Nestled in 25 acres of conservation land, the private rental unit at this unique property boasts a rustic entrance through the woods and a wild, untouched natural view. The cozy kitchenette and two sitting/eating areas offer ample space to unwind. With access to Grand River Conservation's Dryden Tract across the street and Pinehurst Lake just a short drive away, outdoor enthusiasts will love swimming, fishing, walking or cycling in nature.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 528 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat
ADesigned by Grant Whatmorough, often called the Canadian “Frank Lloyd Wright”. www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/toronto/article-a-1950s-survival-in-a-renovation-crazy-culture/
The rental unit has a private entrance from the parking area via a rustic, natural hiking trail through the woods where appropriate shoes/boots are a must. You enter into the Main bedroom with Ensuite bath that has been separated from the rest of the house. There is 1 queen bed. A couch that folds flat can be slept on by a child. A kitchenette and 2 sitting/eating areas help to enjoy the wild untouched natural view.
Surrounded by 25 private acres of conservation land in the northern most Carolinian forest of Ontario.m
Rests upon unique geological eskers from the ice age www.ontariobeneathourfeet.com/esker. Due to this interesting feature, our area “boasts” several quarries of significant size. This means an extra level of dust.
Grand River Conservation “Dryden Tract” entrance is across the street with 85 acres and a birders paradise www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Dryden-Tract.aspx#gsc.tab=0
Swim, fish, walk, cycle, bird, canoe, picnic at Pinehurst Lake just a 9 minute drive away www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Pinehurst-Lake.aspx#gsc.tab=0
We have a lending library of: -various size life jackets and water wings -canoe and oars -stand up paddleboard w oar -beach toys -snowshoes -sleds *must confirm ahead of visit Local events Oct 21-22: The Great Canadian Buttertart Festival, Paris, ON
We offer the option of having the farm animals free range graze during your stay where you may see them walk past occasionally or have them not be out during your visit.
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Electric car charging station on site
Parking on site
Kitchenette
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Bidet
Jetted bathtub
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No elevator (single-level property)
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Tile flooring in public areas
Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the marina
Things to do
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Ice skating nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Sledding nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Smoking is outside only
Access methods
Private entrance
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the neighborhood
Located in North Dumfries, this vacation home is in a rural area. African Lion Safari and Homer Watson House and Gallery are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Fairview Park and Belmont Village. Traveling with kids? Consider Cambridge Ice Centre and Chicopee Tube Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling. Visit our North Dumfries travel guide
Is 1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of St. John's United Church, Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, and Dunfield Theatre Cambridge. Cambridge Sculpture Garden and Galt Little Theatre are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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1960 Mid-Century Modern Nature Retreat Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We loved our stay. The view is stunning and the place is so cute. Reno was very helpful and replied to messages quickly. We will definitely stay again if we find ourselves back in the area.
We had a lovely stay amongst nature! Beds are comfy! When not at the campfire, we were walking near by trails and also had a drive into Paris Ontario (cute shops, breeery and restaurants). I also recommend the grand river rafting which is a 30 min drive — relaxing and fun.
I wanted a couple of quiet days away, and that is what I got. Lots of natural light in the space and calming views of the forest, and there were beautiful hiking opportunities close by as well!
The instructions and directions to the provided address were clear and accurate. The room was clean and well lit upon our arrival. The access path was a little steep and rocky.The area is very quiet.We were especially impressed by the walking trails directly across the road! Beautiful trails and our dog was very pleased.
Gabrielle B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jami
30 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
The perfect restful retreat. I stayed for a month on my own. The hosts are very responsive, and friendly. A peaceful, quiet country setting with a beautiful bright living space and close to hiking trails. I loved it!
J. Berger
Reno has a wonderful slice of heaven in the woods and was very nice and communicative during our stay. The space was beautiful and well-furnished. Clarification that there is no kitchen sink or hot tub, but there are other kitchen amenities and a jacuzzi tub. My husband, dog, and I really enjoyed the proximity to the Dryden Tract and the incredible sunlight coming in from all the windows. It's a great weekend stay!
We loved our stay in this property. The bed, pillows and sheets were very cozy. The jacuzzi bathtub was a nice treat! Now we want one at home too! The property was so serene and beautiful. We loved the view! It was just what we needed to recharge and we are definitely coming back. The owners were very friendly and charming! We loved the location too! Downtown was just 10 minutes away. First night we ate in and got some sushi from downtown. For breakfast we ordered in from a crepes restaurant. Second night we went for dinner at The French and then we listened to live music at the Foundry Tavern.
