Year-Round Romantic,Nature-Lovers' Vacation Oasis - Come, Give Peace a Chance!
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:No
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Come, leave the hectic pace of daily life behind when you arrive at SunnyHill, a place where the beauty of the Catskills & the sights, sounds & fragrances of Nature can truly clear the mind & soothe the soul. This is especially true during the winter; BEING LOCATED JUST A 20-40 MIN. SCENIC COUNTRY DRIVE FROM THE AREA'S 4 MAJOR SKI RESORTS- Hunter, Windham, Plattekill & Belleayre - we are certain that guests who love winter sports will appreciate SunnyHill's comparatively reasonable rates given its proximity to these popular resorts. Guests need only walk a short distance to sled/toboggan! Snowmobiling is a popular local pastime & snowmobiles may be rented locally.
The bucolic Catskill Scenic Trail may be hiked & biked, year-round; cross-country skied in winter
Nestled on 6 secluded acres encompassing both woods & meadow, SunnyHill is an ideal spot for families looking for a relaxing, nature-oriented vacation; it's also great for writers, artists, or composers . . . & of course, paramours desiring a romantic getaway
While only four miles from Stamford Village, our modern & contemporary furnished cottage provides a quiet, reflective refuge from the distractions, demands & stress of everyday life.
Our cottage has an open sleeping loft, a spacious great rm., fully-equipped kitchenette, additional sleeping alcove downstairs, & full bath, all furnished in a warm, contemporary style. SunnyHill sleeps four adults comfortably; two additional guests may be accommodated on futons for a minimal additional per person, per diem charge. Parents: there's room near the beds for a playpen or porta-crib.
Guests can savor their morning coffee on the back porch while listening to the sounds of the forest; a gorgeous view of the Catskills' Historic Township Valley enhances sunset cocktails and a grilled dinner on the front deck. After dark, enjoy an evening of stargazing.
Campfire anyone?
Many guests enjoy horseback riding (trail riding and lessons available) with a choice of two local stables.
Beyond the aforementioned downhill skiing opportunities nearby, should you decide to venture out of the peaceful solitude of SunnyHill, there's lots more to see & do only a short drive away. E.g., Stamford is located just 30 minutes from movies, shopping, & cultural, educational & sports events in and near the the S.U.N.Y. Oneonta & Delhi campuses & @ Hartwick College & college towns of Oneonta and Delhi, slightly under an hour from historic Cooperstown featuring the Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, the Farmers' Museum, the Glimmerglass Opera House and boating & dining along Lake Otsego's shore. SunnyHill is only approximately 40 minutes from Howe Caverns and the Iroquois Museum.
A sampling of some special summer fairs within half an hour's drive include the Delaware County & Sunshine Fairs, Margaretville Carnival, and the nearby Hobart Horseshoe Festival.
Among the local recreational activities, the Village of Stamford has a two excellent, safe public swimming pools (adult and baby-toddler), playground, tennis courts, two art galleries, a performing arts group, a library with free wi-fi and public computer & printer access, and a championship, historic, 18-hole public golf course. If you just want to take in the country landscape there are an abundant number of nearby opportunities for hiking, biking, running, and cross-country skiing. Without going too far one can horseback ride, fish, or kayak / canoe.
Guests can shop for groceries locally, where farm stands abound and a full-service supermarket is available.
