Peaceful retreat offered at Sojourner's Lodge
By Michelle Failor
Offering both the peace and tranquility that being surrounded by nature affords and the convenience of modern luxuries, Sojourner's Lodge and Log Cabin Suites in Holmes County is one of Amish Country's perfect "getaways."
Nestled on 20 acres of breathtaking woodlands & farmlands, overlooking a three-acre lake, Sojourner's Lodge & Log Cabin Suites features both lodge & log cabin suites. The gorgeous lodge suites give visitors the feeling that they're in a log cabin, said owner Gwen Miller. For example, many of the lodge suites reveal gorgeous log beams and wainscoting, as well as handcrafted furniture that is locally made.
"When you step into the lodge, you feel as if you're in the privacy of a log cabin," Miller said. "Most of our décor centers on nature and wildlife, and different rooms have different themes-such as camping or canoeing. We try to bring out the best of what's in this area."
Sojourner's Log Cabin Suites are tucked away on the edge of the woods, overlooking the valley below. The two luxurious cabin suites feature: full kitchens, living rooms with fireplaces, master bedrooms, full bathrooms with two person Jacuzzis.
Family owned and operated by Miller and her husband, Duane, a native of Holmes County whose family owns an Amish farm nearby, Gwen said their business has the best of both worlds, "We're minutes from all of the restaurants and attractions that Amish Country has to offer, yet we're surrounded by the peace and quiet of surrounding farms and nature itself," she said.
The Millers bought the land for their business in 1998 and Duane, who owns a local construction company, built the lodge and cabin and contracted out the log work and furniture, Gwen said. Sojourner's Lodge opened in 2002 with two suites, followed by another two log cabin suites in 2006, which is nestled on top of a hill that overlooks the lake and the valley below. In 2007, three new suites were completed within the cedar-sided lodge, which is located near the lake. Though the décor and woodwork inside and outside have a rustic theme, there are various amenities available that allow visitors to kick back and leave behind the worries and stress that everyday life can bring, she added. Some features of our seven suites are gas/electric fireplaces (with remote controls), Jacuzzi tubs for two, and full kitchens, fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, silverware and anything needed to prepare quick or gourmet meals while staying there. Suites also offer luxurious and comfortable living rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, DIRECTV and DVD players.
Even the fire pits are luxurious, Miller said. Inlaid with natural stone and surrounded by Adirondack chairs, guests can relax and enjoy not only time with one another but also the view-each fire pit is professionally landscaped and firewood is provided.
"Come and enjoy a beautiful night under the stars, while sitting around a cozy, crackling fire," she said.
Also outside the suites, lodge or cabin, guests can enjoy serenity by relaxing in the courtyards or hiking the forest trails, strolling around the pond or walking along the country road, she added.
Birdwatchers and nature-lovers will especially enjoy their stay, as the Millers have done their best to attract as much wildlife to the grounds as possible. Bird species such as Canadian geese, mallard ducks, great blue herons, green herons, red-tailed hawks and kingfishers, as well as bluebirds, barn swallows and woodpeckers have been known to visit, as well as deer and other peaceful four-legged friends. And, being surrounded by nature has many other advantages, pointed out Miller.
"Just as the changing seasons bring a different variety of wildlife; it also brings the beauty of nature, such as colorful fall foliage and sparkling ice on the pond. The sunrises over the pond are a favorite of ours, along with the full moon's reflection on the water," she said.
Open year-round, Sojourner's Lodge and Log Cabin Suites is located northeast of Berlin, two miles off of US 62 East or 1 mile off of US 250 and US 241 in Mt. Eaton. All suites are available for rental by the night or for a weekend, or even for a few days to a week. Discounts are available for multiple-night stays and rates vary depending on the season. For more information, call 330-359-5320 or visit their Web site at www.sojournerslodgeohio.com.
