Water Forest Retreat Tree House is a 168 sq ft. private heated and electrified tiny home with stained glass windows surrounding an oak tree nestled on 56 acres of forest. Enjoy your favorite drink out on the deck up in the trees while watching the birds. There are 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails with a brook, waterfall, marsh and pond. Come here to hike, fish or just relax in this beautiful forest. We also have an OCTAGON and HIKER’S HAVEN house. Please click on our profile picture to read more.
The space
Regarding outdoor security cameras. There are none at the treehouse. We have two at the studio which are aimed at the driveway.
Concerning pets, we allow two medium sized dogs as long as they are friendly and do not bark much. If your dog barks a lot, and is running around off leash, you will be asked to leave and you will not receive a refund. Please remember this is a retreat and many people come here to relax. No puppies or cats please. Your pet must be on a leash while walking the trails as we have coyotes and black bear here.
Water Forest RetreatTree House is a great place to rejuvenate and enjoy all that Nature has to offer. Here you can hike, meditate, relax, read, write, mushroom hunt, fish, create art, music, photography, bird watch, cross country ski, snowshoe, and star gaze as there is little light pollution, along with many other activities in a private woodland setting.
The space, which is 168 ft.² or 15.6 m² has electricity, but not running water. Hand sanitizer is provided along with a wash basin or you can use the sink at the main house to wash your hands. Soap, wash cloths, and towels are stored in a container under the bed. On top of the cabinet here is complimentary hand made glycerin soap. Bottled water is provided on the lower shelf of the bed stand or you can fill up a container at the sink area as the well water is very good. The composting toilet is conveniently located in the tree house and is vented so there is no odor. Toilet paper is provided. There are directions on the bathroom wall on how to use it. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY so that it will function properly. NEVER urinate with the chute open. When we show you around, we will explain how to use the toilet.
The tree house has a locking door and six large windows with screens and shades for privacy. The key is located on top of the cabinet. There are two stained glass transoms above the front windows and two more in the apexes. The space has a queen size bed with a comfy hybrid coil memory foam mattress which is covered with a mattress protector. There are sheets with plenty of pillows and quilts along with a faux fur throw. Two bed side tables with Tiffany style lamps complement each side along with two tall white birch logs decorated with branches, crystals and fairy lights. There is a remote control for the tree lights on top of the cabinet. Behind the bed side tables are USB ports with cords so you can charge your iPhone. Above the bed hangs a stained glass panel and a ceiling fan for your comfort on warm nights. We also supply standing fans if needed. Please note we do not have air conditioning. There is also an electric fireplace for cold nights or you can just enjoy watching the flames without heat. On very cold nights we also supply a propane heater, though the electric fireplace is usually sufficient.
Although there is no traditional kitchen, there is space inside on top of the cabinet, table and outdoor tables to prepare your meals. There is no fridge or microwave.
There is a cabinet which stores some camping essentials such as a propane camp stove, dinnerware, cutlery, cutting board, sugar and sugar substitutes, spices, oil, tin foil, creamers, pots, pans, lighters, scissors, wine bottle and can opener, extra light bulbs, mugs, dish drying cloth, umbrellas, first aid kit, paper towels, Lysol cleaner, flashlights, propane, insect repellent and a battery powered lantern. A Kuerig coffee machine is provided with assorted coffees, chai latte, tea, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider. There is also a turquoise inlaid wooden table with two chairs where you can dine, write, or use your computer and a small wall rack for hanging clothes. On top of the rack are two wine glasses, binoculars and a mirror. Under the bed there are an assortment of games. Two pottery mugs are provided which Nancy made. The mugs are for sale at 38.00 each. Atop the cabinet is a bowl of snacks and a book binder with more information about the place and information on things to do and where to eat, maps and directions on how to use the coffee machine, propane stove, propane heater and electric fire place.
There are 2 1/2 miles of well maintained wood lined hiking trails with some that follow Goldmine brook to a waterfall that once hosted a grist mill back in the 1700's. You can still see the large stone foundations. Along the trails you will see many of the iconic stone walls that are unique to New England. The trails range from easy to moderate. Maps are provided in the book binder and trail markers are posted along the way. There are many benches and chairs along the trail where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery. While hiking the trails walking poles or sticks are suggested as the terrain is hilly with some stone steps and steep areas. Two walking sticks hang on the wall in the tree house. Because of the terrain hiking boots are strongly recommended. Due to the nature of the trails no ATV, dirt or mountain biking is allowed. These are hiking trails only. We ask that you please respect the private sign as this trail leads to the Octagon where guests may be staying. There is a good distance between the buildings so you will not be able to see each other even in winter. We wanted to make each site secluded and private. While hiking, please stay on our side of the brook as the opposite side is owned by our neighbor.
It is a five minute walk to the spring fed pond which is part of Goldmine brook. The brook is rated class A and supports a myriad of wildlife including river otters, mink and great blue herons. If you like to fish bring your gear to try for pickerel, large and small mouth bass, white and yellow perch, shiners and native trout. Previous guests have had great luck fishing here.
