Nude no more

WORLEY — A couple recently pulled up to Praeder Ranch Resort, got out of their car and immediately began to disrobe.

There had been something of a mix-up. A year ago, the resort was a world-famous, though discreet, nudist getaway that drew visitors from all over.

It’s since come under new ownership — and though clothing is no longer optional, everyone is welcome.

“My vision is to see a bunch of kids running around having fun,” said Debbie Silva, who now runs Praeder Ranch Resort alongside her family.

Silva had long dreamed of running a campground.

After her retirement, she searched the Northwest for the right spot, with the help of her son and daughter-in-law. The couple had spent years traveling the country to work at other campgrounds and resorts.

Her daughter-in-law, Jenessa, recalled sitting around a campfire in Oregon when she saw an online listing for the former nudist haven in Worley. The idea of buying the place began as a joke.

Then, on a whim, the family decided to drive to Idaho and check it out.

“It’s an extremely calming and peaceful space,” Silva said. “I have not enjoyed that kind of feeling in my life for a long time. I didn’t want to leave.”

So they stayed.

The Silvas secured a loan to purchase the resort for $2.2 million.

The family poured an additional $1 million — sourcing the cash from the sale of a home — into renovating the newly-christened Praeder Ranch Resort, which takes its name from Silva’s late grandmother.

The 40-acre property boasts 65 RV sites, tent sites, cabins and 11 hotel rooms.

The lodge has an indoor pool, as well as a fitness center, recreation rooms for kids and adults, a library and a cafe. All the furnishings are new.

Outdoor activities include sand volleyball, bocce and a nine-hole disc golf course, plus a petting zoo and hiking trails. Renovation of the outdoor pool is underway and will be complete before summer’s end.

After falling in love with Idaho, Jenessa Silva said settling down at the resort with her family has been like a dream.

“I wake up in the morning and drink coffee over our pond that’s full of koi fish,” she said. “Then I get to work.”

She said she looks forward to sharing the resort’s offerings with locals and visitors alike.

“It’s impossible for you to come here and be bored,” she said.

Praeder Ranch Resort is located at 30400 South Sunday Trail in Worley.

Info: www.praederranchresort.com