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Two Unique Houses for Family Reunions and Large Group Events!
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Reviews
9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
9 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Sleeps 19 371.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

McGrath, MN
- Place, Grand Casino Hinckley
- Place, Mille Lacs Lake28 min drive
- Place, Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone60 min drive
Rooms & beds
9 bedrooms (sleeps 19)
4 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Bathroom 3
Bathroom 4
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Two Unique Houses for Family Reunions and Large Group Events!
The two properties together sleep 23 people! They are a short walk from one another situated in the beautiful Solana State Forest on the Soo Line Trail. There are many miles of private trails to explore as well as many more in the State Forest. There are outdoor fire pits and charcoal grills available at both sites. During colder days, enjoy the warmth of the indoor fireplaces. The two properties are known as the Tree Lodge and the Cedar House. The Tree Lodge is directly in the forest, and the Cedar House is on the edge of the forest with acres of well kept yard bordering the west side for yard games and pure relaxation. Also nearby on the property are horses including a miniature horse and a miniature donkey. The owners allow guests to pet them, and they are always a huge hit with children!
Description of the Cedar House:
It is built into a hill with the east and north sides facing into the forest and the other sides facing into an open southerly view. The main floor is vaulted and has a large, open kitchen with full size gas stove with oven, full refrigerator/freezer, coffee pot, crock pot, toaster oven, coffee grinder, and all the necessary utensils, pots and pans, and dinnerware to serve 15 or more. There is a large wooden dining table in the dining area off of the kitchen which seats 8. A small table in the kitchen seats 2 to 4. There are also three 6 foot folding tables and another 18 folding chairs to expand the dining area into the living room if you want, or you can take your meals outside during a beautiful Shire day or night. The north facing deck is accessible through the kitchen which allows convenient access to the grill. There are views out into the woods and Shire lawns.
The vaulted living room has a queen size futon couch located in front of the full, built-in fireplace so you can relax or sleep in perfect comfort. A rocking chair and a coffee table are also located in the living room. A south facing deck is accessible through a door behind the futon.
Also off of the living room, a stairs leads up to the lofted sleeping area. This large space has six single beds and another rocking chair. It overlooks the living room and kitchen. The space is partially lit by a skyway window. There is an air conditioner on this level for summertime use, and the east window faces out into the forest for a beautiful, elevated view.
As you venture further back into the house, you will encounter a full bathroom with a shower and a Jacuzzi tub and then 3 bedrooms. The first bedroom has a full size bed, and it has access to the wraparound east/north deck through a sliding glass door. This part of the deck faces out into the forest. The center bedroom also has a full size bed. The last bedroom has two single beds and a lofted bed. It also has a sliding glass door which leads out onto the wrap around east/north deck. This portion of the deck is screened in.
The lower level has a laundry room, a bathroom with a shower, a single car tuck-under garage, and two car tuck-under garage. There is table tennis and a dart board available in the smaller garage. The larger garage is used for the Shire’s maintenance equipment which we occasionally need access to. A CD player, two air conditioners, floor/table fans as well as ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor grill are also available.
Description of the Tree Lodge:
The Tree Lodge is nestled away in the forest and has lots of space in its dual level design. On the lower level, there is a large living/dining room with two rocking chairs next to a wood burning fireplace. Next to a large picture window which looks out into the forest is a full sized bed. On the east side of the Lodge, you enter through a side door into a full length screened in porch which faces out into the forest. There are extra folding camping chairs located in this area which can be used on the porch or around the outdoor fire place. The kitchen has a two-burner cooktop, two small refrigerators (one with a freezer), a microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware. Also on the lower level is a ¾ bathroom with a shower.
The upper level has a smaller living room with a queen bed isolated with a privacy screen on the south side. There is a sink with a large vanity mirror on the east side. Two additional bedrooms each have two single beds which can be pushed together if desired. Each bedroom has a spectacular view out into the forest. A ¾ bathroom with a shower is located on this level too.
A CD/cassette player, outdoor fire pit, picnic table, table fans as well as ceiling fans, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, additional oil filled space heater, off peak electric storage heater, base board heaters, and a larger outdoor grill are also available.
■Two-level design
■7 beds and 4 bedrooms
■2 bathrooms with showers
■Kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, two small refrigerators (one with a freezer), microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware
■Air conditioner, floor/table fans, ceiling fans, and off peak electric storage heater
■A free-standing wood fireplace
■Outdoor fire pit, picnic table, and grill
■Wi-Fi
Description of the Cedar House:
It is built into a hill with the east and north sides facing into the forest and the other sides facing into an open southerly view. The main floor is vaulted and has a large, open kitchen with full size gas stove with oven, full refrigerator/freezer, coffee pot, crock pot, toaster oven, coffee grinder, and all the necessary utensils, pots and pans, and dinnerware to serve 15 or more. There is a large wooden dining table in the dining area off of the kitchen which seats 8. A small table in the kitchen seats 2 to 4. There are also three 6 foot folding tables and another 18 folding chairs to expand the dining area into the living room if you want, or you can take your meals outside during a beautiful Shire day or night. The north facing deck is accessible through the kitchen which allows convenient access to the grill. There are views out into the woods and Shire lawns.
