Welcome to our beloved yurt retreat — two conjoined yurts that create this cozy and functional living space nestled in the woods just outside Athens, Ohio (about 10 minutes to town and campus). This is not a “glamping tent.” It’s a real yurt home infused with warmth, love, and thoughtful details, designed for people who want to slow down, reconnect, experience nature in a more intimate way. It is also a great space for anyone looking for an interesting and simple stay while they visit Athens or OU related events.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need for comfort: a full kitchen, a proper bathroom with both a shower and a soaking tub, comfortable sleeping spaces, and heat that keeps the yurt wonderfully toasty even in colder months (though you may adjust the heaters as needed). There is air conditioning available for summer months; however, the yurts run hot, so again it isn't quite like air conditioning that is in a house. It’s simple, peaceful living — without giving up the essentials.
Because this is a yurt, there are a few things to know:
One of the most magical parts of staying in a yurt is the night sky. Through the domes you can see the stars and sometimes the moon depending on the moons location that night — a quiet, beautiful experience that is magical.
Because the yurt has a dome and multiple windows, morning light comes in naturally and fully. The yurt brightens with the sunrise, and it is not a good match for guests who prefer to sleep in a very dark, silent room. If you enjoy waking up gently with the daylight, you’ll love it here.
You will hear nature. Birds at sunrise, crickets at night, the wind through the trees… and sometimes our neighbor driving up the driveway or dogs barking in the distance.
You’re in the woods — you may hear coyotes, too.
You may encounter bugs. We keep things clean and sealed, but the yurts are located in the middle of the woods, and it's their home we are in.
The walls are canvas. Sound travels. If you’re looking for a silent, insulated cabin experience, this may not be your match. If you love the organic quiet-and-noise of the woods, you’ll adore it. You will also hear weather. Rain on the yurt roof is cozy and beautiful, but it can be loud. If you love storms, it’s magical. During severe thunderstorms, the yurt remains safe, but the sound can be intense or scary for guests who are sensitive to thunderstorms.
There is wi-fi, but there is no TV — by design. This is a space to unplug. You’ll find plenty of games, puzzles, cards, and cozy spots to read or unwind.
Outside is a permaculture-inspired landscape, full of herbs, flowers, and food plants depending on the season. It’s a little wild, intentionally low-intervention, and full of life.
This space is meant to be a refuge — a place to breathe deeper, be intentional, listen to the woods, and reconnect with yourself or your loved ones. We’ve poured care into every corner, and guests often tell us they feel that the moment they step inside.
If you’re looking for somewhere unique, earthy, peaceful, and full of heart — welcome. We’d love to host you.
Who This Space Is Great For:
Nature lovers
People who enjoy the sound of rain on canvas, waking up to birds, hearing the woods at night, and being surrounded by natural beauty.
Folks seeking quiet, rest, or retreat
If you're looking to unplug, write, relax, reconnect, or just breathe deeper, this space is perfect.
Couples, solo travelers & small families
Those who want a cozy, unique stay with a simple, peaceful atmosphere.
Guests who appreciate rustic charm
This is a functional, comfortable yurt — warm, well-equipped, and lovingly cared for — but still a yurt, not a luxury cabin.
People who value inclusivity
Guests who feel at home in spaces that reflect messages like love is love, science is real, and kindness matters.
Who This Space Is Not Great For:
Guests who need complete silence
Yurts have canvas walls, and you will hear nature, weather, country sounds, and the outdoors around you. If sound sensitivity or expectations of silence are a concern, this may not be the right fit.
People expecting a conventional house or cabin
This is a unique structure with its own quirks — nature sounds, occasional bugs, and the feel of canvas walls are part of the experience.
Anyone uncomfortable with a gravel, downhill driveway. Especially in rain or snow. We give tips for navigating it, but it’s still a country driveway.
Guests who require full climate control
The yurt stays warm and cozy, and you can adjust heaters as needed — but it won’t behave exactly like a fully insulated home.
Those bothered by inclusive, progressive signage
There are small signs and artwork around the property reflecting our values. You don’t have to agree, but it should not bother you.
People looking for high-tech environment
There is Wi-Fi but no TV, no surround sound, no party setup. This is a calm, grounding space.
Other details to note:
Driveway & Parking:
If snow is predicted during your stay, we recommend backing your car in, so you can easily pull forward when leaving. We do not have a way to plow or scrape the driveway. If more than a couple inches of snow are expected, you may prefer to park at the top of the drive and walk down, unless your vehicle handles snow well.
Smoking:
There is no smoking inside the yurts.
Please smoke outside only — the porch is perfectly fine. Please take extra caution to extinguish cigarette butts, etc.
Thank you for helping keep the space clean and comfortable for everyone.
Temperature Control in the Yurt:
Because this is a yurt, heating and cooling works a little differently than in a traditional home. There are two mini splits (one in each yurt) and additional heaters to keep the space comfortable in all seasons.
Mini Splits (Heating & Cooling):
Each yurt has its own mini split unit.
You may need to set the temperature higher or lower than you normally would because of the nature of yurt insulation.
On very cold nights, it’s normal to turn the mini splits up much higher than you think you’d need. If you need quick warmth, you can turn the unit up to 86° and use the BOOST feature (the button with the arrow icon).
Important: The mini splits only register changes when the remote is pointed directly at the unit. Please check that the temperature you select appears on the unit’s screen. If it doesn’t update, try pointing the remote again until it registers.
Propane Heaters: Each yurt also has its own propane heater for extra warmth when temperatures drop. To Turn On the Propane Heater: Hold down the Pilot button. While holding it, press the Ignition button (the one with the lightning bolt symbol) until the flame lights. Once the flame is steady, release the Pilot button and turn the dial to your desired heat setting. These heaters warm the space quickly.
Space Heaters:
There are additional electric space heaters available.
Loft Temperature Note:
The loft area naturally gets much warmer than the main level. For comfortable sleeping, we recommend: Keeping the temperature a little lower at night, turning it up again once you’re awake and moving around on the main level.
Air Conditioning Notes:
Because this is a yurt, the air conditioning works differently than in a traditional home. The mini splits provide A/C, and they work well during the late spring and early fall when temperatures are mild. In the peak heat of summer, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon and early evening, the yurts can run noticeably warm. The canvas structure and open design mean the A/C isn’t as effective as what you might expect in a fully insulated house. We provide additional fans to help keep air moving, but during very hot days the yurt may feel similar to not having strong air conditioning.
Hot Water Notes:
The yurt uses an on-demand hot water heater due to limited space. The good news: You will never run out of hot water.
However, because we use a smaller unit and because water coming into the yurt is colder in the winter months, the water may not get as hot as you expect when the faucets are turned on full. If you like very hot water or want to fill the soaking tub with hotter water:
Turn the hot water on slower, not full blast. A lower flow rate allows the heater to warm the water much hotter. You can run it as long as you’d like — it won’t run out.
This matters most in colder months, especially for hot baths. Running the water more slowly is the best way to achieve the hottest temperature.
Septic System Reminder:
The yurt is on a sensitive septic system, so we ask that you help us keep everything running smoothly. Please only flush toilet paper. No wipes, no hygiene products, no paper towels — even if they say “flushable.” Those items will clog the system quickly.
Windows & Dome
You can open and close the windows (or doors) and dome easily for fresh air. In warmer months, keeping windows open (especially in the evening) helps cool the space and let the breeze move through.
Condensation
In colder months, it’s normal for yurts to get a little condensation, especially in the dome when it is very warm inside and very cold outside. A simple fix: crack the dome, it keeps the extreme temperature difference at bay.
