Where We Come From
A mountain story that started with one family's dream
Margaret and Thomas Chen bought this neglected 40-acre plot for what locals called "way too much money." Everyone thought they were crazy. The old logging cabin was falling apart, the access road was barely passable, and winter was brutal up here. But they saw something else - they saw potential in these ancient Douglas firs and the way morning light painted the valley gold.
After five years of construction (mostly by hand, with help from friends and anyone who'd trade labor for home-cooked meals), we opened with just four guest rooms. No spa, no fancy dining room - just honest hospitality and Margaret's legendary sourdough pancakes. Our first guest book entry read: "Finally found what I didn't know I was looking for."
Word spread slowly but surely. We added ten more suites, each designed around the natural landscape rather than forcing nature to fit our plans. Started working with local farmers and foragers - turns out Sarah Martinez grows the best heirloom tomatoes you'll ever taste, and old Pete knows every mushroom spot within 20 miles.
A guest from Finland convinced us we needed thermal pools. "You have the perfect spring water," she said. Took us two years to build it right, working with Scandinavian designers who understood that wellness isn't about luxury - it's about connecting with elements. The spa became our heart and soul.
Thomas and Margaret passed the torch to their daughter Elena and her partner Kai. Fresh perspectives met old wisdom. They brought in yoga instructors, meditation guides, and wilderness experts who actually know what they're doing. The place evolved but stayed true to its roots - genuine, grounded, and a little bit magical.
We're not done yet. There's always something new to learn, another way to lighten our footprint on this land, more stories to share around the fire. We've stayed small on purpose - big enough to do things properly, small enough that we know your name by the second day. That's how the Chens wanted it, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.
The original Chen cabin, before the transformation began
Friends, family, and neighbors helping raise the main lodge
Our partner grower since 2003 - best tomatoes in BC
Inspired by Scandinavian design, fed by natural springs
Every piece of furniture has a story and a maker's mark
From Margaret's pancakes to full sustainable dining
New programs honoring ancient practices and natural rhythms
No corporate mission statements here - just honest thoughts about how we run this place
We built around the trees, not through them. Every decision starts with "what's best for this land?" because we're just temporary caretakers of something way older than us.
From farmers to furniture makers, we work with folks who actually care about their craft. Supporting local isn't a marketing thing - it's just how things should work.
We're not trying to be Instagram-perfect. Some mornings the coffee's a bit too strong, sometimes it rains all week, and that's just mountain life. Authenticity beats polish every time.
We've got rooms available and stories to share. Come see what 38 years of careful growth looks like.
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