Nico Mostert Kilian was born in Riebeeck West on 26-7-1891. He received his schooling at the same school as Dr. DF Malan and Genl. Jannie Smuts. After school, he worked at Riebeeck West at a company called "Jewel".

 

In 1914 he moved to Swartruggens and worked at Joe Verster's Trade House. During this time he met Marthinus Brink.

 

In 1917 he established himself at Coligny and by the end of 1917 he and Marthinus Brink built the hotel, each with a fifty percent share. The construction was done in stages and was only completed in the early 1920's.

 

Many travelers started visiting the hotel and financially it was doing very well. They also ran tailor shop, barber shop and a small jewelery shop from within the hotel.

 

Nico asked his younger brother, Wal ( Walters ) who lived in the Cape to come and help manage these shops. A few years later they sold the hotel.

 

Brink Street next to the hotel is named after Marthinus Brink. Above the track is Kilianstraat in "Verdoornpark".

 

In 1930 a fire caused extensive damage to the hotel. Repairs were done and in 1932 it is again a beautiful building with a long porch with pillars in front.

 

In 1963, the hotel modernized. The patio and balcony is enclosed and is again a very popular stopover for travelers.