Cozy Cottage on the Big River in the Forest

Escape to tranquility at our Cozy Cottage on Big River! Nestled in the heart of the forest in Irondale, Missouri, this charming retreat offers the perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

Features:
- Located directly on river
- Forest surroundings
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Electric Adjustable Bed
- Porch

Ideal for:
- Couples getaway
- Nature lovers
- Fishing/Hunting/Bird Watching/Rock Hounding/Hiking/Camping enthusiasts
- Those seeking peace and quiet

Other things to note: Big River Activities:
-Kayaking: Explore the river and enjoy the scenic views
-Swimming: Cool off in the river's waters
-Hunting: located near many popular hunting grounds
-Fishing: Try your luck at catching bass, catfish, or other species
-Mushroom Hunting: Morels and many other varieties
-Arrow Head Hunting: best found alongside the river or in dried creek beds
-Rock Hounding: Druzy quartz can be found within the local area

Nearby Attractions:
-Johnson Shut-Ins State Park*: Natural shut-ins, swimming holes, and hiking trails (approx. 30-40 miles).
-Hughes Mountain: Scenic overlooks, unique rock formations, and hiking trails (approx. 25-35 miles).
-Elephant Rocks State Park: Large granite boulders and hiking trails (approx. 20-30 miles).
-St. Joe State Park: Four-wheeling, hiking, camping, fishing, and more (approx. 20-30 miles).
-Taum Sauk State Park*: Scenic hiking trails, including the popular -Taum Sauk Trail (approx. 25 miles).
-Big River Outdoors: Campground, live music
-Haunted Ridge Rocks: A unique place for rock hounding, specifically druzy quartz.
-Caledonia Mercantile: Historic general store with nostalgic shopping experience (approx. 10 miles). A beloved landmark in the area, offering a unique shopping experience.

*Popular Hiking Trails within 30-minute drive:
-Taum Sauk Trail (Taum Sauk State Park)
-Mina Trail (St. Francois State Park)
-Buzzi Loop Trail (Mark Twain National Forest)

Please read’s house rules before booking, guests will be asked to vacate property immediately if the listing rules are violated without refund

🏠 Please note this is a shared family property, the carport is on the same property. You’re welcome to roam and explore but the red carport, RV site, and the Estate caretaker’s (Jay) camper are restricted areas.

🫶🕊️✝️
Honoring the Land and History
• Historical Rocks: You will notice many beautiful Druzy Quartz rocks in front of the cottage and on the property, collected over many generations. Most of these rocks are marking memorial sites of our past family members and grave sites of past pets. We ask that you honor the history of this land and our ancestors with compassion and respect by not touching or removing any of these collected stones. Your humility in recognizing this heritage ensures this special place remains intact for past loved ones and future generations. Guests will be asked to leave immediately if this request is not honored and no refund willl be offered .

🚫Glass bottles allowed

💩Cottage & Septic Care
(To Protect Your Vacation)
-This is the most important rule! To prevent a nasty (and costly) blockage during your stay, ABSOLUTELY NO PAPER PRODUCTS (INCLUDING TOILET PAPER) IN THE TOILET. Please use the bathroom trashcan. (Failure to follow this incurs the cost of septic service.)

🚫🚬NO SMOKING INSIDE THE COTTAGE: Enjoy Smoking outside the cottage . Smoking any substance inside the cottage is strictly prohibited. You can smoke whatever you like outside.
A $200 fee will be assessed for deep cleaning if evidence of indoor smoking is found. Vaping is okay.

🐶 Pet Policy- must be LEASHED at all times.
We are delighted to welcome one (1) well-behaved dog per booking. To ensure the safety and comfort of all future guests, we regret that we cannot allow cats or other animals due to severe allergy concerns.
If you plan to bring your dog, please send us a message with the breed and weight of your pet immediately after booking.
• A non-refundable $50 Pet Fee per stay will be assessed for the approved dog.
• Guests are fully responsible for the actions and safety of their pet. Any damage, stains, or excessive mess caused by the animal will be professionally assessed and charged to the guest.

