Cabin 14, dear readers. Cabin 14. The photos are TRUE!
I don't often give out five-star reviews. I can always find something to complain about. (I have deep fantasies about being hired as an all-around nitpicking consultant. A 21st-century Gilbreth.) Pine Knot Guest Ranch deserves every star. We were so delighted with our recent two-night stay that I'm tempted to make a standing annual reservation.
(If you're a Seinfeld fan, you won't be able to avoid repeating "Cherish the cabin!" after your visit. Fair warning.)
We arrived a few hours later than planned due to all my dire prophecies about little Ford hatchbacks not making it up the big mountain finally coming true. (Another story.) It was almost after-hours, but we rang the bell and the manager (owner?) came right over with her friendly dog. Easy-peasy.
The cabin comes with firewood for one night. Six dollars will get you another bundle, but if you have a smartphone you can use the Yelp offer for a free bundle. The office has a full bookcase of DVDs to borrow at no charge.
One thing I wondered about was how secluded the cabin would be. It's not advertised as private (that would be the honeymoon cabin), but Cabin 14 is nicely situated to only have one other cabin ("Cedar Creek") for company, and the porches are situated so you won't see anyone else unless you're trying. On the porch is a round grill, two extremely comfortable padded loungers, and two chairs. I stretched out with my Kindle and listened to the seasonal creek burble, sometimes turning to watch little birds hop around and take sips from the water. (Not to mention the wild rabbits that roam the area.)
Photos don't do Cabin 14 justice, impressive considering how I was sure that the online photos were too good to be the whole story. The cabin is spacious and every chair I tried - and I did the whole Goldilocks test - was cozy and curl-up-able.
The kitchen came with paper towels, potholders, mixing bowls and other basic items, which I didn't expect. No problems playing house here. (The love seat by the dining set would be a great spot to flop out and watch my husband cook - ha!) Nor did I expect the basket of hot chocolate packets and coffees. Also waiting for us were two glasses and a glass of Martinelli's sparkling apple cider. Clearly someone has put thought into both comfort and design.
The bathroom is equipped with a glassed-in shower, where I'll focus my token criticism. My husband is 6'4" and had to stoop to wash his hair since the showerhead only came up to his neck. But everything else was so charming that we easily laughed about this and moved on.
The main room, the one with the incredible tub and stuffed bears and quaint fireplace, is as lovely as pictured. Little chocolates are arranged on the side of the tub along with Gilchrist and Soames bath salts. (More are available at $2/box.) Votive candles sit in glass holders on three of the tub corners (the fourth has two fluffy towels), and a small torch is in the basket by the fireplace along with other pyro-amenities.
The jacuzzi was great: plenty of hot water, off-switch inside the tub (otherwise use the 15-minute timer on the opposite wall), and I can testify that two very overweight people can fit in jussssst fine.
If you are allergic to or don't like feather pillows, be sure to talk to the staff. Our main pillows (under the pile of rather substantial decorative pillows) were feather-based, but I think the spare in the closet wasn't, so I'm sure options are available.
The television is an enormous flat screen, and the remote is straightforward in operation with good coverage from both sides of the bed. Built into the wall is a radio, with speakers around the cabin. I wonder how old these cabins are since our radio had a cassette slot and a phono setting. (Retro!) There is also an alarm clock and a phone.
We had trouble accessing the wi-fi and thought it might just be slow or weak, or it might be us, but when we found someone else outside also trying to get a better signal, we called the after-hours line for help. Sure enough, the router just needed a reboot, which Pine Knot was happy to do despite the late hour, and they called us back to make sure all was well. (It was.)
Be warned: skylights! The tree coverage means it's a beautiful, dappled natural light that adds to the beauty of the bedroom, but we're the kind of people who like to sleep late and who, at home, have black-out shades on the windows. No complaints here, but if you're planning to stay late at the karaoke bar in the Village, keep Mr. Sol's gentle wake-up call in mind.
The llamas (Willow and Dolly) and the bunnies (Honeybun and Twinkie) are in a barn a short walk across the main area (cabins form a circle) and around the corner. They are all placid and seem to be treated well. You can feed all of them and arrange to walk to the llamas.
I can't imagine a better place - just down the road from the Village! - to stay, and I can't wait to stay again. read more