Cleaning Fee Addendum
Minimum two nights, up to three nights stay= $50
Week-10 day stay= $75
11-31 day stay = $100
(Dog Guests necessitate post departure rug shampooing for which we must charge $25 toward the cost of the machine & special pet-stain & odor removing chemical cleaners)
Property Type
- Cottage
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Optional
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Low Allergen Environment
Bedrooms
- 0 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5
- Bedroom 1
- 1 double
- open sleeping loft
- Bedroom 2
- 1 double, 3 sleep sofa /futon
- downstairs alcove
Bathrooms
- 0.0 Bathrooms
- Full 1
- toilet, shower
- Shower stall bench seat available
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Games
- Stereo
- Radio
- Toys
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Books For Kids
- Television
- Games For Kids
- Books
- Books For Adults
Theme
- Romantic
- Away From It All
Attractions
- Museums
- Waterfalls
- Playground
- Autumn Foliage
- Cinemas
- Theme Parks
- Coin Laundry
- Live Theater
- Arboretum
- Forests
- Churches
- Library
- Pond
- Restaurants
Car
- Necessary
Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Toaster
- Ice Maker
- Coffee Grinder
- Kitchenette
- Kitchen
- Catering Available
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Grill
- Stove
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Oven
- 4 Ring Stove
- Coffee Maker
Leisure Activities
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Walking
- Photography
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding
- Eco Tourism
- Horseshoes
- Scenic Drives
local services and businesses
- Groceries
- Laundromat
- Babysitter
- Medical Services
- Fitness Center
- ATM/Bank
Location Type
- Mountain
- Mountain View
- Resort
- River
- Rural
- Ski-In / Ski-Out
- Town
- Waterfront
- Village
- Lake
sports and adventure activities
- Cycling
- Golf Privileges Optional
- Skiing
- Fly Fishing
- Hunting Small Game
- Hunting Big Game
- Kayaking
- Snowboarding
- Mountain Climbing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Mountain Biking
- Paragliding
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Water Tubing
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Equestrian Events
- Rock Climbing
- Parasailing
- Snowmobiling
- Mountaineering
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fishing
- Ski Privileges Optional
- Hunting
- Golf
- Basketball Court
- Swimming
- Ice Skating
- Rafting
Arrival Day
- Flexible
catering options
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Dining
- Dining Area
- Child's Highchair
forms of payment
- Accept Credit Card
General
- Towels Provided
- Mosquito Magnet
- Heating
- Firewood
- Wood Stove
- Linens Provided
- Mobile Phone
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Wood Fireplace
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Parking Off Street
- Local Activities Guide
- Iron & Board
- Activities Guide
- Parking
- Alarm Clock
- Basic Soaps
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Hair Dryer
- Thermos Bottle
- Local Maps
- Filtered Water
- Ceiling Fans
- Local Restaurant Guide
house cleaning
- Housekeeper Optional
Outside
- Outdoor Grill
- Barbecue
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Deck / Patio
- Wood Deck
- Binoculars
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Small Cooler
Payment Type
- Visa
- Discover
- Mastercard
Pool / Spa
- Communal Pool
Reviews
Write a review-
Charming cottage nestled away from it all
Charming cottage nestled away from it all
- Guest Leah M.
- Date of stay 03/01/13
- Review Submitted 03/06/13
This cottage was the perfect place for our late winter get-away! Everything was clean and inviting. George took the utmost care in preparing for our visit, and his property manager Bruce was very welcoming upon our arrival. We felt very much at home. The wood pellet stove kept us warm and cozy on this snowy weekend. It was so relaxing, even our pup was relaxed and happy to be out of the city, if only for a few days! We look forward to a time when we can return!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Just what we needed
Just what we needed
- Guest Emilio S.
- Date of stay 01/07/13
- Review Submitted 01/26/13
We needed a peaceful getaway after a hard working year in NY. Not so much of a fancy town with stores or restaurants, but a quiet, isolated house in the woods, and this is what we found at this place. Cozy, small, warm, surrounded by trees and snow, very functional, and perfectly managed by George, its owner. We had an excellent week just walking around, cooking, reading and being together. Ideal for a couple looking for some romantic days. We totally recommend it!Recommended for: Romantic getaway.
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A great winter getaway!
A great winter getaway!
- Guest Alex B.
