Small town strong
Hard hit, hidden gem in need of support.
Project Description
In 2018 I began renovating and built a hotel and spa in Toronto, Ontario. I opened as a holistic retreat in 2019 and closed in March 2020 due to Covid. Not ready to give up, I relocated 5 hours away in June 2021 and began renovating 3 cottages and a workshop. These cottages held some dark secrets and required much more work than anticipated, along with pandemic shortages, lack of trades people and limited access to resources, much of my project has been delayed. After fully rebuilding the cottages my property flooded this May, 2023 and I had no choice but to start over.
I need your support to get me back to the finish line. My workshop was destroyed, two cottages needed to be rebuilt after the sewage line burst from the overland flood. The hottub electrical was overloaded and now needs to be replaced. (Guests won't book a winter cottage in this area without one) I need to install a proper retaining wall and in time, lift all 3 cottages.
This property has a beautiful history. It has been a host to families since 1954. I'm now hosting the 3rd generation of grown up kids, now raising children of their own, booking here to keep their memories alive.
Sugar Cove Cottages is an elemental retreat located along the Ottawa River neighbor to beautiful trails, rapids, waterfalls and mountain views. On site I have a small retail spa shop where guests can enjoy DIY spa services that incorporate the seasons and the elements. Most products are made by me and the other 11 lines are made by other women owned business, many of which, are from my region.
I am seeking $150,000 to complete the final stage of renovations and ensure that I can re-open open for the fall and winter season.
Backers, as a token of my appreciation I'd like to offer the following for your support.
Contributions of $50 or more will receive fire-starter candles that kickstart your bonfire and repel mosquitos.
Contributions of $100 or more will receive a rest and reset kit which includes: a softly scented candle and shower steamer kit (made from organic and natural ingredients, made in house)
Contributions of $250 or more will receive a small town strong sweater, rest and reset kit.
Contributions of $500 or more will receive a small town strong sweater, a rosebud candle and cloche and bath bombs.
Contributions above $10,000 I will name a bedroom suite after you, along with 4x small town strong sweaters, a week getaway and 4 spa kits to enjoy.
Contributions above $20,000 I will name a cottage after you, along with small town strong sweaters x 4, robes x 4, a stay and spa week getaway here.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Are you revenue producing? Yes and I have been since taking occupancy.
Are you doing the work yourself? I did most of the work myself, except for electrical, plumbing and roofing. The pandemic greatly impacted availability of materials and contractors, I had to learn as I went just to keep the project in motion.
Why the name sugar cove?
I first placed an offer on a location that faced a small island called sugar island, I l didn't get that property but I loved the name and decided to keep it for this location.
Why do you need the money?
It's been an incredibly tough two years. This was an unplanned relocation, but a necessary one. Covid greatly impacted my spa/hotel and if I wanted to continue this journey in hospitality I had to relocate and rebuild. The pandemic inflated costs, there were many surprises with the cottages that included that all 3 had been flooded and 2 were in a fire. I did not expect to rebuild the cottages entirely. But once completing them, I was blindsided when I flooded this May. I completed what I could and re-opened for the summer but I have quite the expensive journey ahead of me to return these cottages to a comfortable 4 season operation (again) and I simply can't do this without help.
Why do you want to stay in this place and not relocate?
The purpose: The potential has proven itself. I do not have a pension plan, this property not only has the ability to generate consistent income (as it's proven, when booked) but it also has the potential to serve me well into my retirement. This location provides a home base for me that I can comfortably age in. It affords me the opportunity to work on other streams of income and it is manageable as one person.
The passion: Sugar Cove has become a return destination for young families. Many of my guests that came during my first summer in 2021, have repeatedly returned each year. Guests that were coming 50 years ago are now coming back with their kids. I feel like I'm a part of their story and it's a beautiful gift nevermind legacy to create.
Do you have a partner?
It is just me, my dog and cat :) I do not have a partner in life nor in business. Which has certainly made this journey much harder. It has also greatly impacted my ability to be present in a new relationship. So the sooner this project ends, the next step is advertising for a hubby/fur dad ;)
Contributions of $50 or more will receive fire-starter candles that kickstart your bonfire and repel mosquitos.
Contributions of $50 or more will receive fire-starter candles that kickstart your bonfire and repel mosquitos.
Contributions of $100 or more will receive a rest and reset kit which includes: a softly scented candle and shower steamer kit (made from organic and natural ingredients, made in house)
Contributions of $250 or more will receive a small town strong sweater, rest and reset kit.
Contributions of $500 or more will receive a package for 4 which includes small town strong sweaters, rosebud candles in a glass cloche and bath bombs. As well as a pinned post on social media with your name/business.
Contributions above $10,000 will have a bedroom suite named after you, enjoy a week long vacation for four people, each will receive a with small town strong sweater, a rosebud candle and cloche and bath bombs.
Contributions above $20,000 include a cottage named after you, 4 people will receive small town strong sweaters, a rosebud candle and cloche and full day spa kit with facial, bath bombs, shower steamers, as well as a 2 week getaway to enjoy. As well as a pinned post on social media with your name/business.
A pinned post on social media with your name/business, a rest/rest spa kit for 4.
Rewards
Contributions of $50 or more will receive fire-starter candles that kickstart your bonfire and repel mosquitos.
Contributions of $50 or more will receive fire-starter candles that kickstart your bonfire and repel mosquitos.
Contributions of $100 or more will receive a rest and reset kit which includes: a softly scented candle and shower steamer kit (made from organic and natural ingredients, made in house)
Contributions of $250 or more will receive a small town strong sweater, rest and reset kit.
Contributions of $500 or more will receive a package for 4 which includes small town strong sweaters, rosebud candles in a glass cloche and bath bombs. As well as a pinned post on social media with your name/business.
Contributions above $10,000 will have a bedroom suite named after you, enjoy a week long vacation for four people, each will receive a with small town strong sweater, a rosebud candle and cloche and bath bombs.
Contributions above $20,000 include a cottage named after you, 4 people will receive small town strong sweaters, a rosebud candle and cloche and full day spa kit with facial, bath bombs, shower steamers, as well as a 2 week getaway to enjoy. As well as a pinned post on social media with your name/business.
A pinned post on social media with your name/business, a rest/rest spa kit for 4.