Escape to our upscale forest sanctuary for the ultimate winter retreat. Cozy up by the roaring wood fireplace or wood stove (firewood provided) and unwind in the private hot tub under the stars. Enjoy a gourmet coffee bar, high-end kitchen, and Netflix movies. Explore 40 secluded acres of private hiking trails by day and listen for owls by night. Perfect for nature lovers, couples, or mature groups seeking peace. Disconnect to reconnect-Books and Art. View our Seasonal Sanctuary Rates!
The space
This log cabin was designed and custom built in collaboration with the late renowned Indianapolis architect Lynn Molzan, FAIA. The entire space accentuates wood, stone & metal with splashes of color, original art & comfort.
Each room is appointed with large windows for light, soaring beamed ceilings, log walls, and horizontal wood planked walls. Decorated for comfort & style with well chosen eclectic classic furniture, some custom built, some found junkin' and some gifted. Treasured family art of landscape paintings adorn the warm wood walls, adding a story from the past. Scenes from local areas reflective of the season's changing with nature, streams, trees & flowers.
With granite countertops, maple cabinetry, and stainless accents, the kitchen is the perfect spot to prepare a gourmet meal. Well stocked with ample supplies and a few extras. A large stainless steel bar divides the kitchen & dining room. The surface provides extra seating space for watching the cook or enjoying starters & a cocktail before dinner.
Dine in style on a solid custom-built Black Walnut 9' long table, which is well suited in the long narrow dining area with 2 large benches and 6 chairs. Have you ever experienced the mesmerizing & calming feeling when your soul is warmed by a fire? Dine fireside enjoying the "real heat" of wood from the stylish stainless steel wood stove. Watch the birds and frogs from the dining window outside in their natural pond habitat.
Relax in the spa like bathroom with a soak in the Jacuzzi overlooking the trees, viewing the lake & blue skies. The simple open concept walk-in rain shower is surrounded by warm toned slate tile, completed with a stainless steel bench. Watch the flickering of a romantic wall fireplace addition for extra warmth & comfort.
Gather by the custom designed stone wood burning fireplace in a spacious living room area. A large triple window allows for exceptional views of the seasons changing and the reflection of winter lights across Lake Lemon. Relax with plenty of comfortable seating, throws for the chilly nights or mornings while watching nature outside or watching the fire burn.
A modern couch and 2 side chairs face the armoire housing a Bluetooth stereo, TV, DVD player complete with a Firestick for Amazon Prime & Netflix.
With 2 large dreamy bedrooms, each with a different theme, both relaxing and serene for the best nights rest. Expansive wooded, beamed ceilings provide a warm protective feeling while relaxing in comfort. The king & queen beds are dressed in comfortable, soft sheets, a fleece blanket, and a duvet cover with comforter for the cooler nights and a matelassé for warmer nights. Each bed is adorned with 6 pillows. 2 in each size, king, queen, and decorator.
The larger bedroom has room darkening drapes for the late sleeper and a walk out balcony above the pond and gardens. Feel well rested on a lower platform wood bed frame with a solid cherry headboard. Curl up on the earth-toned velvet loveseat, enjoying a coffee or sip your morning coffee from the balcony seating listening to the summer tanager serenade early mornings. Some wildlife that may be seen visiting the small pond include migratory birds, foxes, rabbits, deer, turkey, bobcats, raccoons, and turtles.
The second bedroom is fashioned for the guest wanting to wake with the morning sunshine warmth. The windows are dressed with white bamboo shades, allowing the light to bathe the room. Open the casement windows, allowing the fresh breeze and sunshine to bathe your soul. Take an afternoon siesta on the third bed located on the screened porch or fall asleep to the sounds of nature at night.
A third summer porch sleeping area is available with a suspended twin bed from the porch beams. Draw the canvas curtain for privacy, and gently swing mesmerized by the night sounds of the forest.
Ascend the Diamond tread plate stainless wrapped stair steps entering a spacious loft with views. Equipped with a desk, office chair, loveseat, and work area for the work traveler. Cherry book shelves house reading material for the avid reader with travel guides, instructional books, fiction, and nature. Reach for a bird book and the binoculars for a quick work break.