- Date of stay 01/18/13
- Review Submitted 01/25/13
This cabin was perfect for a nice winter getaway from NYC. We went up looking to relax for a long weekend and maybe get some snowshoeing and hiking in. All of that was achieved. The cabin has all of the amenities you'd want. Nothing feels left out. The owner George has obviously taken past recommendations to heart and it shows. The cabin was very clean and George was very approachable. Make sure you rent/drive a car suitable for steep mountain roads and know how to handle yourself in snowy/icy conditions and you should be fine. Spiral staircases and lofted bedrooms are now my new favorite thing.Owner response: I enjoyed meeting this extremely nice, thoughtful, considerate, intelligent professional couple and Mary & I are so pleased that they truly enjoyed, and made daily use of, the many winter recreational and fitness opportunities in SunnyHill's immediate area, as well as within Delaware County& contiguous counties (Greene & Schoharie Counties). Fortunately, vis-a-vis last winter, which was devoid of snow, this winter has brought plenty of snow, so one may accurately describe SunnyHill as being surrounded by A Winter Wonderland of opportunities for outsoorsmen & women and Nature lovers. The cozy, romantic loft mentioned IS very popular, especially with young & young-at-heart couples. So is the wood stove, which is a joy to return to after spending the day outdoors in the fresh, cold air; the sight of the fire and its warmth, coupled with a hot cup of coffee/tea/cocoa (or a straight-up Manhattan or the like if you're so inclined -and over 21! ) makes for a great start to an easy-chair evening spent just as you wish: no demands, chores, stress, hassles. Choose satellite TV, or play your favorite CDs and/or DVDs via out entertainment center, or enjoy the peace and absolute quiet crowned by an incredibly clear, starry-night sky. Mary and I consider ourselves extremely fortunate that the majority of our guests are like this couple, however every couple is unique and we are eager to host this particular couple again before too long! Sincerely, Mary & George, Co-Hosts, SunnyHill Summit (Catskills Vacation) Retreat
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Private Romantic Getaway!
Private Romantic Getaway!
- Guest cesar q.
- Date of stay 12/07/12
- Review Submitted 12/27/12
My wife and i had a wonderful time at sunny hill. We were celebrating our belayed anniversary with our two beagles Sophy and Jazz and what a wonderful time we had. The property was exactly as shown in the website. We enjoyed the fireplace, the hike, the wonderful view, the peace and quiet of the woods. Our dogs have never been happier for the long walks, they even made friends with neighbors dogs.George and Mary, provided detailed instructions and Bruce, the property manager, was really helpful. Highly recommended!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Peace, tranquility and room to roam
Peace, tranquility and room to roam
- Guest Vanessa J.
- Date of stay 09/01/12
- Review Submitted 10/14/12
If you are looking for a quiet weekend nestled in country hills, this is the place for you. My fiancee and I spent a long weekend at Sunnyhill with our English Bulldog Suma and it completely beat our expectations. As far as activities go, there's lots to do -- but we didn't even scratch the surface. We stayed near the house mostly, going for hikes and playing ball with Suma. And she was in complete heaven. Per George's recommendation, we did go for about a 3 mile bike ride in the hills and it was breathtaking. George is as lovely and accommodating as can be. I'm sure we'll be back again.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing.
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Lovely views, private location
Lovely views, private location
- Guest Rio D.
- Date of stay 04/13/12
- Review Submitted 09/08/12
My husband and I had a fabulous time at Sunny Hill. We wanted to get away from New York and visit the Catskills, staying in a quiet and private cabin. The owner, George, was friendly and just a phone call away if we needed anything, and gave great advice on places to visit (the cabin includes a library of leaflets providing info on local restaurants etc.). Great time.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Beautiful, peaceful stay
Beautiful, peaceful stay
- Guest rachel p.
- Date of stay 08/18/12
- Review Submitted 08/28/12
Although our vacation was cut short due to a family emergency, the few days my fiance and I were able to stay at Sunny Hill were absolutely what we wanted. Quiet and private, this cabin is truly a fantastic place to get away. George made us feel right at home and was just a phone call away if we needed anything. We will be coming back for sure. -Rachel and PatrickDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Perfect romantic getaway, exactly as advertised!
Perfect romantic getaway, exactly as advertised!
- Guest Rebecca V.
