OCEAN PARK — During the last few years, Jeff and Lillian Homer found themselves at a crossroad. They could take the easy route, and continue running the successful Albuquerque landscaping business they’d built. Alternately, they could veer down a new, unfamiliar road that led toward what they really wanted to do: running their own resort. Late last summer, they made their decision. They sold their business on the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico to a family friend, loaded up everything they had, and began the 1,500-mile drive toward the Long Beach Peninsula. When they arrived, they started their new lives, as the owners of Shakti Cove Cottages.

“In the last four or five years, I’ve been trying to figure out something else to do,” said Jeff Homer, who led the landscaping business for 20 years. His wife shared the sentiment.,

“I was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years with the two kids. I was wanting something to do since they were getting older,” Lillian Homer said. “We’ve always had the idea, from going places and taking vacations like this, and always envying the owners of the property, wishing we could do that — make a living that way,” Jeff said.

It all began with vacations to Vallectio Lake, a high-elevation lake in the San Juan National Forest near Durango, Colorado. While sitting by the picturesque lake, the Homers began wondering what it would be like to live and work in such an idyllic place. Meanwhile, property prices skyrocketed across Colorado, so Jeff turned his attention to other regions or areas.

It took a long time to get connected with the right real estate agent.

“It was a matter of literally calling hundreds of realtors. There was a lot of stuff that wasn’t listed. And when I started talking to realtors in Oregon and Washington, they basically said I need to call every single office, that there was stuff out there only certain people know about,” Jeff said. Fortunately, one of the phone calls took them to the property for sale in Ocean Park, a dozen cottages in quiet cove nestled next to the dunes.

“They sent us pictures and two weeks later we were here,” Jeff recalled.

After their arrival in Ocean Park,, the dream was nearly derailed as quickly as it began.

“We had an inspection done and found out there was a lot of work, and it scared the heck out of me. We actually backed out and decided not to buy it,” said Jeff, 41, “The inspectors called me back, and I talked to them one last time and the guy told me, ‘Ya know, if I were your age, I would buy that place in a heartbeat.”’ They closed the sale in August 2015, and moved west the following month.

“Every time we thought it wasn’t going to work out, it did. It was meant to be,” explained Lillian, “It really fits us.”

However, investing all of their savings, moving to a new state and starting in a whole new industry definitely wasn’t easy for the couple.“It was a very scary step, dropping something we were comfortable with for 20 years making a good living, and just taking a risk, leaving all our family behind,” Jeff said.

A former construction worker, he was looking for a property where he could put his experience to good use. “I was looking, hoping to find a property that was on the downside, one that we could rebuild and return to its potential,” Jeff explained. He got his wish — the former owner had been gone for a few years, and some of the structures were beginning to show signs of neglect. The exteriors needed attention, the Homers said, but they decided to focus on interiors first, because previous guests had noted concerns in online reviews.“One of the first things we looked at for any properties were the reviews whether being on Yelp, Google or Travelocity. And pretty much everyone had positive reviews,” Lillian said. However, guests said they thought the beds could be better.

As a child, Jeff had a wallpaper scene of a moss-covered stream among a forest of ferns.

“I just loved that feel,” he said, so the first glimpse of the cottages was a love-at-first-sight moment for them both. The peaceful setting was particularly attractive.

“When we drove down in here and saw it we both we’re just…,” Jeff paused. “We both knew this was it,” Lillian said, “This was our place,” she summed.

After nearly nine months on the Peninsula, the Homers are happy that they took the road less traveled.

“We feel it’s been the best decision. It’s worked out really well. We’ve made friends with people who keep on coming. The kids’ school is going really good, really good community and neighbors,” said Lillian. The cool climate along the Peninsula has been a welcome change from the dry Albuquerque heat, especially for Jeff, who also loves the local wildlife.“I was always drawn to the beauty and climate of this area,” said Jeff, “I just always thought it was beautiful.”

While Jeff handles the repairs, Lillian keeps up with the cleaning.

“I answer the phones and work on the property. She deals with all the housekeeping and computer-technical stuff. It took me a long time to be able to properly run a credit card,” conceded Jeff. Overall it’s been a welcome change for both of them.

“We love catering to people, making them happy, comfortable and welcome. This is their home while they’re here,” Lillian said.

“The whole vibe is really, really awesome for us,” continued Jeff, “Exactly what we needed.” The former manager spent a month helping Jeff and Lillian learn the ropes, but much of the learning has been done through experience thereafter.

“It’s not always fun,” Jeff explained, “You definitely appreciate those that pick up after themselves.” It’s been a learning process for the Homers who are continually looking to improve comfort for the guests while retaining the features that keep the rustic 1930’s cottages authentic.

“Fixing things up and doing repairs and then finding things that are vintage, it makes it a little more interesting,” Jeff said. The beds and linens, the most frequent complaint, was the first issue addressed upon their arrival.

“The biggest — and pretty much only — complaint on this property was the beds,” Jeff said. They read through Yelp review from previous guests to pinpoint areas to improve. Soon, Jeff installed new showers and laid new bathroom floor. The bulk of the busy work has been completed ahead of the anticipated tourist season.

“It’s been nowhere near as difficult or stressful as I thought, being able to work at my own pace,” said Jeff, “I do pretty much everything except for the electrical. Now it’s more a matter of touching up paint, things like that.”

They enjoyed brisk business most the winter, and it’s unlikely slow during the summer.

“All of our events are already booked. We expect three months of almost 100 percent occupancy, which we’re really looking forward to. The winter surprised us with how many we got for clamming season that wasn’t anticipated. That was a big bonus,” said Jeff, who has since installed a clam cleaning station as well as dog-rinse, small changes that eases cleaning while adding convenience for guests.

Shakti Cove Cottages has a devout following, many making a yearly pilgrimage to the familiar building they’ve frequented in past years.

“People have been coming here for years and years. They say that when they drive in all their worries go away and they relax,” Lillian said. There isn’t a definite demographic defined yet, but a majority come from metropolitan areas.

“Mostly people between their mid-30’s to mid-70’s, coming from Seattle, Portland, Vancouver and Longview. They’re coming from all over,” Jeff said. A family-oriented setting, Shakti Cove Cottages have a history embracing all guests.

“That’s one of the big aspects of this property, the previous owners had a particular following. This place was almost primarily an LGBT friendly property and, the woman that was selling it, was very happy to find somebody like us who were friendly people,” Lillian explained. Escaping the hustle-bustle of city life for the slower and serene in Ocean Park is what drives most to the vintage cottages beside the beach.

“They can anticipate a very peaceful, quiet atmosphere, comfortable beds and clean rooms,” Jeff said. For rates and more information, visit www.shakticove.com or call 360-665-4000.