There are some places we find that still hold magic. Almost as if they are untouched by the fast pace of the rest of the world, suspended in time, offering a sense of peace and calm that feels somehow like home. Spaces like this allow us the opportunity to be present, to catch our breath, and to slow down long enough to listen to our hearts, reconnecting us to what matters.
Woven neatly into the foothills of west Loveland lies such a place, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. A place that has become dear to so many as a strong and steady heartbeat honoring the western way of life within our surrounding communities.
Originally beginning as a cattle ranch in the early 1900s, the land was later transitioned to a boys and girls camp. It is during this time that a young Maurice Jessup came to work during college. Falling in love with the land and the heart of Sylvan Dale, Maurice made a declaration that one day he would own it. Maurice then returned home to Kansas, finished school and began his very first teaching job. It is at this job that he met a young secretary named Mayme. As they began dreaming and planning a life together, he shared his love of Sylvan Dale with her. Together they began envisioning what that land could become and started researching the property, its history, and the surrounding areas. And then 11 years later, the opportunity to purchase Sylvan Dale presented itself, as though it was always meant to be theirs.
It was with vision and tenacity that the Jessups saw what this land could offer people. Built on a foundation of tradition and integrity, their philosophy is “Don’t worry about what you don’t have, just know where you’re going and start going there.” One step, one action, and one move at a time is how they built their life, proving that dreams are possible, but you must be willing to do the hard work and be consistent.
The legacy the Jessup family has created ripples further and wider than even they know. Mayme’s cookbook “Sugar & Spice” graces tables across the country, letting her love of baking spread to the homes and hearts of others. “We call her the heart in the heart J brand because our brand is a heart with a J in the middle of it and the heart is the love of the land and the J is our last name and so we called her the heart in the heart J brand,” shares owner, Susan. Her heart and the love for this place welcomes everyone that spends time on the ranch.
Growing up on the ranch has instilled in owner Susan Jessup a great sense of service and a joy in taking care of others. “I think that has been a big impact on my life and the interaction with our guests is so uplifting and it lets you know it is all worth it—all the challenges that we face, you know why do we keep going? Well, because this place means so much to so many people, how could you not keep going?” she shares.
For Susan and the staff, it is rewarding to see people at the end of their stay. People come in on a Sunday and they don’t know each other and by Saturday morning they are hugging and crying because they have become so close; the friendships and bonds that are built here span generations. There is a peace at Sylvan Dale that connects people in a way unlike anything else. It’s in the history of the land and the layers and layers of memories shared here. People can feel that when they are here, they connect with the land, with the river, with the horses, and with one another. So often in our current world, authentic connection is lost, and now more than ever, people need the grounding that It offers us.
Welcoming celebrations of all kinds, Sylvan Dale is also open to the public for Holiday packages, allowing visitors to unwind and be more present with one another. The spirit and ties to the land are not something that is ever lost on owner, Susan. She finds the most peace when she can get on a horse and ride, spend time with her chickens, or walk Clint the Donkey. The Western way of life is the heart of the ranch, and they have been sharing that and pouring love back into this land for 78 years, and God willing, they will be here for 78 more. In true cowboy fashion, we will leave you with the code of the west, shared with us by Susan Jessup. We hope that this will inspire you to disconnect, live with integrity and remember that the best things in life aren’t for sale.
CODE OF THE WEST
1. Live each day with courage
2. Take pride in your work
3. Always finish what you start
4. Do what must be done
5. Be tough but fair
6. When you make a promise, keep it
7. Ride for the brand
8. Talk less and say more
9. Remember some things aren’t for sale
10. Know where to draw the line
Susan’s add-ons
11. Be good to your word and have integrity
12. Be a person others can count on
“Don’t worry about what you don’t have, just know where you’re going and start going there.”