Come relax, refresh, romance, or retreat in our quaint (rustic) 900 sq ft stone cottage on our working farm, perfect for a weekend getaway or for longer term lodging (with a significant discount,) and easily accessed off I-44/49 east of Joplin & south of Carthage. (1-44 Exit 18 south) Many thanks to two of our guests, Kerry Hersch, a very creative photographer, and his wife, Mary, who generously shared some of his photos of our property for you to see. PLEASE NOTE: I cannot accommodate any animals inside the house. Also we are a working farm, so there will sometimes be farm activities going on while guests are here; and a few people, including my handyman & my part-time caretaker as well as my husband and I may come and go discreetly as we take care of the land and the animals. The base price is for four people. Additional people, including children, are priced at $15/person/night. (Non-walking infants are free.) Our hand-built, private, stone cottage is rustic, simple, and perfect for those seeking a stress-free getaway from life's demands. And.. to add to the beauty and peace of the Cottage, I am now able to offer the skills of an experienced massage therapist, who brings her table and supplies to the property. One recent guest who has experienced professional massage therapy in her world-wide travels, said, "Elise gave me the best massage I have ever had!" (Advance notice necessary - payment made directly to Elise.) With 4 beds and 1 bathroom, we can comfortably accommodate 4 people, however, for families or groups that don't mind close quarters, we have two cots, so we can adapt to six people if needed. A spacious, fully equipped kitchen allows you to create custom meals (regular size stove, small refrigerator) Be warned - it has a lower than normal ceiling (about 7'.) The loft bedroom is accessed by a steep, narrow, low-clearance stairway - there is a "kiddie gate" for use to prevent little ones from climbing unexpectedly. There are two steps up into both the bathroom and kitchen. The bathroom has a shower – no tub. A most interesting, fun time to visit The Cottage is during our annual spring kidding season when the fields are literally "jumping" with baby goats. Normally kidding occurs during April/May/June. Guests are welcome to interact with our horse, goats, alpacas, Scottish Highland long-horned steer, dog, cats, and chickens; special arrangements can include collecting fresh eggs, hand-feeding animals, and milking lessons for children (and adults!) when one of our milk goats is "fresh" - $30 for the group (1-10 people.) Ask about our discount for clergy retreats and active military personnel. We are located just off of I-44/49 south of Carthage – due east of Joplin, with easy access to area attractions (complete directions will be given after booking. ) On the third Saturday in October, Carthage hosts one of the top 20 Missouri gatherings - the Maple Leaf Festival: "a tradition for 50 years, this week-long celebration offers what is considered one of Missouri’s largest parades followed by a variety of special events including more than 80 craft booths and food vendors." For more information about the Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage visit the Carthage, MO Chamber of Commerce website. Fidelity, MO - 3 miles(west): --Pump 'n Pantry Convenience Store -- World's Largest Small Appliance Museum, a seriously fun place to see in JR's Western Wear Store just 3 miles west of Stirling and the Cottage Diamond, MO - 7 miles(south): --George Washington Carver Birthplace, Museum and Nature Center --The Diamond Cafe. An outstanding/Inexpensive place to have dinner on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Reservations requested. Carthage, MO - 10 miles (north): -- the beautiful Carthage square and legendary Courthouse (with small museums and antique working elevator,) --Cherry's Art Emporium (a quality gallery show-casing nationally and locally famous art talent) --The Woodshed (featuring live music every Friday evening) in Cherry's Emporium, a cleverly, decorated antebellum mercantile building --Mother Road Coffee House (just what you'd want a coffee house to be) --Route 66 Deli -- Precious Moments Park --Red Oak II, (a restored 1930's village) --Civil War Museum --White Rose Winery --Powers Museum -- many quality antique malls, "flea" markets, and nationally known artists' studios including Andy Thomas, Jerry Ellis, Larry Glaze, Bob Tommey, Rachel Wilson, Koral Martin. --And, for the architecturally interested, Carthage is known for its neighborhoods with splendid Victorian homes. Wal-Mart Super Center YMCA Joplin - 12 miles(west): --Spiva Art Center --Wildcat Glades Conservation Center --Joplin Demise (minor league soccer) --Joplin Blasters (minor league baseball) Springfield - 50 miles (east): --Bass Pro Shop --Fantastic Caverns -- Dickerson Park Zoo --Wilson Creek National Battlefield --Ted E. Bear's Toy Factory -- Year-round indoor Mediacom Ice Skating Rink --Springfield Cardinals Minor League baseball team Noel - 50 miles(south): --float the Elk River Bentonville, AR - 65 miles(south): --Sam Walton Museum --The world-class Crystal Bridges Art Museum Branson - 90 miles(southeast via Springfield): --fantastic shows -- water park --Silver Dollar City Just call or text with your ETA and I will meet you there for check-in and give ideas of how to plan your adventures if you wish. This is a serene, rural area with timber, live water, and wonderful wildlife but is also just 10 minutes south of a Wal-Mart Superstore in Carthage, MO where you can get anything you may need during your stay. I am two miles south of I-44 (Use Exit 18 or 22) with easy access. There is a cab service available from Carthage. We are a working farm, so my husband and/or I will be around daily (discreetly) to check the gardens and our animals. Our cattle and/or crop guys may come in & out to do their jobs, and our son usually makes a security run to the creek each night, but unless you need something, you will be left alone. The cottages on our 220 acre farm are well away from the nearest neighbor. The opportunity for children to interact with farm animals (including chickens, goats, alpacas, cows, and horse) and farm life is appreciated by many. There is cab service out of Carthage and some Uber/Lyft availability that is somewhat expensive, but no other public transportation. A personal vehicle(s) is recommended if you desire contact with the outside world.