Entire home

Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.

Photo gallery for Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.

sit and rock on the covered deck or eat at 1 of 2 tables on the open deck
Summer view of deck, ready for your next meal, bird watching, etc.
cathedral ceiling and windows let in fresh air, great views, and keep it cool
Early spring view of open deck, perfect for dining, or simply relaxing.
private drive leads up the hill (or down, in this case)

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Living Room Sofa Bed

1 Double Sofa Bed

Loft

1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Main Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Ensuite bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Loft Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Main Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.

Wren Eagle Retreat is surrounded by forest, close to Chillicothe and very early Ohio history, and perfect for a quiet family weekend, a church group, scrapbooking or quilting group, corporate retreat, or any other getaway occasion. Wren Eagle Retreat offers many of the comforts of home albeit in a natural environment (with low-flow toilets, LED bulbs in most places, natural (and effective) cleaning solutions, recycling, and easy access to kayaking, biking, hiking, historical sites, and much more that Chillicothe and the surrounding area has to offer. Wren Eagle Retreat is also well-insulated so it uses less heating energy in the winter, and less AC in the summer. I do not use AC and you are not compelled to use it either although it is available! The multitude of trees ensure fresh air and cooler temperatures, and the windows and leafless trees allow winter sun to provide heat along with the wood stove insert, an easily renewable fuel. But, for those who want it, there is central heating , also.

So whether you stay for a week or two or make it a long weekend you can experience history and nature, and engage in many other activities. Or simply relax on the expansive deck and enjoy birds (including owl and whippoorwill), deer, lizards, toads and other wildlife found on the 31+ acres. Cathedral windows flood the main floor with light including the great room with stone fireplace with efficient wood stove insert, dining (with seating for 12) and a fully equipped kitchen with many modern conveniences. The sofa pulls out to a full bed and the main bedroom boasts a king bed and sitting area. The loft, with its seven windows, looks out on the forest and makes you feel as though you are staying in a tree house. It has a queen bed, 2 twin beds, and a half bath. Through the loft double glass doors you have a forest view on three sides for a comfortable tree house experience. Outdoors, you can grill your steaks on charcoal grills under the covered deck when it's raining, or simply sit and rock and enjoy the peace. The open deck is mostly shaded during the summer for your comfort and has 3 tables that can seat 12+ along with patio furniture. If you get your fill of lazing on the deck, you can always take in local shopping, ride the Paint Creek Recreational Trail, or visit museums. You're only about 5 miles from anything you might do in a city: eat fast food, go roller skating or bowling, sit down at a local restaurant, or watch a movie. You can drive to the First Capital District and walk from there to Yoctangee Park and visit the art museum then walk along the flood wall. Or you can drive to Memorial Stadium and watch a very entertaining college summer league baseball game by the Chillicothe Paints or, for more entertainment, take in the outdoor drama Tecumseh. There are golf courses for golfers, kayak services for kayakers, and many good churches. There's so much to do that a week will not be sufficient to explore everything and you will want to return time and time again. If you start at the First Capital District and walk south you can explore the Ross County Museum district and some historic homes. Or you can drive to the Adena Mansion and visit the home of Ohio's first governor.

There are many state parks and wildlife areas nearby. Among them are Great Seal State Park, Scioto Trail State Park, Ross Lake, and Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve where the tiny saw whet owls are banded each year and where you can see an exquisite cliff-side view above Paint Creek.

NOTE: I have video doorbells, and security cameras in the great room and kitchen and outside on or around the deck. I do not monitor them during rentals unless something unusual is noted (eg. fire/smoke alarm, sustained outdoor noise) I also have glass break sensors in various places because there is so much glass at Wren Eagle Retreat. No cameras are located in private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, etc.).

There's so much more to do and see. Contact me for more suggestions. And BTW, I often cannot accommodate last-minute rentals (may need 2 or 3 days or more) because I clean, launder, and make beds and equip bathrooms slowly and carefully. I cannot give you any direct way to contact me because VRBO does not allow it. You'll just have to send me a message through VRBO.

