Beyond Hope Resort Opens for the 32nd Summer

April showers bring May flowers and this May brings the 32nd season BHR is open for business. The first man with a vision was Bob Jones, a Gonzaga graduate and Spokane Real Estate Broker came to Hope in 1968. Bob, a gregarious entrepreneur, saw the spectacular beauty and potential of the Hope Peninsula , a game preserve with wildlife everywhere. His wife Margaret and their five children began coming to the peninsula every weekend. Margaret wasn't enamored with these trips, so Bob promised and delivered her a new station wagon every six months to make the trips easier. In 1969 they built a “kit home” a Quonset hut, which still stands at Beyond Hope Resort. Janet, their oldest daughter and her husband Bob parked a trailer next to the kit house.

At the time the main road on the peninsula, then called Beyond Hope Road, ran right along the waters edge, in 1970 Bob successfully had the road moved to its current location approximately 500 feet from the lake. Soon he set upon digging a seasonal boat basin which would serve as the marina. Neighbors, friends and a number of locals, helped dig the boat basin, which is still used as a seasonal marina. In 1974 the Jones family constructed the building which is now the restaurant and bar. In 1975 the RV Park was opened, daughter Terry working by her father's side. Bob's original idea was to have RVs Park in the area on the east side of Peninsula Road , now known as the upper park. His daughter Janet was the first customer, parking her trailer in that area so potential customers would know that the resort was open.

The resort became a popular spot with travelers from all over the country. Many Canadian guests came for the good weather and Bob's fun loving spirit.

Every season Bob and his family prepared their famous “Hobo Dinner”. Guests would bring their own utensils for a feast of local sausage, potatoes and vegetables cooked in gleaming galvanized garbage pails, over hot coals. It was a common occurrence to see Bob bang on a metal pot, calling the deer to the shoreline to be fed. A good time was had by guests and locals alike. The family had created a spot that would be memorable for many other families.

Upon Bob's passing in 1986, his wife Margaret operated the Resort with the help of their children until her death in 1997. After she passed away, the children reluctantly voted to sell the Resort.

In the summer of 1992 Jim Lane , was on a vacation in Idaho and fell in love with Sandpoint and the surrounding area. The natural beauty and friendly people made the area even more appealing. Jim tent camped at Beyond Hope Resort and marveled at the incredible views. Hearing that the property was for sale years later, he purchased the Resort in 1998. There was much to learn and many repairs to be made as the property hadn't felt Bob's touch in years. Little by little facilities were repaired and improved. In 2001 Jim, his partner Cathy Dela'o, and their daughter Gena, built a very small (100 sq feet) kitchen and started a fine dining restaurant. They had some success and decided to improve the kitchen and add a larger, more inviting deck. Beyond Hope now had a new family to care for it. The surviving Jones children, Janet, Terry and Jeff still visit the Resort today with their families. They appreciate that Jim shares their father's dream for this one of a kind setting. In honor of BHR's 32nd Birthday, a new fireplace was built and more windows added in the lodge. Here guests can enjoy the indoor setting as much as the spectacular outdoors. Today BHR is a special sort of summer vacation destination, where those who came as children bring their children, to experience the delights of North Idaho innocents and the Hope Peninsula .

Beyond Hope Resort operates seasonally from May 2nd to September 3rd 2008. Reservations are a must for the RV Park during the months of July and August. The restaurant is open most days for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested. 208 264-5251

Beyond Hope Resort 2008

Years of planning and dreaming have lead to exciting growth at Beyond Hope
Resort. Over the winter there has been an abundance of activity in the boat basin, where huge machinery has carved out an improved marina to serve the Resort. The Marina’s new retaining walls have a cobblestone design and the breakwater is new and improved. It is certain that new and returning guests alike will enjoy this enhancement to the property.

The Resort and Restaurant will open May 2nd 2008 and the season will conclude September 3rd, 2008. The restaurant will be operated by Chef Elissa Robbins, offering upscale, regional fare. Elissa, a classically trained chef, has owned and operated the nearby Floating Restaurant for 19 years, and is excited to add the Beyond Hope venue to her restaurant family.

A New Chapter

When Jim purchased the property almost 10 years ago his vision included distinctive home sites in this one of a kind setting. Last fall, Jim and Cathy sold a 75% interest in the Resort to a new partnership, Beyond Hope II, LLC. The partners will work together on a Planned Unit Development offering a variety of homes. Jim has shared these plans and ideas with many guests over the past few years and his vision for the property is becoming reality.

The 2008 summer season will be the finale for BHR as an RV Park and campground, but stay tuned as the story of this magical location unfolds.