Feature Story : Graystone Cottages
Graystone Cottages offers guests more than just a place to rest
By Pam Moore
Every traveler has something different in mind when they look for a place to stay in Amish County. It may be a honeymoon weekend, a celebration with friends and family for an anniversary or birthday, or just a week away from all the stress of everyday life. No matter the reason, a visit to Graystone Cottages in Berlin, Ohio can provide anyone with the accommodations they need.
Just driving up to the cottages produces an “Oh, how nice!” response, and guests will feel right at home as they enter any of the three clean, beautiful cottages or the one-bedroom suite. Two of the cottages, one with a nautical theme and the other with a lavender theme, are complete with an electric fireplace in a large living room, TV with cable and a DVD player, and include a queen-size sofa bed.
A kitchenette affords all of the comforts of home, including a refrigerator, coffeemaker, and toaster, complete with a continental breakfast each day. A special treat is the plate of fresh cinnamon rolls, just waiting to be warmed in the microwave that is also provided.
After a busy day of shopping and exploring Amish Country, guests will look forward to a peaceful night in their cottage. Two of the cottages have Jacuzzis in the bedroom, and all include a queen size bed with TV and cable, and a full-size bath. All of the cottages sleep four comfortably.
Each cottage has a full, well-lit, front porch with a table and chairs, and to make the evenings even better, there is a grill available for guests to use, or a grill package can be purchased.
Aptly named “Cozy Spaces”, the one-bedroom suite may be smaller but it is just as beautiful and homey as the cottages. It also includes a Jacuzzi, queen bed, kitchenette, and its own small front porch.
The largest of the three cottages, dubbed “Lofty Places”, has two bedrooms, one in the loft and one on the main floor. There is a fireplace, Jacuzzi and kitchenette in Lofty Places. There is a TV in each bedroom, a half-bath in the loft and a full bath downstairs. Here the front porch comes complete with comfortable rocking chairs.
Just a half block from the square of Berlin, guests will be amazed at how quiet the cottages are. “We are unique,” said Dorothy Yoder, who, with her husband, Mark, owns Graystone Cottages. “Even being this close to town, it’s a great place to stay. And people love to wake to the sound of the horses and buggies, or to watch them pass by as they sit on the front porch.”
“One thing the people like is being close to town and the shopping,” said Yoder. “It’s a great place to go to shop, then they can come back, drop off their packages and go again. And they really like the convenience of being close to most of the attractions in the area. It’s a home away from home with a great location.”
For those who want to have the full Amish experience, Yoder has made arrangements with a local Amish family for visitors to have dinner in their home, and an opportunity to learn more about the Amish lifestyle. Guests may also take a half-hour buggy ride around the Walnut Creek area. Both of these are at an additional fee.
Also available is a romantic getaway, honeymoon or anniversary package, which includes rose petals, tea lights, and sparkling wine.
Graystone Cottages are located at 5572 N. Market Street in Berlin, Ohio 44610. For more information or reservations, call 877-231-2912, e-mail dorothy@grayston-cottages.com or log on to www.graystone-cottages.com.
