It was right before I left for Toronto. My son was due to go to camp the next weekend so I knew I had to act fast. I searched for a bed and breakfast in the nearby area so I could enjoy a little r&r myself.
Fully expecting to perhaps stay where I stayed last time, I came across a ‘new to me’ place. Eco Retreat. A B&B on the river…
After a little more digging, I realized this was no ordinary B&B. This one was about relishing the outdoors, for it came with rustic cabins, acreage to roam, organic gardens to pick from, and all the riverfront you could handle, in an eco friendly way.
Plus wifi. 🙂
In a nutshell, this was the kind of place you didn’t really even need to leave to get a feel for the area. Glamping if you will, LOADED with perks.
It was suggested I come before dusk, so I could appreciate the place and get to know it. So I made sure I zipped my boy off to camp early, then head out on my own new adventure.
Host Sue saw me drive in right away , and greeted me outside to give me the grand tour. And I’m SO glad she encouraged me to come in daylight. I would have lost an evening of this wonderful place if I hadn’t!
For those that know me by my rustic style, doesn’t this pretty much look like the exact house you could see me in? So unique, and the other side was loaded with windows facing the river.
This is the main house but I had to admire it. The cabins and outbuildings were privately tucked here and there, just steps away.
There were 3 cabins that housed your bed. This was the larger one of the 3, and it is AMAZING.
This one was located against the beautiful garden.
My own was right against the river. (my picture didn’t turn out!)
Here’s the cool part. Each amenity had it’s own cabin. This one held the washrooms (behind the vines) and on the other side, was the outdoor sink under a porch, with a kitchen, table and chairs, library and sitting area inside.
This was the cabin behind mine.
Because the area was so rural and right beside the famous Othello Tunnels, bikes were available for you to use. I rode to the tunnels twice! So fabulous.
Here’s a little video of the Othello Tunnels I’ve shown you awhile back.
Ohhh… quirky stairs… I wonder where these lead….
But of course. An outdoor living room with a space heater and propane firepit! This is where I enjoyed my first evening coffee… with that amazing river view.
Oh.. and I made BODUM coffee. I will be getting a bodum in the very near future. Oh my goodness…
But there’s more to see…
It was like playing a little game of ‘where will I find the next dream spot?’ Sitting areas were everywhere.
Laying areas too! These hammocks were sooooo comfy!
And then there was the wood fired cedar hot tub. It was the coziest hot tub I’ve ever had the pleasure of climbing into. I had it all to myself each evening, along with my fizzy fav cranberry ginger-ale. (yum)
Which was located right next to the outdoor shower. Yup, tried that too! I felt like I was in an episode of Survivor after winning some challenge with a perk. Without starving for 30 days.
Which was close to the fire heated sauna. SAUNA. Seriously.
I didn’t do this one, but peeking in, it smelled wonderful!
Imagine smelling cedar everywhere you went. Loved it. I was constantly finding myself saying, “I love the smell of this place!”
I think one of the most special and generous offers of the place was the fact that we were allowed to pick from the garden for our own cooked meals. Doesn’t get any fresher than that.
But what surprised me the most?
This place really makes you slow down and hear things you haven’t heard in a long time. Even if it’s just yourself thinking. The hot soaks really soothed sore aches and had you in sleep mode in no time. I can’t remember when I’ve felt so rested and unburdened. Usually stays can be hectic trying to ‘get it all in’. I left this place with a huge smile on my face after swinging on a hammock for the last 30 minutes, lulled by the sound of the river.
I’ve also learned something over the past little while. Every time I ‘allow’ a new adventure to transpire, not only do I grow in some way, I become a happier and more fulfilled person. It just really, REALLY pays to be kind to ourselves now and then.
Life is so vivid when you crank up that saturation!
Wouldn’t you agree?
Oh I’m glad you had a wonderful relaxing time. There is always a need for down time that helps us recharge, regroup and rest. ME time is vital for our day to day peace of mind. Parents would be better if they took care of their own selves better and more. It’s a great way of letting it all go.
Kudos to you!
I’m tellin’ ya, if an earthquake had hit after this stay, it wouldn’t have jarred me. I was way too relaxed! 😀 I so agree, we all need some time to pamper ourselves.
Oh my! what a wonderful place!!!
Amazing place, lucky you to have the experience. Loved your comment about Survivor which, btw, starts again this week. Have a happy week.
AHHH!! I know!! I’m so excited for the start of the season! I don’t watch much on TV but I do Survivor. 🙂
It sounds idyllic, Donna. What a contrast to the luxury of the Royal York the week before!! But I’m thinking much more your style. Glad you got to relax after your whirlwind trip east.
There was nothing quite like strutting around in flannel pj’s with a coffee in hand in the woods! But I’ll admit, those gorgeous city lights had me hooked… it was a real eye opener for this country mouse!
I’m glad you found such a wonderful place to relax!
Gorgeous pictures and would be just awesome to stay in a place like that. Glad you had a relaxing time.
Oh my Oh my, This is by far the most perfect place for me! Wish I lived closer! Thanks for the little getaway with your pictures and descriptions!
I’m all about taking some time for yourself and living life in a quiet mind to reboot!
It was so rustically and naturally perfect! I also loved the low/no plug in features. With no TV in sight, it forced you to think for yourself. How refreshing that was and made me realize our days are much longer than we think they are.
Oh wow! What a lovely place to get to regenerate. Nothing is better than gearing down and rest. This place looks like my kind of retreat! Hope you will treat yourself again.
Now THAT’s the way to be “one with nature”! That hot tub looks wonderful!
It was ridiculously cool. I’ve never been in a wood heated hot tub before. The cedar fragrance alone was heavenly!
Beautiful, I would never want to leave.
Donna…you fit in perfectly there! I could almost here the river as I was reading. So glad you are pampering yourself. Looked like an awesome visit!
I sure did! And you can bet I was secretly wishing it was my forever place. 🙂
Hey Donna Looks like a fantastic place….and right up your alley so to speak. Sounds like a perfect retreat. I like it when you share your “adventures” Almost as much as I like when you show us junky “stuff” you have made. Thanks for all the sharing.
Agree indeed — what a adventure to the up most.. Glad for you!
This looks like a fabulous ‘retreat’ to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. Glad you found it and shared with us. Happy fall to you!
Wow- this is a must do! And ASAP! Thanks for sharing!
It looks and sounds like an amazing place to relax and unwind.
This looks like somewhere my family would like to stay. Is this Othello Washington?
So refreshing! Glad you got to enjoy a new adventure!
You found it – God’s Green Acre ( wasn’t sure it existed ! )
Absolutely gorgeous place
xoxo