Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ray.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For a long time, I lived in a constant state of pushing—pushing through anxiety, pushing through exhaustion, pushing to keep up, to do more, to be more. From the outside, everything looked productive and forward-moving, but internally, I was running on empty. My body started to feel it before I was willing to admit it—burnout, brain fog, fatigue, a quiet panic that I wasn’t really living, just trying to keep up with life.
In those times of anxiety, I remember closing my eyes and imagining a safe place. A place to breathe. To heal. To simply exist without expectation.
The Haven was the next step as a reflection of my own journey to find healing and peace. I wanted to create a place where others could feel safe and exhale.
More than anything, I wanted people to feel cared for here. Not in a loud or overdone way, but in the small, intentional touches that say, “You are seen. You matter.”
I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding everything together.
And I know what it’s like to need a place where you don’t have to.
The Haven is that place.
I always say the Haven is a blank canvas for you to write your own story there. The Haven will be the safe space that’s whatever you need it to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I knew I wanted to create this safe Haven, but the problem was I had zero experience in building or hosting. All I had was a hand drawn sketch of the floor plan and a dream. But I truly believe that anyone can learn anything, and that failure is just part of the process. You can’t fail any more than just not trying at all. I spent hours and hours of extensive research: everything from just learning how to use architecture software, to learning all the stages of building, to pulling permits, to design, to learning all the ins and outs of marketing and most of all, how to create an exceptional experience for our guests. I made lots of mistakes both in drawing the floor plan; and I made mistakes in the build itself. There were countless late nights, stressful deadlines, and moments of discouragement—it was a journey, very much parallel to my journey to find more peace instead of anxiety. But through the process I learned so much through both the mistakes and the successes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Have you ever felt exhausted, stressed, burnt out? Confused about who you even are anymore? Wondering if you’ve lost your way or if you’re still on the right track? I certainly have. The Haven is for those people like me who are tired of performing and hustling, and need a safe space to find themselves again. What sets us apart is we are not just a place to have a great time; we are a space to heal.
The colors, lots of soft greens, soft textures, and natural wood elements were chosen to mimic the healing found in nature. Lots of glass was used (the front wall is almost entirely glass) to make the flow between inside and outside pure and seamless. Anywhere in the house, the healing presence of nature feels close.
The real feature of the Haven is the beautiful setting in nature. It’s tucked into a meadow with lots of privacy and gorgeous meadow views. So far from the city lights, at night the stars come alive. We often see shooting stars, and they seem so much brighter out there. We have a telescope to bring them even closer. The huge window in the bedroom is perfect for stargazing in bed. Once our guests watched a meteor shower in bed.
We want our guests to fully relax. In addition to the peace of nature, we have a hydrotherapy hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and a chest full of restful hobby supplies—things to help you truly relax and unplug. Games and conversation cards are a favorite as well, to reconnect with loved ones. Various forms of art, locally published books. We don’t have a tv, as our goal is to help our guests unplug and truly find soul rest and restoration.
Another favorite feature is the kindness jar. Each guest leaves a note in the jar—some kind of affirmation, positive quote, a scripture, something kind they want to pass on to the next guest. Sharing positivity and kindness.
We also feel honored to feature beautiful masterpieces from local artists. Paintings from local artists, of Fall Creek Falls and of the natural setting. A wood door made from a huge fallen tree by a local woodworker. Sourdough for each guest left by a local baker. Hand poured local essential oil candles.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is only 5 miles away—so hiking, waterfalls, gorgeous views, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, are all just around the corner.
We’re also on the outskirts of a thriving Mennonite community with 25 different shops. You can shop at the nearby stores for their homebaked breads and treat, jams and jellies, pickles, garden fresh produce. There’s a plant shop, a quilt shop, a furniture shop, general store, woodworking shop, and much more. Visiting the Mennonite community is a highlight for our guests.
With only one tiny cabin on the whole property, each guest to feels like they are the only ones around. Primarily we host couple retreats, but we also host quite a few solo self-care retreats.
In reviews, guests mention most of all how welcomed and cared for they feel. That is absolutely our goal. Your rest is our priority.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give is to keep your guests’ feelings and needs close to your heart. Then go above and beyond to meet those needs—even and especially their unspoken needs. As people, we all just want to be seen, heard, valued. If you can make people feel safe and seen, you not only have become a success in business; you are a success in life as well.
I genuinely believe that quality in caring for people leads to ultimate success in business, not cutting corners to make more money on the front end. If you put people first it will always come back to you.
Pricing:
- It can be booked on Airbnb, but it’s much cheaper to book directly through us on our own website!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thehavenatserenitycove.com
- Instagram: @thehavenatserenitycove
Image Credits
Rachel Kosky with R Photos
