Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible

Photo gallery for Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible

Lodge:  Architecturally magnificent Living Room, Kids Nook & out floor-ceiling windows to outside living area & woods. Glance up to loft & right to bedrooms doors. Click link in photo for video walk-thru & floorplans.
GATHER everybody! The Lodge 1,400sf outside Living & game areas boast a ping-pong table, darts & fireplace with complimentary 🔥 wood & s’more kit. STROLL our nature trails, meadow & parks. PLAN an Event with 40 Guests with separate lease agreement.
Lodge: View from front door through living room, to kitchen dining.  Ladder to loft at left.
Bedroom 1: King bed, handmade Potter Brown sink, private ADA bath, view to woods past original art, handmade quilt & antique chair & desk.
Bedroom 2 with two beds, handmade Potter Brown sink, access ADA bath, original, antique chair & writing desk. Watch for deer out window.
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFiFree WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Ben Wheeler, TX
  • AirportTyler, TX (TYR-Pounds Regional)15 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Crib and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Crib and 2 Single Beds

Living Room

1 Crib and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Loft Sleeping space

1 Single Bed, 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Child Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom off bedroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom off Bedroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible

Sitting upon a hill surrounded by a lush wooded forest is the Lodge at Dragonhead retreat. An exquisitely custom build home with green and energy-efficient design in mind. Spend your next vacation in this peaceful and quiet rural setting, which will have you feeling like you're living among the trees. Warm, inviting, and comfortable the Lodge features; a Kitchen area, Living room, 2 main floor bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (ADA grab bars), and Vaulted ceilings. Narrow stairs welcome you to the loft, with a sleeping area, space to play games, and a reading nook. For those needing to stay connected while on vacation, WIFI is available. Don't leave your furry family member behind we are Pet Friendly, max 2 pets, with a HEPA cleaning fee.
We offer the perfect setting for guest who enjoys the outdoors. Lounge on a warm Texas evening on the oversized covered 2,400sf deck with sitting/picnic areas, ping-pong, darts & hanging chairs, porch swing, and hammocks. Roast marshmallows with complimentary s'more kit, by the remarkable large fireplace with plenty of seating for your entire party. Roam the property's 20 acres including a park, kids playground, hiking trails, and a Meadow. The meadow is the ideal place to watch wildlife, relax, enjoy the sunrise, and stargazing. You can even schedule a kids' scavenger hunt.
Honoring the local artist community of nearby Edom, Tx. Artwork is on display throughout the property including inside the lodge, don't forget to admire the one-of-a-kind plates and mugs you will be using made by talented potters. It is an art enthusiast's dream, you will experience art and nature at every turn. This is the place where nature, relaxation, comfort, and art coexist.

We call this tranquil 25-acre property Dragonhead Retreat. We have local artists' work throughout the property that elevates this hidden gem in the woods. We have Art & Nature at Every Turn. Along with the Lodge (2 bed/2 bath + loft, Sleeps 9) on the upper 20 acres. On the lower 5 acres of the property, we have a Cabin (1 bed/bath + loft, Sleeps 6). If you're planning a Family reunion, Company Retreat, small Family Wedding, or Bachelor & Bridesmaid weekend. You can rent both the Lodge and Cabin, please call us for details. As Inn Keepers, we have the privilege of living on this breathtaking land and are available if anything comes up during your stay.

Note: We ask that you conserve well water using paper products provided & quick showers. Wash cars in town.

Escape to Nature & Art at every turn-
Jeff Basehore, Architect & Kathy Holdway, Inn Keepers

,

Property manager

Kathy Holdway & Jeffrey L Basehore
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We have available upon request. Crib, Pack 'n Play

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Please send us a message if you are interested in

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Lodge is Pet Friendly with Signed Pet Agreement an

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Guests required to sign rental agreement, per our insurance requirement.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 9
Note from host: Please send us a message if you are interested in
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Map
Ben Wheeler, TX

Getting around

  • City of Mineola Transportation Complex - 37 min drive
  • Tyler, TX (TYR-Pounds Regional) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Shed Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mt Sylvan Coffee House - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Edom Bakery and Grill - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Edom Bakery - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible pet-friendly?

