Our Story
It all started when Rick and JoAnn first laid their eyes on the property they now call “The Martyn House”. The Martyn House is an 18 acre private haven just a little over an hour north of Atlanta Georgia. The homestead was built in the mid 30′s, where the original family (Orlando and Essie Martin) cultivated the land and raised their children. The Martyn House is steeped in history and one feels the nostalgic quaintness the minute they step out of their car.
That first year was a busy year as Rick and JoAnn rolled up their sleeves and began remodeling, first the house and then Rick’s Photography Studio. Rick is an accomplished photographer with his own body of work and he also photographs other artist’s work and does reproduction giclees.
Soon after completing Ricks studio they began to tear down an old barn that was about to collapse, saving all the wood. This was to be the beginning of JoAnn’s Art Studio but not before taking a little trip to India. In India, JoAnn was launching another venture, which involved designing and importing luxurious “canvas chic” tents. It was the inspiration of being in India, and having stayed in luxurious tents in southern Rajistan, that prompted the new vision which came to be the magic that now resides at The Martyn House.
Rick and JoAnn walked the property and found just the right location to place their Luxury Sleeping Tents where guests could have complete privacy while enjoying the sun rising over the mountains or setting beyond the meadow. Each luxury tent is quite spacious, including 12 x 12 living quarters, 12 foot ceilings, private 6 x 12 baths with environmental composting toilets, on demand hot showers and 6 x 12 covered front porches. JoAnn’s background as a designer shines through as you look at each tent, they are lined with colorful fabrics and beautifully decorated, not a single detail left out .
Their vision was to create a space where small groups (up to 8 people-2 per tent) could reserve their entire property and get away from the city, stay in 5 star accommodations which happen to be amazing magical luxury tents with all the comforts of home while enjoying what the mountains have to offer. They call it Glamping (short for Glam Camping)!
Rick and JoAnn create the perfect adventure getaway which can include fly fishing, whitewater rafting, mtn biking, hiking, kayaking. You can also just hang out, do a little gardening, have a massage, take a yoga class and just enjoy being on the property. Meals are delicious and most evenings are spent by a roaring bon fire or sitting on the porch listening to music while meeting new friends.
The Martyn House is also an Intimate Event Facility which includes a large event tent. Events include weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events private parties, workshops and retreats among others. We do limit the size to 50 to retain the intimate feel.
The Martyn House boasts luscious vegetable, flower and herb gardens used in most of their meals. JoAnn makes herbal butters, vinegars and oils. They use all their own homemade bath products in the tents which are for sale in JoAnns studio.
The resident labs and welcoming committee are Grace and Maya both are a welcome addition to all the events hosted there! and now and then you might get a glimpse of Sahara, Essie, or Ruby the farms resident cats.
Rick and JoAnn’s vision for living life simply yet creatively will stay with you long after you leave The Martyn House and this is just the beginning of their story……..