Entire home

“Truly magical! ...”

Photo gallery for “Truly magical! ...”

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior detail
Interior
Property grounds
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

“Truly magical! ...”

Those were the words of the first guest when she discovered this wondrous retreat, full of surprises for kids and grown-ups, just downhill from the Appalachian Trail. Go for a walk in the woods, go for a bike ride, splash in the creek, or just laze the day away in a fireside rocker with a good book. With two bedrooms, a clever sleeping alcove, and a futon in the Secret Playroom, the cabin sleeps six, seven if you banish snoring Uncle Arslan to the couch.

The space
There's hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, sight-seeing and shopping nearby but maybe you just want to dissolve worries and refresh your spirit. You won't be able to resist the gentle burble of the Stone Creek. And although remote, it's outfitted with all the modern amenities.

Your vacation is more than an investment of money; it's an investment of your times and hopes, and I take your investment very seriously, as the reviews show. With all it's wondrous touches, this place is guaranteed to delight you. You'll feel like you're at the home of an invisible friend who wants you to have the best possible time. The kids won't want to leave the Secret Playroom (more quiet time for you!). Washer, dryer, central air, instant hot-water heater. Wood stove, fire pit, fully equipped kitchen. Though you'll probably spend most of your meals watching the forest scenery from the window table, leaves of the oak dining room table pull out for a full formal meal.

Beware that GPS will lead you astray. The cottage is ¾ of a mile down a winding single-lane dirt road, across a creek from Route 183. The cottage is 2½ miles north of the intersection of Route I-78 and 183, about a mile from the Berks/Schuylkill County border

Cabela's is 12 miles away and Lancaster County 40 miles. The cottage is 163 miles from Washington, 130 from NYC, 92 from Philly. Gettysburg is 80 miles away, Knoebel's Amusement Resort is 30, and Hershey Park is 35. Both the Yeungling Brewery and Rausch Creek are 22 minutes away. Maps, guidebooks, and a custom notebook list the hundreds of other activities, adventures and amusements nearby.

The house was built by local artisans from local stone and wood. The floors are reclaimed oak; the cabinets and mantel reclaimed Doug fir. A local Amishman hand-crafted the front door and window table, and the gorgeous beds were made from local wood by nearby craftsmen. The antique oak table desk and other furniture, no way to know their origins.

What's provided? The cottage has a wood stove in the stone fireplace with firewood and kindling provided; a 43" flatscreen TV with basic cable, Dolby 5.1 sound, blu-ray DVD player, all connected on the local wifi. There are plenty of board games, the type you grew up with, and wondrous libraries for adults and kids.

The fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need: induction stove, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, Bialetti moka pot, with hand-crank bean grinder, crockpot, fridge, dishwasher (hooray!), cooking utensils, pots and pans, flatware, dishes, and glasses. I provide basic staples like ketchup, mustard, mayo, butter, sugar, flours, teas, olive oil, vinegar and spices so you don’t need to worry about the little stuff. And of course I include the ingredients for the must-use spaghetti ice cream press. Note: induction stoves, though super-efficient, only work with ferrous metals (steel, iron), so if you bring your favorite aluminum pot it will not work. However there are tons of high-quality ferrous pots, pans, dutch ovens, etc, etc onsite for you to use.

On the window table is a 3-ring binder of instructions on how to work basic home utilities (TV, cable, wifi, thermostat, trash), along with the 14-page list of local activities, and a map to the AT.

There are 2 main bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed; the sleeping alcove houses a twin, and the Secret Playroom has a full-sized futon that will sleep 2 kids. Big family? The companion "Cozy Appalachian Trail Cottage" is just across the creek. Book the two!

When you come, bring a printed copy of the directions, a flashlight, and food; laptop and cellphone. I provide all the bed and bath linens, household papers, and soaps; firewood and kindling. Do not bring your own firewood as it may house infestations of dangerous insects like the spotted lantern fly and emerald ash borer.

An early guest commented on the taste of the well water. I have since installed a stricter water softener system with carbon filters, so now there is no mineral scent or taste. No need to bring your own water.