- Date of stay 08/14/12
- Review Submitted 08/20/12
We booked Sunnyhill looking for a quiet and romantic retreat away from the hectic nature of city life. What we got was exactly what we wanted! From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, everything we needed was provided for at the cottage. George was extremely helpful in giving us a thorough orientation of the cottage and its surrounding land. George and Mary provided extensive reading material (including maps and guidebooks) as well, which helped us learn more about the Catskill region and make the most of our vacation. George even suggested a few attractions for us to visit which were all beautiful! The cottage was stocked with every necessity. The kitchen for instance included every piece of cutlery and appliance you could ever need. Best of all, the cottage was immaculately clean and very cozy. We stayed in the middle of August and the heat was not a problem at all. The breeze coming in from outside, coupled with the ceiling fan, made the cottage a perfect sleeping temperature. The surrounding land was delightful. We even saw a family of deer outside the window one evening! George and Mary, as well as the surrounding residents, provided the perfect level of privacy we were looking for. It truly felt like a secluded mountain retreat. As far as entertainment, Sunnyhill’s Direct TV satellite service was perfect. It provided more channels than we would ever need! While there is no internet access at the cottage, Stamford (an easy 5-minute drive) has a library with free wifi. The town itself is also a lovely place to visit for an afternoon. Overall, we loved the place and would definitely consider coming back and recommending it to friends and family!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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A wonderful experience!
A wonderful experience!
- Guest Ronnie C.
- Date of stay 07/17/12
- Review Submitted 08/03/12
My recent 2-week stay at the SunnyHill Sumer Retreat was an absolute delight. Hosts Mary and George (and son, Evan) were warm, gracious and highly accommodating. In reading through the entries in the visitor log, one can see that SunnyHill has become personally meaningful to a variety of guests in different ways. The house was charming and comfortable. For me, in addition to some much needed R&R, I especially savored the view from the front deck, the sweet country air, and the way the skies moved toward the house from the distant mountains. Although I enjoyed feeling so comfortably tucked away atop the country road, there were also many sites to see and places to visit. Toward that end, there is a sizeable library of books, maps and brochures to peruse right in the house - and George and Mary were always available for suggestions and assistance. Heartfelt thanks to the Robinsons. I am already beginning to look forward to next summer.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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What a joy!
What a joy!
- Guest Owen B.
- Date of stay 06/01/12
- Review Submitted 06/04/12
My girlfriend and I were looking to escape New York City for the weekend, and we stumbled upon SunnyHill while researching online. Located approx. 3hrs from Manhattan, SunnyHill provided the retreat and respite we were seeking! Our hosts, George and Mary, provided detailed and thorough advice and instructions (from food, to driving directions and everything in between) and were extremely flexible and very 'available' for questions and discussion. Bruce, the property manager, was very gracious and generous with his time (we arrived late due to traffic leaving NY). We enjoyed the front porch overlooking the meadow with our morning coffee, long walks down (and back up! Whew!) the local roads, and our small dog enjoyed playing in the forest surrounding the cottage. Otherwise, good food time together was enjoyed. Our only suggestion would be to bring a portable stero and your iPod (or equivalent) to enjoy music.. or better yet, simply enjoy the serenity of the Catskills and the conversation of your company. We will return if we can! Owen & Rachel, NYCOwner response: Mary and I are extremely pleased that Owen and Rachel found that their stay at SunnyHill fulfilled their emphatically expressed desire for "respite" and "retreat" from their demanding urban professional lives. As is the case with many of our guests coming from the city, they sensibly chose to spend their time mixing relaxation and invigorating physical activity in the fresh country air. Naturally, we're thrilled that Owen and Rachel liked SunnyHill so much that they plan to return; that's the best endorsement we can get! We thank them for taking the time to write this review. NOTE: SunnyHill's "entertainment center" includes a new 32" LCD flat screen TV connected to DirectTV satellite programs, as well as a combination CD-DVD player (audio through the TV's stereo sound system). We regret that the latter was not known to them and thus, as mentioned in their review, they thought they needed their own CD player. Although this amenity is mentioned in our three web site listings, in future we will be sure to specifically mention this player during the introductory tour so no one thinks they need to bring their own entertainment devices.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall/Winter Apr 1 - Apr 30, 2013 2 night min stay |
$125 | $150 |
$300 | $675 | $1950 | |
|
Extra Nights: $110 |
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Notes: 3-day WKEND. SPECIAL Fri Sat Sun nights - 375; fall/winter rates include heat |
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Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency ($) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.
