The North Star section of the model is nearing completion. Soon we will start adding colour to the model!

According to legend, our intrepid explorer found herself in the possession of architectural artifacts from around the world and built her estate around them. Unfortunately, her journeys leave little time for mundane tasks such as maintaining the grounds. Accordingly, they have fallen into some disrepair. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the lush garden, filled with exotic plants half hiding many of the artifacts.

A bust of our heroine has pride of place on the walk up to the garden. Perhaps you will stop to read her story when you stay in her North Star suite.

We are having a lot of fun as we build the scale model of the Hazelnut Inn. The North Star suite's garden walls are starting to take shape. It actually has two walls nestled inside one another. The first (lower) wall gives a hint of the theme work found throughout the Inn. Tucked behind this wall is a garden pathway. Guests will spiral their way around the front of the property up to the garden proper. A second inner (and higher) wall shields this private garden from prying eyes.

The North Star's story is about an explorer who travelled the world. Mementos from her travels (like the stone elephant head built into the wall) will be displayed throughout the garden and inside the suite.

The model's Under Hill suite is taking shape nicely. This little gem is tucked between the other two suites and I suspect it may prove to be be our most popular room. Notice the dormer window tucked in the tree roots and the garden's moon gate entrance.

We are now starting to sculpt the model's details and there is plenty of discussion about each one. We try out the best ideas - adjusting them or even scraping the sculpt off and starting again as needed until we are satisfied. As we plan we are considering what each suite will look like but we are also concerned with practical matters like traffic flow, sight lines and ease of maintenance. 

The model is coming along nicely. The rooflines and overhangs are in place and the  garden walls are beginning to get blocked in. These secret gardens are going to be very special. As a friend reminded us of walled gardens:

...when a thing is enclosed, the mind does not willingly regard it as common.

- C.S. Lewis

We can hardly wait to begin adding detail to these hidden gems.