Yes, Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Wooded LODGE, Sleeps 9, Pet Friendly, Accessible located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly guesthouse is within 9 mi (15 km) of Garden Valley Golf Resort, Texas Rose Horse Park and Garden Valley Golf Resort. Brownsboro City Park and Peveto Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

connie b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Escape in the forest
Group of 7 ladies stayed here for a long shopping weekend at Canton. The outdoor fire pit was perfect. The property was artfully decorated with interesting art pieces, both outdoors and indoors. Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Leslie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location
Beautiful Lodge in the woods...
The Lodge was amazing and very accommodating and comfortable for our girls getaway. It is beautiful and decorated beautifully and cozy for lounging and relaxing. The only hiccup we had was the road coming in and out of the property. It is extremely rough and should be noted that a pickup or SUV is necessary for access to the lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Destination
The property was perfect. It was exactly as described. The hosts were very attentive and accommodating. I loved the seclusion and peaceful environment. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A unique cabin!
Kathy met us at the cabin and showed us around. The cabin was perfect! We brought our two (very well trained) labs. They behaved so well and enjoyed walks on the property. We took them into Tyler for morning and evening hikes. Otherwise we relaxed at the cabin. The Internet was good, I was able to do Zoom meetings. The S’Mores kit was fun and we loved the dozen eggs from the farm next door! Kathy texted and checked in , such a gracious host! Highly recommend the cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

KATHERINE V., Jonesboro, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway
The property is absolutely beautiful! The only sounds you hear are the crickets and the birds chirping. It is off the beaten path, but close enough to Canton and Tyler for great shopping and food. The cabin had EVERYTHING we needed. If you need a peaceful getaway, l highly recommend Dragonhead Retreat!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Igor K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Must stay place for couples or family
Even my dogs enjoyed their daily trail walks and we enjoyed peace and tranquility. I even finished 3 books that I've been putting away. The only draw back was that it was too hot to light the clay fire place outside. Definitely would recommend!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint little cabin
We enjoyed the solitude of this get a way. Will do it again soon.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kellye R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cabin in a secluded spot
We booked this cute little cabin last minute after other vacation plans fell through. We had a great time! It's about equidistant between Canton and Tyler making it perfect for shoppers. There was plenty of room for the 4 of us. The owners were sweet enough to give us a s'mores kit which we took advantage of. They also offered us a scavenger hunt for our son. A few things to be aware of: 1. The road to the cabin is dirt. Make sure you take a vehicle that can make it up there. 2. The loft area is super cozy with a queen size bed and pull out futon. However there are no stairs, just a fairly steep ladder. It wasn't an issue for us but important to know for those who may have mobility issues. There is a queen size bed and twin sofa bed on the main floor. 3. Cell phones don't work well out here. But the WiFi was great! 4. There is no tv. Note this in the listing. We brought our own small tv and it worked great for us. The cabin is well stocked with pretty much all of the utensils and kitchenware that you would need. All you need to do is go to Canton or Tyler for the groceries! Make sure to enjoy the outdoor areas in the morning when it's cool in the summertime. It was beautiful!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kelly L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway!
Great getaway for a cabin in the woods, but close to Tyler State Park and other attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

