Winthrop, Washington, USA 2003: Decorative wrought iron curtain rods, hand-planed maple armoires, carved cherry headboards, finely-fashioned bedding, and colorful sponge-painted walls are some of the luxurious furnishings and decor local artisans from the Methow Valley are adding to the 112 guestrooms at Sun Mountain Lodge, a AAA four-diamond resort located near Winthrop on the Cascade Loop in Washington state.

"We are so lucky of have top notch talent right in our own remote backyard," said General Manager Brian Charlton, who has spearheaded the room renovation, investing more than $700,000 in the local cottage industry over a two-year project period. "The caliber of work found in the Methow Valley is comparable to craftsmanship from a large metropolitan area."

Charlton expects Sun Mountain Lodge guests will appreciate the new look and feel of solid woods, earth-tone colors, river-rock texture and true Northwest lodge ambiance - a further testament to the local artisans'' diligence to quality, detail and beauty.

The resort's room refurbishment, as well as fresh furnishings in newly constructed lakeside cabins, are being created by more than 20 local businesses including construction and production of beds, armchairs, dressers, side tables, duvet covers, shams, curtains, curtain rods, towel bars, table lamps, lighting, wall painting, and more. "We are getting a truly local signature style that brings the great outdoors inside and articulates Sun Mountain's best attributes: spectacular nature coupled with comfortable luxury," said Charlton.

Hiring locally is a priority for Sun Mountain Lodge, furthering their mission not only to be a resort of unusual beauty and ambiance, but also to offer local employment opportunities first, specifically drawing from Methow Valley resources and talent (artisan biographies available).

In addition to promoting the artisan's work inside the Lodge, the resort also markets their signature products through the Sun Mountain Lodge store in Winthrop, a Western-style visitor destination. Lodge guests, areas visitors, people with vacation homes, and the local community may visit the store to purchase the hand-crafted furniture, furnishings and art work found along the walls, in the halls, and in the guest rooms of the resort. Visitors are also welcome to watch the blacksmith, D.J. Stull, in his retail workshop in downtown Winthrop and to purchase his wrought ironware a wide array from whimsical candleholders to stunning candelabras.

"It is a wonderful partnership," says Charlton. "Our local artisans have an opportunity to showcase and sell their work, while Sun Mountain Lodge benefits by being the recipient of personalized craftsmanship that enhances the unique experience we provide to our guests."

Set on 3,000 acres in Winthrop, Washington, Sun Mountain Lodge offers a Northwest resort retreat with a wide range of both summer and winter activities. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, river rafting, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more are just some of the many outdoor options open to guests. Indoors, the Lodge presents a full service spa, a 5,000 bottle wine cellar, gourmet cuisine and Northwest atmosphere. Weddings and conference facilities are also available. For more information on Sun Mountain Lodge, activities, events or for registration, please call 1.800.572.0493 or via the web at www.sunmountainlodge.com.