SEE DESCRIPTION DETAILS in “Your Property” & HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING! Rapha’s Rest Retreat … a place of Presence - offers 42 acres + 5 cozy Cabins & 3 Rooms for Soujorners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION before continuing on their journey! Nestled in the piney woods of E TX, this listing is targeted toward SMALL GROUPS needing multiple cabins. [Listed PRICING = PROPERTY + 5 CABINS] We are NOT a “one size fits all” so we cannot guarantee availability or pricing … BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST!! The space WELCOME to the RETREAT AT RAPHA’s REST!! PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION BELOW & HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING - your entire group will be held accountable to them. Also, PRICING LISTED INCLUDES Entire Property + 5 Cabins. YOUR FINAL PRICE for your Specific Group may be MORE/ LESS depending on number of CABINS NEEDED, any EXTRA GUEST ROOMS needed [1-3 @$84-243/night], any EXTRA COTS REQUIRED [+$10], etc. ** Ask about DISCOUNTS for CHURCH & MINISTRY GROUPS ** Before describing this Destination Retreat, please note we are only set up for very specific sojourners & may not be the best place for you ... (contact us with QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING). For example, Property & Cabins are ALCOHOL-FREE, TOBACCO-FREE (incl vaping) & PET-FREE, all for liability reasons. SAFETY: We take ALL of our cabin guests’ safety very seriously. For that reason we DO NOT accept 3rd Party bookings without prior authorization. For example, if you wish to “scholarship” a weekend as a gift, we can accommodate; however, if you are looking to book for someone else (ie. business trip), we are not the place for you. With 5 cabins, all of our guests deserve to know other guests have been properly vetted by us. ENGLISH: Guests must be able to communicate in ENGLISH for the safety of all. We are an interactive property & best experienced when all amenities & boundaries are clearly understood. IF THESE PARAMETERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE, PLEASE READ ON... RAPHA’s REST is at its OPTIMUM $VALUE & COMFORT for Rest & Restoration when enjoyed 2+ nights - HOWEVER, we did recently make it available for 1-night stays. **MULTI-NIGHT DISCOUNT APPLIED for 2+ Night Stays** DESCRIPTION: The Retreat at RAPHA’s REST … a PLACE OF PRESENCE ... is surrounded by 42 wooded acres w/trails to hike, explore & spend time w/Papa-God. offers 5 Cabins + 3 Rooms remotely located in the piney woods of East Texas for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION before continuing on their journey! While we are primarily focused on individuals/couples/families, we have had many requests for GROUP STAYS as well. This particular LISTING is open for SMALL GROUPS needing multiple cabins and/or rooms to inquire … youth groups, church staff, couples intensive retreats, family reunions, etc!! A good estimate is @ 16 Men , 24 Women, 10 couples OR a custom mix of the above. **Since every group dynamic on sleeping is different, and we are not set up like a bunkhouse (one size fits all), we cannot a guarantee availability or price for your specific group … BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST!! PRICING: If you do not need all 5 cabins + 3 rooms for your small group, AND your Group does not require EXCLUSIVITY (no other guests on the property), YOUR PRICE COULD BE LOWER! NOTE: REQUESTING ADDITIONAL “DAY” GUESTS. After determining how unique we are, many overnight guests ask to invite more friends & family as “day guests”. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Our RETREAT is small and intimate on purpose. Our property & amenities are not set up for event-level groups. Even a few extra people can change the dynamics at the pool for paying guests, especially for those guests not associated with your group. You are welcome to inquire, but please understand that it is rare such requests are a fit, and when they are, we will require a signed LIABILITY RELEASE + a FEE per person. GROUP INQUIRIES: Each cabin does have its own listing here on VRBO, so not all cabins may be available at time of an inquiry. In order to know if we are able to host you, please let us know the following… - HAVE YOU READ and does your GROUP AGREE TO ALL PROPERTY / HOUSE RULES? - ARE YOU NEEDING EXCLUSIVE USE OF PROPERTY/ AMENITIES? (Ie. No other guests booked.) - PURPOSE of your stay (family reunion, church group, etc) - DATES needed (alternate date options if any) - TOTAL#/ GRP DYNAMIC: