Cozy modern farmhouse rooms with natural light including a private upstairs bedroom, unique full bath, and library that can be converted into extra sleeping space. There is a fully equipped private kitchen available to guests with a mini fridge, stove, oven, sink, coffeemaker, microwave, and dishes. Guests are encouraged to explore our 5-acres! Willow Pond Farm Retreat is known for its comfortable, personal feel that provides an oasis from the hubbub of the big city life - without being too far away from the cities. People who like to get away - and not have to travel too far - are pleased to know that it is only 45 minutes away from the city-centers of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The hobby farm is child friendly as well as a great choice for individuals or couples who need a temporary get-away. We have chickens, cats, and dogs on site but rooms are pet-free. Our home is a cozy Early 1900's farmhouse that has had two additions added to it over the last two decades. We have three separate listings available for guests that can also be booked in tandem to accommodate larger groups (please enquire how to do this). Clean & Bright with big windows and private entry has a queen-sized Murphy bed and a single day bed as well as a futon that can be transitioned into extra sleeping space if required. This room has large picture windows, an en-suite bathroom and a sitting area (futon). This space does not have a kitchen but is equipped with a mini fridge, coffee maker, and toaster oven. A second listing, called Bright and Beautiful Farmhouse Retreat, is a larger space that has a private bedroom with a king-sized bed, a library/sitting room which has a queen-sized futon for additional sleepers, and a large, private bathroom which includes a shower and clawfoot bathtub. A fully equipped kitchenette complete with stove/oven, mini fridge, sink, coffee maker, and kitchenware is available for guests to use as well as a small dining area. The third listing, called The Spacious & Clean Basement Apt. with Private Entry, is a newly converted studio-style apartment complete with private en-suite, queen sized bed, sitting area (with TV and DVD player) and a small food prep and dining area. A picture window allows for natural light as well as plenty of overhead and lamp options to ensure a cozy ambiance. Guests are welcome to use the 5 acres for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hammock-ing, and relaxing. Some yard games are available upon request for guests to use. A play set, tree house, and gazebo are available for fun in the summer months. We also have a charcoal grill as well as a large silo foundation that we use for bonfires and outdoor grilling. Willow Pond Farm Retreat is very close to the Sunrise Prairie Regional Bike Trail, an old train track-turned-bike trail; and in the winter, access to snowmobile trails is practically outside our door. Parking is available, including space for RVs and horse trailers. Tenting is an option for paying guests. Most of the time I will be onsite and somewhat available. I work from home as a certified classical homeopath and I have a music studio out of my living room during the week - please be aware of this as far as noise during your stay. North Branch is a small town, historically a hub for potato and sod farmers of the area. Today it has a thriving downtown with businesses such as The Sprouted Branch - a health food store; Peterson's - a garden center; Rust - an occasional home decor and gift shop; County Market (our local grocery); North Branch Outlet Mall; a movie theater; and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. We are merely 1.5 miles from the town center but are granted the peace and tranquility of a country home. The Sunrise Prairie Regional Bike Trail runs the length of North Branch and beyond, along Old Highway 61. Snowmobile trails are quite accessible. Wild River State Park and Wild Mountain ski hill and water park are 20 minutes away. Other quaint towns such as Lindstrom, Chisago City, Scandia and Marine-on-St. Croix are within a 15 - 30 minute drive. Cambridge, 15 miles to the west, has Menards, Fleet-Farm, City Center Food Co-op, Cub Foods, and many independently run establishments as well. Forest Lake is 20 minutes to the south. Willow Pond Farm is quite close to Interstate 35 for those making their way up to the North Shore. We are an hour and 45 minutes south of Duluth. Once you exit I-35, it is 2.2 miles to our home. There is a small private bus company that can pick people up with prior arrangement. Otherwise there is no other public transportation. With prior arrangement I can help with transportation to local spots. I am willing to pick guests up at the Minneapolis/St.Paul airport or the Amtrak train station in St. Paul, again with prior arrangements. Our dogs will bark when you arrive - this is how they let us know you are here. Please give them their space, and they will do the same for you. They are both friendly and will warm up to you when they see us greet you. We have a small menagerie of farm animals and I encourage guests to get to know the creatures - however, while we enjoy the animals, they come with their own special noises and habits. We hope you can enjoy some healing and fun animal time while you're here! My daughter and I both work from home and the nature of having three listings means that people will be coming and going from our property throughout the day. While each space offers privacy for your stay, please be aware that there will be others onsite.