Home Vacation Rentals By Owner In Shafer, MN

Showing 4 Of 4 Vacation Rentals
Slider Thumb
Exceptional(6)

$277.9

/ Nightly
Cabin

The Writers Cabin-Sauna/hot tub/river access

Shafer, Minnesota, United States

Welcome to the Writer’s Cabin at Wilder Retreat on the Saint Croix.brA place to unplug and unwind. Designed to slow you down and reconnect you with nature.brThis thoughtfully designed tiny cabin blends beauty and comfort, with access to the saint croix river and use of wood-fired sauna and wood-fired hot tub and outdoor shower.brThe cabin features a queen bed in the loft, cooktop, solar power, and a pump sink. A gas fireplace keeps things cozy in the winter months.brCome to rest. Leave restored.brbrbrbrWe will give you as much privacy as you want! We do enjoy meeting guests if the opportunity arises. We are close by if you need anything during your stay such as more firewood or a water refill.brbrGuests can pull directly up to the cabin and park right by it. There is a key pad to access the cabin. Code will be provided to you in the check in details. brbrThe river is just a 1/2 mile hike down with a portion of the hike that has a steeper incline on the river at back up. I would call it an intermediate hike. brPlease do not drive down the access road. It is hiking only. brbrThere is a federal campground at the river as well with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets and water access in the warmer months. Sand beach is off to the left once you reach the river.brbrThe Writers Cabin is a small pine cabin/tiny house with a sleeping loft with a queen sized memory foam bed, sofa, and a built in dining area. The cabin sits behind our farmhouse at a distance over looking the river valley. The loft is accessible by a very sturdy steel and wood ladder but we ask that you choose to use it is at your own risk. There is a guard rail in the loft for safety. brbrThere is a two burner propane cooktop, as well as a pump sink (water can be heated with the tea kettle) for doing dishes or water, and the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking pans and knives, as well as dishes and utensils. brbrThe cabin is solar powered. There is a propane gas wood stove fireplace that keeps the cabin cozy in the colder months. We supply fans in the summer. Tea kettle, chemex pour over coffee maker, ground coffee, tea, salt and pepper and olive oil are provided as well as basic cooking supplies. brThe cabin does not have a fridge so make sure to bring a cooler. brOutdoor picnic table and Adirondack chairs at the campfire (solo stove).brHammock. brbrWe are just a few miles away from, canoe/kayak/riverboat rentals, wineries,Orchards, the Franconia sculpture park, state parks, hiking trails, skiing, and great food. Please see the local guide inside the cabin for local recommendations.brbrSAUNA/HOT TUB brGuests are able to sign up upon arrival (sign up sheet on sauna fence) for a two hour time slot to use our private Nordic wood fired sauna, goodland red cedar wood fired hot tub, and outdoor shower (shower and bath are only available in warmer months only approx May-October). Sauna and hot tub are year round. brbr*Please Note:brbrThe wood fired hot tub requires approximately 2 hours of time (with occasional stoking of the fire and stirring of the water) from starting the fire to bring it up to the recommended temperature (104 degrees). It's a meditative process and can be checked on as you go about your stay. In colder temps it can take longer to warm up. brbr*If you prefer to have the hot tub pre-heated upon arrival or during your stay, please inquire about this additional fee/ service. brbrA note about the sauna: brbrThe sauna is wonderful and I have towels and washcloths and water to create steam with essential oils and also highly recommend doing rounds of hot sauna and going outside to cool off, hot tub can also be used to cold plunge.. Make sure it’s going really well then fully load it, making sure the main stove door is shut and the bottom shutters are open fuller to allow oxygen to the fire, and it should heat up within 35-40 minutes. Ideal temps around 180. brbr*If you’d like to have the sauna warmed up for you, please inquire about this additional service.brbrNOTE: Prior to your stay we require you to sign and agree to our rental agreement. brbrNote: The cabin sits behind our farmhouse at a distance over looking the river valley. We will respect your privacy during your stay.brbrThe private sauna/hot tub/outdoor shower area is available to sign up and are included in your stay. NOTE: Outdoor shower is available May-October.brbrThere is an add on spa service option to have us light the sauna and or hot tub for you for an added fee. You will see this add on option when you book with us! brbrWe want your stay at The Writers cabin to feel comfortable, restorative, and truly five-star. As with many cabins surrounded by woods and nature, occasional seasonal bugs or wildlife activity can occur despite ongoing maintenance and preventative care. If anything needs attention during your stay, please let us know