Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Kump.
Hi Kevin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We owned several successful vacation rentals in the Willamette Valley and have great relationships with many of the Valley’s spectacular wineries. We saw the potential of Alpine Avenue and purchased the unimproved lot within walking distance of McMinnville’s historic Third Street. Sarita was inspired after a trip to Flying Flags Resort in Buelton, California where they offer cabins, safari tents and renovated vintage trailers. After years of planning, we built our nine tiny homes, each with a unique design, and furnished them with antiques and high-end furnishings. This could possibly be the first stick-built tiny house resort anywhere. We are one of the highest reviewed hotels (Google) in the Willamette Valley and are in great company with the Allison, Tributary and the Atticus. Our guests love the location, the privacy and ease of having their own cottage and rave about our spacious courtyard and inviting firepit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle was trying to build during Covid. Construction costs skyrocketed, materials were impossible to find and good labor was nowhere to be found. Also, due to the fact that we were receiving an SBA loan, we were moved to the “back of the line” behind all of the Covid relief loans. Covid added a year to the already long process and increased construction costs by about 20%. The City of McMinnville required us to develop streets, alleyways, sidewalks and curbs, storm drains and street lights, which resulted in 18-20% of our entire development cost. This was unexpected and painful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The first thing people notice upon arrival is the unique design and layout of our cottages. Each cottage is a unique design on the exterior and interior. The courtyard is a popular place for our guests to lounge and the firepit is a favorite spot for quests to gather after a long day of wine tasting. There is no other hotel in downtown McMinnville that offers comparable outdoor space. Once inside, the guests realize how special our little place is. The attention to detail and meticulously furnished interiors set us apart from all others. They are not typical hotel rooms, but more like little museums filled with art, antiques and luxury furnishings. They may be tiny homes, but feel very spacious with their 11-12 foot ceilings and inviting windows.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Third Street is a magical place with all of it’s great restaurants, tasting rooms and breweries. Our location is so convenient to reach many of the 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley. It can’t be beat.
Like many other cities in Oregon, as well as in the Nation, McMinnville is struggling with housing challenges. There are many initiatives to bring housing to the area, but I only hope that the City stays mindful that the wine industry and tourism is a major attraction. We may be at a turning point where the placement of new housing hinders the attraction of our visitors.
Pricing:
- $160-$195 – Off-Season
- $215-$275 – High-Season
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theboutiqueretreat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboutiqueretreat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087433503837
