Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat

Cozy Waterfront Cabins with Dock Access - Pet Friendly.
Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary - perfect for couples' getaways and small family vacations. The retreat features two cozy cabins nestled amidst lush forest greenery and has a private beach, large decks, waterfront views, outdoor grill, wildlife viewing, fully equipped and stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, and high-speed internet. The retreat is pet friendly.

Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat is secluded without being isolated: a 20-minute drive gets you to the Friday Harbor ferry terminal, and a 10-minute walk gets you to Roche Harbor Resort’s dining, shops, and sculpture garden.

Main Cabin Amenities:
- Cozy studio layout with a reading loft accessible via a ship’s ladder.
- Fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, custom-made fir cabinetry, and modern appliances.
- Queen size bed.
- Gas fireplace.
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and a stacked washer-dryer.
- Expansive wrap-around decks with a south-facing main area, perfect for enjoying views of Neil Bay.

Second Cabin Features:
- Private bedroom with a queen-size bed and an ensuite bathroom.
- South-facing deck overlooking the bay.
- Foyer containing a compact kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.

Exclusive Perks:
- Private beach access and over 100 feet of private shoreline
- Floating dock for launching kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards (equipment not provided)
- Situated on a half-acre with over 100 feet of private shoreline and amidst a dense, towering forest canopy for privacy.

Wake up each morning to the sounds of nature - birds chirping, the lapping of waves, and the rustling of evergreen trees. Spend your days exploring the island's hiking trails, beachcombing, or simply relaxing on the decks and taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Please note:
- Fire pits are not for guest use from May 1st-September 30th due to dry season and fire danger on San Juan Island. Ban is usually lifted October 1st if/when conditions and weather are favorable. Firewood not provided.

- This property does not have a TV.

- This home does not have Air Conditioning. The proximity to the Bay and a few open windows cools down this waterfront cabin on a warm day.

- We allow one dog per reservation with a pet fee. The dog must be attended at all times. We impose a $200 fee If a dog is left unattended and a neighbor complains. Weight must be 60 lbs or less. No pet on furniture. Renter assumes responsibility for all extra cleaning needed such as emergency carpet cleaning, furniture replacement, and or emergency laundromat use for bulky items like comforters and pillows. Dog must be house trained and on-leash while outside.

- No watercraft are provided but can be rented from a local boat rental company.

- Tides in Neil Bay can be extreme and during low tide, the water can get low enough for the dock to be beached. Please contact the office for special instructions regarding dock usage. The dock is only suitable for kayaks, standup boards and small boats 16 ft. and under or just loading and unloading at high tide.

- Internet Speed Test Results show a download speed or 121 Mbps and an upload speed of 124 Mbps, Ping: 33.66 ms (Average of three tests that were conducted January of 2022 using SpeedCheck Pro.) San Juan Island is a remote location, and it is good to keep in mind that intermittent, short, Wi-Fi disruptions are very normal for this area.

VR permit number pcup00-15-0017

Vacation Rental Reviews

• Fabulous for our family!

  Stayed 4 days ending in April, 2024

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  a guest from Sammamish, WA recommends this vacation rental

  Loved our time in this beautiful setting and well appointed property! We were cozy with the 3 teen+ kids in the main cabin and my husband and I in Mini-Me, and the space is so well organized. We loved being able to take advantage of the decks, fire pit, and dock. We saw seals every day right off the dock. We enjoyed exploring the island - strongly recommend spending time at the sculpture garden! We would happily return to SJI and to this property.

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• Peaceful setting on the bay

  Stayed 2 days ending in August, 2023

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  Natalie W from Vancouver, Washington recommends this vacation rental

  We loved the setting of this property amongst the tall evergreen trees and the proximity to the charming and historical Roche Harbor. The two cabins were well appointed, clean and the perfect size for all of us to enjoy each other and also have our privacy when desired. There were three deer that greeted us on the property which seemed like a nice omen. Our only regret was that we weren't able to stay longer. We would love to return someday for a longer stay.

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• Great stay

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2023

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  a guest from Portland, Oregon recommends this vacation rental

  Another wonderful stay at Ragnar’s cabins. Hopefully, the new owners will not tear them down and build another Amazonian monstrosity. A humble cabin in the woods by the water should be enough for anyone, it’s a special place.

  • Manager Responded on 7/26/2023

    We are so glad you enjoy your time at this sweet island spot. We also love this property!

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• Great place!

