Hollywood Manor at Tenhulzen Reserve
Woodinville’s Journey to a Premier Tourist Destination
Tourism is the basis of economy for thousands of cities, towns and attractions around the world.
Using creative ideas to secure Destinations based on climate, recreation, entertainment and uniqueness fill to capacity for vacationers seeking an experience they can enjoy.
As a small town searching for a new identity, leaders in Woodinville embraced
the notion in the 2010’s to create a wine-centric Hollywood Tourist District around Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Red Hook Brewery and a handful of start-up winemaking entrepreneurs.
As City leaders endeavor to steadily grow Woodinville into the region’s premier tourist destination, the lack of short-term accommodations means the biggest challenge for our tourists is time. Without enough capacity for one- or two-night stays, travelers cut their days short, making driving to neighboring cities after a day of wine tasting a public safety concern.
“The biggest challenge for our tourists is time.”
Hoteling seems to be the looming opportunity to round out the Woodinville experience. Not only to accommodate tourism, but also for a variety of venues in the valley that regularly host business retreats, fund-raising auctions, wedding parties and outdoor concerts.
Evolution of Hospitality
From Willows Lodge to Hampton Inn & Suites, and the Anticipated Luxe Experience at The Somm in 2025
Willows Lodge emerged in late 2000 destined to provide inspiration, entertainment and relaxation with up to 84 guest rooms. Its ambiance is said to encompass the very essence of the Woodinville guest experience. Nearly 2 decades later, Hampton Inn & Suites’ 102 guest rooms became the City’s 2nd hotel. By 2025, The Somm is expected to be a luxury hotel with 165 guest rooms on the
Harvest development. Residential homes are a growing opportunity for transient stays as well. Travelers keen on either the Bed & Breakfast experience or vacation rental, have a growing number to choose from.
Michael and Traci Tenhulzen are long-time residents of the Sammamish Valley. Like most of their neighbors, they could see the allure to Woodinville for raising a family. When selecting their current home in 2003, the conditions were one; move-in ready, two; on city water & sewer, three; no active HOA, and four; close to schools. The search criteria may have left little to choose from, but knowing what they wanted meant they would enjoy the lifestyle they could create.
“Back then the best way to tour our town was to drive to
Renton and enjoy the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train,” says Michael, “now we can play tourist every day of the year within a few minutes of home.”
Once the Costco was built, the Tenhulzens discovered all necessities were within the city limits. Traci has lived in a lot of growing towns and reports “Companies like Costco and Target do their re-search and development long before a community realizes what they have.”
Once residential guests are settled: Next challenge: Finding a place to park.
Michael and Traci share the City’s vision for growth. In 2019, they dialed in their search for an investment property. The priority conditions for an investment property were that it needed to be visible, walkable, developable, and have western exposure. Within 4 days of presenting an offer on the now “Tenhulzen Reserve,” 20 back-up offers inspired the Tenhulzens to do some-thing special with their newly acquired property.
Having been a tractor repair shop until 2014, the Pink Tractor was a local icon that had been used as a lure for a tap room and wine tasting facilities for several years thereafter. This caused a lot of concern with groups trying to protect the valley, so the Tenhulzens began converting the Rural Area zoned parcel back to a residence. Permitted through King County, a 5,400 SF 3-story addition to the existing 2-bedroom rambler began on the 3rd year anniversary of closing on the purchase; September 13th in honor of Michael’s mother’s birthday. The project became a passion as Michael performed the architectural design, specified the materials, coordinated the labor and managed the financing for the 15-month project.
Through meticulous planning and effort, they converted the Rural Area zoned parcel into a 5,400 SF, 3-story addition to the existing 2-bedroom rambler. Hollywood Manor at Tenhulzen Reserve was born, becoming the primary residence for the Tenhulzen family and a unique addition to Woodinville’s accommodation offerings.
Hollywood Manor: A Haven for Unforgettable Experiences
Hollywood Manor, available as a VRBO rental and event space, stands as a turn-of-the-century farmhouse on a private 1.5-acre parcel adjacent to Woodinville’s Hollywood Tourist District. With 5 themed suites, meeting spaces, an elevator, and a professional kitchen, it caters to family gatherings, business retreats, private events, and showrooms.
Gracious indoor spaces, rooftop decks, and a wrap-around porch make it an ideal year-round destination for those seeking an escape from routine, steps away from wine tasting, cuisine, recreation, concerts, and events in Woodinville.
Book your stay at Hollywood Manor and immerse yourself in the allure of Woodinville’s evolving story.
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