And if you'd love to hike at Wren Eagle Retreat do stay on the marked trails. It's easy to get lost in the woods! And even I have gotten lost off-trail!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
No child equipment available.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Up to 3 dogs for an additional $50/dog fee.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You may smoke outdoors only.
You must complete and sign the rental agreement available for you on VRBO and a pet addendum if pets are coming. This will be sent to you by email..
Renting to vacationers only. No rentals to locals, no long-term rentals, and no rentals to anyone without a fixed domicile.
Smoking must take place outdoors only. No smoking indoors anywhere.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 61792
Property # 581196
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Chillicothe

Located in Chillicothe, this vacation home is in a rural area. Ross County Heritage Center and Majestic Theatre are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Pump House Center for the Arts and Adena Mansion & Gardens. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Canal Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and motor boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and hunting.
Map
Chillicothe, OH

What's nearby

  • Ross County Heritage Center - 15 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Majestic Theatre - 16 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Yoctangee Park - 19 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Pump House Center for the Arts - 19 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Hopewell Culture National Historical Park - 23 min drive - 17.7 km

Getting around

  • John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Cozy Inn - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dickey's Barbecue Pit - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Giovanni's - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.?

As of May 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home. on May 13, 2026 start from $175, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home.?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Your Sustainable and Secluded Dog-Friendly Home Away From Home. located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Ross County Heritage Center, Yoctangee Park, and Majestic Theatre. Pump House Center for the Arts and Great Seal State Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the most stocked house we have ever stayed in. Pantry items, bedding, first aid, firewood. It had everything! Secluded. Beautiful views. We loved it so much! Will definitely book again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 4, 2026
Thank you! And it's even more secluded in the summer when the leave are on all the trees! I always try to think about what I might miss and make sure I have it there so others don't have to think about what they are missing!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house of the beaten track. Would definitely stay there again
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 22, 2025
Thanks, Timothy. Would love to have you stay again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
suited our needs very well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The host was very nice and helpful. The place was very peaceful

Host was very nice and helpful. The property was peaceful
Stayed 19 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 24, 2024
Thank you, but the main door was left open and unlocked which I would not have known had I not tried to set the security alarm. Main bedroom window on the deck side was unlocked. Neighbors complained that the vehicles were driven too fast on the residential street where there are children and pets. I am glad you enjoyed your stay but it's important to look out for others and to follow the clear rules I provided in the email and posted on the refrigerator.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas

Overall thoroughly enjoyed our stay property was as described it is remote but easy to find.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 6, 2025
Thank you, Stephanie. It was my pleasure. Just a reminder to all when filling out your forms on VRBO, please let me know if there will be dogs. Also, when reading my Short Term Rental Agreement, when it states that if pets are coming a Pet Addendum and Pet Fee must be paid. Both of these will let me know and give you more information about bringing your dogs to Wren Eagle Retreat. You are welcome to come back anytime if you just let me know in advance that you will be bringing dogs.
Verified

8/10 Good

Beth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful area and comfortable home

The area is beautiful and it is only a short drive to get to Chillicothe and not too far to get to Hocking Hills. The house was comfortable and felt like home with many amenities. Had a great visit.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael U.

Fantastic Retreat to wash away your stress!

My family was absolutely thrilled with the scenic views, beautiful home, and the many amenities the owner made available...it made our weekend retreat a lifetime memory. Definitely bookmarked this property as a future destination for many return trips to come!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you so much. I try hard to make sure everyone visiting has a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

25th Anniversary Stay

Very nice and relaxing. I have Netflix and it was very easy to connect to my settings.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 22, 2024
I am glad you found the TV easy to use. I changed it out for a simpler system because too many people had problems with it.
Verified

8/10 Good

Christy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

The home is secluded and we enjoyed the wrap around deck. We thought it was a great location as far as near by historical sites, great hiking and things to do with our dog.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2023
Christy, Thank you. And there are many historical things to see in the county as well as great parks and a few good restaurants and unique shops. It would take about a week to see everything so you are welcome to return again! Some other fine activities would be to ride the bike path from Chillicothe to Washington Courthouse (visit the Hopewell Culture Historical Park along the way), the Pump House Center for the Arts, and pick up some cake or bubble tea at High Five Cakes.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Great Location, Owner very accomodating!