TOTAL number of guests and how they should be grouped together for sleeping … ie. all men/women? couples only? mixed youth? etc. If families, who can be together? Separate? Etc. CABIN DETAILS: For details about each cabin & its amenities, Go to our PROFILE (https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/153425341) or see LISTING TITLES BELOW. PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES PER CABIN. $10/stay each additional vehicle - INQUIRE @ BOOKING. Due to its wooded location, some cabins may need to be accessed on foot when rainy or muddy, unless you have 4WD or SUV. (We have never had issues to date!) PROPERTY: In addition to 42 acres to explore & your own private deck, relax on large Retreat Center Pool Deck - also perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins. A hot tub & fire-pit is perfect for enjoying those cooler evenings. Multiple yard games including corn-hole, frisbee golf (1 basket), horseshoes, etc! Summer evenings can bring a bat show over the newly dug (future) pond. [ NOTE: You will notice multiple unfinished projects around the property! We're a work-in-progress, but it shouldn't keep you from having a good time!!] HIKING: There are 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, & explore. You will need good shoes for exploring/walking, especially when wet. WORK-OUT ROOM: Complete with weights, a TreadClimber, and MASSAGE CHAIR!! Bluetooth your favorite relaxing tubes to the Chair. Just another layer of “Rest” for guests here at Rapha’s Rest!! POOL: Open 8am-10pm so BRING SWIM SUITS!! Kids love it but it was designed around adults: Pool features Waterfall, Hot Tub, & Tanning ledge. BEACH TOWELS provided in each Cabin, but you may want to bring a robe/flip flops for walking back to room or cabin. Please be respectful of other guests. YEAR-ROUND HOT TUB: (Attach’d to Pool) **IMPORTANT** DUE TO RISING COST OF PROPANE, use 1x FREE/Booking. Each additional use = $15 DONATION. [Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, each use $15]. We ask that once you request heat on, you ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES of being ready - after that we have to cut it off. (We understand delays happen, but you may not be fond of cold showers if propane is depleted!) LATTES/ ICED COFFEES: Upon request with small DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned a Coffeehouse] NOTE: FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST avail. by DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$5 under 5) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. PLEASE REQUEST UPON BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs casserole, our own coffee roast, juice, pancakes, bacon, sweet rolls/muffins or other ... served inside the Retreat Center Main House or on the poolside deck. - When available, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5), a doz. quail eggs ($3) or a S'more's Pkg ($8) for the firepit can be purchased. - CHECK-IN/OUT … FOR THIS LISTING, INSTRUCTIONS upon ARRIVAL. We may not work for all… SO PLEASE READ: — CHECK-IN: 3-7:00pm [FIRM] ** Plan +30min for traffic/detours — CHECK-OUT: 1pm [FIRM] ** INSTRUCTIONS sent to cell# *** EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN/OUT: Up to 2-HOUR Early/Late Check-in/out for $25/CABIN ($40/both) … INQUIRE @ BOOKING. [Proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.] ANIMALS: Our property cannot accommodate PETS or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. [Certified Service Dogs permitted]. However, we have a virtual zoo ... 2 VERY LARGE lovable dogs, 2 cats, small goats, multitude chickens/turkeys/quail, and 1 potbelly pig! INTERNET: The Retreat Ctr Main House has internet available, but it is VERY SLOW - fine for a quick email check, but it does not stream well if you need to do extensive work/Zoom calls, etc. We also ask that you not upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. while here due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA. LIBRARY: We want guests to be as free from distractions as possible, so we do not have cable in the rooms/ cabins. However, we have a full LIBRARY of BOOKS & DVDs for rainy or extra hot days (or bring your own!) We are also working on a small BOOKSTORE onsite for the future!! BOATERS: Only minutes from Lake Fork/Lake Quitman, we make every effort to park your boat. However, if Overnight Battery Charging needed, we only have 1 cabin for boat hookup [$20 donation]. INQUIRE @ BOOKING. All Fish cleaned outside with remains sealed & placed in trash (not tossed on property). VISITOR POLICY: After determining how unique we are, many overnight guests ask to invite more friends & family as “day guests”. