Meet Shannon Schonland of Big Bear Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Schonland.

Hi Shannon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Castle Wood Cottages was founded around 1989 when the creators who then owned “the worst cabins in Big Bear” decided to convert the cottages to Disneyland-inspired themes. That was the beginning of Castle Wood Themed Cottages, Big Bear Lakes most unique travel destination and highest-rated hotel on Yelp. Castle Wood is nestled amongst the giant pine trees yet only three short blocks from the Village district of Big Bear Lake. Our adults-only couples retreat is the perfect getaway for partners looking to live their fairytale and escape reality. All cottages feature two-person jetted tubs and wood-burning fireplaces to add to your relaxing retreat!

My husband Dave and I bought the property in January of 2015 and have been constantly improving or changing themes since we closed escrow!

Since then we have created the Haunted Manor cottage which is our crown jewel. Featuring luxury appointments unrivaled in our other cottages, it represents the direction Castle Wood is moving towards. This mini mansion leans more towards gothic elegance than scary, but you never know what spirits may come to visit.

We currently have ten cottages available including our guest favorites the Woodland Treehouse, the Enchanted Forest and our supermodel the Castle Garden which was featured on 90-day fiance the single life.

We’ve also expanded the property and created our Unique Boutique which features our line of custom-crafted themed candles, bath and body products as well as unique gift items relating to each of our themes. (you’ll only find ONE bear in our gift shop, and it lives in an enchanted forest-themed tarot deck).

We are absolutely a very different way to spend time in LA’s alpine playground!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many hurdles along the way. Having been accustomed to LA’s business culture, it was shocking adjusting to Big Bear Lakes idiosyncrasies. Specifically finding the right tradesmen and artists for what we need is a challenge.

Covid was incredibly difficult as we were shut down for roughly ten weeks which isn’t something a small hotel is ever prepared for. Then we instantly became one of the few travel destinations anyone could get to and got super crazy busy which resulted in a tidal wave of people buying up properties for Airbnb which has been a significant challenge not only to the lodging industry up here but the community as well. The primary issue for the community has been the lack of housing for the workforce and the oversaturation of short-term rentals has taken a massive toll on the neighborhoods.

We are also ALWAYS at the mercy of mother nature, who has recently decided to give us WAY too much of the white stuff which shut down the roads for about two weeks.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been self-employed most of my career but am truly a frustrated artist! I graduated for the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts as a theater major (way back when) and have had a lifelong passion for creative pursuits. Castle Wood and now our boutique have given me a great venue to add that to my business life as well. I personally formulate and manufacture our themed candles, body butter, sugar scrubs, bubbling bath potions and custom gift baskets. I also make floral crowns for fae and mortals alike.

Dave spent his career as a set builder for the studios and brought that skill set into making my crazy ideas a reality.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I had long had a B&B or small hotel on my list of dream professions, thinking that would be a great retirement business for me. While I knew it would be hard work, as a lifelong entrepreneur I wasn’t afraid of that. What I didn’t expect or realize was how non-stop it would be. When you have any sort of small hotel type of business you’re literally on call 24/7. THAT is something that definitely should be kept in mind. Water heaters, or heaters, sinks, any of these things don’t care that it’s 2 am on a Sunday, they need attention when the decide they need it!

Pricing:

• weekdays start at $159 depending on cottage selected
• weekends start at $179.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.castlewoodcottages.com
• Instagram: castlewood_cottages
• Facebook: Castle Wood Cottages
• Yelp: Castlewood Cottages