Property manager

Mike Najarian

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 3 total pets

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 9:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 7:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
3 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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: 20
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Truly Magical! ...
“Truly magical! ...” Bethel
“Truly magical! ...” Private vacation home
“Truly magical! ...” Private vacation home Bethel

About the neighborhood

Map
Bethel, PA

What's nearby

  • Ghost Town Gulch - 8 min drive
  • Vraj Temple - 9 min drive
  • Roadside America - 9 min drive
  • Koziar's Christmas Village - 16 min drive
  • Yuengling Brewery and Museum - 27 min drive

Getting around

  • Reading, PA (RDG-Reading Regional) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Friedensburg Country Restaurant - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Lake Wynonah Lodge - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Blue Mountain Family Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is “Truly magical! ...” pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at “Truly magical! ...”?

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM.

What time is check-out at “Truly magical! ...”?

Check-out is at 7:00 PM.

Where is “Truly magical! ...” located?

Situated in Bethel, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Pat Garrett Amphitheater, Strausstown Lions Park, and Golden Age Air Museum. Rehrersburg Lions Park and Vraj Temple are also within 6 mi (10 km).

“Truly magical! ...” Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Megan F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage in the woods
We absolutely loved our 4-night stay here! The location is a bit rural but still close to town where you can find shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and more. The setting was truly peaceful, and you can't get much closer to nature - truly breathtaking sights, sounds, and views. The home is lovingly cared for, and you can tell that the owners take great pride in ensuring guests have everything they need and more! The magical hidden wardrobe was a hit for my kids and even impressed us grownups! We loved how clean the home was and how every detail was considered. It was a great place for our dogs to stay, and we appreciated the dog bowls left out for them and the sweet treats and notes left for us. Definitely one of our favorite places to stay, and we've been to a lot of places! This one was just so unique with incredibly thoughtful owners - highly recommend! Although we didn't take advantage of many of the outdoor-related activities in the area, we did enjoy going to HersheyPark and Knoebels - neither was a bad drive from the home, and it was nice to return to our peaceful retreat after a busy day at the amusements parks. This home is perfect in every way!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maureen M., New Carlisle, OH

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property and house
Mike really has a knack for knowing and providing everything, anyone would want in a vacation home. There were so many little touches that make your stay enjoyable. Very comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

AMANDA H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!!!
It was a wonderful treat for the family and fur babies!!! Beautiful location and lots of little surprises for the kids in and around the cabin away from home. Thank you so much!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding!
Beautiful home in a woodland paradise. We loved our stay and are looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dale C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation
What a wonderful place to relax and enjoy your family time.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott S., Myerstown

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
The pictures of the property in the listing are great, BUT, do not do it justice! The place is even more beautiful and amazing in person. The details of this house, the comfort, grounds, furnishings and amenities are second to none! Cozy, warm, inviting and the hosts think of everything. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amritha S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven is a place on earth…
Welcome to the Najarian show- where every corner of the premises seems to be a perfected set of the most wonderful never ending film broadcasted on the plane of human existence. Is he a feng shui master? Am undeniably well read, low key occult grand master? A well seasoned lover of nostalgia? Who really knows. All my family (two adults and a 2 year old and 5 year old) knows is that we experienced a small slice of perfection in the well curated simplicity of this residence. If an immediately accessible soundtrack of harmonic stream sounds cannot sway you enough into convincing you that this is probably one of the most phenomenal vacation rentals on the planet, perhaps the s’mores and vintage palmistry Mattel game can. Thank you for all of the amenities and more. Our family truly enjoyed every minute here.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Roberta M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful
I absolutely loved this home - it was 'exactly' what I had wished for and 'exactly' what our family needed during these most trying times. So clean and warm and cozy!! I had always dreamed of taking the family away to a beautiful cottage to spend our Christmas together - and I honestly feel that my dream came true. The owner was so very, very helpful - always a phone call away - and everything (I mean everything) that we needed to make the stay comfortable was there. Thank you all - it was really a wonderful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Melanie C., Mobile, Al

