WELCOME to RAPHA’s REST!!
[Read FULL DESCRIPTION w/HOUSE RULES + ANSWER Pre-Book QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING!]
SHADY CEDAR LOG CABIN is located at RAPHA’S REST Spiritual Retreat & Country Resort ... a PLACE OF PRESENCE surrounded by 42 wooded acres w/trails to pray, hike & explore.
* DISCOUNTS: LAST MINUTE, MILITARY, MINISTRY (w/documentation) *
Before describing this DESTINATION RETREAT, pls note we are only set up for specific sojourners & may not be the best place for you ... Ask QUESTIONS @ HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING. Ie. NO PETS, NO ALCOHOL or TOBACCO (incl. vaping) for liability reasons.
3rd PARTY BOOKINGS: We take GUEST SAFETY seriously. For that reason we RARELY accept 3rd Party bookings. If you wish to “scholarship” a gift (ie. pastor appreciation), we can usually accommodate! HOWEVER, if you wish to book for different party (ie. business trip, friend, etc.) we are not your place. All of our cabin guests deserve to know other guests have been properly vetted.
ENGLISH: Guests must be able to communicate in ENGLISH for SAFETY of all. We are an interactive property & best experienced when all amenities & boundaries are clearly understood.
IF THESE PARAMETERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE, PLEASE READ ON...
RAPHA’s REST RETREAT offers 5 Cozy Cabins + 2 Private Rooms remotely located on 42 acres in the piney woods of E TX, only 1-2 hours from Louisiana, Tyler, & DFW. Great for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION, or for small family reunions or ministry groups! Play w/the goats, read a book, roast marshmallows, or enjoy seasonal show of bats at sunset ... PERFECT REST-STOP on your continued journey!
SHADY CEDAR LOG CABIN is nestled under a canopy of trees accommodating 2-3 guests (4 tightly, w/ a fold-out Cot-size bed for a child. Small but comfortable! We ask that you NOT sleep on the sofa due to unnecessary wear.)
Though private & set apart, this cabin is only a short walk to all property amenities such as library, pool, hot tub and (future) pond. Features unusually large, covered porch extending both living & dining to the outdoors.
Comes with a fully stocked kitchenette incl. a 2-burner hot plate, compact convection oven, waffle maker, microwave & refrig + outside grill. The living area includes a QUEEN w/hybrid memory foam mattress, sofa seating, an antique TWIN bed, a fold-out COT size bed (best suited for children & smaller young adults.), plus a corner fireplace. Private firepit to enjoy late nights reminiscing or roast marshmallows [SMORES PKG @ $10 donation.]
We recommend this cabin for 1-3 guests. STILL NOT SURE?? Check out our other 4 cabins!
PARKING: FREE/ 2 VEHICLES.
$15/stay for each additional vehicle. [DETAILS @ possible BOAT PARKING BELOW] … *CONFIRM BEFORE BOOKING*
PROPERTY: In addition to your own private deck, relax on large Retreat Pool Deck - perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins. Multiple yard games including corn-hole, frisbee golf (1 basket), horseshoes, badminton, etc!
[ NOTE: Multiple unfinished projects around the property! We're a work-in-progress, but it won’t keep you from having a good time!]
HIKING: There are 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, & explore. Bring good shoes!
WORK-OUT ROOM: Complete w/ weights, TreadClimber, & MASSAGE CHAIR!! Just another layer of “Rest” for guests here at Rapha’s Rest!!
BOOKSTORE/ MOVIES:
We just opened our BOOK-NOOK & VINTAGE COUNTRY STORE … books, gifts, snacks & farm-fresh eggs!! Also, we have a full LIBRARY of DVDs to use for rainy & hot days!
PRAYER CHAPEL: So excited to have our “CHAPEL IN THE WOODS” finally open - it’s been a labor of love!! Another quiet space to spend with Papa-God.
POOL: Open 8am-10pm so BRING SWIM SUITS!! Kids love it but it was designed around adults: Pool features Waterfall, Hot Tub, & Tanning ledge. BEACH TOWELS provided in each Cabin, but you may want to bring a robe/flip flops for walking back to room or cabin. Pls be respectful of other guests. [SAFETY PARAMETERS FOR MINORS BELOW]
NOTE: NO MUSIC PLEASE as guests have different tastes. If you would like to add MUSIC at the pool, pls request Hosts to turn on SPEAKER for RAPHA’S REST RADIO (Coffee House Mix). THANK YOU!!
