Large great room with fireplace - fantastic area for large groups & conversation
Location: Grey Eagle, Minnesota, USA (15 Minutes South of Sauk Centre, 40 Min N of St Cloud)
Accommodations: House, 7 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 14-21)
The Olive Branch is a private home nestled in 57 acres with mature trees and lake front that provides a breathtaking view.
The Olive Branch has been newly remodeled from what used to be a convent to an 'old world' style place to enjoy family and friends. Spread out through the 2 wings that offer 7 bedrooms, 3 baths and large comfortable gathering space. The great room, dining room, screened porch, breakfast porch and the kitchen are large in scale and furnished with an antique decor for entertaining and relaxation. A chapel, and a renovated chicken barn turned gathering zone with bathroom, wet bar, and fire pit complete the amenities.
Nature surrounds the property. Walking trails are private throughout and connect with 1100 acres of state land. Fishing on Fuller Lake is always a good catch. Canoeing can connect to Lake Hennessy.
Area Description
Grey Eagle has over 20 lakes. The hometown conveniences include; restaurants, hardware stores, post office, library, and churches.
Sauk Centre is just 15 minutes away offering all your shopping needs, Raceway, theatre and parks.
Alexandria extends it's shopping, dining and hometown offerings just 35 minutes from Grey Eagle.
A winery and a vinegary are also a short car ride away for a fun half day trip.
Vacation Rental Amenities
ACTIVITIES
• Boating (onsite)
• Yard Games (onsite)
• Hunting (<1 mile)
• Shopping Area (15 miles)
• Canoeing (onsite)
• Restaurant (1 mile)
• Zoo (15 miles)
• Fishing (onsite)
• Snowmobiling (5 miles)
• Bicycling (20 miles)
• Hiking (onsite)
• Golf (15 miles)
• Miniature Golf (25 miles)
• Kayaking (onsite)
• Grocery Store (15 miles)
• Winery (25 miles)
• Lake (onsite)
• Movie Theater (15 miles)
The Olive Branch is the Perfect Place for:
Family Gatherings: The Olive Branch Retreat has hosted a family Christmas Celebration for 100 people. This party filled the Olive Branch to the brim with people and fun activity. Broomball, ice skating and ice fishing occurred on the lake. Card games, feasting and an ugly sweater/ugly hat contest were the focus of the gathering. The Olive Branch was also a destination for a family Christmas gathering of five with a more calm and reflective encounter. The tree was decorated. The sleds were used. Christmas wrap was even found under the beds. Both families loved every minute…. and took the time to really know each other.
Special Events: The open house for the Olive Branch Retreat was set up like a wedding. We wanted to see if we could host such a large-scale event. Without doubt, a wedding would be absolutely fabulous here. For our Open House, we had a live band inside the Gathering Space; three buffet lines inside; a wet bar on the patio along with a steak & shrimp kabob grilling station and a second wet bar with chicken wing hors d’oeuvres set up in the Chicken Barn. It was a night to remember! Our first 50thWedding Anniversary party was a huge success. We can’t wait to help our first bride plan a wedding at Olive Branch Retreat. Incidentally, it would also be a perfect place to host a groom’s dinner… and the bridal party could even stay overnight!
Girlfriend or Couple Getaways: Girlfriend getaways are by far the event that Olive Branch has hosted the most. All of these ideas work great for a group of couples as well. “The Hub” – a nearby restaurant will cater your meal. They cook, they serve (even going so far as to pour your wine) and clean up when they leave. It is dinner out, without the drive! We also have massage therapists available that will come to the retreat and do massages on site. Call us to set one up or bring your own. What a great way to let the relaxation begin! We even have a personal chef available for a unique pampering experience. Or have everyone work together in the kitchen to make your own perfect meal!
Crafting/Scrapbooking Escapes: We have 12 folding tables that can be set up in pods in the 680 square-foot Gathering Space. This gives up to 12 crafters their own personal space large enough to spread out and get creative. Task lighting is available to ensure everyone can focus and no one gets sleepy too early. Typically, Crafters plan their own meals and assign ingredients to each guest, but don’t forget that catering from local restaurants is available. Cater in everything, or just a special meal!
