Peaceful retreat next to castlewood state park

Find fun and peace w/ your personal adventures in this unique setting, a modern suburban house trending treehouse eco-vacation vibes. Only a 200 yd. walk away from Castlewood State Park's trail system and a multitude of potential outdoor adventures, overlooking a river valley with every appearance of wilderness. Only minutes from one of St. Louis's major shopping streets and interstate access to downtown. (NOTE: Due to rigorous Covid cleaning procedures, we are temporarily going to a 3 night minimum stay)This is an ordinary house striving to allow for the extraordinary in you! Please enjoy it accordingly with respect for all things. A note on the remodeling and preparation for guests: it was done with sustainability in mind at every stage, in the belief that these are good things for peoples bodies and souls, and in the hope that the house would continue to serve in that spirit from here on out. So we'd like to make a request if at all possible that you recycle, reduce single use items and waste and avoid the use of mainstream household chemicals during your stay. Thanks so much. -solar panel installation reduced bills for all-electric house to virtually nothing in spring, summer and fall. -existing building materials, such as wood paneling, were re-used wherever possible -sustainably produced and/or organic mattresses by Saatva and others, organic cotton for linens and towels, and almost entirely fire-retardant free upholstery -custom furniture in part made from recycled milled urban street trees purchased from Lumberlogs -natural (but effective!) household cleaning agents used The house has three levels, the lowest of which is directly accessible from grade. The deck and the upper two levels are reached by stairs, though it is possible with good effort and assistance to reach the deck by wheelchair via the rough gravel path around the outside. The upper level master bedroom has a queen size bed and a twin bed, a conventional closet (fire extinguisher location) and an adjacent walk-in closet that could be used as a crib room. Access to the master bath with tub is through the master bedroom. The smaller bedroom has a small closet and a sliding glass door and curtain that opens up to the stair railing overlooking the stair. There is now a direct hvac register, but auxiliary heating and cooling is available if needed. The living area with the TV in front of the two bedrooms has a queen size futon sofa. NOTE: The futon is currently unavailable for sleeping. DO NOT MOVE, FRAME MAY BE DAMAGED. (N.A.If you wish to use it for sleeping, refer to the house manual for instructions on folding it out and furnishing it with linens.) The main level has a bathroom with shower that is directly accessible to the living space. A first aid kit is located in the vanity cabinet. The main level bedroom has a queen size bed and its own small closet. The compact kitchen opens to the breakfast area, and has a pass-thru to the living/dining area. It is fully equipped w/ cutlery, microwave, toaster, range/oven, fridge, dishwasher, toaster, hot-water heater and pour-thru coffee maker. There is another fire extinguisher in the plywood pantry. The lower level sleeping area has its own locking door that separates it from the entry stair. It consists of an open living area with a small window and behind it a cased opening that leads to the two twin beds in the rear. It is adjacent to a utility/mechanical space (the noise from the furnace will be more pronounced here than elsewhere. Please also be aware that the level of the several closet’s finish here is minimal with plywood and drywall without trim.) The heating/cooling system is not zoned but rather regulated w/ seasonal register closures and a circulating fan unit in furnace, but in general upstairs will be noticeably warmer than downstairs. Prospective guests should also be aware that the train line at the bottom of the bluff that brought people to this resort area in pre-automobile days are still very active today with passenger and freight trains. Please consider this if you are sensitive to the sounds of intermittent train traffic below. Ear plugs are provided. You will find information about the functioning of the house posted in the photos with the heading 'House Rules' Everywhere except work room and utility room adjacent to finished lower level. The keyless entry will give you private access during your stay, and you will have the place to yourself. I will be of course be available for any questions you may have during your stay, and the house manual should be helpful as well. If you have any special needs or concerns, I will be happy to discuss with you prior or meet you at your arrival if appropriate. Even if you never left the house you could relax, commune with nature and feel the calm. The trees in front have squirrel nests almost at eye level, and its fun to watch them come out and play in twilight. The large deck adjoins bird feeders and woods, and deer are often seen on their way to their outdoors dining and/or living room . There are other houses in the neighborhood but they are generally screened well with trees and topography so it feels quite secluded If you want to venture further afield the state park is a very short walk or a short drive away. It is popular for good reason. The park can get pretty busy on a weekend day, but at most you will hear the occasional happy chattering of groups on the nearest trail. There is a wide range of trail hiking and running, road and trail biking and it also possible to canoe/kayak on the river. Some park and trail maps are provided. Its a short drive to the main park road if you prefer, and to major arteries. Parking is limited to three cars in the driveway, four if you stack them, but the driveway is steep and you need to maneuver with some care. Unfortunately, there is no overnight public parking anywhere nearby. Please note that for booking purposes, per Airbnb policy, children over 2 are considered full guests that should be included in booking totals. This is because they will require just as many resources such as laundry, utilities, cleaning (if not more:)) and so forth as adults. Please see 'Policies and Rules, Additional Rules' for pertinent house rules and general info. Thank you.