Additional information about rental rates:
Fees and Taxes:
- Cleaning $50
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2010
About the owner: SunnyHill is a small family-run enterprise, owned and operated by Mary Thombs with administrative assistance of her husband, Mr. George J. Robinson. Because George is disabled veteran they have hire their friend, Mr. Bruce Rogers, a life-long local, living in the nearby hamlet of South Kortright, as Property Manager and 'jack-of-all-trades.' Bruce renovated the cottage, and occasionally greets & attends guests' needs when Mary is unavailable. Mary & George are committed to attracting and serving SunnyHill's guests as they would receive guests in their own home. Guests of all ages, and people of many interests have found SunnyHill welcoming and comfortable. Mary is a private violin and voice teacher and choir director. George is a retired teacher. After early retirement due to disability, he founded a non-profit fine arts services organization. Evan, our son (10 yrs. old.) is, well, a 'nice kid,' and we love him lots.
Why the Owner Chose Stamford:
The Stamford area is 'authentic' country (principally dairy country); most full-time residents are 'locals,' having lived in the area all their lives, and thus as guests travel about and meet SunnyHill's 'neighbors' they enjoy a true rural experience. Frankly, we wanted to avoid those manifestly inauthentic, touristy faux- 'country' places- and the inflated prices one finds in the lodging and stores there. E.g., when you have a delicious, reasonably-priced breakfast in Stamford's TP's Cafe, you'll see and hear farmers and tradesmen talking 'shop' and weather vs.seeing tourists inquiring about the address of the nearest aromatherapy practitioner or yoga studio. (Not, of course, that there is anything wrong with those activities, per se. However, it's just that - presumably - one doesn't drive upstate for that kind of experience when it is available much closer to home, e.g., on St. Mark's place on Manhattan's Lower East Side.)
The beauty and variety of flora and fauna offered by SunnyHill's 6 acres (and scores of accessible surrounding undeveloped forested and pastured acres), and its proximity to four major ski resorts were also compelling factors.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage:
One example of how SunnyHill is unique vis-a-vis other local whole-house rentals. Besides offering six lovely acres of seclusion, our cottage is a classic 'A-Frame' building with, among other features, cathedral ceiling, lots of windows, a wood stove and a sleeping loft with views. Compared to conventional divisive, 'white box' houses, SunnyHill's A-frame configuration feels different (which is what one wants when one goes away to get away); it's open, airy, and bright.The ground floor floor plan encourages free-flowing activities, conversation and air- east-west orientation ensures lovely, cooling breezes while the sleeping loft offers cocoon-like cozyness..
Contact us
- Primary: +1 917 533-5789 none
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Your retreat (late fall) awaits you! Sorry, owner's Austin Healey not included.
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Great Room looking west; glass-fronted wood stove visible in lower right corner
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Great Rm: dining & entertainment; satellite TV + CD*-DVD* player (*bring yours?)
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View NE across SunnyHill's largest meadow; we donate hay to local dairy farmers
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Part view W; many foreground trees have been cut; much better view now. Sunsets!
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Owner-Hosts Mary and George with son, Evan, at opening ribbon cutting ceremony
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Welcome guest skiers from Espana.
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SunnyHill is great for families; this family returned for a family reunion
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Friendly guests from England w/ SunnyHill neighbor & occasional visitor, Shadow
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Loft bedroom view east; even in winter, sunrise sunbeams warm your bed (below).
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Part of the Great Room:Talk? Read? TV? Think? Nap? Music? Take in views?
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Romantic loft; windows = breezes + views of woods & starry sky; chair not seen
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Late fall foliage view;cottage fr. the 'embracing' east woods;6 acres await you!
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View east from back porch. Morning coffee? Meditate? Birdwatch? See wildlife?
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Nearby pastoral view; part of recommended hiking route; pass dairy farms & cows
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Happy skiers on their second stay at SunnyHill
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SH'Family' (i.e.returning guests) Claudio (Cuban) & ? (Colombian) w/ host
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Smiling faces&eyes say it all! Really great young guest make hosting a pleasure
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Recently from 'Roman-ee-ya's mts. they feel right at home in our snowy Catskills
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Our inviting wood stove's flames await your return from frolicking in-the-snow