Talus Rock Retreat in beautiful Sandpoint provides an experience for guests like no other; unforgettable in every way imaginable.
When just newlyweds, Bruce and Heather Mehra-Pedersen vowed that if they were ever blessed with abundance, they would build something to give back and “serve those who serve others.” In staying true to their core vision and faith, their family home was shared with family and friends as well as people who mentored or sacrificed for them along the way (such as pastors, teachers, soldiers and missionaries). “When the economic recession of ‘08 hit, it ignited the conversion to (establish) a ‘for-profit’ enterprise in an effort to hold onto our ‘love letter,’” says Heather. “The infrastructure was already in place, so we opened it up to the idea of hosting tourists.” In turn, the couple opened their home, Talus Rock Retreat, to the public.
Perfectly situated on an 18-acre “wilderness playground” only 1 mile from Downtown Sandpoint, it has become a destination hotspot for a variety of visitors and can sleep up to 24 guests. Built with the commitment of giving back, each key staff member in this social venture has a heart for service as well as an innate sense of community.
The property offers the perfect fusion of fun and function. Talus is furnished with three fully equipped kitchens, a home theater, hot tub, heated outdoor pool, radiant heated floors, stunning mosaics, copper-colored tin ceilings, a tree shower, waterfall, fish-stocked pond, and a fourth-floor tower that frames the endless, unparalleled 270-degree views of Lake Pend Oreille and the spectacular Cabinet Mountains.
“To us, it’s all about the details and recognizing that people crave something positively unexpected, yet delightful,” Heather says, adding, “We aim to provide customized service one guest at a time—not just to satisfy but to exceed guests’ expectations.”
It is the deliberate, yet natural, balance of warm hospitality while meeting respect for guest privacy that creates an exclusive welcoming experience. “The ambience of Talus will engage you, or let you be. It may inspire you or simply provide you with a place to relax in peace and quiet,” says Heather.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the many activities, both indoors and out, as they can serve up a movie, watch the sunset, roast smokies and marshmallows over the fire pit, swim, fly fish, and rowboat or ice skate on the bass-stocked pond or meander through the tall cedars along the 25-minute nature trail walk. They also offer full-service spa treatments and have a healing sauna and 10-man hot tub to soak under the stars.
“From single-room romantic getaways to families and corporate executives enjoying the rejuvenating qualities of Talus Rock, we provide our guests with a luxurious venue,” says Heather. “We fine-tune to each visitor’s specific desires and requests. Whether they’re coming for a family reunion, corporate gathering, weekend getaway, workshop, honeymoon, birthday party, an intimate wedding ceremony or any occasion calling for an escape in a unique and natural setting, we work hard to ensure they’ll find what they’re looking for (at Talus Rock).”
They make it a priority to balance the gems of Talus with individualized guest service to best cater to each specific guest, which is successfully executed through the staff’s situational awareness and keen attention to detail.
As TripAdvisor’s “Area’s Best Lodging” for 10 years and counting, Bruce and Heather continue to stay true to their mission—hosting wonderful people, funding their family’s nonprofit endeavors and supporting Sandpoint’s local causes. “Everything we’ve built has been made possible by a divine synergy of people, places and pleasures,” says Heather.
Feeling inspired? Book a room at Talus Rock Retreat and prepare yourself for this one-of-a-kind experience—a delightful, unusual and intimate pampering getaway that Bruce, Heather and the rest of their team will strive to make uniquely yours.
Talus Rock Retreat
291 Syringa Heights
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208.255.8458