Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's legendary 1845 cabin at Walden Pond, this studied replica was built over 10 months with careful attention to detail, based on communications with the museum curators at Walden Pond in Massachusetts. The cabin's beautiful mix of woods were locally harvested, the nails were blacksmithed to 1850-era specs. Recycled products were used as possible; and historical artifacts, including Thoreau's personal library while he was at Walden, help visitors step back in time. An inside root cellar and front porch cooler provide food storage options.
Hiking trails, mountain bikes, axes and knives, kayaks and outdoor games are all provided. Coffee or tea are delivered to the front porch for guests, as well as firewood, fatwood fire starter sticks, candles and lamp oil.
Access is provided to a dedicated bathroom with shower at Magnalia Homestead (www.magnalia.org) if desired. All rental proceeds benefit the work of Magnalia Homestead Foundation, a public 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Guests may also enjoy: Access to harvest fresh produce from Colonial-styled (22-box) community garden. Access to 1850-styled Blacksmith Shoppe for cooking and meals. Access to more than a mile of hiking/mountain biking trails -- bring your bike! Access to Homestead shared bathroom amenities. Located in Stokesdale, NC near Belews Lake. Exact address provided for guests prior to arrival.
*** The “twin” bed below is a twin sized cot which sleeps one true to what Henry David Thoreau would have slept on. It comes with fresh sheets, a warm quilt, and a pillow. The “queen sized bed” up in the loft (accessed by a wooden ladder) is a queen sized mattress and does not come with linens — please bring a sleeping bag and pillow if planning to sleep here. Please view this as a “luxury camping” or “glamping” experience. :) ***
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Charming 3-bedroom cottage with AC, WiFi in serene Walnut Cove.
Walnut Cove
Charming 3-bedroom cottage with AC, WiFi in serene Walnut Cove.
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Stokesdale
Stokesdale is home to this cabin. Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and Friendly Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Haw River State Park and Mayo River State Park. Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden and Greensboro Science Center are also worth visiting.
Greensboro Science Center - 30 min drive - 41.9 km
First Horizon Coliseum - 35 min drive - 49.2 km
Getting around
Greensboro, NC (GSO-Piedmont Triad Intl.) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
StokeRidge Tavern & Grill - 12 min drive
Pond Pourhouse - 8 min drive
Parker's Home Cookin' Restaurant - 12 min drive
Stonefield Cellars - 10 min drive
BJ's Grill - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Walden Cabin Experience pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Walden Cabin Experience?
As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Walden Cabin Experience on 22 May 2026 start from £97, 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.
What time is check-in at Walden Cabin Experience?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Walden Cabin Experience?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Walden Cabin Experience located?
Situated in Stokesdale, this cabin is 7 mi (11.3 km) from Belews Lake Park and 10 mi (16.1 km) from Old Mill of Guilford. Haw River State Park and Mayo River State Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
I had high expectations going in after reading about the property in the NYT. Jim and Rebecca are the consummate hosts and took care of every detail. If you ever need your faith in humanity restored, this is the place to visit. The cabin is well appointed, and although without running water, heat or electricity, you can get all of these at the nearby Narnia house, if you so choose. The fireplace is exceptionally well-designed and highly efficient, so even though it was near freezing outside, we were cozy inside. The hosts provided us with breakfast (and amazing conversation) daily, and even offered us accommodations in Narnia House due to the cold weather. All I can say is this was a memorable experience and we can't wait to come back.
The Walden Cabin Experience was the most precious! And Jim and Rachel are even more precious! We loved the cabin, the animals, the trails, everything! We will def be back - can't wait!
Excellent communication with Owners and property manager quaint Cabin very peaceful
Kevin W.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Dec 2024
Kevin was a great guest -- adventurous, self- sufficient, appreciative and kind. Walden Cabin was his hunting lodge. We hope to have him back to Magnalia again soon!
We are almost lost for words, what a fantastic weekend this was. The cabin itself is an absolute experience, you feel like you've stepped back in time and its awesome. There's something about falling asleep in complete silence with a crackling fire that feels amazing. The property offers so much, we enjoyed the trails, the animals and the pickleball court. And we can't say enough about our hosts. We love road trips and we've stayed in lots of places, but we've never had opportunity to chat so much with our hosts and all get to know each other. It was almost like visiting family. We loved our stay so much we plan to take our summer vacation there and bring the rest of the family. Very highly recommend.
I arrived with an intention: introduce my daughter to Thoreau, spark a few good conversations, and leave with a memory or two. What I didn't anticipate was leaving with a renewed faith in my fellow human beings.The cabin is extraordinary — a to-scale replica of the Walden dwelling, built with the kind of care that tells you the owners understand why it matters, not just what it looks like. But the cabin is almost beside the point once you step onto the grounds. This is a working farm with life in every direction — sheep, horses, cows, donkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, dogs — alongside stunning raised bed gardens and a blacksmith house that seems to belong to another century. Around every bend is something unexpected: a poem, a tree planted in dedication, an opportunity for a teachable moment with my child. The hosts are among the most gracious and kind people I have encountered in all my travels. That is not a line I write lightly.Thoreau wrote, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately." I came here with that same quiet ambition — if only for a single overnight. I left wanting more: more time, more stillness, more of whatever it is those grounds quietly insist upon. Perhaps it's simply more love, because this place exudes it from every corner.My intention was to teach my daughter. I left having learned far more myself.