  Stayed 3 days ending in February, 2023

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  a guest from Langley, WA recommends this vacation rental

  This place is a Gem. High recommendation

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• Brief But Beautiful

  Stayed 2 days ending in August, 2022

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  a guest from MUKILTEO, WA recommends this vacation rental

  There was no room at the inn at Roche Harbor for the wedding we were attending and am I GLAD because I discovered this charming cabin. My only regret is that I didn't originally reserve it for more than two nights.
  Very well maintained, clean, kitchen has everything you need, beautiful setting and location.
  You always worry that the reality won't match the pictures when you rent a house. In this case, the pictures are exactly what it's like!

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• Wonderful stay on San Juan Island

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2022

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  Steve G from N/A, CO recommends this vacation rental

  Our family had an incredible stay at the Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat. The cabin was in a great location on the north part of the island, right on the water. At lowtide in the morning, we would stroll the waterfront with our kids, finding crabs, shells, and even a starfish. There was also a seal across the water on one of our vacation days. We really liked the location, in a quiet forested area, but only a short drive (~25 min) to downtown Friday Harbor. The main cabin was great - rustic, but containing pretty much everything we needed for.our 3-night stay, including a washer/dryer. The mini-me cabin was also fantastic and a great place for my aunt and uncle who stayed with us. Would highly recommend this Airbnb!!

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• Great stay, cozy cabin

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2022

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  a guest from Portland, Oregon recommends this vacation rental

  Had a great stay at Ragnar’s retreat. It is the perfect spot for 2 couples or a family with a few kids. Look forward to a future visit.

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• Perfect Stay!

  Stayed 4 days ending in June, 2022

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  a guest from Palo Alto, California recommends this vacation rental

  We had a lovely stay. Having the Mini Mi cabin was perfect for our party - just a little extra separate space. The main cabin is cozy, so not much privacy there. The kitchen had a great assortment of cooking spices/oils & vinegar. We loved being on the water and seeing the change in the tides. We also did both the whale watching and kayaking which were also fantastic.

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• Great location

  Stayed 3 days ending in April, 2021

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  Rebekah S from Puyallup, Washington recommends this vacation rental

  We had a wonderful time. The kids loved the loft sleeping area, and the place was comfortable. The set up encourages you to be outside. We are already dreaming of going back!

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• Perfect relaxing getaway

  Stayed 4 days ending in March, 2021

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  Farzad E from Seattle, WA recommends this vacation rental

  Perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Great view. Comfortable beds. Very clean. Well appointed kitchen. Everything you need and more!

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• charming and historic retreat cabin

  Stayed 5 days ending in January, 2021

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  Kamala J from N/A, CO recommends this vacation rental

  We loved our time at this charming cabin and attached "mini-me" cabin.
  The setting was spectacular. We love to cook and were pleasantly stunned by the area of awesome cooking equipment at our disposal.
  The mini-me cabin was a great bonus to allow us, parents, to have separate retreat from our two teen kids.
  
  We hope to come back. Thank you for opening your wonderful home- filled with history

  • Manager Responded on 1/7/2021

    The Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat is a wonderfully sweet spot and we are so happy to hear you and your family were able to enjoy so many aspects of it! We'd love to host you again anytime!

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• Splendor in the Woods (and Water)

  Stayed 4 days ending in December, 2020

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  david B from SEATTLE, WA recommends this vacation rental

  These two cozy and perfectly appointed cabins are just what we needed for an escape from the city. Perched above a dramatic inlet with slapping seals, this is the perfect place to find inner peace. We had just what we needed to cook, read, relax by the fire and enjoy the majestic beauty of the San Juan's. We hope to visit again soon.

  • Manager Responded on 1/7/2021

    What a beautiful review for this special home! Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat is certainly a gem of a property and we are so glad you had such a peaceful and lovely time there!

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• Just what we were looking for

  Stayed 2 days ending in November, 2020

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  a guest from Seattle, WA recommends this vacation rental

  My husband and I were looking for a quiet weekend to relax and this was the perfect retreat. The two cabins allowed us and friends to be able to social distance. Everything was cozy, clean, and perfect. There's a lot of interesting family history in this cabin which we appreciated. We would love to stay again!

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• Cozy Cottage(s)

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2020

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  Anette L from Emerald Hills, CA recommends this vacation rental

  Loved to stay in the cozy cottage and appreciated the Norwegian welcome. My only suggestion would be to turn off the fridge in the smaller cottage. It was loud.

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• Beautiful cabin in wonderful location

  Stayed 4 days ending in August, 2019

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  a guest from AUSTIN, TX recommends this vacation rental

  We loved our time at the Neil Bay retreat. The cabin is really cool and the owners have such style - the home is decorated beautifully. Would love to stay here again.

  • Manager Responded on 8/9/2019

    We're so happy you enjoyed your stay at Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat so much! The homeowners have created a wonderfully cozy and cool cabin for guests to enjoy, come back and relax again anytime!

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• Relaxation on San Juan Island

  Stayed 4 days ending in September, 2018

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  Janice F from Indianapolis, IN recommends this vacation rental

  We loved this property. It was very relaxing and loved the stylish interior. Everything was so comfortable. We appreciated the well stock kitchen with nice appliances and tools. It was very clean and it was also nice having a washer/dryer in the cabin. My only suggestions would be more guidance on the cabin protocol like how to turn on the heating stove, what needs to be done at check out etc. Couple other things; the firepit area needs some attention. Never found the chair cushions and 2 of the chairs were broken. Also many of the flashlites were dead.

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• Great getaway.

  Stayed 5 days ending in August, 2018

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  a guest from Woodland Hills, CA recommends this vacation rental

  Lovely cabin and dock with seals swimming by outside. A perfect family retreat.

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• Wonderful Property!!

  Stayed 2 days ending in August, 2018

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  Susie M from Carmel, IN recommends this vacation rental

  This was a little paradise in the Pacific Northwest! Super comfortable beds, very clean and had everything we needed for a few days of real relaxation! The only thing that was a bit of a drawback was that the "family room" area only has seating for two people, so the idea of 6 people sitting comfortably inside, in chairs, is not possible.

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• San Juan Island VRBO Review

  Stayed 4 days ending in August, 2018

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  Gary B from Kirkland, WA recommends this vacation rental

  The accommodations were what we expected from the write up.
  Interestingly my 7 year old grandson stated that the web pictures made it look bigger than it actually is.
  We had 2 issues: the first was a boat tied to the dock when we arrived. We had to move it so we could tie up our boat to our rental dock. The owner of the boat came by later that evening and pulled it away. He stated the owner of the property had told him he could use the dock.
  The second issue: A pair of women's bikini underwear hanging on the bathroom wall hook.

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• COZY CABIN IN THE WOODS

  Stayed 4 days ending in July, 2018

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  a guest from Newport Beach, CA recommends this vacation rental

  WE COULD FEEL THE PERSONALITY OF THE FAMILY THAT HAD ENJOYED THEIR RETREAT OVER THE YEARS. IT GAVE A WARM,WELCOMING VIBE AND MADE US FEEL LIKE FAMILY GUESTS NOT RENTERS.

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• Peaceful Oasis

  Stayed 3 days ending in June, 2018

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  Jill H from Richmond, Texas recommends this vacation rental

  This House was an amazing and lovely find for our stay on San Juan Island. I have been wanting to see Orcas in the wild for years and when we started to plan a trip to Washington State I knew we had to stop in San Juan. We spent 3 perfect nights at Neil bay and it was amazing. The views alone make it worth. It is also secluded so you feel like you have the whole island to yourself. While we we there we saw seals and otters in the water in front of the house. It was incredible. The cabins we perfect for my family as well. My dad and step mom stayed in the mini cabin and me and my friends stay in the larger one. It was very comfortable for the 3 of us to sleep in the main cabin. The trip to Friday harbor was very quick when we needed to go in town for our tour. I highly recommend this property to anyone who wants a little getaway from the real world

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• Beautiful view and love the cabins!

  Stayed 3 days ending in March, 2018

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  Diane G from Lake Oswego, OR recommends this vacation rental

  This was one of the nicest VRBO‘s I’ve stayed in! It was very well-stocked and not to mention super adorable, the energy is very bright and happy. The kids had so much outdoor time exploring and playing. The kitchen had all we needed for making tacos, meat loaf, steamed veggies, cookies. I loved how there are two cabins, everyone slept well. The bed in the loft and the one in the extra cabin are comfy w memory foam toppers. We spotted a Fox in Roche Harbor and deer came right up to the house. There is no TV but there is a DVD player with a laptop like screen which gave us one night of Indiana Jones. A bit remote, but a pretty drive to Friday Harbor. We got some sunshine too which was lucky for Spring! Thank you!!!

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• Relaxing stay

  Stayed 3 days ending in August, 2017

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  Patricia C from Seattle, WA recommends this vacation rental

  My husband and I stayed here for a few days and had a lovely relaxing time. The cabin was beautiful, clean and well equipped. The deck was also amazing with a peaceful view of the water and pines. We saw deer walking right by the cabin and the area was pretty quiet.

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• Incredible Property!

  Stayed 3 days ending in August, 2017

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  Casey K from Plymouth, MN recommends this vacation rental

  Thank you so much for sharing your home with us! My family of 5 had the time of our lives and enjoyed everything this home had to offer. The highlight of the trip for the kids was finding crab and other creatures at low tide from the dock. We enjoyed the awesome fire pit in the evenings, walking distance to Roche Harbor, dropping our pots at the crabbing grounds just 200 yards from the house, and the amazing views and privacy. This was by far the best equipped VRBO I've ever stayed in as well. The house was extremely well kept, clean, and comfortable. We enjoyed reading about the family's history with the home and am grateful we had the chance to experience. Thank you to the nice neighbor who let me use his mooring buoy! We hope to come again very soon!!

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• Neil Bay Waterfront Retreat

  Stayed 4 days ending in July, 2017

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  Jon R from Walla Walla, WA recommends this vacation rental

  Had a very nice time, here.

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• One of the best weekends I've had!

  Stayed 2 days ending in June, 2017

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  Dana E from Seattle, WA recommends this vacation rental

  Absolutely loved our stay, what a stunning cottage which was the perfect location. The campfire was such a fun touch that we really enjoyed, seriously such a great and relaxing weekend! Thank you!!

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• Wonderful vacation!

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2016

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  Irene Y from Medford, OR recommends this vacation rental

  The place is exactly as pictured. It was a perfect escape for the four of us (two couples). We were able to park our boat at the dock and cruise over to the other islands. Very relaxing.

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• Mom's 80th Birthday

  Stayed 3 days ending in August, 2016

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  malia w from kirkland, wa recommends this vacation rental

  This property is a gem! It is a sparkling clean, well designed space that suited our teens to our grandmother. We also have a cabin in our family that dates back as far as this one does in it's family so we felt a kinship with the owners while looking through their guest book. Incredible of them to share with the public. The addition of the mini-cabin was wonderful for Grandma to have her own space. We loved the view, the doc, the ability to walk into town for coffee or a meal. Management was wonderful. Grandma cannot wait to come back next year.(We are kind of excited too).

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• Perfect Summer Get-a-Away!

  Stayed 5 days ending in August, 2016

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  Sarah C from Morrison, CO recommends this vacation rental

  My family just had a wonderful time on San Juan Island and this property was perfect!

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• Delightful cabin

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2016

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  George C from Parker, Co recommends this vacation rental

  We loved this wonderful property on Neil Bay. Main cabin and sleeper cabin are both decorated to capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Loved reading about the history of the cabin-a special family place! Clean, comfortable, and just delightful! The location feels secluded but is not far from Roche Harbor. The property has nice outdoor relaxing space including a large, well-stocked firepit. With the bay just steps away, it is so relaxing. We saw many deer every night on the property. A seal also peeked out of the bay while we were in the rowboat. We were very pleased and would highly recommend this gem...

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• gorgeous and relaxing

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2016

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  meg c from Seattle, Washington recommends this vacation rental

  It's hard to go wrong on San Juan, but this place is truly lovely. Well-appointed and located. Everything was clean and organized upon arrival. Loved using the fire pit to cook dinners, with the swing-over grill feature. Our son was fascinated by finding crabs under all the rocks when the tide goes out. Lounging on the deck, reading, with the bids and soft water sounds - it was delightful. Would definitely go again!

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• Great home away from home!

  Stayed 3 days ending in May, 2016

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  Lolena B from Seattle, WA recommends this vacation rental

  We really enjoyed the firepit! There was an excellent grill attached so we were able to cook dinners there as well. The "mini" cabin worked well for a couple with a 13mos old and their pack and play fit nicely. No problems with wireless monitoring while the baby was sleeping either. Beautiful displays of otters, bald eagles, deer and raccoons. Property management was extremely helpful throughout the process and called on our checkout day to let us know we had additional time! A couple of nights kids from a nearby property were being kids at a late hour but overall I would recommend this rental to a friend.

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• We Loved it!

  Stayed 2 days ending in May, 2016

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  Kelly H from Vista, CA recommends this vacation rental

  Amazing location and home - perfect for our two families - can't say enough about how perfect this spot was!

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• Wonderful Get Away

  Stayed 2 days ending in March, 2016

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  Hope R from Idaho Springs, CO recommends this vacation rental

  The cabins were cozy and lovely. I cannot say enough about how wonderful our stay was.

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• This cabin will treat you right!

  Stayed 4 days ending in December, 2015

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  Adam L from Hillsboro, OR recommends this vacation rental

  My girlfriend and I spent 4 nights here at the end of Dec. Looking back at the photos on the listing, they do a pretty great job of capturing the space. We were happy to find that the bed on the ground floor could fold up into a sofa, and we were surprised at how well stocked the cabin was with condiments, toiletries, flashlights, etc. Everything we could have possibly needed was there for us, labeled, and easy to find. The Dahls clearly know how to take care of you. I will also mention that the cabin was routinely surrounded by a handful of deer, which added to the setting, and we were able to easily walk down the road to the McMillin Mausoleum. Take note that the fireplace inside the main cabin is gas powered.

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