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The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....

Photo gallery for The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....

Combined shower/tub, jetted tub, hair dryer, bidet
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 16465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Breakfast available
  • Washer
  • Hot Tub
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

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

The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....

Wild yet serene, the Lodge rests on a hillside adjacent to a 60+ acre wildlife haven with a pond and creek running through. Nestled in a forest near the scenic and historic Brandywine Valley, this retreat affords you all the accoutrements of a mountain lodge, yet is nearby to high-end shopping, historic sites, outstanding restaurants and nightlife in the boroughs of West Chester, Chadds Ford and Kennett Square...

Featured in 2018 Philadelphia Magazine, the Lodge has received accolades! Tom Bury (as seen on Restaurant Impossible and the Stone House Revival series on DIY Network) hosted his 2018 season wrap party here. Tom also built a bespoke king bed in the master suite with 100+ year old reclaimed wood... it is beautiful (and comfortable too).
Rivers Cuomo (lead singer of Weezer) also stayed at the Lodge -- twice during the 2019 Weezer Tour. Others, who wish to remain nameless, have called the Lodge a home away from home.

From the fully stocked professional chef's kitchen to the outdoor hot tub, relaxation and inspiration will be your companion at the Lodge. Enjoy your meals at the dining table in the Great Room with an amazing view of the forest, or al fresco on the deck or screened porch.

With 5 bedrooms (and a sixth private space with 2 twin beds and a full size futon) and 4.5 baths, including a massive master suite with jetted tub, walk in shower and heated marble floors, the Lodge will delight you.. The seclusion and privacy of the property will enhance your experience!

Rejuvenate in the outdoor hot tub and melt away your stress. A large outdoor deck allows for sunbathing and evening conversations around the gas fire pit, or build a bonfire in the second fire pit and eat some s'mores. There is also a third firepit on the screened in porch where you can relax and take in the nature around you, especially soothing while listeing to the rain, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal at the spacious teak dining table.

Take a walk through the woods and commune with nature, where wildlife abounds, including red foxes, red-tailed hawks, groundhogs, white tailed deer, an occasional bald eagle and many other varieties of beautiful and interesting songbirds and woodpeckers.

For entertainment, there are many options:

...The Lounge has an antique pool table, dart board, large fireplace and many classic board games to while away the time.
...The Library is full of antique and contemporary books, many of which are focused on the US Civil War and other topics of American History.
...The Game Room has a ping pong table, an air hockey table, a foosball table and the requisite xBox One for the kids (or kids at heart!).

Check out the listing details for all the amenities.

The Lodge is perfect for more intimate events for up to 50 guests: a family reunion, a murder mystery party, birthday or holiday event. (please inquire for any events as addition fees may apply). If you have an event with more than 50 guests, we are excited to partner with a Michelin star chef (former executive chef at the Waldorf Astoira Hotel) to accommodate your needs. Chef Paul is able to host large events including weddings of up to 100 plus guests, at his beautiful barn in Chester County (please inquire). Chef is also available to design a bespoke menu for you and your guests, and will be your personal chef at the Lodge for smaller occasions of up to 50 guests. Please inquire about any events at the Barn or the Lodge, additional fees will apply. Also upon request we are partnered with an interior designer who will craft beautiful custom floral arrangements, per your desires, at an additional charge.

There is ample parking for up to 10 cars in the driveway near the house. Any additional parking needs during an event will be discussed.

Early check-in may be available for additional fees -- $400 after noon and $200 after 2pm - please inquire about availability. Early check in fees depend on time of check-in and availability. Please inquire prior to check-in.

Late check out is also available for additional fees - $200 until 1pm and $500 until 4pm. Please inquire prior to check-in.

The Lodge is idyllic during a snowstorm with a warm fire, while the autumn leaves changing color add to the beauty of the seasons. Spring brings new growth and late June and early July bring the harvest of the wild raspberries, always a delicious treat!

Plenty of space to get away from the outside world. Stay, relax, rejuvenate....celebrate and enjoy!

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon at the Lodge!

Property manager

Eric B.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking (max 10 spaces)
  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Bidet

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Foosball table
  • Table tennis
  • Arcade/game room
  • Video games
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking is permitted outside.

Services and conveniences

  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Tennis on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Golfing on site
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Horse riding nearby

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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 5000 sq ft (465 sq m)

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Exterior

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Dryer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: No exceptions.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: This property is not child-proofed.

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: 50
Note from host: Please indicate event plans -- fees may apply
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Where Time Melts Away... Hideaway 5 Wooded Acres Wildlife House
The Lodge at Cricklewood...where Time Melts Away...
Where Time Melts Away... Hideaway 5 Wooded Acres Wildlife
Where Time Melts Away... Hideaway 5 Wooded Acres Wildlife House

About the neighborhood

Map
West Chester, PA

What's nearby

  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania - 9 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Brandywine River Museum - 10 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Chester County Hospital - 13 min drive - 10.2 km
  • QVC Studio Park - 15 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Longwood Gardens - 18 min drive - 15.9 km

Getting around

  • Exton Station - 15 min drive
  • Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bierhaul - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪P.J. Whelihan's Pub + Restaurant - West Chester - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away.... pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away.... located?

