We (Doug and Walker Silsbee) bought George and Lucy Green's farm in 1996 from their heirs, good people who have since become friends and neighbors. After some soul-searching about how best to fill Walker's dream of stewarding such a special piece of the earth, and how to bring Doug's work with organizations and leaders closer to home, we decided to remodel the old tobacco barn. Bend of Ivy Lodge was born.

Walker was the general contractor for the hugely complex remodeling job, and learned fast! Her exceptional eye for detail is shown everywhere in the Lodge and the gardens. Doug jetted around the planet keeping the cash flowing as the project went way over budget. It was an immensely challenging nine months, but we hope that you will agree that the results were worthwhile.

I (Doug) have been working independently for 21 years as an organizational development consultant and coach. In the past 10 years, since we moved to Bend of Ivy, I've written a book, and re-focused my work away from organizational change and facilitation, and into leadership coaching and coach training. Mostly, now, I work from home. I love being on this land, this place nurtures me and supports me in my work of contributing to the development of wonderful leaders in many walks of life.

My own checkered past includes time as a geologist, school teacher, and Outward Bound instructor. I have a deep love of the outdoors, and have done mountaineering, sea kayaking, and whitewater expeditions in various spots around the globe. I also am fascinated by cultural differences, and have done diversity-related training in corporations.

I (Walker) am a trained family therapist, who worked with abused children in the Tennessee mental health system before leaving to homeschool our children. I am a spiritual explorer, and have worked with teachers in Canada and India. My vision is to provide a special environment, connected to the earth, where people can deepen their spiritual work, experience community, and renew their relationship with nature.The Lodge is an expression of this desire of mine, and my wish to be surrounded by beauty and to share that beauty with others.

Bend of Ivy Lodge is the manifestation of our dreams to build a balanced and sustainable life doing work with meaning, while caring for a special piece of land. We hope that you will enjoy visiting, and will sense the magic here, as we have done.