The vaulted living room has a queen size futon couch located in front of the full, built-in fireplace so you can relax or sleep in perfect comfort. A rocking chair and a coffee table are also located in the living room. A south facing deck is accessible through a door behind the futon.
Also off of the living room, a stairs leads up to the lofted sleeping area. This large space has six single beds and another rocking chair. It overlooks the living room and kitchen. The space is partially lit by a skyway window. There is an air conditioner on this level for summertime use, and the east window faces out into the forest for a beautiful, elevated view.
As you venture further back into the house, you will encounter a full bathroom with a shower and a Jacuzzi tub and then 3 bedrooms. The first bedroom has a full size bed, and it has access to the wraparound east/north deck through a sliding glass door. This part of the deck faces out into the forest. The center bedroom also has a full size bed. The last bedroom has two single beds and a lofted bed. It also has a sliding glass door which leads out onto the wrap around east/north deck. This portion of the deck is screened in.
The lower level has a laundry room, a bathroom with a shower, a single car tuck-under garage, and two car tuck-under garage. There is table tennis and a dart board available in the smaller garage. The larger garage is used for the Shire’s maintenance equipment which we occasionally need access to. A CD player, two air conditioners, floor/table fans as well as ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor grill are also available.
Description of the Tree Lodge:
The Tree Lodge is nestled away in the forest and has lots of space in its dual level design. On the lower level, there is a large living/dining room with two rocking chairs next to a wood burning fireplace. Next to a large picture window which looks out into the forest is a full sized bed. On the east side of the Lodge, you enter through a side door into a full length screened in porch which faces out into the forest. There are extra folding camping chairs located in this area which can be used on the porch or around the outdoor fire place. The kitchen has a two-burner cooktop, two small refrigerators (one with a freezer), a microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware. Also on the lower level is a ¾ bathroom with a shower.
The upper level has a smaller living room with a queen bed isolated with a privacy screen on the south side. There is a sink with a large vanity mirror on the east side. Two additional bedrooms each have two single beds which can be pushed together if desired. Each bedroom has a spectacular view out into the forest. A ¾ bathroom with a shower is located on this level too.
A CD/cassette player, outdoor fire pit, picnic table, table fans as well as ceiling fans, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, additional oil filled space heater, off peak electric storage heater, base board heaters, and a larger outdoor grill are also available.
■Two-level design
■7 beds and 4 bedrooms
■2 bathrooms with showers
■Kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, two small refrigerators (one with a freezer), microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware
■Air conditioner, floor/table fans, ceiling fans, and off peak electric storage heater
■A free-standing wood fireplace
■Outdoor fire pit, picnic table, and grill
■Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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9.2 out of 10, (10 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
Pets are allowed with a $40 fee.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is allowed outdoors in designated areas
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: 77
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Mc Grath
Located in Mc Grath, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Culver Museum and Moose Lake Depot Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Moose Lake Golf Club and Moose Lake Brewing & Tap Room. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

McGrath, MN
What's nearby
- Mille Lacs Lake - 28 min drive - 38.2 km
- Moose Lake State Park - 46 min drive - 50.0 km
- Banning State Park - 47 min drive - 51.5 km
- Big Sandy Lake - 52 min drive - 72.1 km
- Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone - 60 min drive - 66.1 km
Restaurants
- Tobies - 27 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Michael Bonnette

I have spent the last 25 years of my life firmly entrenched in the research and development world with a vast majority of that time spent in the interventional medical industry. With my creativity and engineering degree, I have managed to receive 70 US and foreign patents with 50 submissions still pending. Many of these ideas have resulted in devices which have helped people in one form or another, and in 2013, I decided I wanted to help people in another way. I acquired this property which will help people escape and relax in the beauty of the Minnesota Woods!
The property has 120 acres of private lands which sits within 68 thousand acres of the Solana State Forest. The Soo Line Trail also travels right through my property. In 2013, the property was purchased by my family and has now become the Shire in the Woods. A special place, with the look and feel of a Tolkien inspired landscape, now located in "Middle Minnesota".
The Shire in the Woods was formerly solely a retreat center which was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening the heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, each other, and the universe. The Shire still has it's roots within that theme, and it has grown much more for everyone to enjoy!
The property has 120 acres of private lands which sits within 68 thousand acres of the Solana State Forest. The Soo Line Trail also travels right through my property. In 2013, the property was purchased by my family and has now become the Shire in the Woods. A special place, with the look and feel of a Tolkien inspired landscape, now located in "Middle Minnesota".
