A Victorian Sanctuary Perched On A Hill Above The Illinois River Road

This home has been a legacy for family gatherings. We are sharing it now to pass on "storybook traditions" to the next generations. We provide vintage storybooks like the Velveteen Rabbit, Curious George, The Little Prince, and The Harvard Classics Collection of Great Books. We also provide DVD and CD resources about faith, prayer, American heritage, and classic films. It is a perfect time time to make a list of your own "top ten" books or movies to share as a legacy to your loved ones.

My mother Charlotte played sacred hymns and kept stacks of sheet music close at hand. I hope some of the composers she loved will bring inspiration to you too. (CD's and lists for online listening at the property.)

Charlotte and I loved reading and listening to music together. We read the great books series aloud, and after reading, would search out films with the same titles, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Good Earth. The time we invested in reading great books together continues to give its reward. When I listen to Eric Satie, or reread Kahil GIbran's book, The Prophet, I recall my mother's beauty, and feel gratitude for the way our friendship was braided together with life-giving music and literature.

I am a retired teacher, but still work as a counseling consultant and retreat director. One photo shows a friend and I as we recall some of our childhood favorites! What are your favorite children's books? Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess? Goodnight Moon? We hope you will reread your favorites and maybe discover some new ones to share with the children and grandchildren in your life.

The home allows you to step back in time and also make the most of your present day hours. Come here to dwell in the quiet and reflect upon the authors and composers who have brought meaning to your lives. We hope you will take time to discover the serenity of the woodland setting, and like us, find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Why do they call this region the Heartland? Are there places still where people take time for bird watching? Is there a place where you can wind down, and get off the express trains, as the Little Prince would ask? Do fairies dwell in the quietest corners of the garden?

Is there time to let the tea brew or really taste the wine? What about taking time to copy down and prepare a favorite family recipe and write an old fashioned, handwritten letter?

My friend and greeter, Sue can provide a welcome basket of muffins or bakery items to help you settle in, if you request it ahead of time. Sue, Al, or Pamela can show you the grassy knoll above the home; this lot adjoins the park district trails, so if you are adventurous, try out a hike into the woods. (You may need to do some of your own trail blazing.) Deer bed down on this upper lot, so don't be surprised if they pause to greet you.

We are a close (1.3 miles) to Forrest Park Nature Center, 5809 N Forest Park Dr. (309-686-3360). If you are interested to learn more about woodland trails, visit the park office and get more information including park district trail maps.

We love Illinois River life; you have easy access to Poplar Lane Park, part of the Greater Peoria Canoe and Kayak Trail (Illinoisriverroad.org). It is a small public park, river front, just off of Galena Road, a .7 mile mile walk from 1601 E Terrace View Lane.

This property is a hideaway on a hill, surrounded by woodland calm. There must be something in our heritage about houses on a hill. We call it the Top House, as well as Story Book Retreat House. This property feels like a real home, because it is one . . . that may be the curious link that draws you here, to be at home while you see if your act will play in Peoria for a weekend, or maybe longer . . .

A leaded and stained glass windows, lace curtains, and high ceilings cause us to wonder what life was like when the home was built in 1907. Story Book House has been dedicated as a retreat house and sanctuary, so there is a warmth and ambience that is a result of being lovingly cared for. Kindness has been spoken here for more than one hundred years! If you are seeking a place to find serenity, as well as direction for important life decisions, this home may offer you the special welcome which comes from being well loved. You may want to purposely schedule a visit with the possibility of getting snowed in for a day or two!

The home has been used as a place for guests in transition. You may consider asking about an extended stay as you prepare for a job or retirement move, the closing of a home sale, or to allow you to take the time necessary to find the just right property to rent or buy. A few past guests have used 1601 as a second home, and a place they could enjoy while caring for aged family members.

The main bedroom is upstairs, and the extra double bed is in the basement.

Pastors, missionaries, and locals may use Story Book Retreat House as a place for rest and healing. We can introduce you to local ministries dedicated to prayer, restoration, and healing support.