Business Meetings: The Olive Branch has hosted team-building activities for groups. There is plenty of outdoor space for team challenges and games. Cooking meals in the Olive Branch Kitchen has worked well as a team-building activity. Don’t forget to judge “presentation” as one of the criteria … there is plenty of china and serve ware to make dinners beautiful!
Spiritual Retreats: Church groups and bible studies have appreciated the opportunity to “get away” for a more in depth retreat that offers socializing and fun as part of their bonding experience. There is something about the natural setting and the history of the home that is extra inviting to these guests. All denominations are welcome.
Grief Healing: There are so many things about the Olive Branch that make it an ideal place to heal. It is on a semi-private lake. The water soothes, especially since the motorized boats on the lake are few. We offer a duck boat, a pontoon, and a canoe for getting out on the water. Our Chapel is on site and is the perfect place for quiet reflection. Our quiet corners are comforting and inviting. Inspirational literature is available in the library and scattered throughout the bedrooms. It is the perfect place to be quiet - or be heard.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Other Amenities
- Renovated Chicken Barn with 1/2 bath
- Suitability
- Kid Friendly
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$395/night .. $1495/weekend (Fri-Sun) .. $2495/week (Sat-Fri)
- Weekday - no overnight - call for rate
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2007
The Story of Three Spirited Women The partners in this venture are three friends who have a lot of spirit - Sheila Burski, Marla Wasekaand Jessica Town-Gunderson. The torch has been passed on to us from three women of spirit - Franciscan sisters. The past life of The Olive Branch Retreat was a Convent named Portiuncula, which means “Little Portion”. It was a Catholic retreat for nuns. However, due to their vow of poverty, it was very modest in architecture as well as decoration. Under the discerning eye of the new partners, it was renovated and restored into a cozy yet upscale retreat for all to enjoy. Now, there are light-filled rooms, incredible views, vintage furniture and fantastic mattresses all wrapped into an ‘old world’ aesthetic. Although a complete facelift was accomplished, the original character was not destroyed. Careful attention was paid to preserving the Chapel which is now a welcoming spiritual place. Wood from the exterior was reused on the interior. Windows and doors were added for view and natural light, but the original footprint remains. Its unique horseshoe floor plan creates many different spaces – a handsomely landscaped Courtyard upon entry - as well as many social gathering spaces; private sleeping spaces and cozy meditating spaces. Jessica, Marla and Sheila remain dedicated to creating a unique and peaceful experience with unexpected surprises. The getaways that you could plan here are only limited to your imagination. But a word of caution: whatever you plan to do here, be prepared to return to the regular world a little transformed, and more than a little relaxed. Feel free to take home with you every portion of peacefulness you attain here. Listed on the home page are both spaces provided and events that have been successfully hosted at Olive Branch Retreat. Let us know what YOU did here!
Why the Owner Chose Grey Eagle
Grey Eagle offers a quick access to being on vacation yet easy accessibility to major areas for entertainment outside of the retreat. Once you are at the Olive Branch - you won't want to do more than relax and enjoy the nature setting.
The Unique Benefits of this House
The Olive Branch has been newly renovated with old world charm and loaded with Character. There are several rooms for guests to enjoy their own space yet larger gathering rooms for certain times of the days. 2 wings are designed for sleeping so that your guests are not disturbed while others stay up late. Campfires and barn dancing is a wonderful time at the Olive Branch. A favorite hangout by many day and night. Nature is the key to enjoyment. 57 acres private plus another 1100 acres of attached state land offer the most in every nature activity. The lake is ready to fish with a fishing boat, vintage pontoon and a canoe.
Property Photos
- Large great room with fireplace - fantastic area for large groups & conversation - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
- Private Lake shared only with one other across the lake - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
- Fishing boat ready to launch. Trophy bass, northern and tons of panfish - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
- Lakeside master suite
- Newly remodeled inside and out with old world charm - 3600 sq ft private rooms
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #250021
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Date last modified - October 07, 2009
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