farmed from a very young age. His love for farming and heavy equipment steered him toward self-employment right out of high school. In his 20s, he and Jerri started Schaefer Excavating, LLC. After decades in the industry, other opportunities began to catch Nick's eye... renovating/flipping homes and a marina on a lake. He sold Schaefer Excavating in 2021 and now focuses on Havisham House and his other business love, Pyramid Acres Marina on Lake of Egypt. Nick's roles in his businesses can best be described as "Project/Logistics Manager." Jerri tells him what she wants, and he makes it happen. He hires the best trade specialists in the area and turns his projects into popular tourist spots.
Nick loves his family and truly appreciates his friendships. He enjoys learning about the bourbon industry and growing his businesses to contribute to the local economy. His hobbies are grilling and spending time on his farm. His favorite drink at the bourbon bar is our Old Fashioned.