Transforming SantuaRio Grande
“Transforming SantuaRio Grande: “The Pure Joy of the Before and After”
When Joe and I first set foot on the land that would become SantuaRio Grande, we saw potential where others might see challenges. As the new hosts of this wellness-themed bed and breakfast, we were eager to transform this abandoned property into a sanctuary for rejuvenation and connection with yourself and nature. But before we could welcome guests, there was a lot of work to be done—starting with Joe’s first vision, the gardens.
Before: A Blank Canvas
When Joe first arrived onto the property in the summer of ’22, he knew there would be a huge learning curve ahead. “I walked onto the property that would soon become SantuaRio Grande and looked up into the sky to try to determine what was true South,” Joe recalls. “Little did I know then, the huge learning curve I was embarking upon. I was determined to become a gardener.”
The land was overgrown and neglected, the perfect blank canvas for a project filled with promise. With limited experience but endless determination, Joe decided the first step was to build raised planter beds to cultivate herbs, vegetables, and a dedicated garden area for tomatoes and, his favorite, potatoes. With a bit of research and the help of YouTube tutorials, he learned how to construct these beds from scratch. “Thanks to YouTube, you can learn to build almost anything!” Joe laughs.
After: A Flourishing Garden and a Labor of Love
Fast forward to the following summer, and the transformation is remarkable. Where once there was an overgrown patch of land, there are now two beautiful raised garden beds, overflowing with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro, along with an assortment of lettuces and vegetables that will eventually help supply the kitchen at SantuaRio Grande. The garden area dedicated to tomatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes took off.
Joe and I have put our hearts into this transformation, and the results speak for themselves. The raised beds are not just functional but beautifully crafted, adding an element of rustic charm to the property. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from seeing the fruits of your labor, (quite literally in this case) take root and flourish.
The Satisfaction of Before and After
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a “before and after” makeover. It’s more than just the visual change; it’s about the journey from an idea to reality, from chaos to order, from emptiness to abundance. At SantuaRio Grande, every corner of the property is a testament to this transformative process.
For Joe, the experience of building the garden beds was more than just a task—it was a journey of learning, growth, and connecting with the land. “I didn’t know much about gardening when we started,” he admits, “but seeing what we’ve accomplished and more importantly, how much more I still need to learn, gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and joy.”
Join Us in the Transformation
The transformation of SantuaRio Grande is ongoing. Each new project, each new “before and after,” is another chapter in the story Joe and I are writing. We invite guests to be a part of this journey, to find inspiration in nature, and to experience the peace that comes from being surrounded by intentional, thoughtful spaces.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates as we continue to share with you the reclamation process of the property and transform more areas of our beautiful sanctuary. Whether it’s creating new garden spaces, restoring old structures, or simply finding new ways to connect with nature, we’re excited to share every step of the way with you.
Visit SantuaRioGrande.com to learn more about our journey and plan your stay with us. Experience the beauty of transformation firsthand!
