Large great room with fireplace - fantastic area for large groups & conversation
Location: Grey Eagle, Central, Minnesota, USA (15 Minutes east of Sauk Centre, 40 Min north of St Cloud) View Map
Accommodations: House, 7 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 14-22)
Keywords: House Retreat Resort
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 a convent to an 'old world' style aesthetic. A spacious, yet intimate home to enjoy time with family and friends. The horseshoe shape design affords two secluded wings that house the bedrooms and three bathrooms. The Gathering Space, Dining Room, Screened Porch, Breakfast Porch and the Kitchen are large in scale and furnished with a vintage decor for entertaining and relaxation. The original Peter W. Bartholome Chapel provides a place for quiet reflection. The renovated chicken barn has been turned into additional entertaining space with bathroom, wood-burning stove, wet bar, and fire pit.
Nature surrounds the property. Walking trails are private throughout and are adjacent to 1100 acres of state land. Fishing on Fuller Lake is always a good catch. Canoeing can connect to Lake Hennessy.
Area Description
The Grey Eagle area has over 20 lakes. It is a beautiful drive filled with gorgeous lakes and well-tended farmland. The conveniences in town include; restaurants, bars, gas stations, post office, library, and churches.
Sauk Centre is just 15 minutes away with a world class golf course, raceway, theatre, public beach and parks.
Alexandria extends it's hospitality with shopping, dining, golf, water park, winery and many other activities for a great day-trip. The drive is just 35 minutes from Grey Eagle.
Take a step back in time and take in a movie at the drive in theater in Long Prarie which is just minutes away. While you are there, check out the vinegary and antique stores in town.
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 family Christmas Celebrations. The Olive Branch is comfortable being filled to the brim with people and fun activity. Some of these include broomball, ice skating and ice fishing on the lake. Card games, feasting and lively conversation. The Olive Branch is also a great destination for a quiet family Christmas gathering for a more calm and reflective encounter. The whole place is decorated for the season.
Special Events: The open house for our grand opening was set up like a wedding. Without doubt, wedding are absolutely fabulous here. For our Open House there was a live band in 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! You can host the grooms dinner on Friday night, the wedding on Saturday and follow up with gift opening on Sunday. Extend your stay for a couple days so you can enjoy the property for a couple days on your own.
Girlfriend or Couple Getaways: Some possiblities for a girlfriend or couples weekend is to bring in a massage thereapist, psychic, personal chef or have your meal catered (it is dinner out, without the drive). Call us if you would like referrals or bring in your own. What a great way to let the relaxation begin!
Crafting/Scrapbooking Escapes: We have ten folding tables that can be set up in pods in the 680 square-foot Gathering Space. This gives your 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.
Spiritual Retreats: Spiritual and church groups have appreciated the opportunity to “get away” for a more indepth retreat that offers socializing and fun as part of their bonding experience. There is something nurturing about the natural setting, remote location 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. The water soothes. We offer a duck boat, a pontoon, and two canoes 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. It is the perfect place to be quiet - or be heard.
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!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Main entertaining space is conditioned.
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Garage : Two stall garage set up for additional entertaining space includinhg lighting, foosball table & dart board.
- Off Street Parking : Large Parking Lot
- Wood Stove : One located in main Gathering Space and in one Chicken Barn.
- Beds
- King Bed : Lake View Suite
- Queen Bed (3) : Courtyard View Room, Peter's Room & Garden View Room
- Twin/Single Bed (6) : Three twin beds and one trundle in Grace Room, one twin bed in Rita's Room, two twin beds in Children's Hideaway Attic
- Convertible Bed (8) : Three queen pull out couches and two twin pull outs
- Crib : Portable play pen available in the garage
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Connected to DVD Player
- DVD
- Video Library : Large selection of DVD movies
- Stereo System
- Foosball
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Range, crock pot, griddle, toaster, mixer, double coffee maker
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Large and small pots and pans, pizza pan, silverware, china, glassware and serving pieces. Toaster, griddle, crock pot, George Foreman Grill.
- Refrigerator (2)
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Contact us if you would like referrals
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Huge - 14 feet by 40 feet
- Gazebo : Pergola with sleeping couch in yard.
- View/Location
- Lakefront : Private lake with only one other home accross the lake from The Olive Branch. Great swimming from the floating dock. Fishing is excellent.
- Other Amenities
- Renovated Chicken Barn with 1/2 bath, large yard, walking trails, orchard
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : With limitations - please call for details.
- Kid Friendly : Yard games, children's hideaway attic, board games, movies, art table and art shed all on site.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking alcove provided - covered and sheltered from the wind.
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Restaurants
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- Within 12 minutes of the Lake Wobegon Trail. Adjacent to Wildlife Reserve.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
PEAK RESORT SEASON: (MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY)
$425/week night .. $1745/weekend(Fri-Sun) .. $3025/week
RELAXATION/REFLECTION SEASON: (SEPTEMBER - MAY)
$395/week night .. $1495/weekend(Fri-Sun) .. $2495/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
7 Bedrooms - 57 Acre Private Lake Home - Sleeps 22
Year Purchased: 2007
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 at 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 for you with a fishing boat, vintage pontoon, two canoes and swim dock.
Owner's Map of Grey Eagle
The Story of Three Spirited Women. The partners in this venture are three friends who have a lot of spirit - Sheila Burski, Marla Waseka and 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 face lift 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!
Property Photos
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- Large great room with fireplace - fantastic area for large groups & conversation - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
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- Private Lake shared only with one other across the lake - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
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- Fishing boat ready to launch. Trophy bass, northern and tons of panfish - Grey Eagle, Minnesota Lakefront Vacation House
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- Lakeside master suite
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- Newly remodeled inside and out with old world charm - 3600 sq ft private rooms
Traveler Reviews (4)
Returning to the Olive Branch Again and Again
Guest: Carol & Dave
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Date of Stay: 01/01/12
Review Submitted: 01/21/12
We have reserved the Olive Branch several times with family and friends. The attention to detail and environment are among the best I have had the opportunity to enjoy. This is truly an experience you do not want to pass up. It is quiet, beautiful and truly relaxing place to stay with a very warm atmosphere. The partners do a wonderful job making sure our accomodations are perfect. I would recommend this retreat to anyone who wants to get back to nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Recommended for:
July 4th Family Reunion
Guest: Terry
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Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 07/13/11
We had a fantastic time at the Olive Branch. Your facility worked great. We couldn't have found a better place to accommodate all of us. It exceeded our expectations. Thanks for everything.
Recommended for:
Guest: Thorsons
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Date of Stay: 07/13/10
Review Submitted: 02/01/11
Thank you for opening the Olive Branch for our wedding. The back yard was beautiful overlooking the lake. My family enjoyed the casual atmosphere. We also enjoyed bringing our own food in to make this wedding the perfect get-together. We will be back for many anniversaries.
Recommended for:
Guest: Julie and friends
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Date of Stay: 12/01/09
Review Submitted: 02/01/11
We enjoyed the Holidays at the Olive Branch. It was a perfect time to relax and spend time with family. We loved your decorating. It was nice to have a space for everyone. One person wanted to read and the next person wanted to fish. Thank you for opening your beautiful space.
Recommended for:
First (4) of (4). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #250021
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Date last modified - Saturday, January 21, 2012
