Headed to the Water Forest Retreat I was a little sceptical. We had always seen Norwich as a run down city. Then we are on a suburban street as it says we are getting closer. Are we going to be in someones backyard? The road ends with a driveway, that must be the place!. As we drive down you start to realize the other houses are not close. When you park in the parking spot it definitely starts to feel like a place to rejuvenate. We just need to make it past the next hurdle, introducing ourselves, which for an introvert is never fun, but Nancy made us feel welcome and at home as soon as we talked to her. She showed us the octagon, walking us through all the details including making sure the outhouse is warm in the middle of a winter night!! The details put into the octagon are amazing. It really comes from a place of love. The rock windchimes on the door to the hot apple cider for the keurig. The 360 degree view is amazing. The chandelier made from driftwood, sea shells and lights as well as the flowers and peacock feathers all around the ceiling give you a sense of nature. The unique attention to detail shines through, figuratively and literally, in the glass pieces on the moon shaped window of the outhouse. During the unpacking of the car I was able to meet our second exceptional host Bert. A kind man willing to help and make your stay as pleasant as possible. Then our adventures began. We did the outside trails. Stopping at the pond and sitting in a couple of the dozen or more chairs and benches scattered all over the property. We enjoyed the peaceful quite of the pond really helping us to get into the unplugged feel of nature. After relaxing for a while we explored the trails more, coming to the 1700s bridge. This rock bridge is fun to think about how a horse drawn carriage or a lone horseman would have used it at the beginning of the United States while I stand on it now with my winter gear and trekking poles hundreds of years later. After a couple more stops we ended up at the waterfall. Again we sat and enjoyed the beauty and peace of nature but with the sun starting to set we had to get back to the octagon. The next day was a cup of coffee and a muffin at the sitting area by the river before we were off to spend more time exploring the trails. Again the attention to detail here transports you into a magical world. The trails are lined with tree limbs and cleaned of leaves so nature has carpeted them with moss making it a green moss road. Giving you the feel of a mini golf course but fully natural!! The hand made map is a great way to see what the property has in store for you but if you are not a map person each intersection has beautifully made signs telling where you are or where you are going. The harder places to walk have stone steps put in place to help you climb a hill or get through the marsh. As a kid I always wondered how people came up with the stories of fairies and gnomes but seeing these trails I can see how they did. I keep waiting for one to pop up and tell me Im sitting on their home or blocking their view. Just taking the time to sit and watch you can find the magic. Once at the waterfall I spent a half hour just watching frozen foam spinning in the eddies of the waterfall. After our morning hiking and enjoying nature we went over to Summit Rock to enjoy our lunch with a view of the forest. As night fell we headed back to start our fire and cook up some potatoes, sausage, and peppers on the fire, Yum!!! Then we enjoyed the fire with some music and dancing before it became too cold for us again. On the last morning we woke up sad that it was time to leave already and started making plans for our next visit. The experience that was created for us comes from a great sense of love and passion from two great hosts!
Ive never really been out to a place like this. It was a surprise birthday outing for me. Let me just say that this place will continue to see me. I loved every minute of being there. Its so simple, relaxing and serene! Im not a writer so my words can not do it the justice it deserves. Maybe other reviewers were able to capture it in their words. I truly believe that it takes a lot more than words for one to truly appreciate what this place is. Bert & Nancy are great host. I look forward to seeing you guys again really soon!
This place is alittle piece of heaven. It is very clean and the attention to every little detail is incredible. Bert is very helpful, kind, and enthusiastic when showing you around. The things they supply you with goes above and beyond the usual things that most people would supply. Will definitely be returning.
An unseen gem, in norwich. Very close to everything, and yet very remote. Looks like a great place to stay
My boyfriend and I just checked out of the Tree House cabin after staying two nights and we are already making plans to go back. It is hard to put into words how amazing our experience was. Our hosts thought of everything, even the little detailed stuff. The cabin was beautiful and they put so much time, effort and care into it to make it magical. Their lands is so private you dont realize the world around you. You cant see any other cabin, so you have complete privacy. There very well maintained trails that lead to a pond with two chairs and a table to sit in and relax. I cant recommend this place enough. Absolutely perfect!!!! Wish we never left.
We just arrived today and have only been here since 2:50 and we are in LOVE!! Bert was an amazing host. Myself and my Fiance cannot even put into words how this experience is going. All I can say so Far is, WOW!! From the first message from Nancy about booking to now is just outstanding.. We already are looking into booking another night.. Well have lots more to review and lots of pictures tomorrow.
I loved spending my time here. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Got to see turkeys in the morning walking on by. Owners are so helpful and pleasant. Def a place to check out.
Nancy and Burt are the most gracious and kind hosts and Water Forest Retreat was the most perfect autumn escape we could hope for. We will be back!
We Had A Great Time.!! Very Private.!! Well Definitely Be Back But Staying Longer Next Time.!! Thank You Again To Nancy & Her Husband.!! Great Hosts & Beautiful Property.!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
I BOOKED this for my son and his girlfriend they had a fantastic time.. The hosts were excellent and they said it was peaceful and quiet... Will def be going back .. Thank you again Nancy and Bert .
Awesome place!! Great host
The best experience. Beautiful and peaceful