Our Story on the Big Sur Coast
A family-built dream shaped by the land, community, and the spirit of Big Sur.
A Big Sur dream, built by many hands.
Treebones began with a honeymoon road trip and a piece of land that called us back. Four decades later, it is a place still shaped by the people who live and work here, and by the coast that drew us in.
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1983Honeymoon road trip — Big Sur is closed by a slide. The mystery sets the dream in motion.
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1986A 10.7-acre parcel known to locals as “Treebones” finds its way to us.
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1999Permits in hand. Friends and family begin clearing the land by hand.
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2000-03Construction. Local Big Sur talent leads the build alongside family.
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2004Treebones opens in November. Media attention exceeds anything we had imagined.
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TodayA live-and-work community of family, longtime employees, and guests who keep the dream growing.
Our Story
The Coast That Drew Us In
Dreams have a way of creating their own destiny. In our case, we never could have imagined where our dream would take us.
On our honeymoon in 1983, we drove the coast from Canada to Los Angeles. The only portion we could not drive was Big Sur. There had been a massive slide that year, and Highway 1 was closed for most of it. That only amplified the allure of this special place.
Afterward, though we settled and worked in Los Angeles, the Central Coast became our favorite weekend getaway. We hiked, camped, and explored along the coastline, falling deeply in love with its remote, natural, and rugged beauty. Over time, we began to dream of owning a piece of land here, something for the future when our work in Los Angeles was done.
Finding Treebones
On one exploratory trip, we came across this 10.7 acre parcel, known as “Treebones” by Big Sur locals. Aside from a small flat area where a 1960s lumber mill once stood, the land had never been built on. It was completely covered in thick native chaparral.
That year was 1986.
Around the same time, we learned that Monterey County’s Big Sur Land Use Plan was being revised, and this site would be rezoned as Visitor Serving Commercial. Although we had not set out to become hoteliers, it felt like a rare and meaningful opportunity had been placed in front of us. With that, the dream began to take a new shape.
Imagining a Different Kind of Stay
We spent the next decade imagining what Treebones might become. During that time, our four children — Megan, Michael, Lucas, and Camille — grew up dreaming alongside us.
Our goal was to create a lodging experience that would sit lightly on the land. Yurts were one of many ideas we explored, but they felt right. Their circular form made sense in this landscape. Many indigenous structures throughout history share that same idea, from igloos and teepees to the dome-like shelters of the local Esalen and Salinian peoples.
It became clear that this was not just about building a place to stay, but about creating something that felt connected to its surroundings.
Building It Together
What followed was a long and often difficult five-year permitting process. Like many worthwhile endeavors, it was not easy.
Construction finally began at the turn of the millennium. As we had promised, the project was brought to life with the help of local Big Sur talent. Our children, along with extended family and friends, all played a role in building what Treebones would become over the next four years.
It was a true collective effort, shaped by many hands and shared belief.
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2001-02
2002-03
Opening and Growing
Treebones opened its doors in November of 2004. From the beginning, it received a level of media attention we never could have anticipated.
Over time, Treebones has grown into something more than we originally imagined. Today, we are fortunate to live on site with our now grown children, alongside more than thirty employees. Together, we have created a unique live and work environment, one that continues to evolve with each passing year.
What Treebones Is Today
In many ways, Treebones is still rooted in the same ideas that brought us here in the first place. It is a place shaped by community, creativity, and a deep respect for the land.
We continue to contribute our time, talent, and resources to the Big Sur community we are proud to call home. It is a place of incredible beauty, but also one that requires care and intention to preserve.
Having had the opportunity to watch this dream become a reality, we count our blessings every day. We are grateful to welcome those who choose to include Treebones in their Big Sur experience, and to share this place with others in a meaningful way.
“Grounded in community and innovation, Treebones is a bold expression of many hands creating inspiration and renewal for all who discover us.”
Continue Exploring Treebones
Learn more about how Treebones has been experienced, recognized, and how we continue to care for this place.