ANOTHER Extraordinary adventure to relax away from the noise of our daily lives!
This is our third visit to this haven of rustic, rest and some ROMANCE!!! You can make of it what you will. Each day, even each hour offers something for the person who wants to take part in what this property has to offer. We had a wonderful time in the most excellent CABIN. Just in AWE when we walked in, then I took pictures!!! Age 50+ and I have a slight disability from an accident Dec 2015. The Cabin made me feel safe!!! When walking around, etc. as much as I do at home. And the beautiful kitchen with great appliances made things easy!!!. The porch swing, walking on the deck, coffee by windows with wonderful views, and a nip in the air during our stay made this just right! These precious personable owners are more than helpful if you need it!. It is such a cozy place, and yet there is so much room to walk around on the huge decks! With Edom nearby, there is something for everyone to do, see or buy!!! WE WILL RETURN!!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wedding fun
Had a great time at the Cabin. Plenty of space for our reception and very cozy. We enjoyed the wilderness and hammock area. Kathy had everything we needed there plus a basket full of smores item which was a great way to end the night. We will be back for sure! Great for our young kids ranging in age of 1 1/2-11
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

stine c.

GREAT get-away for the whole family
This place is GREAT!!! It is VERY family friendly and the innkeepers are so sweet and welcoming. I stayed in the lodge with the whole family (myself, husband, 3 kids, in-laws, & grandparents) for a weekend and it was so relaxing. The Lodge is nice and clean with a basic kitchen with two burners, a microwave, utensils etc, - NO TV, just hammocks, nature, walks in the woods, fires with S’mores, and family fun the good ole fashioned way. The lodge has a small play area inside for kids so no need to bring toys, Tonka trucks for outdoor play, hula hoops, explorer kits for kids (binoculars, tweezers, hat, container with magnifying glass etc). This place has something for all ages whether it be games by the fireplace, a game of ping pong or a nap in a hammock. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a nice relaxing weekend trip away from daily life and stress. We will be back!! Thank you Kathy and Jeff for a great weekend
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

So Peaceful!
My family booked the cabin and lodge for a wedding weekend and we were so pleased. My husband and I stayed at the cabin, which couldn't have been more charming. Kathy, one of the owners, was on hand to guide us up the trail and showed us around this amazing cabin retreat. It was clean and comfortable and we had a great time. The kitchen is complete with all you could need (minus the food!) and we were happy with the wi-fi service. There is a twin bed downstairs and a queen upstairs; traveling down the ladder at night was an adventure, but well worth it. The price is amazing for this beautiful cabin. We would recommend it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julie T.

4th of July Retreat!
We stayed the weekend at the cabin down from the main house. It was adorable and very quaint just like the pictures! Myself, husband and two boys (4,7) we had the best time looking around the cabin and the woods outside! Jeff and Kathy had every detail planned out! I would highly recommend any family looking for a cozy and comfortable get away to stay the weekend! The owners were very accommodating, friendly, told wonderful stories and Kathy cooked us an awesome breakfast. I am so glad I signed up for the Breakfast it was more than I hoped for!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey b.

hidden treasure
Our family of four stayed in the cabin last weekend and it was cozy, quiet, and perfect. Breakfast was great and the view from the lodge deck reminded us of the Ozarks.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Ginger S.

Perfect Cousins Retreat
Dragonhead Retreat was the PERFECT getaway for our 1st cousins' retreat! The beautiful scenery and Jeff and Kathy's hospitality made the weekend memorable! Surrounded by beautiful trees makes this destination so calming and peaceful! Loved the Edom and Ben Wheeler area! Enjoyed the last minute sing-a-long with Kathy! Only negative was a problem with one of the bathrooms not working properly and steep stairs to the loft. Plan to go back another time during a fall season to watch the beautiful changing of colors!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Teresa W.

