Jewel Vinsota Artist's Guesthouse

Less than a mile from the Appalachian Trail, the dog-friendly Jewel Vinsota Artist's Guesthouse is the perfect get-away to explore nature or your artistic leanings. The house is full of original artwork, hand-crafted details, and books on art and architecture. Wander the grounds and find sculpture, ponds, and trails through the woods. Want to hike the entire 40-mile length of Maryland on the Appalachian Trail? Start and end at the Jewel Vinsota and we can drop you off and pick you up. The space High ceilings, open floor plan and unique decorative painting will wow you when you step in the door. The house was designed and built by artist/craftsman, David Gibney, and it shows. He lived above his workshop for over a decade. He continues to work out of the lower level; not to worry--he won't start working in the shop until after 9am. The house features one full-sized bed in the bedroom, an IKEA sofa in the living room that transforms to another full-size bed, and, if needed, a queen size air mattress. All bedding is provided. We'll make sure you have coffee, tea, sodas, and a few cooking staples, like oil, vinegar, and seasonings. The kitchen has a stainless steel pots, Pyrex bakeware, and knives we actually sharpen on occasion. Cook your dinner on the charcoal grill and dine outside on the front porch, which features a retractable awning. Roast marshmallows in the firepit next to the creek. When you cross the bridge you'll be entering the Jewel Vinsota Sculpture Park, a 2- mile loop that leads you along Beaver Creek (known historically as the River of Rocks). Along the way you'll find installations, sculpture, and surprises that will make you look at nature differently. Guest access You have the upper floor of the guest house and the front porch to yourself. David's workshop is below. Come and go as you please. We hope you use the house and grounds as creative inspiration. Books, basic art supplies and several instruments are all available to you. We provide an acoustic and an electric guitar with amp, Yamaha keyboard, and steel tongue drum. If you're interested in expanding your creativity through lessons in blacksmithing or assemblage art, let us know via chat and we'll coordinate. If you're looking for more practical skills, David and Sarah have decades of experience in historic preservation trades. You could learn how to preserve a wood window or repoint a stone wall. Other things to note Cell service is spotty at best, so turn on wifi calling when you arrive. All pets are welcome at both rentals. We supply dog-bowls, and poop bags. If your pets have furniture privilages, please use the blankets and sheets we provide to contain their fur and protect our furniture. NOTE!!! We have two short-term rentals on property and there may other dogs walking our trail. BE SAFE: Keep your dog on leash to prevent unwanted interactions with other dogs or with bears (!!). We have a trail camera set up outside the Creekside Retreat but it only captures movement along the trail and creek (which is how we know we've had bears in the area).