YEAR-ROUND HOT TUB:
(Attach’d to Pool) **IMPORTANT** DUE TO RISING COST OF PROPANE, use 1x FREE/Booking. Each additional use = $15 DONATION. [Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, each use $15]. We ask that once you request heat on, you ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES of being ready - after that we have to cut it off. (We understand delays happen, but you may not be fond of cold showers if propane is depleted!)
LATTES/ FRAPPES: Upon request w/ small DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned a Coffeehouse]
FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST: Upon request with DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$8 under 8) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. REQUEST @ BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs or egg casserole, our own coffee roast, juice, fruit, pancakes or sweet rolls/muffins, etc ... served inside Main House or outside, weather pending.
** When available, farm fresh eggs ($5/dz), quail eggs ($3/dz) or a S'more's Pkg ($10) can be purchased.
CHK-IN/OUT: Important PROPERTY INFO upon ARRIVAL … This may NOT work for you … SO PLEASE READ:
— CHECK-IN: 3-7:00pm [FIRM]
** Plan +30min for traffic/detours!
— CHECK-OUT: 1pm [FIRM]
** INSTRUCTIONS sent to cell#
** EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN/OUT: Up to 2-HOUR Early/Late Check-in/out for $25 Donation WHEN OWNERS AVAIL ($40/both) … INQUIRE @ BOOKING.
NOTE: All DONATIONS go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES overseeing maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]
INTERNET: The POOL DECK has internet available, but it is VERY SLOW - fine for a quick email check, but it does not stream well if you need to do extensive work/Zoom calls, etc. We also ask that you not upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. while here due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA.
ANIMALS: Our property cannot accommodate PETS or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. [Certified Service Dogs permitted with DOCUMENTATION]. However, we have a virtual zoo ... 2 VERY LARGE lovable dogs, 2 cats, small goats, multitude chickens/turkeys/quail, & 1 potbelly pig!
BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork/Lake Quitman! Unfortunately, this cabin CANNOT accommodate BOAT PARKING. HOWEVER, we do have 4 OTHER CABINS that can!! If Overnight Battery CHARGING needed, there is a DONATION of $10/night required. BRING an extra long EXTENSION CORD. [INQUIRE @ BOOKING]. Note: All Fish cleaned outside with remains sealed & placed in trash (not tossed on property).
NON-BOOKED VISITOR POLICY: It is not a surprise that guests occasionally want to share their Rapha’s Rest experience w/ a friend or family member. HOWEVER, due to past experiences we have had to become STRICT @ non-reservation visitors on the property. VISITOR POLICY includes an added $DONATION (Outlined Below) + AGREEMENT to PROPERTY/HOUSE RULES + SIGNED RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our RETREAT design is ADULT-ORIENTED. Ie. The pool was created with adult relaxation in mind - not a sports pool. Kids do enjoy it, however. We encourage exploring, playing with goats, etc, but there are many potential dangers. So … ALL MINORS under 18 must have an adult ONSITE. Swimming in POOL, an adult must be within eye-site. ALL CHILDREN under 13 must be accompanied around the 42-acre property by an adult or older sibling. This is for both for SAFETY & MEDICAL LIABILITY.
The primary purpose of Rapha’s Rest is found in its name ... REST. If you choose to bring your children, we encourage you to come back again to receive all the “Rest & Restoration” that God has waiting to give in His Presence.
FINAL WORD: One name for Jesus is Jehovah-Rapha which means "God our Healer". Rapha’s Rest was created as a healing PLACE OF PRESENCE ... a PERFECT rest-stop on your continued journey for healing REST & RESTORATION!
Blessings,
Randy & Cheryl Bland
** NON-REGISTERED VISITORS **
1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Blands, & only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked during your stay. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.
2) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify
a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)?
b. WHAT DAY / TIME?
c. HOW LONG?
3) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows:
- $40/visitor/per day… Any length of time + AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.), LEAVE BY SUNSET
- $20/visitor/per day … 2-8 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc), LEAVE BY SUNSET
- FREE … Less than 2 hours (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, massage chair, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET
4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking.
5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.
6) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES & SIGN RELEASE of LIABILITY upon arrival. The Donation PAYMENT is surety & a pledge of Agreement to such.
7) Please DO NOT give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Pls meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your Cabin.
REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can/cannot do once request is submitted.
PRIMARY REASONS:
a) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 2 Rooms where at times multiple bookings want to invite family/friends at same time. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear and maintenance. THEREFORE, your request is NOT GUARANTEED.
b) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially when our GATE CODE is given out.
** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, & Restaurants within a 10-minute drive to meet your friend/family!