Great cabin in the wilderness
Great hospitality to a rustic, beautifully decorated cabin! Very peaceful! Great scenery!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

Away from it ALL!!
For me, this was like visiting another time and place. No longer did I have my super scared city dwellers fears of everything. That is NOT to say, one is foolish, as one might say, throwing "caution to the wind". BUT I Felt so at ease....No TV...a smattering of news only if we wanted to peek at the I phone and see if anyone had "Made The World Go Away" ( I'll not sing for you!) And KATHY is the best! We were very Pampered People! The food, lodging, surroundings, occasional appearance of the friendly owner's dog or cat, the clean air, quiet, the wonderful night's sleep, And! being in God's Creation, and noticing the little things we neglect to appreciate on a daily basis... YES...we plan to return! btw...We were serenaded by Kathy, just as we were to leave. Wonderful voice and acoustic guitar. And If you want local friendly people, there are plenty in the nearby town!!! Five Stars in my book!!! (BTW, I have some "walking/Disabilities" and others and had PERFECT accomadations for all!)
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Getaway Retreat
Just cannot say enough about the royal treatment we got! Everything was perfectly represented. The cabin was cozy and homey, but simple and lovely. Clean and fresh. Slept very well. Hosts made certain we had everything we needed, and answered every question we might have had. Location is not far from Edom, Texas-- a darling art community with artisan shops and great food locally. Then the hosts spoiled us ROTTEN with an amazing breakfast. I felt so refreshed and happy we had had the opportunity to stay. It is in the woods, so it seems remote, and yet, it is also not far from Tyler, Texas and lots of restaurants, shopping and family-oriented activities. I would recommend this lovely place!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Excellent biker friendly getaway in the country
My wife and I have visited on multiple occasions, and the owners were very facilitating and amicable. They are very biker friendly and if asked, can even make special accommodations for your bike. However, I wouldn't suggest taking your two wheeler up the second hill. coming back down could prove catastrophic. The little cabin is quiet and secluded. I liked the loft bedroom myself (although the steps are more like a ladder, so I wouldn't suggest that bedroom for granny and grampy. Lol.) My wife liked the well pressured shower, and the cool looking sink in the bathroom. We both enjoyed having a full size fridge to store our food and drinks in. Obviously, smoking is not allowed inside, however, you are more than welcome to have one on the porch. (as long as the door is closed behind you.) The deck is positioned just perfectly to enjoy the sunrise with a nice cup of coffee as well. Overall, it was the small touches that made this place really special. Rope lights along the path so you can see at night, an amazing breakfast, and the super friendly dog and cats who shows up whenever they feel like it. None of the pets are pesky either. They can all be shooed away if your grinchy little heart so desires. The next time my wife and I need a little R&R, We're heading here.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Aaron P.

The best place to stay for First Monday Trade Days
My family and I came to the area for the Canton, TX, First Monday Trade Days. We had 2 young children and the in-laws so we needed some space to spread out. Four adults and 2 children. We got so much more than we expected! Secluded cabin in the woods but a short drive to town. The owners went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The breakfast at the lodge was delicious and the view was breath taking. We felt like we were visiting family. We will always stay here when we come to canton! If you are looking for a place to stay for First Monday Trade Days this is it! My 6 year old daughter asked my if Kathy and Jeff were related to us! That is how comfortable we felt staying here. My wife is relieved that we found somewhere beautiful we can stay when coming to the First Monday Trade Days. Thanks to the owners Kathy and Jeff for everything. We had a wonderful time and your the best hosts in East Texas.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

hh m.

Great getaway!
We stayed here for a long weekend with two children and two adults. We all had a great time! The property is beautiful and the owners are friendly. My children really enjoyed the dogs and the breakfast! We hope to return soon.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joyce H.

wonderful place
I visited Dragonhead Retreat twice. Once I stayed there on my own and I had such a good time I went back again and took my sister! Kathy and Jeff are lovely people, so nice and friendly and she makes a delicious breakfast. The cabin is lovely and quiet and nestled in the woods. The lodge is comfortable and welcoming with a big porch and rocking chairs. Kathy and Jeff make music with their friends around town and they have great sing alongs. The little towns of Ben Wheeler and Edom are classic Texas and charming. Tyler is nearby and I am dying to go back for Canton First Mondays! It is also near the Horse Show that takes place in that area. There are even some wineries just a few counties away. An absolutely great place to stay if you are in the neighborhood.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

