Indianapolis Star

Seniority Counts

Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Conquering slumber
A visit to a yurt to revive and relax

Not sleepless in Mongolian-Inspired yurts

You don't have to be a conqueror to sleep like a king

By Wanda Willis
For Custom Publishing

PHOTOS BY Wanda Willis

What an exciting and completely different experience my friend, Jo Anne, and I were going to have this weekend. We we're going too stay in a yurt, similar too those used by nomadic Mongolians for centuries. Genghis Khan probably slept in one, but we didn't have too travel to Mongolia or Siberia. Our destination was Perry County and the Mary Rose Herb Farm near Bristow, Ind., Owned by Rosa Lee Sheard and Dick Betz.

Arriving at the farm, we were greeted by a large group of characters excitedly clucking around us. Cleopatra, Caesar, Phyllis Diller, Elaine Boosler, Las Vegas showgirls and the owners were a part of this welcoming committee.

Sheard and Betz are enthusiastic about sharing their 200-acre farm with exotic birds. They have a pair of Java Green peacocks named Cleopatra and Caesar; French Houdans with their wonderful black and gold feather head dresses called Phyllis Diller, Elaine Boosler and the Las Vegas showgirls. They also have

Dominique's, Buff Silkies, Pearl Guineas and hope too eventually add a pair of black swans. In addition, they're planning on acquiring llama and/or alpacas, and miniature Siberian horses.

Our warm and friendly host and hostess were anxious too tell us about their plans for the farm and the strange-looking structures they'd built-three yurts.

Inspired by Mongolian dwellings used by nomadic herdsmen, these 16-foot-diameter structures feature raised wood floors and are covered by sturdy wind and weather resistant, flame-retardant laminated canvas-like vinyl. Traditionally, the Mongolian yurts were covered in animal skins. As in the past, the round tents rest on the bare ground.

Sheard and Betz's yurts differ from the original Mongolian style in other ways, making them more comfortable, too. You might describe these yurts as a cross between a tee-pee, a tent and a house. They're designed for year-round living and can withstand 100-mph winds.

Betz assured us assembling one of these structures was not that difficult and could be done in about six hours once the flooring was put in place

The basic yurt is designed with lattice walls of fir. Rafters are attached too a wooden center or compression ring used to support a clear acrylic dome skylight that can be opened for extra ventilation and affords a wonderful nighttime view of a starlit sky. Betz has also installed several large vinyl windows, which lets the occupant enjoy a marvelous view of the rolling landscape, lake and woods. The heavy wooden doors with sturdy locks ensure security.

Yurts are becoming popular worldwide as an alternative form of housing as well as campsite accommodations in many state parks and vacation retreats.

Betz has purchased and converted a golf cart too a flat bed "run-about" too carry wood, supplies, stones and other items needed to build a dam for a planned lake and beach, meandering trails through the vast rolling prairies and woodlands and to create Sheard's organic herb gardens.

The day we arrived, the owners took us on a tour of the farm pointing out the planned trails, six-acre lake and various areas where they hope to erect additional yurts, including a woodland "group camp" for family reunions or retreats. For now, the two 16 foot yurts already erected can be reserved for vacations or weekend getaways They also will provide classes for growing and cooking herbs.

The 30-foot yurt near the entrance to the farm is being used as a gift shop called "It's Our Nature," which offers herb plants, locally made arts and crafts, gifts, Perry County wines and classes in growing, cooking and other uses for organic herbs. Sheard is in the process of planning monthly gourmet dinners complete with music and entertainment.

After our warm greeting and tour, Jo Anne and I were “carted" to our yurt. The furnishings in our spacious yurt were simple aged Amish wooden tables, chests, rocking chairs and a comfortable 100-year-old feather bed covered with Amish quilts. Additional quilts were provided if needed. Other quilts were used as covers for the windows providing complete privacy and adding to the overall sense of cozy warmth. Betz plans to use solar energy to supply power and heat. For light, there were candles and two oil lamps, one beside our bed. A small wooden table contained a pitcher and bowl, towels, homemade soap and a bottle of water.

In the morning Betz would ring the Zen-like bell to let us know that in ten minutes the golf cart would arrive with our gourmet basket breakfast.

We awoke to the songs of birds and the voices of coyotes in the distance. Then the Zen bells tolled, alerting us that our breakfast would arrive soon. We were totally unprepared for what we found in the large wicker picnic basket Betz delivered to our door.

Our breakfast consisted of hot coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade cinnamon rolls, individual covered pots of scrambled eggs mixed with sausage, tomato and topped with melted cheese and a small bowl of fresh peaches with mint. The basket also contained delicate china cups and saucers and silverware.

With their enthusiasm, the knowledge they have to share and the idyllic surroundings, Sheard and Betz have a promising future. Reluctantly and sadly we took our leave, but made tentative plans to return soon.