We had a very nice stay. Great location, outstanding views. Wood burning fireplace is a perfect way to settle in for the evening. Had a few questions throughout our stay, owner was very quick to reply and even went out of her way to offer up various amenities for us. Defiantly would book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. I'm always happy to accomodate hunters and others who want to enjoy the beauty of southern Ohio forests. hills, and wildlife. There's something new to see in every season.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fred S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Getaway

We had a wonderful stay. The location is isolated enough for peace and quiet and the enjoyment of nature, but close enough to Chillicothe for other needs. My daughter and I enjoyed the mountain biking trails that were about 20 minutes away. We also enjoyed a couple fires with smore cooking in the evening. There is a kayak place just up the road.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you! I'm glad you had a good time. There are closer mountain biking trails at Scioto Trail State Forest which is maybe 5-10 minutes away. And also there may be some at Great Seal State Park. And the TriCounty Trail which runs from Chillicothe to Washington Court House can be ridden with both mountain bikes and road bikes.
Verified

8/10 Good

jessica r.

Thankful for a nice clean place to lay my head

The owner of this property was very kind to my family. We were evacuating from hurricane Florence. She allowed us to rent with very little notice. The place was very clean and in great order. She was meticulous with her instructions and description of the house and area. I would recommend staying here and enjoy the wildlife and awesome porch.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you so much. I was happy to have you stay at my low weekly discounted rate even though you were there less than a week and with more people and dogs than originally anticipated. I've never rented to people fleeing a hurricane before and it brought the situation close to home. I hope that the damage to your property was non-existent or minimal and am joyful that Wren Eagle Retreat met your needs and preserved your lives.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice getaway

My husband and I loved it. We love being out in the middle of nowhere which is just what this place is, so you'll need that mentality to enjoy it. It was great to just be able to let the dogs out for them to run around and not worry about any roads or neighbors. It's nearly an hour from Hocking Hills, but it was such a gorgeous drive, I'm glad we stayed on this side of the park. The place was "farm house clean." Counters and kitchen, etc. were clean but baseboards, etc were dirty. Very roomy so the kids were able to play around.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 22, 2024
I am glad you enjoyed it. I love being out in the middle of nowhere but just about 5 miles from the center of town! I did not know the baseboards were dirty or I would have cleaned them or would have told my cleaners to clean them. I have trouble keeping the windows sills clean...I will clean them1 week and by the next week they are dirty again--I have never even noticed the baseboards. I just ran my fingers over the ones in the main bedroom and halll bathroom and found no dust. Thank you for the review. . . Come back some time and enjoy the other parks in the area--Scioto Trail, Great Seal, Pike Lake, Fort Hill, and others.
Verified

8/10 Good

Margeaux L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Nice location only 10 minutes from downtown Chillicothe which is such a cute and fun town! We drove our truck there and thankful for that because the driveway was steep and slick. Very private house / large property. How decor was a little “tired” but the deck was great along with the outdoor furniture. Kitchen had most cooking essentials which we were thankful for since we did a lot of cooking. Check in and check out was smooth process and owner was very quick and easy to communicate with. Her food / shopping / hiking recommendations were great!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves. If you'd come a little earlier you could have seen the beautiful fall leaves, but the varying browns of the hillside oaks are still beautiful. The gravel on the drive was still a little loose when you were there because I'd just had it regraded before you arrived. I have eaten at the restaurants, shopped the stores, and hiked almost everywhere in the area. The Ross County Park system and the state of Ohio both have great hiking trails and scenic vistas. You really cannot experience it all in a weekend and a week's stay would have been better!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anita C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the woods