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Our RETREAT is small and intimate on purpose. Our property & amenities are not set up for event-level groups. Even a few extra people can change the dynamics at the pool for paying guests, especially for those guests not associated with your group. We now have a VISITOR POLICY w/ DONATION that applies to ALL visitors of Cabin Guests … You are welcome to inquire, but please understand that it is rare such requests are a fit; & when they are, we will require a signed LIABILITY RELEASE + a FEE per person. DETAILS BELOW. KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our design is ADULT-ORIENTED. For example, the pool was created with adult relaxation in mind - it is not a sports pool. Kids do enjoy it, however. The primary purpose of Rapha’s Rest is found in its name ... REST. If you choose to bring your children, we encourage you to come back again to receive all the “Rest & Restoration” that God has waiting to give in His Presence. PRAYER CHAPEL: So excited to have our “CHAPEL IN THE WOODS” finally open - it’s been a labor of love!! Another quiet space to spend with Papa-God. One name for Jesus is Jehovah-Rapha which means "God our Healer". Rapha’s Rest was created as a healing PLACE OF PRESENCE ... a PERFECT rest-stop on your continued journey for healing REST & RESTORATION! Blessings, Randy & Cheryl Bland ** NON-REGISTERED VISITORS ** VISITOR POLICY includes a DONATION + AGREEMENT to Property/HOUSE RULES with RELEASE OF LIABILITY. PRIMARY REASONS: 1) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple bookings want to invite family/friends at same time. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear and maintenance. THEREFORE, your request is NOT GUARANTEED. 2) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially when our GATE CODE is given out. CABIN VISITOR POLICY: 1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Blands, and only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked during your stay. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING. 2) Please DO NOT give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your Cabin. 3) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES/ RELEASE of LIABILITY. The Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such. A signed agreement may also be requested upon arrival. 4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking. 5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN. 6) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows: - $10 DONATION/visitor… Less than 3 hours (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET - $20 DONATION/visitor… More than 3 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET - $40 DONATION/visitor… Any length of time W/ AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.) LEAVE BY SUNSET 7) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)? b. WHAT DAY / TIME? c. HOW LONG? REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can/cannot do once request is submitted. ** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within a 10-minute drive to meet your friend/family! **CABIN TITLES/ ROOM DESCRIPTIONS listed in our PROFILE PROFILE (https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/153425341). SUMMARY: - HUMMINGBIRD NEST HIDEAWAY: This cabin is 2BR w/Queen + 4 Adult Bunks, Complete Kitchen, Living/Dining, Main Cabin for meal prep) This is our largest dining/living area combo and great for group gatherings. (https://www.airbnb.com/h/hummingbirdnesthideaway) - CABIN ON DOGWOOD POND: 2BR (QUEEN, FULL), a separate Living space and full kitchen. This cabin has the largest porch + deck. Only cabin with TV SATELLITE in addition to DVD’s. It has a small deck top firepit, but is also easily accessible to our large pool deck firepit.