Unity Farm-The Roost/stargazer cabin/river access

Welcome to the Roost at Unity Farm. Stay under the stars in this luxuriously appointed space with in floor heat and be surrounded by woods and prairie. Ski or hike right out the door. Can be booked along with two other rentals at Unity Farm (The Coop and The Cottage) for a unique group, retreat or family reunion. Outdoor shower is available in the summer only. Please note the this listing has a half bath located across from the bedroom which requires going outside very briefly. Kitchenette. The space Welcome to Unity Farm, where you will be staying either at the ROOST, the COOP or the COTTAGE. The coop is where chickens and pheasants were raised, with the cottage being the old granary, before its current restoration. Until 1965 the town of Franconia was the last paddleboat stop on the St. Croix River, and the Franconia train platform and Taylor Falls Airport were located at the junction of Unity avenue and Highway 8. This was an active Farm for the last 85 years for two families and several generations. The landscape has been restored to prairie, which provides a natural animal sanctuary harkening back to the days before America was colonized. Unity farm is an extraordinary place, filled with wildlife, native flowers, and abundance of trees and forest, and private access to the St. Croix River. It is a place that offers peace and serenity, and surrounded by national forest property. There is a pond in the yard with occasional great blue herons, ducks and many turtles. On the property there are tennis courts, children’s swings and climbing bars, walking paths that lead through the woods and down to the river. (There is a small sand beach on the river at the end of the trail, but be advised that it drops off quickly, and the current can be strong). There is a tennis court, and even a baseball field and basketball hoop. The landscape is glorious any time of the year, whether it is cross country skiing around the big field in the winter or hiking to the river for a swim in the summer. We have restored 80 acres of land into natural prairie, which offers a variety of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer, and ends in the fall with tall blue stem grasses. We have three cottages that we offer for rent. One is called “ the cottage”, and it is a two/three bedroom farmhouse with two bathrooms and a small kitchenette. The downstairs has a small living room, with an adjoining bedroom with a queen size bed. The bathroom has a walk in shower. The upstairs floor has four twin beds, with a partial room divider between the rooms. The bathroom has a pink clawfoot tub. For cold nights in the winter, there is a wood stove downstairs, and for the rest of the year, there is a small front porch, and a few steps away is a large deck with a dining table and chairs. The other cottage is called “ the coop”, and this farmhouse has a full kitchen, a downstairs bathroom with a walk in shower, and a larger living room with a large TV if so desired. Upstairs there is a queen size bed. This cottage has an outdoor deck that overlooks the restored prairie. The third is "the Roost", it is a luxurious one bedroom rental with 1/2 bath surrounded by the woods and prairie. The walking trails are marked clearly, whether you are on snowshoes or skis, or going for a walk through the woods or to the river. Please respect the private property signs and the DNR signs, there is rare flora and fauna in areas, and we want to preserve our natural resources. You will find the woods magical, you might want to pack a picnic lunch and sit on the bridge that goes over Lawrence Creek – there are two for you to choose from! Please be courteous of our neighbors and pay attention to the areas that are designated for your use. We are less than an hour outside of the cities, we invite you to come and experience this incredible environment! Enjoy your stay, sign the guestbook if you please, and leave only footprints and memories. Guest access Guests will park and there is a short walk along the prairie to the cottage. A cart or sled is provided for your belongings. Other things to note Outdoor shower is on approximately May-Early October! We shut it off when temps get too low. This is an off grid experience. There is WIFI but the signal can be weak at times. Please plan accordingly. 1/2 Bath only with washcloths and towels provided to wash off. No Shower in the winter months. Kitchenette has: Fridge/freezer, toaster oven, kuerig coffee maker, French press, electric tea kettle, hot plate. Outdoor fire pit area with grate for fire cooking off the deck! Please note: keep fires modest and small for safety. *This is a short hike in stay. A cart is provided for guests to bring items to the Roost. Aveda shampoo, conditioner, and cream rinse provided for when the outdoor shower is available in the summer. Coffee and tea provided. Many sculptures are scattered throughout the property. Tennis courts and baseball diamond. Pottery studio available for by appointment shopping.