Sisters Bunkhouse marks first year

When Kathleen and Michael Blesius moved to Sisters and bought the two-story, yellow building at 114 N. Oak St., they weren't sure what they would use it for.

Would it be a whiskey bar? Maybe they would open a candy store. There were lots of options, but in the end they gutted and remodeled the former teahouse space and opened Sisters Bunkhouse in January 2016.

The first year has been lots of work, but the former San Francisco Bay Area residents couldn't be happier about their choice. The change had a lot to do with lifestyle, and business success has come early.

"It has exceeded our expectations," Michael said. "We had a great summer."

"We just wanted to change our lives," Kathleen said of relocation. "We wanted things to calm down."

They found what they wanted in Sisters, and turned the building into an inviting bed-but-not-breakfast with "casual elegance." There's a comfortable common room on the ground floor where guests can talk or work on a jigsaw puzzle on a large table.

The four guest rooms feature custom-made furniture and hand-stained knotty alder woodwork. One of the rooms is ADA accessible, and there's WiFi throughout. There are maps of the U.S. and the world with pins noting where clients have come from.

One of the location's benefits, Kathleen noted, is that guests can easily walk to local shops and restaurants. When meals include a cocktail or two, no one has to drive, she said.

The couple intended to move to Bend, but couldn't find housing they liked. Looking around, they found the yellow building that has become their first business venture.

"We've invested our life savings into this," Michael said, adding they are on projection to meet a three- to five-year business plan.

There's been little rest time for the couple during the Bunkhouse's first year. Now, though, they're looking for ways to give themselves small breaks. One step in that direction is the upcoming hiring of an employee to do cleaning or other chores on a flexible work schedule.

Despite the challenges of first-year business ownership, Michael said the process has been "remarkably smooth." They are planning to expand this spring or summer with a 30-foot by 40-foot patio.

"We want to do a fireplace and a water feature," Kathleen said. "This is such an outdoorsy place, and people love to be outdoors."

Although Sisters Bunkhouse doesn't accept pets, the owners are happy to provide contact information for other local lodges that have a pro-pet policy.

Room prices start at $139 and are priced on a seasonal basis. More information is available at the company website, www.sistersbunkhouse.com or by calling 541-588-6122.

Kathleen, 47, and Michael, 51, both acknowledged support from the local community, which they appreciate. They want to return the favor.

"We're all about supporting the town," Michael said.