Working in the semiconductor industry, she had been observing the effects of the extreme pressure on people working in that environment. In today’s culture, stressful life styles abound even to high activity vacationing which only added to more stress. She observed that people were either forgetting or had never learned how to relax and enjoy relaxing vacations.
About that time their daughter and son-in law
in Oregon began to suggest that they move to Oregon to be a part
of their lives and not Grandparents in absentia. Harold began
to suggest that maybe it was time for her to begin thinking about
when she too would retire. Margaret wanted to retire to something,
not from something.
Over the following months, not only was a business idea beginning to develop, but also a plan to create a peaceful atmosphere where people could come, relax, appreciate a peaceful quiet environment which would allow them to rejuvenate and reacquaint themselves, with God, family and themselves. Several years were spent house hunting, property hunting each time they went to visit. Much time was spent looking at houses, but each house had problems and most bedrooms were too small. Finally they decided that remodeling and renovating a house would cost as much if not more than building, so they then concentrated on looking for a piece of property.
In 2003, a 2 ¼ acre parcel of land was found at the base of Cooper Mountain in Washington County, across from the Cooper Mountain Vineyards, 15 minutes from the mall and Max light rail stations, 30 minutes from wine country and 45 minutes from the Spruce Goose.
Using the floor plan of their house in Scottsdale as a basis, changes and upgrades were added and an architect was engaged to draw the design acceptable for local building requirements. After a lengthy search for a builder, one was found one who would work with them and allow them to put in sweat equity.
Building began in summer of 2005. Harold went up to oversee the building and soon found that “commuting” back and forth from Scottsdale to Portland was costly, so in September, 2005, he took the first load of household goods and towed his car to Portland. The house in Scottsdale was put up for sale, expecting a lengthy selling process. The house sold in 3 days. Margaret retired and they officially moved from Phoenix to Portland on February 1, 2006.
The house was completed enough for them to be able to move in on December 26, 2006 and the interior continues to be completed by Harold with Margaret assisting with painting, and decorating. They anticipate the first two rooms to be completed by January, 2008..
They are eagerly looking forward to meeting many interesting people, and rekindling old friendships when the doors are opened to guests. Please continue to watch the Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast website as pre opening specials will be offered to interested people who would be interested to come, stay and watch the final progress in action. |
Innkeepers, Margaret and Harold Meyering