How are you connected to NWA?
I grew up in Southeast Arkansas and went to the University of Arkansas. I met my husband, Brandon, after college while we were both working in Rogers. We spent a few years living in the Bentonville area before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma. Now we have two kids, Weston and Ryan, and our dog, Thunder. Northwest Arkansas has always been one of our favorite places. We are big Razorback fans, and recently we’ve started biking as a family.
What brought you into the business of property rentals?
I had been thinking about buying a short-term rental for a few years, and once I finally convinced Brandon, I jumped straight into the search. Bella Vista immediately felt like the right place. The area is growing, but it still has that small-town charm. Our house is just 15-minutes from Downtown Bentonville, yet tucked away enough to feel private.
How long did it take to turn the property into what it is today?
We closed on the property on February 28, 2025, and opened The Bluewood Retreat in June. I knew that to open successfully by summer, I needed the right team. I had been following Somerled Design for a couple of years and loved their strategy-led approach to short-term rentals. A fun bonus is that their COO, Steph Byrnes, is a Northwest Arkansas local.
Inside, custom mural work by RoadRunner Murals in Oklahoma and wallpaper from Mâche Wallcoverings in New York City added personality and helped define the home’s aesthetic.
Outdoors, we worked with local contractor Lenny Urbas of Highlands Turf and Landscape to design a fully turfed and fenced backyard. He also built the fire pit and installed the hot tub pad, creating a space that feels functional, inviting, and fun.
3. What separates this property from other area rentals?
The Bluewood Retreat is designed to feel like a home away from home. It is a space where guests can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks. Every detail, from the furniture and artwork to the layout and outdoor spaces, was chosen with the guest in mind. The home blends modern design with cozy, nature-inspired touches, creating a space that feels elevated but still welcoming.
What makes it feel special are the little things and the spaces that bring people together. There is a game room, a back deck, cozy living areas, and a fully turfed backyard with a fire pit and hot tub. Guests exploring Bella Vista’s trails will love the bike bath, and everyone is greeted with cookies from local micro bakery Boston Bread Co.
4. How have you seen The Bluewood Retreat successfully serve as a location for small corporate teams or off-site strategy sessions?
In November, I hosted my first two-night yoga retreat, and it was so rewarding to see the home in action. The group loved using the backyard for sessions and the communal spaces for meals and reflection. My main focus so far has been getting Bluewood up and running and making sure every detail supports a great guest experience. The layout is flexible, which makes it easy for small corporate teams or retreat groups to spread out, collaborate, and take breaks outdoors. I am excited to host more retreats and off-site groups in 2026 because the home balances productivity and relaxation so well.
5. What makes the retreat an ideal setting for a multi-day reunion for family or friends?
The Bluewood Retreat was designed to bring people together. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, which makes longer stays comfortable for everyone. There are plenty of spaces to gather, relax, and play, from the cozy living areas and dining room to the game room, back deck, and fully turfed backyard. Guests can cook and eat together, unwind around the fire pit, play yard games, or soak in the hot tub. With thoughtful design, high-end amenities, and plenty of room to connect, it is a place families and friends can truly relax and make lasting memories.
6. There are a lot of special amenities like the game room, bike storage, hot tub, and large community spaces. How did you decide what belonged at Bluewood?
Somerled played a huge role in helping us figure out what the property needed. Their process was strategy-led from the start. We looked at top-performing rentals in Bella Vista and similar outdoor-focused markets to see what guests loved. We considered seasonality, group sizes, and why people come to the area, including outdoor recreation, spending time together, and connecting with nature.
Some things, like the hot tub and fire pit, were obvious must-haves. Others came from thinking through how guests would actually use the space. Bella Vista attracts active families and groups, especially cyclists, golfers, and lake-goers, so we added bike storage, a bike wash station, and flexible gathering spaces. The game room and indoor activities make it special in slower months, while large gathering areas support the typical group size. Every amenity has a purpose and contributes to the feeling that The Bluewood Retreat is a place you will want to stay a while.
Bluewood Retreat is designed to feel like a home away from home.
The Bluewood Retreat
Sleeps up to nine guests. Located just steps from the Tunnel Vision Trail in Bella Vista, special amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, and game room.