The house is a little older but had great amenities. Not really comfortable with the cameras inside the living room and kitchen areas with only one able to be unplugged but we dealt with it. The woods surrounding the house was amazing though. Very peaceful. Wish the trails would have been clear and it wouldn’t have rained so much so we could have hiked with our dog. Other than that we had a good stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thanks for the review, Anita. In the email I send out to all my renters I mention how to unplug the greatroom camera and take down the other one and also that the kitchen camera is only showing the tops of the windows so I can tell remotely if they are left open or if there's smoke caused by something burning. (I've had people set off the fire alarm by burning food and it's a volunteer fire department so I don't want them coming unnecessarily). The trails have been blocked by some fallen trees in places but can be climbed over and I also state in the email that I leave marking tape in a drawer for people so they can walk and mark their route so they don't get lost! You're welcome to come back at any time in warmer weather and experience the serenity of the woods.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay in a quiet secluded home.

Had an extra long weekend stay with some friends and the house was exactly what we needed. Working with the owner was fast and easy, and she was super helpful. House was set back from the road a bit, but the instructions given by Diana were spot on. Overall very comfy, maybe a bit run down in spots (as others have mentioned stove top and other minor things) but it was in now way detrimental to our comfort, or impacted our stay. It was a tad muggy during our stay and the thermostat is locked at 76, so if you're sensitive to heat that may be something to consider, but it didn't really bother any of us on our stay. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a quiet getaway with lots of wildlife!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
I'm so glad you had a great time. I always enjoy sharing Wren Eagle Retreat with others who can enjoy it, too. The government recommends AC set at 78. I lock the thermostat at to keep kids from putting it too low but lock it at76 for people's convenience and set it to come on as needed to keep the humidity down. I don't use AC for myself because I prefer to have the windows open and fresh air coming in. But, if anyone has a breathing or other problems they need only let me know and I'll remove the lock. Please feel free to return and enjoy the forest, the birds, and the butterflies!
Archival

6/10 Okay

angie c.

A little disapointed for the price

To be honest we were disappointed, a fairly expensive night rental for the condition of the rental. Two days prior to our stay I received a note stating they were remodeling the master bath but it would be operating. It was operating but was completely a mess, drywall stacked outside front door, boards leaning in an unusable closet that lead into a bathroom with holes in drywall and mudding incomplete and unpainted. This condition may have been okay if it were at a discounted rate not full price. A second concern was the basement area, on our finial day we realized there was an occupant below us. There was no prior indication another person would be around, but we discovered this was not the case when we smelt smoke and happened to see lights late at night from what seemed to be a television glowing from below. This creeped us out! It was a nice retreat in all, but we were uncomfortable with the current accommodations.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
I am sorry you were disappointed. I have kept my price low ($209/night base for a weekend night) due to the construction of the master bath which was to be finished in the spring but ran into problems. I have not raised my price with the addition of the fully functioning bathroom with washer/dryer. I didn't think my contractor would need to move the 2 sheets of drywall on the deck because they were not interfering with anything. I mentioned in my welcome email the ongoing construction and that the bathrooms are usable, which they are. The only hole in the drywall is a small rectangular one which is waiting on the move of an electric switch. And I provided extra luggage racks because much of the closet is not usable. As I told you in my welcome email, I did not paint. The reason I did not is because the last time I painted the fumes were annoying and did not dissipate for 3 weeks. I did not want to subject you to that. If you compare prices $209 is what you might pay for a nice hotel room and you would not get the space, the cathedral ceiling, or the wooded ambiance. More importantly, you were mistaken to think that I had rented the lower level of Wren Eagle Retreat. There was no one below you. I do not rent that area because it is not finished. The only people that have a code to enter are the current renter, myself, and my handyman and he will never appear unless the renter notifies me of a problem and I call him. I don't even have a working TV in the lower level (basement)--although I always leave a light on for security reasons, and sometimes more than one when I forget to turn one off! I am sorry that you thought someone was down there but the only thing you might have heard running downstairs was the dehumidifier.
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephanie H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