This family-friendly West Chester vacation home is located on a river, 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Cheyney University, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Baldwin's Book Barn and Chadds Ford Village & Barn Shops. Brandywine Creek and Golf Course at Glen Mills are also within 6 mi (10 km).

The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away.... Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 64 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place
We are grateful for our time at the lodge!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vida S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family visiting for a wedding
Everyone in our group thought the house was great and everyone was very comfortable at all times. It was lovely gathering together on the deck around the fire and inside at the fireplace, and there was never ending entertainment for the kids. The big trees, falling leaves and autumn foliage were a beautiful backdrop. Our time together here will be a new happy memory for all of us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Goodson G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Stay in West Chester, PA
I had a wonderful few days staying at this beautiful home nestled in the woods of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The host was incredibly gracious and gave us a warm welcome, complete with a tour of the gorgeous house. We made so many cherished family memories during our stay, and the serene setting made it even more special. The location was also very convenient, with easy access to local shopping and great restaurants. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pierre-Andre D., Orlando, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what we needed
Hello, If you're planning a small family reunion and need plenty of space for your party of 15, this house is well appointed and very spacious on a quiet lot in suburban Philadelphia. We wanted somewhere close to Longwood Garden that was wheelchair accessible. I might recommend some grab bars in the ground floor bathroom, but otherwise we had a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Hideaway
The only thing wrong was we didn’t book enough days to fully enjoy it! Wonderful property with plenty of space for groups to convene but also plenty of rooms for some quiet time or privacy. Eric was proactive in fixing an issue with the AC before we arrived, welcoming and responsive our questions.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ajay S., DES PLAINES

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice big place
This was perfect for our needs. Great place. Very big, lots of space to spread out. Hot tub was a nice addition. Eric was great to work with
Stayed 33 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexa B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A dream come true
14 of us stayed here for a secluded bachelorette weekend in nature and it was truly a dream come true. The home is beautiful and comfortable for a large group, it didn’t even matter that it rained the entire time! We even canceled some of our day plans to stay and enjoy the house. The only minor down side was the water heater struggled keeping up with 14 woman’s daily hygiene needs. Overall, everything was so wonderful and Eric was very pleasant and accommodating. If you stay here you will never want to leave!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cricklewood Lodge
There was plenty of room for our family stay at the Lodge at Cricklewood, both with bedrooms and living space. Owner was helpful and available. In the country but close to shopping and restaurants. Fall is a great time to be there!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

