Timeless. peaceful. Refined.
Cultivating home, garden and the moments in between.
What you will find here
Welcome to Sweet Valley Acres – where we’re building our dream home one season, one flower and one event at a time.
Ways to Explore
all we have to offer
Every detail, Beautifully Planned
Home & Design
The real, unfiltered journey of buying an untouched hillside acreage and designing and building a Hampton-style home from the rocky surface up. From early plans and challenges to thoughtful design choices and finishing details, this space shares the process of creating a home that is both beautiful and deeply personal. You’ll also find inspiration for interiors, cozy living spaces, and the little touches that turn a house into a peaceful, welcoming retreat.
Design ideas & creative inspiration
The Garden
Transforming a rugged, rocky hillside into three distinct garden spaces has been a journey of faith, patience, and creativity—one that has slowly grown into a place of peace and beauty. From a vintage window greenhouse, to tiered planters built from the land itself and filled with blooms, to a serene open-air wedding space overlooking Okanagan Lake, every corner tells a story. Here you’ll find garden inspiration, seasonal beauty, and quiet spaces created to rest, reflect, and enjoy the simple gifts God has given.
entertaining with ease & elegance
Lifestyle
A collection of ideas centered around gathering, celebrating, and creating meaningful moments with the people you love. From simple recipes and beautiful tablescapes to bridal showers and outdoor wedding inspiration, this space is about slowing down and making each occasion feel special. Whether it’s a quiet dinner or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, you’ll find inspiration to host with warmth, intention, and grace.
Featured Posts
HOME & DESIGN
Take the full home and property tour to view all interior rooms, pool, covered decks, garden and wedding pavilion area.
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Adding champagne gold hardware to our white and stainless steel kitchen was scary but the results were gorgeous.
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We took a dark windowless basement and created a bright and airy Hampton style retreat that our family loves.
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GARDEN
In Zone 6 we can grow a variety of beautiful flowers. Come take a tour of what blooms each month of the year.
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Zinnias have become my favorite flower to grow and in this post I share 14 reasons why they have captured the coveted first place position.
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Discover how to design outdoor spaces that are perfect for quiet moments, meaningful gatherings, and everyday living.
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Lifestyle
Plan a charming garden party bridal shower filled with thoughtful details, beautiful tablescapes, and elegant outdoor inspiration.
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Follow the journey of building a stunning open-air wedding pavilion, a space designed for gathering, celebrating, and taking in the view.
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DIY Projects
Preserve the beauty of your blooms with six simple methods for drying flowers—perfect for creating meaningful keepsakes.
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Create elegant spring floral charger plates and napkin rings using a laser cutter—perfect for beautifully styled tables and gatherings.
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Create delicate cherry blossom artwork using faux flowers—an easy and beautiful way to bring soft, seasonal charm into your home.
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STAY CONNECTED
A little inspiration delivered directly to you
Join me for ideas on home, garden, and gathering—along with seasonal inspiration and thoughtful details to help you create a space that feels peaceful and welcoming.
Meet the founder
Hello, I’m Crystal
Welcome! A few years ago, my husband and I made the decision that would change everything: we were going to build our home ourselves. Not just hire it out and watch from the sidelines, but actually build it – one 2×4 at a time, decision by decision, season by season. What we didn’t know then is that we weren’t just building a house. We were building a story.
I’m the heart behind Sweet Valley Acres, where I share our journey, not just the building of our home but also of creating peaceful garden spaces, and celebrating the beauty found in everyday moments.
Here you’ll find inspiration for home, garden, and gathering—along with honest glimpses of the process behind it all. My hope is to encourage you to create spaces that feel welcoming, meaningful, and uniquely your own.
what our subscribers are saying
brands I have had the pleasure of working with
The Blog…
Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Dining Area in the Garden
There are some places in a garden that seem to invite you to slow down, pull up a chair and stay awhile….
DIY Hanging Flower Wall With Fresh Garden Flowers
There is something especially beautiful about decorating an outdoor space with flowers gathered straight from the garden. For our new outdoor dining…
Zone 6B Garden Tour: Cottage Flowers in Full Bloom
In Zone 6B, we can have such cold winters and long, dreary springs that it’s easy to wonder whether the garden we’ve…
more posts >
SHOP MY FAVORITES
THOUGHTFULLY CURATED FOR YOU
Click on the button below for collection of pieces I use and love in my home, garden, and everyday life. Chosen for their beauty, simplicity, and function, including:
- Home & Design Favorites
- Garden & Outdoor Living
- Kitchen Essentials
- Seasonal & Holiday Finds