The house is quite spacious and the view and privacy are stunning. Diana is extremely responsive. The kitchen had everything you need but stovetop dials are worn and difficult to read. Diana had informed me the day before that mice chewed thru all the dishcloths. There were 2 dish towels available; 1 had mice poop on it. I also found mice poop on the counter and plenty under the sink cabinet. This bothered me and made cooking there not so nice. One mouse trap doesn't seem sufficient(and I speak from experience). The only other difficulty was with laundry. The combination washer/dryer is smaller and it took between 3 to 4 hours to wash and completely dry a load. Also, a laundry basket might be helpful. The house had enough towels and washcloths for our family of 8 but no extras to be found. Combine that with the laundry situation and it was challenging if we needed to wash a towel. I think some of these issues could easily be resolved or might not matter to other guests. Overall, it is a nice house.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
I'm glad you had a good time. I love for people to come and experience the forest, the birds, the wildlife, and the butterflies, moths, and insects. I do my best against the mice, but they avoid every trap and they are usually only a problem in winter/early spring. I'm surprised that the counter was not clean because we had just cleaned. We stayed at a place in the forest years ago. It was as clean as I try to keep my place. During the night we were awakened by a mouse rolling an acorn across the floor! It was so cute! We stay up and watched it for awhile. I generally always put out 10 towels/washcloths and thought that was sufficient for 8. If you needed more, you could have just let me know and I would have had my handyman get some out of storage. Yes, the washer is not quick, but it is efficient! And it's the type of washer/dryer combo in use all over Europe. You and your family are welcome to return any time and I'll know what your needs are next time!
Verified

8/10 Good

George W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Property was great, just a couple suggestions

The setting a seclusion were just what we were looking for, and the property was large enough to accommodate my family of seven. Furniture was great and the beds comfortable. The property was clean, bathrooms and cooking/eating amenities great. We had a few detractions: The thermostat locked in at 72. It was very rainy and warm during our stay which made the humidity high. It was hard to get comfortable in the main parts of the house without being able to adjust the A/C lower to remove the moisture form the air. We keep out thermostat at home 65 at night and 68 during the day, even in the snowy winter. The grates for the Weber Grills were rusty. No amount of cleaning could get them to shine again. Guests might want to bring grill sheets from the grocery store (in the grilling aisle they look like aluminum screens) we use them on public park grills . We have a garbage disposal in our sink at home, without thinking my wife used this one for small vegetable scraps. But then we couldn't figure out how to turn it on or if it worked. I used the break loose tool to manually grind things up and the toilet plunger to move things along. Maybe, repair/replace/remove the kitchen sink garbage disposal. There were a lot of instructions for cleaning recyclables, but no instruction on what to do with them. I tried to guess based on the neighbors if they went in one of the cans at the end of the driveway or not. Some neighbors had brown and green cans, some had one or the other and some had black, but they were all empty. Rather than do the wrong thing we left them in the big container next to the kitchen. There weren't any additional kitchen garbage bags. I was thinking we could get all the trash out in one bag. To conserve space in the one bag, I tossed the grill ashes off the balcony into the woods. I regretted it immediately after. Well rain will take care of it, and I still had to go buy bags the morning we were leaving. The thermostat was an area of discomfort. We were very thankful for the portable A/C unit upstairs. The other items were minor inconveniences, but I stressed our work-a-rounds would result in a negative guest review or keeping the deposit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
I am glad you had a good time and enjoyed Wren Eagle Retreat. I checked the garbage disposal (as I usually do when people leave, but sometimes forget) and it did need to be turned by hand to loosen and then I noticed the internal breaker had popped (red button on bottom). I pushed it and the disposal worked. I had forgotten to check it before you arrived, and for that I am sorry. The AC will not remove humidity well because the furnace through which the air travels is outside the house and is itself humid when it is raining. There's nothing I can do about that and no changes in the temperature will do much more than freeze the AC from trying to get to a temperature it cannot achieve. The house was constructed without AC and I have added it because people seem to expect it. I have plenty of bags both for trash and recyclables and as, your instructions said, recyclables (if you have too many) can be left in the furnace room and I will dispose of them (I take them to a recycler whether they are in the furnace room or left in the recycle bin by the kitchen.) I ask that they be rinsed because that's what the recyclers want. The extra bags for the trash and recycling containers are clearly labelled and are in the drawer closest to them along with extra tablecloths. The trash cans at the beginning/end of my lane are only for trash regardless of the color. My trash company does not pick up recyclables. Thanks for your comments, and just as a note to others, if something doesn't work or you can't figure it out, please contact me immediately. I can either recommend a fix, send my handyman, or at least have the knowledge/tool/parts to take care of it after you leave. And please read everything I send you (including attachments). I want you to be informed before you arrive! I welcome families who want to explore nature or just get out and observe small town life without too many inconveniences. Just arrive and do what you want without too much of the work you would be doing at home.
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeanett B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful and serene