Summer time porches are a must in the forest. Cabin Porch Paradise has both an open front porch as well as a back screened porch.
The front porch welcomes guests along a winding moss & stone path between the forest flowers. Colorfully decorated, there are plenty of seating options for watching nature. A handmade porch swing, refurbished vintage wrought iron furniture, 4 metal bar stools, and 2 director bar stools are creatively positioned for viewing & relaxing. Pull up a stool and drink a glass of wine at the bar rails with nature on stage. The porch is home to a long-time resident male Cardinal named "Fred" Fred cannot be discouraged from roosting as many attempts have been made through the years.
The back porch continues the colorful themed decorations with a round metal painted table with 3 folding vintage apple green chairs. A thick ash bar top extends the width facing the frog pond with 4 jade green metal stools. Separated by a canvas curtain, enjoy a sleeping area or a nap on a swinging twin bed. The porch houses plenty of dry firewood.
The scenery & entertainment nature provides is unbeatable. Most guests feel no need to leave the property, with hiking trails near & a hot tub. For the more adventuresome guests, there is boat rental available 1.5 miles from the cabin at North Shore Marina. World-class wineries, Brown County shops & restaurants are within 15 miles. Bloomington sports & IU 30 minutes away! Hiking the Tecumseh trail, kayaking, Morgan-Monroe state forest, Brown County State Park-outdoor enthusiasts, this is for you. Cabin Porch Paradise has been perfect for romantic couples, girlfriend getaways, outdoor enthusiasts, and for those simply wanting to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
Guest access
Any space throughout the home not locked. Only 3 areas off limits and locked.
The Garage/barn is a private space with an apartment located on the opposite side not facing the cabin. The garage is off limits.
Other things to note
Driving down a small narrow gravel lane to the cabin surrounded by the forest will make you feel as if there is nothing around to disturb your peace. If you enjoy nature, being outside, and surrounded by woods then this will be a great place to stay.
A barn is also located on the property with an apartment dwelling located on the opposing side of the cabin. I respect your privacy and cherish mine. On occasion I may be seen entering & exiting the barn property via the garage doors or the wood shed lean-to.
The location may be considered remote by some standards, but most guests feel it is close enough to Nashville, Bloomington, & Martinsville making it a good choice to book (within 15 miles of all 3).
Be aware the cabin is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest in Brown, Monroe & Morgan counties. This is a natural habitat for wildlife. It's not uncommon to see around the cabin flies, bugs, wasps, bees, wood roaches, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, snakes (some poisonous), turtles, bobcats, coyotes, deer, turkey, foxes, many birds, raccoons, opossums and frogs. The setting is intended for wildlife with a small pond encouraging forest animals to drink and eat near the cabin for viewing.
The cabin is exterminated on a routine basis, but on occasion and at certain times of the year there is a possibility bugs, spiders and such may be in the cabin. The cabin is professionally cleaned before every stay and personally checked by me.
Not all cell phone servers work at Cabin Porch Paradise. Verizon & Straight talk work well. This is a place to unwind relax and enjoy nature as well as what the area has to offer. There is a TV & DVD player for viewing movies. Please feel free to bring movies. There are a few movies available, Amazon Prime & Netflix with a Firestick.
Value Note
-Please do not book if you feel this is not a good value.
Factors influencing value include:
1. Remote location in the Forest Reserve District.
2. Water is hauled in before each visit $125/load this is not an extra charge but included.
3. Firewood is provided.
Wi-Fi is available & tested fast for work stays. There is plenty to stay entertained although without electronic devises, however. Put your phones and gadgets away & get out in nature.
*Take a short drive to a spot known as "Little Africa" an area know for a spectacular array of migratory birds.
*Hiking trails-Low Gap Back Country, Tecumseh trail, Sycamore Land Trust Trevlac Bluffs, Morgan-Monroe 3 Lakes Loop, Mason Ridge & more.
*Bring your boat and launch from Lake Lemon Marina.
*Boat rental available at Lake Lemon Marina!
*Visit local Wineries; Oliver, Butler, Cedar Creek & Chateau Thomas.
*Local live music around the lake at "The Porthole Inn" blues on Tuesdays. Great food as well.
*Tour Nashville shopping, music, art, restaurants, live music venues, & The Playhouse.
