After spending the last year deep in renovations Steve Harkies and Emily Sonntag are eager to throw the doors open on their new business venture.
And although the Juniper Trails Bed and Breakfast has been open for business already, the couple will officially welcome the community with a grand opening celebration Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 2-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to the 27-acre property at 2523 Dog Creek Rd.
Harkies, who grew up in Williams Lake and spent many years on Quadra Island before returning to the Cariboo in 2000, is the brainchild behind the completely renovated 5,600-square-foot home.
“I started renos last June and just finished so it’s purposely renovated for a bed and breakfast,” he said.
The renovations included installing vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace and altering the previous five-bedroom setup to three large suites with high-end ensuites among other items.
“It’s all my own design,” he said. “I laid it all out, tore the walls out and built it all myself.”
Harkies expects to host visitors year round and says he will target business travellers who are looking for a serene and peaceful place to stay.
The 27 acres boasts a mixed forest with three streams, five horses, a big barn and a riding arena. Harkies is working at creating a two-kilometre walking, running, cycling trail for guests and is thinking about offering horseback riding, although those details have yet to be worked out.
Harkies is a tourism, marketing consultant and artist who works from home, while Sonntag works for the Cariboo Regional District.
The two hope there will be an opportunity for Sonntag’s mother to contribute to the business as the chef, which will allow Harkies to take on the other responsibilities at the property.
At the grand opening there will be an opportunity for visitors to enter a draw to win a two-night stay at the Juniper Trails Bed and Breakfast.