Relax for a day or a week in the perfect wooded setting
By Patricia Faulhaber
It’s time to slow down and relax. Get back in touch with what is important in life. Sit on the back porch and enjoy the essence of nature while listening to the birds sing. Forget all about rush hour traffic and overflowing schedules. If only there were such a place!
Well, there is. Wildwood Hill Cabin is just that place. Nestled in the woods of Amish Country, this beautiful, well-equipped cabin with all the modern conveniences, offers just the quiet and tranquility one needs to reaffirm their purpose and meaning in life.
The cabin was a private residence before the owner went overseas for mission work. Now the cabin is owned and operated by Mark and Mary Ellen Beachy with their four sons and two daughters. It is a log home made from authentic lodgepole pine logs and is situated on seven acres of wooded land. The cabin is equipped with all the amenities needed to enjoy a getaway vacation, including a fireplace in the living room with a sofa bed, kitchen with microwave and a refrigerator with ice maker, washer and dryer, central air, and a queen-size bed in the loft. There is a hot tub on a screened-in back porch, a gas grill on the front porch, and an outdoor fire ring for night fires (firewood supplied). Towels and linens are provided, as well as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. The cabin is a smoke-free environment and is handicap accessible.
When they first arrive, visitors will be surprised to find a plate of freshly baked rolls, a loaf of bread, bars or muffins sitting on the kitchen table. And, the Beachys make sure there are toys in the play area in the basement for those younger visitors. The basement also has a washer and dryer for guests to use. No pets are allowed, there is no television and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
“The cabin is a great place to relax and listen to the birds after shopping in the area,” said Mark Beachy.
“People come in to stay for a night or two or up to a week at a time. We have had people from all over stay there, including someone from France.”
Between 2004 and 2008, more than 230 different parties rented the cabin. There are many people who return every year to vacation there as well. People stay to celebrate anniversaries, honeymoons and other special occasions. The busiest time of the year is July through October. According to Beachy, this September has been very busy so far.
“Most people like to stay in the summer and fall, but last February, in all that snow, was our best February to date,” he added.
The feedback from visitors has been positive, with a number of people wishing they could stay there forever. Many people come into the area for the shopping and want to spend a few days. The cabin is just 10 minutes from Walnut Creek and 15 minutes from Berlin. Both towns have a variety of shops and restaurants to fill each day with shopping.
Those staying at the cabin April through June can enjoy shopping at the Garden Thyme Greenhouse, within walking distance of the Wildwood Hill Cabin. The Beachy family also owns and runs the greenhouse. They offer many annuals, including marigolds, impatiens, and petunias, perennials, vegetable plants, ferns, hanging baskets, birdhouses, potting soil and a variety of flower pots.
“We are considerably lower priced than those greenhouses on the main roads. We also offer authentic Mexican flower pots brought from Mexico by a family living in Dover,” said Mary Ellen Beachy.
“Another unique item we have is red raspberry plants. It is a very healthy food and it comes back every year. Red raspberry is easier to grow than black raspberry. Our geraniums in the hanging baskets do really well for us, too. Geraniums sell so well because they are easier to keep nice throughout the summer.”
While Mary Ellen Beachy manages the greenhouse, the entire family, who all have green thumbs, help customers and keep up the plants. The greenhouse opened in 2006 and the business has grown every year, with Mother’s Day being one of the busiest days of the year.
“We have felt very blessed the way the cabin and the greenhouse has worked out. Our guests can relax and get in touch with themselves and get to know their creator,” said Mark Beachy.
Wildwood Hill Cabin is located at 11095 Pleasant Hill Road NW in Dundee, Ohio. It comfortably sleeps four but families can bring sleeping bags and air mattresses to fit more. The Beachys recommend that those wishing to stay at the cabin call four to six weeks in advance for a two- or three-day stay and three to four months in advance for longer stays.
Call 330-852-3872 or visit http://www.wildwoodhillcabin.com for more information.
