Brothers Daniel & Joe Kerr Are ‘Stewards’ of Historic Twin Mansions in Fort Scott, Kansas
It is, perhaps, fitting that brothers Daniel and Joe Kerr, along with other relatives, all from Fort Scott, Kansas, purchased the venerable Twin Mansions that are full of such an incredibly rich and storied history in this Southeast Kansas community.
Daniel says, “My brother, Joe, and I, and our families, acquired the Twin Mansions in the spring of 2023. We’ve served as the primary stewards of the property since. The North Mansion, now The Kingfisher Inn, is a fully operational lodging and hospitality enterprise. It’s available as an Airbnb, VRBO or through direct booking at www.thekingfisherinn.com.
“The South Mansion is currently being rented by St. Martin’s Academy, with emerging plans to house a restaurant and café on the inside and a food truck court on the grounds. It’s going to be a happening spot – a place for culture and community, and a great scene for a drink and a bite to eat in Bourbon County.”
When considering the significance of these properties to this region, Daniel says, “I think the construction of these mansions in 1876 signaled a new kind of permanence, stability and affluence in a town that had been characterized, to some extent, by upheaval, border violence and economic uncertainty.
“When the railroad came to Fort Scott in 1869, the town was ready to mature, and by 1871, it had grown to 6,000 residents, nearly what it is today. The Twin Mansions, built to last, were an investment in the community – a sign and symbol that our town was the definitive economic force in Southeast Kansas, and here to stay.”
Daniel has vivid memories of these properties going back to his childhood. He says, “Being a native of Fort Scott, I grew up admiring the Twin Mansions. One of my friends growing up, Ben Lyons, was part of the Lyons family that owned the mansions for more than 40 years.
“So, I spent time exploring the properties as a kid and they loomed large in my imagination as a portal to another world—pure old-world magic. I thought the wardrobe to Narnia was on the third floor.”
There are close family connections, as well. Daniel says, “My sister and brother-in-law held their rehearsal dinner and wedding reception in the North Mansion. My brother first met his wife at a party on the property years later.
“My father, Dr. Gerald Kerr, was a pathologist and spent a grim moment or two at his work in the basement of the South Mansion when it was in use as the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Weddings and funerals – being active in the Fort Scott community when I was growing up likely meant some intersection with this historic property.”
As for more personal recollections, Daniel says, “More recently, when Nate and Bailey Lyons had Nate’s Place, which was the best breakfast and lunch joint in town during the decade before we brought the property, I was their most regular customer. The food was great and the ambiance too cool.”
Anyone who stays at the North Mansion (The Kingfisher Inn) today is sure to be wowed. Daniel says, “When you walk inside, you’re immediately aware of being in a space from a different era with different standards in craftsmanship. Rooms are grand and generous in height. The atmosphere is elegant and elevated.
“The single most impressive thing to me, and many of our guests, is the woodwork. It’s mostly walnut, almost all original. The exquisite attention to detail and perfection in craft is not something you see today. It’s high art (artistic expressions valued for their intellectual depth, technical mastery and aesthetic sophistication) and wood is the medium.”
Describing more of the North Mansion appeal, Daniel says, “It has undergone a significant interior makeover since we took her over. There are a few strategic deviations from the 19th century Victorian aesthetic. Our color palette is lighter and softer, and the overall feel is brighter.
“The Game or Trophy Room with the pool table is unique and there are some extraordinary stories from its occupants. My brother and fellow co-owner, Joe, spent lots of time of hunting around the world and each of the mounts in the room, from a 13-foot alligator to a behemoth Alaskan Moose, comes from his love to hunt.”
That’s still not all. Daniel says, “The guest rooms are gorgeous and well appointed. They offer that rare combination of old-world luxury and elegance with modern convenience and comfort. It’s a special place.”
The South Mansion’s picture is still coming into focus, but Daniel says, “It has a ready-to-go commercial kitchen and basic framework for a restaurant. Meanwhile, a little food truck dynamic has emerged in the back parking lot with Jonnie O’s Nashville Hot Chicken holding court.
“Some other trucks are likely on the way. I envision multiple food trucks, with a restaurant inside, as well as seating indoors and out, plus regular live music. I want guests at The Kingfisher Inn to be just a few steps away from one of the best food and beverage scenes in Southeast Kansas.”
Daniel has reason to brag on the Twin Mansions, but it’s those who stay here who help spread the word on what makes it all so pleasant.
Melissa Brittain says, “Improvements to the living space are wonderful. They’ve taken great care in making accommodations more beautiful and comfortable, all while staying true to the historical charm of the structure.”
Regan Daniel says, “The Kingfisher Inn is thoughtfully designed, blending modern comforts and amenities with the charm and character of a truly historic and unique place. The entire Inn, from public spaces to guestrooms, is warm and inviting. It’s a true pleasure to stay here.”
“It’s a great spot for a family weekend getaway,” says Ben Dunlap. “We loved the top floor suite. It was comfortable, thoughtfully furnished and had plenty of space. The fully equipped kitchen made mealtimes fun and easy. Our kids loved the grounds and game room.”
Adam Gardiner has been staying at the Mansion for several years and says, “Dan reopened the North Mansion as an Airbnb with massive improvements. They’ve done such a stunning job with every detail to it.
“The furniture is tasteful and comfortable. Every aspect of the experience is beautiful. I particularly love the closed-in back porch with the sunlight shining through brightly. I like to have my breakfast there. The entire thing is a work of art.”
Daniel believes it has so much to offer visitors. He says, “At The Kingfisher Inn, the accommodations are refined enough to feel elegant and luxurious, but it’s not stuffy. You aren’t staying in a museum, even if there are some cool old artifacts. So, our guests are comfortable and at ease.
“Some Airbnbs have fussy and invasive property managers who make you feel like you need to walk on eggshells. In other words, like you’re not exactly welcome. I’ve never understood that approach, and we take the opposite. You are welcome here and the place is yours while you’re here.”
Daniel is honored to be part of the Twin Mansions history in the present day. He says, “I’m grateful and humbled to have the care and upkeep of this property during its 150th anniversary year. I’m onsite every day. And every day, I love it more.
“Two brothers-in-law built it 150 years ago. It’s fitting two brothers keep watch of it now. We’re not in a rush. This is a generational property, and changes we make will be done slowly with due consideration to tradition and fit. We want it to continue to be a blessing to the community and a feather in Fort Scott’s cap.”
Twin Mansions Fast Facts
Physical Address: 742 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas
Phone Number: The Kingfisher Inn, 620-215-6085
Email Address: mmcdonald@thekingfisherinn.com
Booking Manager: Mindy McDonald
Quotable: “It’s just increasingly difficult to find such well-preserved historic properties,” Daniel Kerr says. “Apart from some cosmetic features, the Mansions stand as they did 150 years ago. I think we all have an instinctive veneration for the generations that came before us, and visiting a place like the Twin Mansions is a way to feel a deeper connection with our own history.”
