Intown Getaway
Larry and Tamara Rhoads opened “Two Hearts Inn” on December 29, 2006. Connected to the successful Inspirations Gifts, Décor and Tea Room, which opened two years ago, the 12,000-foot complex now includes a retail business, restaurant, bed and breakfast, as well as their residence.
“For fifteen years we’ve dreamed of a bed and breakfast,” said Larry Rhoads. “We wanted to build something Edmond would be proud of.
“We had our name, Two Hearts Inn, registered long before we started. Tamara even had a custom plate on her car tag with the name on it.”
After six months of planning and seven months of building, their dream came true. “It wasn’t without a tremendous amount of sacrifice and effort—like most things in life that are worthwhile,” said Rhoads.
Originally from New Mexico, the couple moved to Oklahoma seven years ago. “We grew up in family business environments,” Rhoads explained. “There is nothing like having that hands-on experience. It helps children prepare for life.”
The Rhoads’ oldest daughter, Christa Jantz is the Inn’s interior designer. Nicknamed “Queen of Theme” when she was young, Christa now owns a business by that name. Their son, Rodrick Rhoads owns Happily Everlasting, a photography studio. Both are in Edmond.
“Our mission for the tearoom has been “Encouraging Faith, Family, and Friends,” said Rhoads. Inspirations was built in loving memory of Tamara’s sister, April, who died in a tragic accident. “Tamara’s last time to be with her sister was a couple of days before the accident. She hosted a tea party to celebrate Mother’s Day.”
“Our mission for Two Hearts Inn goes along with Inspiration’s mission. It’s about relationships. We want to encourage marriages, which is the core of the family, focusing on helping couples renew and rekindle their relationships in a relaxing environment.
“We have tried to break the stereotype of a bed and breakfast being in an old house. We wanted something upscale, luxurious and romantic,” Rhoads said.
The west main entry of Two Hearts gracefully enters into an area of travertine, hardwood floors, and elegance. A see-through fireplace partially divides a library and sitting area.
Five individual suites feature a variety of luxuries such as 50-inch flat screen televisions, high quality sound systems, extensive sound proofing, rain head showers and custom made mattresses with two layers of memory foam and plush tops. Extensive woodwork throughout the house includes eight-foot knotty wood alder wood doors.
“We tried to enlist local businesses as much as possible, like Jetta whirl pools,” said Rhoads.
The property is comprised of five acres of partially wooded area. The spacious deck overlooks a creek, a walking path and fire pit. It may be hard to choose the ambiance of your getaway because each suite is uniquely decorated and furnished.
Suite Santa Fe, with a kiva fireplace, terra cotta tile and rustic beams, transports you to the mountains of New Mexico. Suite Island features a seven-foot feng shui water fountain, bamboo wood floors and palm trees while Suite Chic, a sophisticated black and white Parisian style décor, offers a refined European taste.
Two outside suites have over five hundred square feet and expansive windows that face the wooded area. Suite Tuscany reminds one of the golden elegance of the renaissance and Suite Hearts, a possible bridal or honeymoon suite with a French Chateau decor, has a fireplace over the tub and a massive canopy sleigh bed.
“This is a hometown getaway without going away,” said Rhoads. “We wanted to build something unique and extra nice with a wow factor. We’ve already had a lot of people stay or come look, and the main comment has been, ‘It’s amazing!’”
Rhoads said their focus is on serving central Oklahoma. “We believe the majority of our clientele will be from Edmond and surrounding areas for celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, holidays or ‘just because.’”
“We got an email from a wife whose husband was deployed with the military three weeks after they married. She wanted something special for their one-year anniversary.”
The Inn can also be used by businesses for mini-strategy retreats or unique gifts to valued employees and their spouses. Churches can treat special guest speakers, musicians or staff to a restful, luxurious stay.
Costs range from $195 to $345, depending upon the specific suite choice and the day of the week. It includes a gourmet breakfast from the Inspirations Tea Room.
One last suite, Suite Dreams, is reserved for the Rhoads family. The couple and their two youngest daughters live in the sixth area of the bed and breakfast inn. “We sold our home and live on site. We just celebrated our thirtieth wedding anniversary and we’re living out our dreams,” said Rhoads.
Two Hearts Inn is located at 2118 West Edmond Road, behind Inspirations Tea Room. Larry and Tamara Rhoads, Innkeepers, can be reached at 405-715-2525 or visit their website at www.twoheartsinn.com.