(https://www.airbnb.com/h/cabinondogwoodpond) - SHADY CEDAR LOG CABIN: This is our most rustic cabin with a vaulted log cedar trelli, 1 Space w/QUEEN + TWIN, Living, Kitchenette, Shwr. 4th person could sleep on a fold-out ottoman which converts into COT-SIZE BED. We add a memory foam mattress but it is shorter than a standard cot. (https://www.airbnb.com/h/shadycedarlogcabin) - TRINITY OAK OASIS CABIN: This is our smallest cabin but does have separation in sleeping w/QUEEN + SLEEPING LOFT w/2 TWINS w/ladder access, Kitchenette, Small Sitting space, Shower (https://airbnb.com/h/trinityoak) - TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT: 2 spaces w/KING, Complete Kitchen, Living/Dining area, Tub/Shower … IF NEEDED Couch converts to QUEEN but Living space is lost since it is a permanent conversion for duration of stay. It is our only cabin with a tub/shower and a King size bed. (https://airbnb.com/h/texashickory) ADDITIONAL 3 ROOMS WHEN NEEDED… - FARMHOUSE GUEST SUITE: QUEEN, FULL (https://airbnb.com/h/farmhouseguestsuite) - THE FRANCES ELIZABETH Room: QUEEN (https://airbnb.com/h/thefranceselizabeth) Guest access The county roads leading to our property are paved. Presently the quarter mile rock driveway from the gate through the property to the Main House is accessible for most vehicles. PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES PER CABIN. $10/stay for each addit’l vehicle - INQUIRE @ BOOKING Once on the property, walking is the best way to access the 42 wooded acres. Other things to note UPGRADED AMENITIES & VISITOR APPROVAL GUIDELINES ** UPGRADED AMENITY OPTIONS by DONATION ** NOTE: Please read HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING to keep communication lines open & insure we’re the best fit for your group. - EACH CABIN, EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN OPTION: Up to 2-Hour Early/Late Check-In/Out for $25 DONATION when available. [$40/Both] INQUIRE @ BOOKING. - LATTES/ ICED COFFEES: By DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned coffeehouse in Saint Jo, Texas]. - FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST avail. by DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$5 under 5) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. PLEASE REQUEST UPON BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs casserole, our OWN COFFEE LINE, juice, pancakes, bacon, sweet rolls/muffins or other ... served inside the Main House or on the poolside deck. - Additional use of HOT TUB beyond 1x/Booking PER CABIN or in temps under 50 degrees - $15 DONATION - When available, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5), a doz. quail eggs ($3) or a S'more's Pkg ($8) for the firepit can be purchased anytime. - BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork and Lake Quitman. We make every effort to park your boat. However, if you need to charge your battery, TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT CABIN is our ONLY CABIN for Overnight Battery Charging at a DONATION of $10/night. [All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.] ** GUESTS’ VISITOR POLICY ** It is not surprising that guests occasionally want to share their Rapha’s Rest experience with a friend or family member. Unfortunately, due to some previous bad experiences, we have had to become strict about non-reservation visitors to the property. Since we do not want to be in a position of deciding who is allowed and who is not, we now have a VISITOR POLICY which includes a DONATION + AGREEMENT to Property/HOUSE RULES with RELEASE OF LIABILITY. TWO PRIMARY REASONS: 1) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple guests want to invite family/ friends. We have had issues with multiple Guest Visitor Requests. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear & maintenance. THEREFORE, it is NOT A GUARANTEE. 2) LIABILITY/SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially if our GATE CODE is given out. CABIN VISITOR POLICY 1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Randy or Cheryl Bland, and only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked on the Property. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING. 2) Please do not give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your cabin. 3) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES/ RELEASE of LIABILITY. Their Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such. A written signature may also be provided upon arrival. 4) NO OVERNIGHT Visitors that were not in original Booking. 5) All visitors must be off Property by SUNDOWN. 6) DONATION PAYMENTS/ VISITOR/ DAY are as follows: - $10 DONATION… Less than 3 hours (ie. a meal/visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET - $20 DONATION… More than 3 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET - $40 DONATION… More than 3 hours + AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.) LEAVE BY SUNSET [All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.] ** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, please remember, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within a 10 minute drive to meet your family/friend! CHECK OUT EXCURSIONS GUIDEBOOK for suggestions.