w/hot tub, 3 mi from Illinois River float rentals

About Gwen Hertzler

A freelance writer, traveler, mother, and grandmother, hosting guests has always been a joy to me. I grew up in the mountains of Oregon, and moved to Oklahoma in 1992. I homeschooled our twelve children, but now they are grown and most have moved away. Two sons and their families remain here, and if you encounter my grandchildren in the woods, you'll think you've found a wood nymph. Their knowledge of edible plants, mushrooms, and small creatures is staggering.

Why Gwen Hertzler chose Cherokee County

We call it the Hundred Acre Wood. It was completely wild and untamed, when we moved to this Ozark holler fifteen years ago with our large family. We were attracted by the crystal clarity of the spring-water, and the sheer beauty of the place. One of our grandchildren was born in this cabin, as my son and his wife lived here for a year. It was they who built the cabinets, and finished the inside. Another son built the hickory accents when he was 13 years old. He has married and moved to Richmond, VA and I inherited his hickory handiwork.

What makes this Studio unique

The peace and the rest in this place drew us from the beginning. The realtor, who owned the land, let us camp here while we looked at other properties in the area, but none drew our hearts like this quiet hollow. The spring water is some of the purest and sweetest on the planet, the watercress is crisp and abundant, and the sycamores are huge. This place is a slice of heaven on earth and it would be a pity not to share it.