What is the history of the property?

Fifty years ago this two hundred acres of wooded mountain land with a few farm-able valley acres was planted with tobacco and corn. The rugged mountain land was logged by horses, and then had a run-away underbrush fire that had blackened the undergrowth when the Peterson family purchased it. What a mess it was. It didn’t become “Cloud 9” right away. Many years of  a lot of hard work to restore fences, plant new trees, turn the corn field into a blueberry patch, dig a irrigation/fishing pond and restore pastures kept the dream alive of a creating that place of refuge.

The family retirement home, originally built in 1970, was ahead of its time with hardwood floors, quality building materials and passive solar features, making for shady summers and sun-warmed winters. The family continues the upkeep of this “hobby farm” and takes the stewardship of the land seriously. Newly remodeled and updated, the home has been tastefully decorated with mountain fine crafts, handmade in the area. It is an eclectic mix of the old and the new and we like it that way. You will enjoy the peacefulness this property exudes as our family has over the years and you’ll feel like you are on “Cloud 9.”

Will my family fit?

Cloud 9 is a ranch style house on one level with one easy step in. The driveway and yard around the house is flatter than most mountain properties you will encounter. The deck runs the full length of the house and makes outdoor living easy. Three bedrooms on the main floor and 2.5 baths can easily accommodate 6 people. The basement level has a full size sleeper sofa off the recreation/air-hockey room but no bathroom. A portable bed can be put up as well as using a sleeper sofa in the family room off the kitchen. There is an extra hospitality fee of $25/extra guest/night above 6 up to 9 people.

Need a bigger place? We have recommendations.

Many times couples want the whole house to themselves to spread out in. Discounts are given in that case, just ask.

Where are the bothersome, outside insects?

People always remark about the absence of pesky insects making outside dining a pleasure. Black flies? We don’t have them. Mosquitoes? A few, but nothing a little bug spray or citronella candle won’t take care of. Imagine the feeling of camping, with the quiet and the night sounds, but being in our luxury home. You’ll want to take advantage of outdoor living and being in tune with nature when you sit under the canopied section of the deck or look out picture glass windows in every room.  Enjoy the need for a blanket on cool summer nights.

Can we have a wedding here?

Yes you can! The down-home kind. We have 3 locations for weddings: The deck of Cloud 9, Peterson Pond (which has a 40’x 80’ flat place for a tent) or our new Ceremonial Timber Frame arch in the woods lovingly called “Stump-henge” (see photos). You hire the caterer and the tent, we’ll provide the land, up to 25 chairs, a few tables and a podium.

Cloud 9 is perfect for family vacations, short-term executive housing, relocation stays, or to house the wedding party along with Heavenly Hideaway Cabin for the honeymooners. Cloud 9 can also be rented for the facility for workshops, entertaining by the day, bridal showers, family reunions and picnics.

Contact us for further details.

What do the “Preservation of the Land” signs mean?

Stewardship of the land on this working farm is top priority which you will see first hand. (Ask for a tour!) Conservation care has been taken in regard to forestry management with select cutting of trees and using our own  sawmill to make lumber to build barns and picnic shelters. Pasture management for the small herd of naturally-raised, hormone-free black angus is done in rotation paddocks with their own piped in water supply to keep the streams running clear. Composting and organic gardening techniques are given priority. Plantings are done for the wildlife, especially song birds and turkeys. Making the best use of all the unique features of the property takes carefully planning. The wood used to build the barns and rocks for walls all came from the land. Keeping good neighbor communication is important, too.

Do the cows and chickens make much noise or smells?

Well, the cows are in the valley so you can’t even hear or smell them on top of the hill. Though an alert neighbor heard one mother cow bellowing this summer when her baby had gotten through a gate away from her. Thank goodness they called us to check on her.

If you’re on the deck of Cloud 9, you may hear bits and pieces of a hen party, sounding a lot like girls laughing. And, yes, the rooster does start his wake up calls at 5:30 am. The call will weave itself into your pastoral, early morning dream…another priceless amenity.