Due to many requests this “About us” page was created. Pictures will soon be added, especially of the upcoming ‘mineshaft’ sauna that is in the process of being built.
My name is Tim Sullivan but most people know me as Sully. I am always seen with my loyal four-legged friend Jasper, an English Springer Spaniel. I have made a career as a local carpenter. My three main passions are to build, write, and love. Like we all do in life, I decided, without really knowing why, to take a chance. Thankfully, not only did I take a chance but so did the bank. This chance was taken on an old house, in a new town, with new people. As was reconfirmed to me, taking chances often opens you up, making you quite vulnerable. The vulnerability is often quickly followed by humility, and then hopefully, as it was in this case, followed by personal growth. My love to write has lead me to share my story with you about the building of “The Mistress”, as the house came to be known.
The Mistress
Standing in a late winter drizzle, I studied the old house. It was obvious that she had taken quite a few licks and yet, somehow, she was still standing. As the cold rain continued to fall, I thought about the chance I was about to take. Never before had I undertaken a project this big and so involved. Suddenly, before I knew it, the optimist in me grabbed onto that roller coaster with both hands and jumped in.
Boats, cars, bikes and such acquire names that are usually feminine and close to the owner’s heart. The Mistress is no different. I was turning a new page in my life and this diamond in the rough would quickly turn into a mistress like no other. She had me and there was no letting go. Not until two year later would I stagger wearily off the fastest roller coaster I’ve ever ridden. Like any mistress, she was very demanding of my time and money, both of which were limited. However, where there is passion and perseverance great things can be accomplished.
From the beginning of the ride, the pieces somehow fell into place. With
every nail driven another corner was turned and another hill was climbed. When
help was needed, it was suddenly there, working steadily day by day. As
time progressed, The Mistress was completely stripped down, rebuilt, and
polished to a shine. During this time, many friendships were made
and an abundant wealth of laughter echoed thought her walls. It is
a fact that not one, but many talented hands took part in making The Mistress
who she is today. Her slanting floors, leaning walls, and quirky
angles are in harmony with her warm tones, strong spirit, and striking
personality. In essence, her flaws help make her who she is.
This journey was not only a test of my abilities, but also a complete test
of my limits, both physical and emotional. It also included lost loves
that my heart will always remember. There wasn’t a day that
went by that didn’t have some laughter, sweat, blood and even a few
tears in it. Towards the end of the ride things were going so fast
that today it seems like a blur. Most days I didn’t know whether
I was coming or going. After the final inspection was approved I
slept eighty hours in four days.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been greeted with such open arms and hearts by the people of Wallace and Silver Valley. Such strong support is a rarity to find. Many have become close friends. Had I never bought The Mistress I would have never been a part of their lives. I continue to be grateful for their generosity and compassion.
Life is full of risky roller coasters that pass us by every day. Whether you get on or not, only your heart knows. I believe we all have a “Mistress” beckoning us, passionately pulling us further down life’s unknown track. Life is short and deserves all the passion that you can give. Limits must be pushed, for new horizons wait to be discovered. If you never fail, you will never succeed.
The doors of The Mistress were open for business January 1, 2006. Response for the first year has been good. What I did not realize during this trying, tortuous project is the amount of stress I put my furry companion Jasper through, he too slept eighty hours in four days. By the time the house was complete I could hardly walk but craftsmen don’t pay themselves so I worked minimal hours, tried some acupuncture and yoga, and faithfully and frequently visited a massage therapist. Over the last year I have slowly but progressively recovered. This October 4th, exactly one year after the completion of The Mistress, I met the love of my life, Laylah, fulfilling my third passion, to love.
The Mistress holds her own historic stories gracefully displayed throughout her rooms. In addition, there is a guest book whose contents tell of the fun stories of current groups and families. When you stay at The Mistress Vacation Home, your stories help build the new history of the house. We hope this gives you some insight as to the character of this special house.
