Johnny and Shanna Stanbrough developed the resort and opened it in July 2021 . Johnny hails from eastern New Mexico near the Mescalero Indian reservation , and Shanna is a Garland native . The couple adopted their concept from a similar resort , which also features tipis , operated by Johnny ’ s sister in New Mexico . While scouting for property , they came across a junk-strewn parcel north of Wills Point .
They cleared away old boats , beds , pillows , TVs , doors , half a hot tub and a small mountain of empty Starbuck coffee bottles . They brought in electricity , installed a septic system and cleared spots for the tipis , which are situated atop wooden platforms .
The tipis are critter-proof and topped by mosquito netting with a six-foot zippered opening . Wrapped in canvas , 27-foot aspen poles keep the structures secure , and the tipis can accommodate four people . The tipis are heated and cooled and furnished with a queen- or king-sized bed , dressers , futons and lamps . The tipis , Shanna said , are “ made for this type of situation .”
A talented artist , Shanna gave the tipis and the entire resort a Southwestern-style motif .
The couple , who say they have no intention to finance an expansion with debt , intend to enlarge their resort at some point in the future by adding cabins and another five to 10 tipis . If the current trend continues , an expansion will be well justified .
“ Knock on wood , I haven ’ t had a bad review yet ,” says Johnny . “ It ’ s been over the top for reviews , which helps me tremendously .”
“ Our Google reviews and our Verbo reviews have been really good so far ,” adds Shanna .
Among other things , reviewers cite cleanliness .
A tipi interior .
Clean and modern restrooms .
A changing room for special occasions .
SPRING 2022 9 GREENVILE LIFE