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Crestline resident Trina Brettmann has undertaken a huge project in remodeling the Sleepy Hollow Cabins. She became the new owner on
Brettmann relocated from
“I’ve had so much help remodeling from my family,” said Brettmann. “My brothers Kenny and Corey have done so much, and my sister Karleen has helped, too. My parents have been so supportive. My mom sewed the curtains for all the rooms.” “Kenny comes up a lot,” she continued. “He loves to go four-wheeling during the day and he’ll fix things for me in the evenings. My boyfriend Mike has been a great help, too.” Established in 1947, Sleepy Hollow Cabins are stepping into the 21st century with style. The new décor is woodsy, natural and soothing. Brettmann has an eye for interior design, thanks to her 12 years experience as an assistant store manager for IKEA. She worked with interior designers, approved the layout of displays, and helped create different floor plans for the store. It’s evident the experience has paid off when viewing the new look of the Sleepy Hollow Cabins. There are 11 cabins and suites with one or two bedrooms, which sleep up to six people, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and some have living rooms. The nine hotel rooms come complete with fireplaces, refrigerators and microwaves. All rooms include fabulous décor, and there is a swimming pool and a huge hot tub/spa for the guests to enjoy. Brettmann explained how she began her adventure as a hotel proprietor. “One day I was sitting in my back yard and saw an ad in the Los Angeles Times for the sale of the North Shore Inn. My family had a cabin up in Big Bear and we had been coming up to the mountains for years. I’d come up to Crestline and go hiking for the day and look at the North Shore Inn. When I arrived, I was told the Sleepy Hollow was up for sale, too. And when I saw it, one thing led to another and I bought it. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she continued, “I worked at a bed and breakfast when I lived in
On her second day as the owner of the Sleepy Hollow Cabins in March of 2006, a massive snowstorm hit Crestline and she found herself with a parking lot full of stranded motorists. The hotel was filled to its capacity of 68 occupants, and she had her hands full for the next three days. “I wasn’t ready for it, because the day before I had shown up with just my suitcase and my dog, Tug. Everything I had was in storage. It was kind of a trial by fire. I had the best time, though. Everyone was so nice to one another. They helped each other put chains on their cars. “Our business during the winter season is weather-dependent,” Brettmann said. “If it snows, the phone rings off the hook because people want to come up and play in the snow. There are a lot of families with kids who don’t want to trek all the way to Big Bear. They just want to play in the snow. They don’t want to go downhill skiing. In the off-season we have a lot of church groups.” The summer season is very busy for Sleepy Hollow. The cater to large groups during the busy summer wedding season at the San Moritz Lodge, and Jamboree Days bring many tourists to the community. “A good portion of our business comes from locals. We have the best seats in the house for Jamboree Days. I set up chairs along the street for our guests,” Brettmann commented. The Sleepy Hollow Cabins have had visitors from as far as
Brettmann fell in love with Crestline the moment she arrived here. “I loved the lake and I’m an outdoors person. Hiking and nature is what brought me up here. It’s like
“I saw great potential for Crestline,” she added. “It’s a great place to live. I think the number-one thing that drew me to Crestline was it didn’t have a single traffic light.” Brettmann has seen negative and positive changes in Crestline in her short time as a resident. “I’ve see a few stores close, but I’ve seen some nice stores open as well. I’d like to see more arts and crafts stores up here. “One of the saddest things I’ve seen is the closure of the theater and the bowling alley. For my business, it’s hard because when people come up to stay, there isn’t a lot for them to do. “I’d like to see
DEVOTED TO THE COMMUNITYBrettmann is extremely civic minded. She is a board member of the chamber of commerce, as well as being active in several community events and organizations. She supports any event she can. She was involved in Rebuilding Together, worked with the Boys & Girls Club, donated food and clothing to the senior center, donated to the Rim Forest Animal Hospital Pet Drive, and has rescued 15 stray dogs, finding homes for them. “I’m an insane animal lover,” she said. “I have two dogs, Tug and Emily. I’m an avid recycler and environmentalist too. My first week here I saw some employees throwing away recyclables, I jumped in the garbage and sifted through everything. I recycle about $100 in cans and bottles every week during the busy summer season. I’m going to build a wood-framed recycle center here. I want Sleepy Hollow do its part to recycle. When I go hiking I always bring bags to pick up trash. I want to keep Crestline beautiful.” Brettmann has high hopes and big dreams for her future at Sleepy Hollow. “I would like to see more families come up and start a tradition in coming here to enjoy our beautiful mountain. I want to be an active member in this community. I like helping others. It’s my mission in life. Any organizations needing help can come to me and I’ll do what I can. Whatever I can do to help, I surely will.” We need more people like Trina Brettmann in our community. She is a wonderful, giving person, always willing to lend a helping hand. Don’t miss out on her grand re-opening mixer on
“One of the reasons I’m doing the grand re-opening,” commented Brettmann, “Is to get local people here so I can meet them and they can see my facility. Hopefully, they will recommend it to friends and family. If locals want to get away for the night, they can get a babysitter and relax here for a nice, nearby getaway.” For more information about the Sleepy Hollow Cabins, call (909)338-2718 or visit www.theplacetorelax.com. |
