Cristie and James Kearny are no strangers to bringing whimsy and wonder to their Crown Hill neighborhood. In 2020, their “Peep Show”—a series of elaborate dioramas built inside a converted Little Free Library—became a beloved local curiosity, delighting passersby during the pandemic. Now, the couple has unveiled their most ambitious creation yet: a Wizard of Oz-themed guest home, lovingly crafted over three years in what was once their garage and backroom.
The Kearnys left no yellow brick unturned in their immersive reimagining of the classic story. Like the film, the experience begins in Kansas—specifically, a black-and-white, farmhouse-style bedroom—before spiraling down (literally) via a tornado-shaped staircase into the technicolor world of Oz. Guests can discover hidden Easter eggs throughout the space, from a faux protection order signed by Miss Gulch to Dorothy’s gingham dress hung neatly in a closet.
Cristie, a lifelong Oz fan and theater director, began collecting art and décor well before construction began. “I’d see something and think, ‘If the Scarecrow had a living room, what would he put in it?’” she explained. Rather than relying on film memorabilia, much of the décor is inspired by independent artists and whimsical interpretations, many sourced from Etsy. A guest binder includes details on the artists in case visitors want to take a little piece of Oz home with them.
Local artist Nico Bigga added to the magic, painting custom murals that help guide guests “over the rainbow” from the moment they arrive.
Though the renovation started as a practical solution for hosting James’s out-of-town friends, it quickly transformed into an artistic passion project. “With everything that’s happened in recent years, I just wanted to create a spot of joy in Seattle,” Cristie said. “This city is still full of beauty and creativity. I wanted to celebrate that.”
After months of testing with friends and family, they recently hosted their first official guests. Cristie admitted she was nervous, but their glowing review brought her to tears (the happy kind). Bookings surged after Cristie shared the listing in Wizard of Oz fan forums online, and the space is now nearly fully booked through summer.
As for what’s next? Cristie laughs, admitting she may have caught the bug. “I kind of want to do a Hobbit one next,” she said. But for now, their enchanting slice of Oz is more than enough to put Crown Hill on the map—for fans of fantasy, immersive design, and a little bit of magic.
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