Liked: Cleanliness
A Fairy Tale Cottage
Seamless rental and exceeded my expectations for cleanliness, accomodations and service! I will be re-booking every time I visit the area. It was just magical! The owner went above and beyond to make sure that the property was accessible, ready and comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M., PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden in plain sight!
A wonderful Christmas experience. We rented this as a staycation. Located near Becks Tree Farm, Kozairs, and Cabela’s Mikes cabin kept us busy. It was nice to unwind after our eventful weekend. The wood stove and countless books are a great way to relax. The property is absolutely beautiful. You do get a bit of road noise outside but nothing to disturb us. I could sit on the porch all day and listen to the babbling creek. The architecture and construction of Mike’s home is amazing. If you’re looking for a place to hide and relax this is it. Thanks for your hospitality Mike! Look forward to a return trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michele L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Modern amenities in a natural setting
The "Retreat" is lovely house with all the modern amenities in a private wooded setting. The large deck, balcony, and fire pit area are great places to enjoy being outside and listening to the creek. There was occasional noise from the road, but you couldn't hear when inside and it wasn't obtrusive when outside. Just enough to remind you that while you feel far away from it all, the location is actually pretty convenient. The house was very clean and well-decorated (just like the photos) and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook our own meals. My husband and I both needed to do some work during our visit and the WiFi was strong enough for us both do video conferences at the same time. It was a great place to have a change of scenery while still having all the comforts of home. The owner was responsive and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Escape
This beautiful house was just as the pictures showed, even better! If you want top of the line amenities next to a gurgling creek in a private setting then this is for you. Owner was fabulous to deal with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

Henry M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely house on the stream
My family and I had a lovely stay at the property. We had some last minute issues with the dates due to Covid19 and the landlord made allowances without and extra charge and fuss. The house has a beautiful Narnia inspired walk in wardrobe that is a small room for kids to play in. Only thing I could say, is it is near a main road but it didn’t spoil our stay one bit.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Valarie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
The pictures & ratings do not lie! The place and location are wonderful. The thoughtful touches of the owner are very much appreciated. We felt comfortable and pampered.

10/10 Excellent

Tamara H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful and relaxing
The cabin was by far one of our favorite vacation spots. It was clean and well maintained! The cabin was so beautiful and reminded me of something you would see on a featured HGTV show. Our host had everything you need in the cabin from a well stocked kitchen to bed linens that you would find in a 5 star hotel. We enjoyed the fire, the creek, the seclusion and the beauty of the cabin. There is also a full sized washer and dryer (which appeared brand new). Our host had fantastic directions and provided a great selection of books. There is WiFi, but you won’t need it as there is by far too much incredible nature to enjoy. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

BRUCEIA Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
Mike did not leave any details out on this property...it is perfect..so easy to communicate and response back was great. I have stayed in a lot of homes for vacation..this was best from the owners communication to the wonderful home..would love to come back and visit in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Writers Retreat/Weekend Getaway Location
Our family of four had a great time at this newly built (or newly remodeled) "cabin" in the woods for a weekend away. Carpenter ants are cruising the grounds, making us think it's newly built and perhaps dislocated an ant colony in the process. They'll move on soon. The house had a good flow and open floor plan with an expansive outside seating area off the living room area and a neat private balcony in one of the bedrooms which was the best area to hear and see the stream. A separate bedding nook was off the stairs which our children loved or would be a great place for a quiet reading area. Additionally, our kids loved the "Narnia" closet which had a few age appropriate toys of cars, trains, dinos, and I believe a chalkboard wall however we didn't bring any chalk. The futon in the Narnia room was a bit awkward to layout and not super comfortable for sleeping but made a nice area to sit with the kiddos while they played. The bedding was comfortable and super soft blankets were appreciated for a colder evening. There is also ample storage for clothing though a few hooks in the rooms and shower would be awesome for hanging needed items. The host also was super accommodating with plenty of linens, towels, some household items, and left fixings for s'mores which our children loved and we appreciated. The host also provided lots of great details on local areas to check out, restaurants, and stores if needed. The kitchen had plenty of items with really nice dining wear and seating to accommodate 10 people. If staying for an extended period of time, we'd recommend to bring some of your favorite non-stick pans. There might be one, we just were not able to locate it. Books and board games were plentiful with favorites such as chess, monopoly, cards, etc. The outside seating area had comfortable Adirondack chairs and a fireplace/grill combo which we loved. Heads up though that this is in the forest, so bug spray is needed as mosquitoes are plentiful and proper footwear is a must due to the rocky terrain. The property is pretty remote to get to, traveling down a longer stone path (make a right at the K) however the main road is both visible and able to be heard from the house. It wasn't too bad noise wise but the larger tractor trailers could be heard inside going up/down the hill so not completely remote. Overall, it was a really great stay and we'd recommend a visit to anyone interested in this type of lodging.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019