Have you ever noticed how some business locations seem to fare well for certain owners and poorly for others? In Lake Zurich this holds true for the property on the corner of Lakeview Place and Main Street on the east side of the lake.

In the late 1800s, Herman Helfer built his farmhouse in an area that was beginning to attract the resort business. Not one to miss opportunity when it knocks, Helfer opened his doors to visitors as a hotel and found that business was profitable. He added more rooms onto the back of his farmhouse and called it Lake Home Hotel.

As the competition for resorts grew, so did Helfer's business. The name of the hotel was changed again to the Lakeside Hotel. In addition to rooms, Helfer provided boat launching from the Lakeside Beach, a livery service to the newly built Palatine, Lake Zurich, and Wauconda Railroad, and boat rental from his barn next to the hotel. He even provided equine boarding and feed for the guests horses.

After Helfer passed away, there were seven different owners who tried to make a go of the place between 1924 and 1929, but all to no avail. Finally in 1929, Guy Farman purchased the hotel and had the magic touch that created success again. For thirty-four years he ran the Farman hotel in Herman Helfer's expanded farmhouse.

Farman's was the place to eat for locals and guests. It was a favorite stop for jockeys and trainers from Arlington International Racecourse who liked the country feel of Lake Zurich. Guy Farman added more rooms to bring the total to 15 and added a family restaurant and comfortable front porch. George "Ice Man" Wold, a jockey Hall of Famer, was a regular at the hotel as were a number of other local celebrities.

In 1963, Guy Farman passed away, and bequeathed the business to his son. He tried to make a go of the business, but luck was not on his side. Poor health, difficulty keeping the old building in shape and family obligations forced him to let go of the business. He passed away early in life and the business changed hands.

From the late 1980s until now, the building was in need of a great deal of repair and four or five owners tried to make a go of it. The current restaurant, Ocean Ranch, opened recently. The benefits of rehabilitation show in the newly redecorated dining areas. The walls are covered with photos of the many changes endured by the old building. The winding hallways, and double entries lend an air of mystery to Helfer and Farman's old place.

Time will tell if the new management of the old Helfer Home will have the magic touch required to fare well at the corner of Lakeview Place and Main Street.