Depending on water flow, you can also take a dip right here in the small pool below the Goldmine brook waterfall which is a 20-25 minute walk down the trail or you can go for a swim in gold mine brook pond which is only a five minute walk away. We supply water floats that you can borrow. Please check out the book binder for other places to swim.
The outdoor living area is conveniently layered with crushed stone. Enjoy a fire in the fire pit and meals either outdoors or in. On the deck there are two chairs and a mosaic glass table for outdoor dining along with a propane grill and a hammock that seats two people. At ground level there is a fire pit with a grill, a tripod grill, additional tables and chairs, zero gravity lounge chairs along with tiki torches for extra light and ambiance.
Unfortunately, we no longer supply wood for the fire pit. You can pick up some wood at the local Big Y or Walmart, which is a mile away. You may also want to pack some fire starter.
There is a Walmart and Big Y one mile away where you can buy food, drinks, ice and other supplies. Looking for a liquor store? Bozrah Wine and Spirits is one mile one the right heading west on route 82. Since there is no refrigerator you will need to bring your own cooler or you can borrow ours. We have ice packs that you can borrow.
Enjoy a hot private outdoor shower down at the main house. The distance to the shower is about a one minute walk. The shower is private while you are using it , but is shared with other guests. Plush towels, washcloths and soap are stored under the bed in a container. Shampoo and conditioner are at the shower. There is a sink here where you can wash your dishes. Under the bed there is a black plastic container to use for dirty dishes. Dish soap and scrubber are provided at the sink. There is a dish drying cloth in the cabinet back at the tree house. Due to freezing temperatures, the shower and sink may not be available in winter. A wash basin is provided for sponge bathing. The basin is stored under the bed. Simply use the coffee machine or camp stove to make hot water. Guests staying two nights or more during this season are more than welcome to use the inside shower up at the main house. In winter we will take care of washing the dishes.
Because of the distance, Wifi is not available in the tree house, but is available in the parking area and pottery studio which is a walking distance of about 300 feet. If your device is supported by an Internet provider you will be able to access the Internet.
BEFORE YOU BOOK, please keep in mind that this is a fancy form of camping (glamping!) that is semi off grid ( no running water in the Treehouse) with all that camping entails including insects, animals, sudden weather changes, rocky paths and hilly terrain. It is a one minute walk from the parking lot to the tree house and shower. You may get to hear our resident barred owls, red fox, eastern coyotes or possibly come across a white tailed deer or mink while hiking the trails.
The distance from the parking area to the tree house is about 300 feet with 170 feet of that being in the forest. Since the tree house is small please pack appropriately. We will be more be more than happy to help you with your luggage.
Be mindful of check in and check out times. If you tell us you plan to arrive at three and do not show up until 9 o’clock, realize that we have been waiting many hours for you when we could’ve been doing something else. We have also been running electricity and heat which is wasteful. If you are going to be late, please have the courtesy to let us know. Unfortunately our tiny homes are not conducive for lockbox entry and we need to show you around. We also need time to clean after check out for the next guest and are on a tight schedule.
We now have a studio apartment on the property located in the house. walkout basement. Look under Norwich Connecticut. It is called studio apartment water forest retreat. Link: https\\www.airbnb.com\h\waterforestretreat – apartment
Please read House rules.
Please do not explore the trails that go to other tiny homes as there may be guests staying there.
Wash your dirty dishes before you leave.
No candle, incense or sage burning inside the tree house.
Smoking is not allowed inside the tree house, but is allowed outside.
If you have a pet, please bring a dog bed or a dog blanket. Do not let your dog sleep on top of the duvet or in between the sheets.
We also have a pottery shop-studio that you are more than welcome to visit. There are many items for sale including hand woven scarves, dichroic glass, necklaces, and wooden earrings.
Check out is easy! Please leave the key on top of the cabinet and you’re all set to go! If you would like to stay longer and hike the trails after check out you are more than welcome!
Bert and I will do everything we can to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. Please feel free to contact us at anytime during your stay if you need anything. If it is after 9 PM, please contact Nancy by phone call, not text as I might not hear it. The phone number is posted on the front of the book binder. We look forward to hosting you!
Guest access
Hiking trails, yard, shower and parking area. Please respect the private signs as these trails lead to the octagon or Hiker’s Haven where guests may be staying. You will not be able to see the octagon or Hiker’s Haven from the tree house nor they you. We wanted to make all places private and secluded. While hiking please stay on our side of the brook as the opposite side belongs to our neighbor. Thanks for your cooperation!
Other things to note
Please bring your own personal toiletries, food, drinks and ice for your cooler. If you do not have a cooler, you can borrow ours. We also have extra ice packs if you need them. Also bring suitable footwear for hiking, outdoor shower and water shoes if you want to walk in the brook as the stones can be slippery. Please purchase or bring your own wood if you want a fire.
