STACY PAVLOV
Special to The Morning Star
With the sound of the flowing creek below and the songs of the morning birds filling the air, the Treehouse at J-heart-Y is a tranquil oasis like no other.
Nestled atop the stairs in the branches of a huge cedar tree on Yvonne Meyer and Joey Minshall’s two-and-a-half acre Twin Lakes Road property near Enderby, the Treehouse is a North Okanagan one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast.
As you approach the property, you are transported into a feeling of calm while being surrounded by nature.
Meyer and Minshall’s reason for building the Treehouse was not just to offer something unique to visitors, but it was to serve a purpose; self-preservation for their guests.
“We want this to be a place for somebody who’s been super busy to come and feel restored,” said Meyer, who recently hosted the Treehouse grand opening with the Enderby Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s an amazing escape from the hustle and bustle of life.”
Designed and built by Meyer’s son, Geoff de Ruiter, with help from Meyer, Minshall and friends, the tiny house took about a month to complete.
It was the second treehouse built by de Ruiter, who saw that his mom’s property would be the ideal location for this kind of bed and breakfast.
“Out of the blue, Geoff says he’s going to build a treehouse on the property,” said Meyer.
“Before we knew it, he and his friend showed up with lumber and were ready to start on the 100-square-foot house.”
The Treehouse name holds special meaning for Meyer and Minshall, as it came from a J-heart-Y sand sculpture Minshall created while the pair were in Hawaii.
The J-heart-Y name and symbol depicts the pair’s love for one another, as well as the joy they wish to share with those who come stay at their bed and breakfast.
The cozy setting comes complete with a queen size bed and a kitchen area with French coffee press, toaster, mini fridge and sitting area.
There’s even a composting toilet in a small washroom. The pair plans to install an outdoor shower.
To make the stay even more special, guests will be greeted by a snack plate and bottle of wine from Enderby’s own Waterside Winery, as well as a continental breakfast of homemade preserves, baked goods and fruit.
Meyer and Minshall’s philosophy is simple; come, relax, rejuvenate and leave feeling like you’ve not had an experience like it before.