We had a wonderful stay here. Diana was very accommodating and quick to respond. Beautiful outdoor setting with plenty of small wildlife and birds. House was well stocked with cooking and cleaning products.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thanks, Jeanett. I try to make everything available for my renters that I would want if I was there. You are welcome to return any time! There is larger wildlife also, but you must be very quiet for a long time in order to see it. The deer are much more timid than city deer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jennifer b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Birthday getaway with my husband and one of our favorite couples and their furr babies

We had a great stay at the Wren retreat. The place was spacious enough for the four of us and their dogs to not feel cramped. The deck was great, it’s closed in so we were able to have the dogs outside without worry. We all really enjoyed the beautiful wood burning indoor fireplace. They left us plenty of wood I did buy some at Kroger as well just so we could keep the fire going all day on our rainy day. I wish it wouldn’t have rained because the outdoor fire pit we would have used. My husband and I stayed on the main floor the king sized bed it was super comfy and I found the same blanket I have at home in the closet so that was nice to keep cozy with . The shower was nice and hot . The upstairs was great for our friends and their dogs. It’s huge upstairs and I was thankful it looks misleading in the photos but it’s closed off by a door. There is a bathroom upstairs as well. It’s about an hour drive from Hocking Hills but the drive is nice. If you haven’t been in the area Chillicothe is bigger than I expected and only a 15 minute drive. We ended up going to the flea market then hiked Old Mans Cave. Gorgeous scenery. I just wish we had another day to explore . We used their charcoal grill on Sunday and made a shmorgasborg of food , played cards, learned dominos, played with a vintage set of circus old maid cards and the men played cribbage. They have everything you need here. I would recommend bringing Tupperware or zip locks because there wasn’t a ton of things to store leftovers, but I always make too much food . Also if you have dogs or your walking on the property bring tick spray . We found one on our buddy but was able to get him off with no problem. One thing to mention if stink bugs freak you out there were a ton in the house. Just keep the lights off in the areas where you are at and they will do their own thing . It’s to be expected of some sort of critters or bugs in the woods though . Overall I would definitely recommend this place, no neighbors or worries just beautiful trees and peace. Thank you to the owners for having us so I could get away for my 41st birthday since the big 40 was when the whole pandemic started and we couldn’t go anywhere. We had an amazing time!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes stink bugs can be a problem in the spring, but at least they don't bite! There are less crowded parks at which to hike nearby and some cool views both at Scioto Trial State Park and Buzzards Roost county park. Personally, I prefer parks with few hikers so I stay away from Old Mans Cave! You and your friends are welcome to return any time and if you'd been able to stay a week you would have had better weather for much of the time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy hideaway

This was a nice quiet woodsy spot, perfect for a family gathering place and meal. House was cozy with a nice view of the valley from the deck. I really appreciated being able to find a clean place to stay with my dog, since that is always difficult to do. My family members loved it and my dog loved walking through the woods! The owner was extremely responsive and gave detailed instructions so that we had no problems finding anything. Would come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you! My dog has loved it here, too, and walking through the woods in the fall is the best fun of all!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Forest home

Peaceful! Totally quiet and relaxing. Amazing deck. We loved the woods and the walks over lightly treaded paths. One of the few VRBO rentals I have experienced with a nicely apppinted kitchen. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you! I try to think of whatever people might like in the kitchen from garlic press to cheese grater to crock pot, coffee maker, mixer, and blender. And of course, coffee and tea and sugar and creamer and the common spices and spice mixes that you would never think of brining with you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home in beautiful location.