catherine n.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for larger groups, excellent manager!
It's a great property, but what stands out is how awesome Eric, the manager, was before and during our stay. We decided to celebrate Thanksgiving in Philly since our freshman college daughter couldn't fly home. Eric helped with our planning, to include informing us that his restaurant would have smoked turkey, brisket, and fixins' available for our holiday meal! (the brisket and turkey were divine!!) The house was perfect--large, well-supplied kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, many areas for my daughter and her friends to hang out-- to watch movies, enjoy the game room, relax by the fire (thank you for all the firewood), and hottub. Eric was quick to respond when we had any questions, we so appreciated his attentiveness. Highly recommend and we'd love to stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Unique Gem
What a beautiful home! My family stayed here during my son’s wedding. I even worked with the host to coordinate having the groomsmen over prior to the wedding. It was an amazing experience for all. Such a wonderful host with great communication, extremely accommodating and so friendly. Don’t let the house deceive you from the outside; it is extremely spacious inside and so comfortable. An absolutely unique experience. Such a stunning home with tons of history! I would definitely stay here again!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cara R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Environment for a Multi-Family Trip!
Loved our stay at The Lodge! We had five families come together for one large extended family weekend for a lacrosse tournament and the Lodge was the perfect location for it. Plenty of activities in the game room for kids young and old (air hockey, ping pong, foosball). The property itself feels like a nature retreat, lots of birds and deer to watch and the house has a fun eclectic retro feel. The giant kitchen made family meals a breeze. We highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Reunion
We had a wonderful 3-day weekend enjoying a small, 30 person family reunion. We wanted a place close to my 92 yr old dad. So all of us flew or drove to the location.12 stayed over nights in the house and the others in nearby hotels. The house was true to the pictures. There was plenty of room for us to spread out and enjoy conversation. The weather forecast was thunder showers for the whole weekend so all the room was great. We did have sunshine part of the time to enjoy the large decks, propane fire pits, and jacuzzi. We didn't have a chance to use the outdoor wood pit due to it being wet. Communication with Eric was great and we were shown around the house upon arrival. The kitchen was well stocked and there were plenty of linens for us.The views of the trees were beautiful and we saw many deer. Parking was ample-we were able to park 10 cars diagonally so everyone was able to move in and out without anyone moving out of the way. The indoor game tables; pool, ping-pong, air hockey, and foosball were in working order and enjoyed. The beds were comfy and bedrooms roomie. The master bedroom and bath were huge. We would definitely rent again. Eric, thank you for letting us host our little reunion because it was the first since 2 years prior to COVID. We loved your home and made many lasting memories!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Matt D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beware of additional charges.
It was a nice house that is well maintained but be aware that the sleeping situation pretty much accommodates 12 people and not 16. There is also an additional charge of $75 per person per night for any number of guests over 12, which was not indicated on Vrbo anywhere. This charge is requested through venmo the night before we arrived which was very disappointing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
We are so happy we found this place
We had a 30-person birthday party/family reunion at the Lodge and it served our purposes wonderfully. There were so many different, beautiful, inviting spaces for family to gather and talk, inside and out. The kitchen is very thoroughly appointed and Eric graciously answered every question about what we could expect to find ahead of time. The bedrooms downstairs were surprisingly private and quiet, tucked away at opposite ends of the house, and the upstairs bedrooms were separated from the common areas by a long hallway. We all slept very well, even with night owls and early birds wandering around. The lot and the neighborhood are lovely. Be sure to follow Eric's very well-written instructions for finding the driveway. GPS led some of our guests (who didn't read our email) to another house... But most had no trouble at all. We wish we had had more time to enjoy all of the nooks and crannies for relaxing (our daughter said she never wanted to leave the screened-in dining room with a view of the woods, and sadly no one got to try the hammock in the yard.) We recommend an extended stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend with kids
We had a 3 day soccer tournament with our 12 year olds. We had 7 adults, one toddler, one 16 year old and five 12 year olds. There was plenty of bathroom and bed space. Kids had great time with hot tub, grass area in yard for volleyball (we brought own stuff for this), fire pit and walking through woods on trails. Indoor game room with ping pong and pool table was great as well. Very private setting at end of a no outlet street. We hosted a team party one night and the outdoor space and wrap around deck and porch was great for this. Kitchen space was good for entertaining as well. Will definitely come back if we are in the area again. Eric was great.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gay G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family time before the wedding
After not being together for 3 years our family had time to celebrate our daughter’s wedding in Media. Family from DC, Colorado, Oregon , Md, Delaware,and NY had two days of love and laughter . It was perfection in all ways. Love he beauty, the amenities, and our cordial host!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brooke Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Place to Relax and Make Memories
We booked this place for my sister's bachelorette weekend. She wanted a place where everyone could relax, have fun, and be comfortable. The property was perfect for what she wanted. Eric met us when we arrived and was very helpful, accommodating, and responsive. The kitchen was set up so well (multiple coffee options (!), tons of pots and pans, extra beverage fridge) - we had a private chef one night that was able to prepare a multi-course meal without issue. The deck space and covered porch areas are amazing, the living room is great for hanging out (I want that couch!), and everyone was happy with the sleeping arrangements. The number of bathrooms was also super helpful. We did yoga one morning outside and the setting was quiet. Overall, the property is well taken care of and has a lodge-type vibe that worked out well as a place for us to just relax and have fun together for a few days!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family getaway
Comfortable, spacious house
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Weekend
It is the perfect place for a family gathering! A treehouse in the woods.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Holly H., Potomac, MD

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Reunion Find
This house had room for everyone (and plenty of bathrooms, too), with lots of room to spread out and enjoy time together and apart. The beds were comfortable, the water was hot, the kitchen was updated and amazingly well-stocked -- spices, oils, vinegars, condiments -- so that all we had to buy were the fresh ingredients to cook. The hosts were responsive and helpful.The location is convenient to shopping, but you feel like you're in the middle of the woods. This home is full of fun memorabilia, artifacts that inspire interesting conversations, and games. It was a great place for our extended family to relax and reconnect.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alain B., San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
A wonderful place to stay for our party of 10. Comfortable, extremely well appointed and quiet. Eric was a pleasure to deal with.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynne J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great home and host, perfect for family/friend getaway
We stayed here with grandparents for our sons graduation from Villanova. The home is exactly as described in the listing and the reviews. It is a wonderful home with plenty of space to relax indoors and outdoors, play games, cook etc. You truly feel as though you are isolated in the woods, even though you are in a neighborhood. My favorite activity was to drink my morning coffee (there are three types of coffee machines in the home!) on the screened in porch and listen to all of the birds. We had our sons graduation dinner catered by one of Eric's suggested contacts and it was perfect. We also used another of Eric's suggestion for flowers-Rebecca out did herself. If you have an opportunity to stay at the Lodge, take it!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Five stars
We hosted a 40th birthday party here and it was the perfect spot -- plenty of options for indoor/outdoor activity, great kitchen, and ample privacy. Would definitely stay again. Thanks Eric!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samantha G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome gem!
This place was amazing and Eric was incredibly responsive and helpful. The house is so spacious and everyone enjoyed the stay. There’s something for everyone - porch, hot tub, fire pit, game room, billiards, giant TV, sitting rooms, etc. We held a bachelorette party here and it was just perfect. The kitchen has everything you need so it was very easy to grab groceries and cook there. It’s also close enough to restaurants and places to go, so very easy to get an Uber if need be. We would definitely stay here again for a family party or a weekend getaway. Thanks for everything, Eric!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022