Years ago, after we had finished designing our magical little hotel — and while we were preparing to start construction — we spent a little time making some signs identifying our three suites.

Each sign features a scroll with the suite’s name and a unique icon — an anchor for the North Star and a crown for the Copper Crown. The Under Hill’s sign features a heart shaped lock symbolizing both love and commitment.

I’ve always been a voracious reader. Even as a child I would have at least a couple books on the go. I loved science fiction and fantasy in particular — even cutting my way through The Silmarillion.

I also loved many of the classic illustrated stories — Beatrix Potter’s lovely drawings were (and still are) a particular favourite.

The Under Hill Suite was inspired by these early passions. And, as we start finishing the suite’s interior we want even small details, like these plug and switch plates, help to evoke the feeling of stepping into a fantasy world.

The Hazelnut Inn is in the little village of Yarrow. Our tiny town took its name from the hardy perennial that grows prolifically in the area to this day. And, when we began planning our gardens we knew we had to include our namesake flower!

With the North Star Suite ready for reservations, it’s time to switch gears and get to work on the Under Hill Suite. Today we spent some time, cutting, grinding, and welding the suite’s electrical boxes.

The flower motif will be getting a little colour and then they’ll be ready to install under the hill. 😁

When we started talking about building out little hotel, Hailey and I would begin by discussing the big picture; how many rooms, what sort of themes would they have, etc. But we also talked about the details; what would the bathroom faucets look like, where would we store the ironing board… that sort of thing.

We were excited about everything! And one of the things we knew we wanted was for each suite to have a few games tucked away for our guests to enjoy if the mood strikes them.

The North Star’s games arrived today, just in time for our first guests!

The garden is swept, the kitchen is stocked, the towels are folded, and the bed is made.

Tomorrow we welcome our first guests.