Orchard’s Edge Mountain Retreat, the dream project of Jonathan and Alyssa Brussee, is more than a business; it’s a vision of renewal rooted in resilience in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

But like many great visions, the journey from the blueprint to reality hasn’t been without unexpected twists.

“Starting a retreat from scratch means dealing with every detail—from the view out the window to the gravel beneath the tires,” Jonathan Brussee said. “We knew it would be hard work, but we didn’t expect how many costs and delays would hit us from angles we couldn’t predict.”

The couple initially secured financing to launch construction on the eco-conscious resort, which features a series of modern cabins nestled into the hillside. However, a series of unforeseen expenses threatened to stall progress. Engineering plans for erosion control and stormwater management alone came in at over $33,000—an essential but unanticipated requirement for building in the mountainous terrain.

On top of that, material costs surged well beyond the original projections. Lumber and other construction materials rose approximately 15%, and gravel—critical for the cabin sites and access roads—more than doubled in cost.

“We kept finding ourselves asking, ‘Do we scale back, or do we stay true to the experience we want to create?’” Alyssa Brussee said. “Each decision felt like a test of our values.”

Staying true meant adapting strategically. The Brussees made key design changes, like transforming one cabin into a “treehouse” concept to attract premium bookings. They realized early on that aesthetics and functionality mattered—especially when the goal was to provide a luxurious, immersive retreat. The newly designed cabin will accommodate more guests and command a higher nightly rate, ultimately helping the resort’s long-term sustainability.

However, the couple ran into budget gaps for critical elements like the furnishings for a fourth cabin and paving the main road—necessary for both guest safety and delivering the high-end feel that travelers expect.

As if the financial strain wasn’t enough, Mother Nature had her say. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought damaging delays to construction timelines, further increasing costs and pushing back the resort’s opening date—and, consequently, delaying incoming revenue.

That’s when Partner Community Capital (PCAP) stepped in again.
Already a supporter of the project, PCAP saw the opportunity to help Orchard’s Edge not just finish construction, but emerge stronger. The Brussees requested an additional $350,000 in funding to close the gap.

“We believe in Orchard’s Edge, and we believe in Jonathan and Alyssa,” Erika McGilley, PCAP’s Chief Lending Officer, said. “This isn’t just about cabins—it’s about building a destination that will benefit the local economy and preserve the natural integrity of the region. When entrepreneurs adapt thoughtfully and invest in quality, that’s the kind of resilience and vision we’re proud to back,” she said.

The Brussees credit PCAP not only with the financial boost they needed, but also with providing a partnership rooted in trust and shared purpose.

“PCAP has been with us since day one, and they’ve shown again and again that they aren’t just lenders—they’re collaborators,” Jonathan said. “They understand that building a business isn’t linear, especially in rural areas with environmental complexities.”

Orchard’s Edge is now back on track and closer than ever to welcoming its first guests. With modern-rustic cabins, immersive mountain views, and a commitment to sustainable design, the resort promises to be a standout destination for travelers—and a proud example of what’s possible when vision is met with the right support.

“Sometimes making the impossible possible just takes the right partner,” Alyssa said. “For us, that’s PCAP.”