East Texas Gem
What a spectacular treat! Great location- we are huge Ben Wheeler fans and came to see the musician Ellis at the local "Old Firehouse" concert venue and were looking for a getaway close by. We stayed in the North room in the lodge- fantastic bed (which is very important to my husband), beautiful rustic decor, comfortable, everything we needed close at hand. Kathy and Jeff made us feel very welcome and we really enjoyed seeing all the love they put into this great retreat. We will return for some of the music jams at their house and bring our friends next time.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cozy stay in the woods
I had such a nice time at the Dragonhead Retreat. The place was a nice getaway and felt like I was staying in the middle of the woods. I wish I could have stayed longer as I would have liked to have gone for a hike around the premises. There's a nice size kitchen, as well. Sleeping in the upstairs loft was fun! The architecture of the entire place was awesome and fun to experience. Kathy and Jeff were very accommodating and so sweet!

About the host

Hosted by Kathy Holdway & Jeffrey L Basehore

Host profile image
Dragonhead Retreat is a labor of love for innkeepers; Jeffrey Lee Basehore, Architect, & Kathy Holdway married for over 22+ years. It blends their strengths and dreams, personally and professionally, designed to be energy efficient, with "Nature and Art at Every Turn."

“I always wanted to live in a treehouse!” is Jeff’s response when Retreat guests comment that it feels like they are on top the trees.

Professionally speaking:
Kathy is a community leader & Entrepreneur with over 35+ years of training/ empowering leaders and building the capacity of nonprofit agencies. She is the founder of A Circle of Ten, Inc is a nonprofit building capacity of leaders to improve the quality of life in their community. It's a Network for Collaboration and Teaching Community Organizing, Program Development & Grant Writing as a Process, since 1996. They offer monthly 3-day grant writing seminars on-site. It’s common for Dragonhead guests to return to the Retreat for professional development.

Jeffrey, an Architect with 35 years specializing in energy-efficient design, technologies, and construction of homes, churches, and businesses, is renowned for his artistry in creating beautiful structures. Dragonhead Retreat exemplifies this.

Both are active in their community and volunteer with Edom Nnonprofits bringing Art to Life. As well as nonprofit Veteran and Edom Chamber efforts working to increase artist and business opportunities in the area.

Why they chose this property

From the Retreat point of view: Hospitality comes easily to the innkeepers! Kathy puts folks at ease with her humor and storytelling. Jeffrey Lee’s calm spirit and good nature ensure every guest's comfort. Their songs and music bring harmony. Both were raised in large families where “everyone was welcome at the table. They kept that tradition going with daughters Faith, Alex, and Jessi with monthly gatherings bringing multi-generational, diverse folks together for jam sessions, food, laughter, and friendship. Joy in harmony: Retreat guests frequently make a point to drop by Edom for Tuesday night jam sessions and/or April, June, Oct, or Nov Artisan Trails or Festivals to hear the Innkeepers sing/harmonize and play instruments with friends. Guests often request on-site jam sessions to highlight their stay. Dragonhead Retreat has hosted multigenerational family, friends & business get-a-ways on 25 wooded acres in NE Texas, since 2008.

What makes this property unique

+ Complimentary S'more Kit with Marshmallows, Hershey Bars, Graham Crackers long forks, lighter & free firewood. Fun for all ages.
+ Scavenger hunt for Kids! Set time for 20 minutes of fun ending with healthy snacks or a prize. You must request, a set time with Ms. Kathy at Check-in.
+ Park with rock climbing+slide, picnic areas, rope swings, hanging hammocks, toddler play area with sandbox, and Tonka trucks.
+ Meadow; fire circle, hammocks, 2 picnic areas, porch swing, bench, and large oak tree!
+ Rock Garden.
+ Innkeepers live onsite, tho secluded, are available to address comfort, security, or maintenance questions.

Languages:

English

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