Today marks my 50th birthday.

As I reflect on these first fifty years, my heart overflows with gratitude. I am surrounded by family I adore and am privileged to have work I find satisfying. The last decade has been particularly rich — defined by my marriage, my extraordinary children, and, of course, this crazy hotel of ours.

Coincidentally, today also marks the 100-day countdown to the grand opening of our third and final suite. The Hazelnut Inn has been a wonderful project — simultaneously exhilarating and exhausting! It is one thing to sketch a fantasy on paper; it is quite another to see it rise from the ground in steel and concrete.

A Worthwhile Project

It has also been incredibly moving to hear from our guests. When they explain how their stay transported them back to their childhood, or share how they were moved to tears the moment they stepped into their suite, it is deeply humbling for me as an artist and profoundly joy-bringing as a human being.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I receive a good deal of credit for our magical little hotel, but I only play one part.

I am forever indebted to my incredible crew at the Imagination Corporation. So many talented hands have touched these walls over the years, and I particularly want to thank Matt, whose skill and dedication have been a cornerstone of this build.

None of this would have been possible without my parents, Dan and Janis — on whose shoulders I stand. Also my sister, Becke, whose contribution cannot be overstated, and my brother-in-law, Grant; I am grateful for his hard work and twice grateful for the care he shows my sister.

My two clever children, Juniper and Henry — who have been part of this from the very beginning, carving, painting, and planting since they were old enough to hold a tool — the future is theirs!

And of course, the heart of my heart and my partner in mischief, Hailey — the one who first spoke this crazy dream into existence — thank you.

Looking Forward

As I celebrate my birthday, my wish is that a little magic finds each of you in the year ahead. Whether through a grand project or a quiet moment of connection, I hope you are surrounded by the same kind of love and inspiration that lifts me up every day.

Here’s to fifty more years of wonder, magic, and joy for us all.

When Hailey and I first dreamt of the Hazelnut Inn, we knew we could handle the welding, the sculpting, and the painting. My family and I have been building fantasy worlds for decades, but we also knew that that building a dream is one thing — keeping it alive is another thing entirely.

An inn only needs an innkeeper, but a dream needs a soul. For the Hazelnut Inn, that soul is my sister, Becke, and I truly don’t know what we would do without her.

Our Very Own Kaylee Frye

Growing up, Becke and I were friends more than siblings. We like to joke that the only thing we fought over was the TV remote. One show we have always agreed on, however, is a “sci-fi western” called Firefly.

If you’ve ever watched the show, you know the Serenity’s mechanic — Kaylee Frye. Kaylee was the heart of the ship — a cheerful, self-taught genius who could talk to a spaceship’s engine and make it fly with nothing but elbow grease and love. Well, if the Hazelnut Inn is our Serenity, Becke is undoubtedly our Kaylee.

There is no instruction manual for a hotel that features hidden passages, mermaids, and tree-root ceilings. Like Kaylee, Becke is self-taught in the art of “Fantasy Innkeeping” — she has mastered every one of our magical little hotel’s quirks and technical details. She doesn’t just manage the property; she keeps everything “shiny.”

The Heart Of The Hotel

But she does more than just keep the engines humming. The reason our guest reviews often highlight our service is because of the warmth Becke brings to this place.

We built these walls to be an escape from the ordinary, but it’s Becke who makes the escape feel like home. She’s the one who ensures that from the moment you check in to the moment you reluctantly head back to reality, you are looked after with the kind of care that only family can provide.

Thank You

Becke, thank you for being the genius behind the curtain and the warmth that makes this place more than just a hotel. I couldn’t ask for a better “chief engineer” or a better sister.

If you are seeking an escape that feels less like a hotel and more like stepping through a portal into your imagination, the Hazelnut Inn in Yarrow, British Columbia, is your destination. This whimsical property offers a handcrafted experience specifically designed for couples. The Hazelnut Inn is a one-of-a-kind romantic retreat.

Unparalleled Immersion

The Hazelnut Inn’s suites are a masterclass in detail; a passion project designed, built, and run by a family of artists.

The North Star

Inspired by the sea, this luxurious suite is completed by a hand-illuminated clerestory ceiling. Twin mermaids guard the Captain’s bedroom.

The Under Hill

Built into the side of a hill, this ground-level storybook cottage is our most accessible and wheelchair friendly offering: sleep under the twining roots of an ancient tree.

The Copper Crown

Opening in June of 2026, this multi-level castle suite features a moat filled with tiny fish to feed, a private tower bedroom, and even a hidden passage to a secret reading nook.

Luxury For Two

Forget standard hotel rooms; these suites foster an atmosphere of intimacy and seclusion. Every suite features private gardens, deep soaker tubs for two, walk-in rainfall showers, and of course, luxurious king size beds.

Curated Romance

Add a romance package to elevate your experience; e-candles, silk rose petals, sparkling cider, and gourmet chocolates await you, along with an extended checkout time.

Quiet Convenience

Located just an hour from Vancouver, Canada, the Hazelnut Inn is a gentle relaxing escape — a perfect place to pause the everyday world. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or just want to reconnect, this is your fairytale.