We truly enjoyed our 2-week stay at Wren Eagle Retreat in early June 2019. It was comfortable and pleasant. The surrounding nature and sound of birds was relaxing. Home is well-kept, stocked and furnished. We think the owner made every effort to make sure our stay was above expectations (and it was.) Would recommend for anyone.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you so much. I do try to make sure everyone has a great time relaxing surrounded by forest. I hope you were able to pick and eat some of the black raspberries which are ripening. Also, the added benefit of Hirsch Fruit Farm almost around the corner lets you feast on locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Joyfully Peaceful & Quiet

Property entrance was a bit intimidating at first, but once we made it to the house, all was well. The house was so homey and very well stocked. Every need had been anticipated. We stayed 8 days/10 nights and did not run out of anything - except time. I would have loved another week. The house is so quiet - nothing to disturb a peaceful sleep. We spent most of our time on the deck with only the sounds of nature (and a few dogs in the distance). We found the back road to Chillicothe and it only took about 10 minutes to be in the Capital District or on Bridge street for shopping. We spent several days at Hocking Hills Parks - which we loved. The hour drive there was so beautiful. We loved the country. Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe makes for a perfect morning walk. Thank you, Diana, for allowing us this special time in your rental.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2023
Thank you. It was my pleasure to share Wren Eagle Retreat with you. I hope you were able to hear the whippoorwills because it is a rare treat in May to hear them at dusk. And if you'd stayed a little longer you could have taken in a Chillicothe Paints baseball game with top college players or even participated in some of the fun local activities(visit archaeological digs, festivals, and special events) that take place during June, July, and August. Diana

About the host

Hosted by Diana K Harkness

Host profile image
I have been hiking in Ohio's Appalachian foothills for years. I love listening to the birds, hearing the wind in the trees, and searching for butterflies, insects, and lichens. This is a true vacation spot where I can sit, relax, read and write, photograph and research, and unwind from the stresses of daily life and work.

Why they chose this property

I had finally found a place where insecticides and other toxins were not part of the environment. Where nature was not crowded by houses and cars, and where we could experience flora and fauna that would not survive in a city. This is a forest environment of woods, creek, quiet, and light. We saw this property and my husband said 'You have to get this.' Those were certainly unexpected words because my husband has never said that about anything. But where else could we find a perfectly sited (for winter sun and summer breezes) hillside chalet surrounded by acres of woods, on a private road near the end of a dead-end road. Six months and many attorney fees later, I took possession of this fixer-upper. From the cathedral ceiling full of windows with the view of nothing other than trees and sky, to the quiet, to the haunting cry of the pileated woodpecker and at night, owls. I is a place so unlike our house in the Columbus suburbs. A place where we can sit on the deck and quietly observe birds, insects, lizards, and other flora and fauna. We can meander through the woods, he can target shoot, I can read and bird watch and photograph, and when we're tired of relaxing we can go into town for a meal at Old Canal Smokehouse or Garcia's or enjoy one of the many festivals. This is a place where nature abounds but Chillicothe is close enough for the necessities.

What makes this property unique

No other vacation rental in the area is so close to the benefits of Chillicothe (restaurants, festivals, etc.), but so far from city life and noise. None is surrounded by woods with no views of roads or other houses. There's not another with so much open space or cathedral ceilings and windows or both open and covered decks. This is a truly unique environment. And yes, you may hear the sound of far-away traffic from time to time, depending on the wind direction, but it's nothing like the constant hum of traffic around the city. At home we may hear 3-4 types of birds during the day; At Wren Eagle Retreat we can hear 8-10.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

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