💧 Our water is sourced from a deep 480-foot well and is rich in natural minerals often absent in city or bottled water. You may occasionally notice a light sulfur scent, which is a natural occurrence, but please be assured the water is regularly tested for your safety. We provide a filter in the kitchen for your drinking preference, though keep in mind that filtering removes some of the healthy, natural minerals.

🛜We provide Wi-Fi for your convenience; however, please be aware that signal strength can occasionally fluctuate depending on the weather and our mountain environment. While there is a cell tower nearby, cellular service in this area can also be spotty, so we recommend enabling Wi-Fi calling on your device to ensure you stay connected throughout your stay.

🚫👋External Security: Please do not unplug, cover, or tamper with the outdoor security cameras used for you and the property’s safety. Unauthorized interference will result in a $500 fee and you will be asked to leave the property immediately.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Guest Limit: Only the authorised guest listed in the official booking are permitted to be on the property. No additional guests or visitors are allowed without prior written permission from the host.

🚫💃🕺Unauthorized Guests: Unauthorized individuals found on the property will be asked to leave immediately. A $50 per person fee will be assessed for any unauthorized visitors.

🚫Property Exploration & Restricted Areas: Guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds surrounding the cottage. However, for privacy and safety, please do not enter the the red carport , RV site, or Estate car taker camper site .🚫🏠

👦👧Child Supervision & Safety: For the safety of our younger guests, children under 10 must be supervised by an adult when outdoors. Please ensure children stay clear of the barbed wire fences and any building materials that may be stored on the premises.

🔥 Bonfire Safety and Policy: No Fires permitted with out HOST PERMISSION REQUIRED! BEFORE STARTING A 🔥FIRE

• Location: Bonfires are permitted only in the designated fire pit located in front if the cottage . Fires are strictly prohibited anywhere else on the property .

🚫⛽️ • Starting the Fire: Use only approved fire starter logs or kindling. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other flammable liquid to start or accelerate the fire.

🧯🔥• Emergency Equipment: The fire extinguisher located inside your cabin must be brought outside and placed in a reasonable proximity to the fire pit before the fire is lit and remain there until the fire is completely extinguished.

🔥💦• Extinguishing: Due to the risk posed by pine needles and dry conditions, the fire must be completely extinguished with water, before you leave the area or go to bed.

💧Emergency Hose Use (Well): The outdoor hose connected to the well is located in front of the blue sedan it is provided strictly for emergency fire-extinguishing purposes only (e.g., controlling a permitted bonfire). Please do not use this water for washing vehicles, recreational activities, or general use. Remove hose from well after use to avoid freezing damage after use in November-March

🦅 Wildlife & Wilderness Awareness: Our property is situated in a beautiful natural environment, meaning you may encounter wildlife, including snakes, spiders, and insects and ect. Please be vigilant and take appropriate precautions when walking outdoors, especially in tall grass or wooded areas. A good practice is to make noise or tap the ground with a stick ahead of you to alert wildlife to your presence. We are not responsible for natural encounters, so please proceed with caution and awareness.

💦River and Water Safety: The river is approximately 200-250 feet from the cottage and poses natural risks. Your safety is our top priority, so please adhere to these precautions:
• Child Supervision: Never allow children of any age to wander near the river unsupervised. Active, close adult supervision is mandatory.
• Life Jackets: If you are a non-swimmer or a weak swimmer, or if you plan to enter the water, we highly recommend wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD/life jacket).
• River Conditions: Be aware that rivers often have unseen hazards, including swift currents, slippery banks, and sudden drop-offs. Always enter the water slowly and feet-first, and never swim alone.
• Assumption of Risk: Guests assume all risk associated with using or being near the river and are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their party.

🔑 Guest Key Responsibility Policy
Failure to return cottage or gate key to the lockbox or loss of keys will result in a replacement fee of $60 each to cover the cost of changing the locks for the security and safety of future guests.

Government ID Required upon arrival

Come unwind and make memories!

Recommended Dinning:
-Backwoods Restaurant

-Old Village Hot Dog Shoppe
Location: Caledonia, MO
Distance from Irondale: approximately 15-20 miles

-Blue Haven Restaurant
Location: Irondale, MO
Distance from Cozy Cottage: approximately 1.5 miles.