The Shire in the Woods was formerly solely a retreat center which was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening the heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, each other, and the universe. The Shire still has it's roots within that theme, and it has grown much more for everyone to enjoy!
Why they chose this property
Welcome to the Shire in the Woods, where the natural surroundings will nourish and rejuvenate your soul! Located 18 miles east of northern Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, we are tucked away at the heart of the Solana State Forest and have the Soo Line South Trail running right alongside us. Relax with a good book in front of a fireplace or take a stroll in the beautiful woods. The Shire can serve you, your family and friends, facilitate special groups, workshops, and meetings, host a wedding, hold a family reunion, and more! No matter where you are at in your writing practice, the natural beauty and tranquility of the Shire is perfect for a writers retreat. The outdoors and especially the circle drive would be great for demonstrations with horses for example, or you can come and just be a hermit! Whatever your event or occasion, we will work with you to best serve your needs.
Our private, wooded retreat has seven, year round dwellings and more. There are four smaller cabins (The Woodlands, The Birches, The Meadows, and The Loft), The Cedar House, The Tree Lodge, and a gathering space, movie theatre, presentation media space, and library in The Octagon (unless privately reserved).
Other features of the Shire:
• Screened-in gazebo.
• Wood burning sauna.
• 5 miles of groomed trails.
• A rose garden.
• A labyrinth.
• Beaver, frog, and turtle pond.
• Tree swings and hammock.
• Outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces.
• Access to the Soo Line Trail.
• Access to many miles of trails in the Solana State Forest.
• And much more including our horses, a miniature donkey, and a miniature horse. As a guest, you can experience our animals antics and social systems, pet them, and with prior arrangements have guided interactions or feed them treats.
All of the places are arranged with there own unique setting such that you feel like you are the only one there!
Our private, wooded retreat has seven, year round dwellings and more. There are four smaller cabins (The Woodlands, The Birches, The Meadows, and The Loft), The Cedar House, The Tree Lodge, and a gathering space, movie theatre, presentation media space, and library in The Octagon (unless privately reserved).
Other features of the Shire:
• Screened-in gazebo.
• Wood burning sauna.
• 5 miles of groomed trails.
• A rose garden.
• A labyrinth.
• Beaver, frog, and turtle pond.
• Tree swings and hammock.
• Outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces.
• Access to the Soo Line Trail.
• Access to many miles of trails in the Solana State Forest.
• And much more including our horses, a miniature donkey, and a miniature horse. As a guest, you can experience our animals antics and social systems, pet them, and with prior arrangements have guided interactions or feed them treats.
All of the places are arranged with there own unique setting such that you feel like you are the only one there!
What makes this property unique
There are many things to do in and around the Shire. Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails or hike in the Solana State Forest, meditate while walking the Labyrinth, spend time around a campfire, read or relax in front of the cabin fireplace, and more!
The Shire in the Woods offers many winter and summer vacation activities for everyone to enjoy.
• Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails.
• Hike in the Solana State Forest.
• Meditate while walking the Labyrinth.
• Spend time around a campfire.
• Read or relax in front of a fireplace.
• Play catch with Frisbees or partake in other games on one of our many groomed lawns.
• Star gaze or moon watch.
• Use the telescope in the gazebo.
• Interact with the horses.
• Cross country ski or snowshoe on our private or surrounding trails.
• Yoga in the Octagon.
• Rock/agate hunt or swim in the nearby spring fed Quarry Pool.
• Ride bikes in the woods or other trails.
• Horseback ride on the Soo Line trail or Solana State Forest Trails with your horses.
• Snowmobile or go ATVing on the Soo Line Trail or the Solana State Forest Trail.
• Spend time in the Pliny Wildlife Area or Ruffed Gross and Woodcock Habitat Area.
• Plan your next birding or photography adventure.
• Enjoy the sounds of nature as the many frogs, owls, wolves, and birds vocalize and sing their songs!
The Shire in the Woods offers many winter and summer vacation activities for everyone to enjoy.
• Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails.
• Hike in the Solana State Forest.
• Meditate while walking the Labyrinth.
• Spend time around a campfire.
• Read or relax in front of a fireplace.
• Play catch with Frisbees or partake in other games on one of our many groomed lawns.
• Star gaze or moon watch.
• Use the telescope in the gazebo.
• Interact with the horses.
• Cross country ski or snowshoe on our private or surrounding trails.
• Yoga in the Octagon.
• Rock/agate hunt or swim in the nearby spring fed Quarry Pool.
• Ride bikes in the woods or other trails.
• Horseback ride on the Soo Line trail or Solana State Forest Trails with your horses.
• Snowmobile or go ATVing on the Soo Line Trail or the Solana State Forest Trail.
• Spend time in the Pliny Wildlife Area or Ruffed Gross and Woodcock Habitat Area.
• Plan your next birding or photography adventure.
• Enjoy the sounds of nature as the many frogs, owls, wolves, and birds vocalize and sing their songs!
Languages:
English
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