Orion is a quiet, off-grid geodesic dome designed for rest, stargazing, digital detox, and intentional time in nature. Set on wooded hills at Wild Woods Retreat, this romantic space invites you to slow down and unplug without sacrificing comfort. Fall asleep beneath the stars, enjoy evenings by the fire table, and wake to birdsong surrounded by our 30-acre tree nursery and native plant farm. Best suited for guests who value simplicity, privacy, and the outdoors. MUST arrive before sunset.
The space
Orion is a 6-meter geodesic dome set on an elevated deck overlooking wooded hills at the 30-acres Wild Woods Retreat. The dome is fully off-grid and designed as a quiet, nature-first place to rest, unplug, and enjoy the outdoors with thoughtful comforts.
Inside the dome, the main level includes a cozy seating area with a queen sleeper sofa, a high-top table with two bar stools, soft lighting, and wide windows and stargazer panels that bring the outside in. There is no television or WiFi at the dome.
The primary sleeping area is a loft with a king-size mattress and topper, accessed by a ladder. The loft is tall enough to sit in the center but not to stand, and offers views of the night sky through the stargazer panels.
There is a queen-sized pull-out on the main floor. Very comfy. Technically, four guests could stay in the dome, but it would be very close quarters.
The dome includes an enclosed bathroom with a chemical toilet, mirror, hamper, towels, and two bathrobes. A private outdoor rainwater shower with instant hot water is located just steps from the deck.
Cooking takes place outdoors. The off-grid kitchen area includes a gas grill with side burner, cookware, cast iron skillet, tea kettle, grill tools, and a covered prep space with sink supplied by a non-potable water system. One gallon of drinking water is provided per day. We provide a cooler (18"x18" cube). Bring your own ice.
Outside, guests can enjoy the deck with seating and a propane fire table, a small coffee porch, and surrounding woods, creek, and pasture. The terrain is natural and uneven, with steps and wood-chip paths. This space is not ADA accessible and is best suited for guests comfortable navigating outdoor environments.
There is no HVAC system, as we are off-grid and solar powered. However, during the winter, we provide a propane "buddy heater" and will show you how to use it. It does a good job keeping the dome warm - some guests say they even turned it off eventually because it worked so well. In the summer, it will be very hot in the dome, though we do have a couple of fans and the windows and door are all screened. We recommend hanging out in the shaded, cool, clear creek on the property or planning another activity during the day.
Throughout the woods at Wild Woods Retreat, we’re creating a network of simple sit-spot benches designed for quiet reflection and time in nature. Guests are welcome to sit on any benches they come across while exploring the property.
Very important: Because this is an off-grid dome located about a quarter mile into our woods, guests MUST arrive before sunset. This is for safety reasons, as the woods are dark at night. Also, we'll need to give you a quick orientation on how to use the off-grid elements.
Guest access
Guest access
Guests park in a designated wood-chip parking area just off the driveway. Please do not park on the road or neighboring properties.
Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the parking area and transport your luggage to the dome by UTV. Guests are welcome to ride up with us or walk together for an orientation. The walk to Orion is about ¼ mile, mostly flat, with a steeper incline near the end. We go at a comfortable pace.
The dome is set in a natural, wooded environment with wood-chip paths and steps. Terrain is uneven and not ADA accessible. Guests should be comfortable walking outdoors and navigating stairs and a short slope.
Check-in is anytime after 3:00 and before dark so we can safely orient you to the space and systems. Check-out is 12 p.m.
Guests have private access to the dome, deck, outdoor kitchen area, outdoor shower, and surrounding grounds. We will be near or on the property and are available if needed, while fully respecting your privacy.
Other things to note
Orion is a fully off-grid, nature-first stay designed for guests who enjoy simplicity, quiet, and being outdoors. Power and water systems are thoughtfully set up but limited by design. The solar power system supports charging phones, laptops, CPAP machines, and small devices, but not high-draw appliances like hair dryers. Drinking water is provided at one gallon per day.
There is no WiFi or television at the dome. Cell service varies by carrier, with some guests able to get a signal in certain spots on the property. WiFi is available near the creek at the Otter Beach Treehouse area.
Access to the dome includes wood-chip paths, steps, and a short incline near the end of the walk. The property is not ADA accessible and is best suited for guests comfortable navigating uneven terrain and ladder access to the sleeping loft.
Wild Woods Retreat is a working tree nursery and native plant farm set among woods, pasture, and a creek. Guests are welcome to explore the property respectfully and enjoy the sit-spot benches placed throughout the woods for quiet reflection.
This is a peaceful retreat setting. Parties, events, and wood fires are not permitted.