We had a lovely stay here! The place is clean and nicely furnished, with a beautiful forest view to wake up to. Reno was a helpful and responsive host. We enjoyed the nearby trails and liked that it was just a short drive to Paris where we had lunch. I would just clarify that there is no oven or stovetop, but there is a toaster oven and single burner electric hot plate. And as the other reviews mention, there is no kitchen sink so you have to wash dishes in the bathroom, which isn't a big deal. Overall, we really enjoyed it and found it to be a comfortable and peaceful getaway.
Located in a beautiful, secluded wooded area, this property offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The large windows in the living room provide an incredible vantage point from which to fully immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty. It's the perfect getaway for those looking to reconnect with nature and escape city life.For outdoor enthusiasts, the Dryden Tract Trail, located just across the road, offers a variety of trails ideal for cross-country skiing in winter or peaceful hikes in the warmer months.Our host, Reno, was responsive and attentive to all our needs, ensuring our stay was comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here.One minor note: while the kitchen doesn't have a full stove and sink, it is still functional for basic meal prep, with a toaster oven, microwave, and flat-top stove available. The bathroom also provides access to water for coffee or to wash dishes.Overall, if you're a nature lover or someone seeking a break from the chaos of the city, this is an ideal spot to recharge and enjoy the serenity of the forest.
We stayed for 2 months as I recovered from surgery. We were the first guest to stay. It is a lovely private location in the forest with great trails right across the road. No curtains needed looking out into the woods. The host is awesome. We gave him some recommendations that we hope he follows up on to make the next visitors stay a little more comfortable.
A few things to be aware of. There is a steepish hill to climb to the door on an approx. 300 m path. Able bodies can totally do it, just be aware if you have heavy luggage or struggle walking it may be a challenge. The internet occationally is spotty. There is no kitchen sink however there are ways to wash your dishes. Enjoy your stay!
This little mid century beauty hidden away in the woods is a wonderful Twilight-esque place to stay for a weekend escape. Not only is this place charming and adorable, Reno is also a wonderful host who is quick to respond to any inquiries you may have. I stayed over a weekend with my partner, and as the only place we found with a pride flag displayed we felt very safe as a queer couple during our stay. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking your stay! The first being that to access the unit you have to be able to walk up a fairly steep hill without much traction (especially in the snow) for about 2 minutes to get there. Truly a remote little getaway just 10 mins from Cambridge, the road to drive up to the unit is also off the beaten path and only wide enough for a single car to drive up/pqrk. Especially if you’re going in the spring/winter you need to make sure that you have a car with good winter tires and high clearance or you might get stuck. The unit itself is attached to the home that the host resides. And while it is essentially its own separate wing, you may sometimes hear the homes occupants during your stay. The last thing to be prepared for is that, like other reviews note, there is no kitchen sink and the kitchen is definitely more of a kitchenette with very limited supplies in terms of cutlery etc. So having pre-prepared foods and planning to eat out in nearby Cambridge is a must! Overall, so long as you’re able-bodied and aware of the li
The property is exactly as described and beyond perfect for a weekend getaway. Everything went smoothly and the host was super helpful about efficient communication. I would absolutely stay here again, and we hope to next year!
My wife and I stayed for 11 days. We loved the property, though it was a little small for us (we carry a lot of stuff because we live in vacation rentals as a lifestyle). I was looking forward to touring the entire house, but visitors were staying in other parts of the house.The property owners were quick to respond, and did everything they could to make us comfortable. We visited during a heat wave, with temps in the low 90s (F). Since the windows are floor to ceiling, the sun shining in made the interior very uncomfortable, The their credit, the owners delivered a dehumidifier and a large, very powerful fan. This made the temps inside the property much more tolerable.The location is relatively close to Cambridge, ON, which includes many places to eat and shop.We would certainly return sometime in the future, especially if the other areas of the house could be toured.
Overall, the property matches the photos fairly well, and it might look even nicer in the summer. However, staying here long-term could be challenging. The kitchen is almost non-existent as it seems like a converted cabinet area. There’s only a portable electric stove that struggles to even boil water, and there’s no sink, which makes it inconvenient.On our first night, the power tripped due to the electric heater, and the internet connection was also unstable. Fortunately, the host came back at night to fix it, and we do appreciate the host’s effort in addressing the issue promptly. I can sense that the host is trying to run this rental well, which is commendable.That said, the overall amenities are quite basic, and some things feel a bit dated. We could sometimes hear from downstairs.In summary, the property isn’t bad at all, it's just for around 280 per night, we expected a bit more. We were slightly disappointed with our stay on Christmas Eve. We feel that with some additional effort and improvements, the host could make this rental much more appealing to future guests.