In the mid-1970s, a group of 10 families purchased approximately 25 acres about two miles outside downtown Sisters, with the vision of creating a truly special environment. Lot sizes ranged from 2 to 10 acres, nestled in and around Squaw Creekânow known as Whychus Creek.
Originally built as a single-family residence on 8.5 acres, surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and aspen trees, the home served as a primary residence. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was sold to an Australian entrepreneur who fell in love with the region. Seeing the propertyâs potential as a bed-and-breakfast, he converted it into an 8-bedroom, 6-bath B&B and named it the Australian Outback.
The venture was short-lived, lasting less than five years, before the proprietor returned to Australia. In 1996, a couple from Bend purchased the property, continuing its life as a B&B and renaming it Aspen Meadow Lodge. For the next decade, it served loyal and consistent clientele who appreciated its charm and tranquility.
By 2005, after one of the owners passed away, the surviving spouse found the operation too much to manage alone and decided to sell. We purchased the property in January 2006, returning it to a single-family home and, eventually, a vacation rental for new and returning guests to enjoy.
Past stories and memories live on, captured in the two signs that remain with the property todayâa small but meaningful reminder of its rich history.