Looked so tiny, but was actually spacious. Break from the modern day, live the past for a night.
Anna J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jun 2022
Hi Anna! Thank you for leaving the review! I noticed your review was 4/5 stars. What could we have improved or done better to have earned 5 stars?
Thank you!
Exact replica of Thoreau's cabin on Walden Pond, down to his book collection. Charming hosts. Worth nothing that guests have no quick access to bathroom yet, but charming hosts' home is available via 3-minute walk.
We absolutely loved the cabin and the wonderful family that hosted us. The animals wandering around made the experience unforgettably amazing. I've never met such friendly turkeys, cute miniature horses, and adorable goats. The freshly made breakfast cooked up by our host was delicious, especially the Japanese cucumber picked fresh from the community garden. We will definitely be coming back!
First of all I'd like to thank the owners Jim and his wife! So professional and friendly and so welcoming they go above and beyond to get you things you needed. Also the property was amazing the fact they have worked hard on their property for the accommodations and amazing replicas of the Walden throw cabin was awesome first time experience camping with the electricity I loved it so nice the next morning they made us breakfast even the campers there were very friendly as well thank you and big shout out to Mr Jim Van for such a great tour and the animals are amazing too my daughter loves and wants to come back as much as I do
The owners had a fire going when we arrived. Provided a fan and lights. Couldn't ask for better owners. They are amazing human beings. Def will be back. Wishing them the best.
Me and my boyfriend stayed at this cabin for two nights for a weekend trip for the nascar race in martinsville. The cabin was very clean and organized and the property was beautiful. The hosts were so great and so helpful, they made sure we had everything we needed and more. We had access to a bathroom at the main house that was about a 3 min walk which was clean and kept up with. There was also a pickleball court which was very enjoyable as the weather was beautiful. Overall,we loved this place and had a great time sitting outside at the fire and saying hello to all of the animals on the property. 10/10 would recommend
The only thing warmer than the fire in Walden cabin is the host's hospitality. I was refreshed in a way that mere sleep could ever accomplish.
Dave M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Dec 2022
Dave was an amazing guest and left a friend. He was self-sufficient in the cabin, took it all in, and shared wisdom and ideas with us. We're looking forward to having him again soon!
It was.. AWESOME! It was so cool! John and his wife were amazing, went thru everything with me. Just an incredibly cool experience.
Ill be going back!!!
Thanks,
Dirk R.
Dirk R.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
monique
25 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
From the texts to visiting the hosts in person all we can say is that we were wrapped in LOVE! Cabin is exactly as described...nothing fancy yet the LOVE makes up for any lack of modern conveniences! The little touches at the cabin made it so special! Firepit and porch so much fun! Candles and lanterns so cozy! Cannot say enough about the hosts! So accommodating and made us feel like long lost friends from the get-go! Will most definitely recommend this little cabin...the story behind it is amazing! WILL BE BACK! :)
Staying overnight at this cabin was such a fun and unique experience. My original plan was to tent camp at the local state park but there were no available sites, so I came across this Walden replica and decided to give it a try- what luck! The hosts, Jim & Rachel graciously welcomed me as I arrived pretty late and daylight was running out with a quick tour, a warm fire, and food!
Breakfast was served the next morning- fresh eggs, bacon, coffee, and more! This is all included in the rental price. The loft bed was comfortable and in the morning, I sat by the fire and wrote letters to my niece & nephew from 'Walden' cabin. If you are in the area and looking for a place to stay, sheltered camping, or something a little different- give this a try!
Not only did our 9 yr. old grandson get to cut wood, cook on an outdoor fire, sleep in a loft, he got to enjoy LOTS of animals and a community garden which are part of the owner's property. The host were incredibly warm & eager to help in every way. This experience was over & beyond.
Great place. We had a hard time locating property, the vrbo confirmation did not include property address or contact info. We tracked it down since it was local
Perfect get away! Enjoyed learning about the history of the cabin, soaking in its silence and simplicity, and time to myself. The whole family is absolutely wonderful. I left with renewed energy, hope and yummy warm bread packed in my car for my day hike! Highly recommend! I look forward to following the future projects at the property and hope to return.
The cabin was so cool & loved placing myself in Walden. I have always been a Thoreau fan and this experience was very unique. My daughter and I were very comfortable. It was only for one night, but would be so fun to prepare a “camping” trip and stay longer. The family that owns the property is SO kind! I really enjoyed our stay.
I participated in the belews triathlon and found this cabin 5 minutes away. First time user of this site and was pleasantly surprised at how friendly and supportive the host was. They brought me hot water for my oatmeal at 5:45am before my race! Beautiful land and I look forward to seeing their village and hobbit/Narnia hole grow. Interesting history and very cute dogs. The boyfriend and I would like to come back once the village is complete.
Anastasia T.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
Anastasia was a delight to host. She has a lively and kind spirit. And she's up for a challenge, as demonstrated by the fact that she came here to compete in her first Olympic Triathlon at nearby Belews Lake. She came as a guest and left as a friend. We hope to have her back again next year!
Magnalia Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2011 to create a beacon of hope for people by offering gospel-centered, community-based experiences, “soul care hospitality” and related educational programs on its 12-acre property in North Carolina.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests