The Red Setter

RedSetterTimeline

History of the Red Setter

Red Setter, Arizona’s Riverside Retreat— originally known as The Red Setter Inn & Cottages—was first conceived in 1990 by Jim Sankey and his partner, Ken Conant.  At the time, Jim and Ken were actually living in California, working in corporate America.  The two men had planned to open a bed and breakfast in the Pacific Northwest someday, but a chance visit to Greer changed their minds. So in 1993, when Jim was offered an early retirement package from his employer, the couple decided it was time to go live their dream—in the village of Greer, AZ.

Lodge pole pine and spruce from Colorado were used extensively in the construction of the Inn, situated on the south end of the little mountain valley.  Each log was carefully selected and hand-hewn to ensure authenticity.  The chinking between the logs took over three months to apply, and was done by Jim and Ken themselves!  Before long the two saw their dreams into reality; their picture-perfect Inn opened in 1995.

Because the innkeepers lived on the property, rates included a full breakfast for guests as well as sack picnic lunches and complimentary afternoon tea, coffee, and snacks.  In fact, this attentive full-service approach earned the two some pretty prestigious awards and accolades over the years. Fodor’s, the pre-eminent publisher of travel guides, named the Inn among its Top 10 Choice Hotels for 2006—that’s top 10 in the world.

In 2007, when Jim and Ken were ready for the next chapter of their life together, Greer Lodge acquired The Red Setter Inn & Cottages and continued to host guests from all over the world there.  Then, in January 2013 Greer Lodge suddenly closed.  Shortly after, in June of 2013, long-time Greer property owner Ramey Peru purchased the beloved Inn.

Determined to update, restore, and re-open this uniquely special Arizona vacation destination, Peru and his family have worked tirelessly make the aptly renamed spot—Red Setter, Arizona’s Riverside Retreat—ready for its next chapter.  Much care and attention has been invested to ensure that those who now visit will be delighted by everything this special place has to offer—both inside and out—while enjoying every comfort and making memories to last a lifetime!