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The Himalayan Lodge
> Welcoming Travelers since 2000 <
Short Term Rental Near Downtown Ann Arbor ​
Short Term Rental License # STR24-4178 City of Ann Arbor
The Himalayan Lodge
Beginning in 2000, this house was a small bed and breakfast. The owner lived here and rented the guest room, one room, to travelers (8 years before Airbnb had started). Many fond memories were made getting to know so many nice people from all over the world.
During those early years, Heather managed her tour company, Of Global Interest Adventure Travel, from her home. Twice a year, she led trips trekking in the Himalayas to Mt. Everest base camp in Nepal. Every trip was an amazing adventure. A former teacher, her mission was global awareness and cultural understanding by: bringing you around the world and bringing the world around to you.
When home, Heather gave talks about her travels at schools and libraries, showing her slides and recruiting future travelers. At her house, she welcomed guests and managed her store, the 'Himalayan Bazaar' in her garage, where she sold imports she collected during her trips, and also her art, paintings and photographs. She was - and remains - passionate about sharing her love for adventure travel, Nepal and the Himalayas.
Born in Ann Arbor, Heather is well connected within the city. She works at Kerrytown Market & Shops as the Chime Master, opening the Kerrytown Chime, a levered keyboard where one can play the 17 bells in the tower. This 7-ton+ bell tower (photo below) and world-class instrument is open three times a week for the public to play. Choose from over 200 songs to play by number! The Kerrytown Chime can be heard 3-4 blocks away. YOU are invited to play a song on the Kerrytown Chime: Saturdays at 10:30am and Wednesdays & Fridays at 12pm (noon). It's free and fun for all ages! (No talent required.) As the Kerrytown Ambassador, Heather meets and greets tour groups and gives historic tours of the buildings while pointing out several interesting features at Kerrytown. Heather has also created and led many annual holiday events, craft sessions and parades at Kerrytown.
Today, Heather, her husband and their teenage son live near the Lodge. Heather's heart is very much attached to this little house. It is her art studio, her office, her event center, her writer's retreat and her happy place. She continues to love sharing the house with others, now as a whole-house vacation rental. It's full of her art and collections, a special place to be and to explore.
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These days Heather is still traveling, although less frequently. Any recent or upcoming adventures can be found at Of Global Interest Adventure Travel. The store she formerly had in her garage has now moved to Main Street in Ann Arbor. Pem Dorjee Sherpa, Heather's long time business partner and two-time Mt. Everest climber, now owns the shop with his wife, Moni. Pem and Moni hold an Everest record - the world's highest wedding. They were married in 2005 on the summit of Mt. Everest at 29,028 feet! Please visit The Himalayan Bazaar at 218 S. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
Heather at Everest Base Camp 2018
Heather's drawing of the Lodge
Kerrytown Chime at Kerrytown Market & Shops
History of the House
This cozy home was built in the 1870s by David Kay. He was a stone mason and worked on the Engineering Arch on campus in Ann Arbor as well as the one-lane railroad bridge in Dexter, MI. David and his wife, Catherine, raised two girls at this house, Florence and Betty. In 2002, Florence and her son, Ed Cole, were passing by her childhood home on a visit to Ann Arbor for a family reunion. Heather's sister happened to be on the porch at the time. They rolled down the car window, and Florence said she used to live in this house.
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Heather invited them in, and thus began a wonderful relationship, now like a second family. The following year, Florence and Ed came to visit again. This time they stayed at Heather's B&B. They told her many stories about the house, some of which she recorded on video. They even gave her a large book of old photographs which you can find at the Lodge. The photos record many years of the lives and people who loved this house in its earliest days. The book is a treasure.
Florence moved from Ann Arbor to Oregon in the 1930s when she was 17. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2013 and the following year, at the age of 101, Florence passed away in 2014. A plaque near the front door of her childhood home now dedicates this house to her.
Celebration of a House
A B&B is a celebration of a house. Opening this home, to strangers who leave as friends and often return, has been rewarding. I welcome you to experience the magic and good karma of this little house during your visit to Ann Arbor. Happy travels.
Sincerely,
Heather O'Neal