right away so we can address it promptly. brbrNote: We provide water from our sink for the cabin which is well water that has been tested and is safe. However, most guests bring drinking water and just use the sink water for cooking and doing dishes. brbrNote: This is an off the grid cabin and we encourage you to unplug here. No WiFi, but you can use data or a hotspot. We have a decent signal here. The cabin is solar powered with a cedar outhouse, pump sink. Fans are provided but no ac.brbrNote: There are no window coverings in the cabin, this is on purpose to let as much light in as possible. The windows face the river valley and the woods provide their own privacy! But please be mindful if this is something you won’t be comfortable with. brbrNote: Our farmhouse and land borders federal land and the river, and we are also off of a road that will generate some noise... more so when the tourist season picks up in the river valley. We ask that guests remain on the road to the river on the map and don’t trespass on our neighbors land to the east and to the north. brbrWe do have dogs and chickens at our farm.brbrFrequently Asked questions:brbrWhat’s the bathroom situation brThere is a cedar outhouse. brGuests can sign up for a time slot to use our wood fired Nordic sauna, wood fired hot tub, and outdoor shower that is available to use in the warmer months. Sign up sheet is on the sauna fence. brbrI highly recommend a dip in the river to rinse off! The water is clean and refreshing. Once you reach the river, follow the path that leads to the left to access the larger sand beach. The Saint Croix river is an extremely clean river. The current is safe at the beach but please don’t try to swim across the river. Swimming is at your own risk as the current can be unpredictable. Please wear life jackets if you are not a strong swimmer. brbr“Can I check in early ”brI do my best to accommodate early check ins, but if the cabin is booked back to back I may not be able to. brbr“Do you rent kayaks or canoes ”brWe don't rent, but there are some great places nearby that do! We highly recommend getting out on or in the river! brbr“Can you recommend places to visit or to eat ”brPlease check the local guide that is inside the cabin for places to eat, drink, shop and local attractions! I love giving local recommendations! Please ask me if there is something specific you want a recommendation on! brbr“Is there water in the cabin ”brYes, there is water in the pump sink for doing dishes. We ask that guests wash their own dishes and pots and pans etc. before checking out. Water can be heated on the propane stove in the tea kettle for hot dish washing water. brbr“Is there electricity ” brThe cabin is solar powered. Keep in mind the battery can only provide a certain amount of electricity. Keep this in mind when plugging in devices or leaving fans or lights on.brbr“Is there a campfire area ”brYes, we do have a campfire area (solo stove) and we supply wood for it. Keep in mind its not and all you can burn situation. Please burn only what you need. But we will refill wood for you if needed! brbr“Is there a fridge ”brNo fridge in the cabin, so we recommend just packing your food in a cooler. brbr“Is there river access ”brYes, there is a map to the river inside the cabin. It’s a half mile intermediate hike down with an incline on the way back up. There is a campground at the river called “eagles nest” that has picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms and a water source. The campground is maintained only in season. brThe Sand beach is off the left once you reach the river follow the path to the left and you’ll find it.brbrViolation charges are as follows:brGuests will be charged $500 for any smoke inside the property. brUnapproved pets bought to the property $300brUnapproved guests: $150 per person per nightbrParties will result in immediate eviction without a refund. brProperty left excessively dirty will result in an added cleaning fee of $250 to cover added cleaning costs.
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Sleep 2

Sleeps

No Image

$352.08

/ Nightly
Cabin

Unity Farm-The Roost/stargazer cabin/river access

Shafer, Minnesota, United States

Welcome to the Roost at Unity Farm. Stay under the stars in this luxuriously appointed space with in floor heat and be surrounded by woods and prairie. Ski or hike right out the door. Can be booked along with two other rentals at Unity Farm (The Coop and The Cottage) for a unique group, retreat or family reunion. Outdoor shower is available in the summer only. brPlease note the this listing has a half bath located across from the bedroom which requires going outside very briefly. Kitchenette.brbrThe Roost is isolated and we don’t have interaction with guests unless we happen to run into you or you need us!brbrTaylor’s Falls, Minnesota is a charming river town known for its stunning natural scenery along the St. Croix River. Visitors are drawn to the area for its dramatic rock formations, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails in Interstate State Park. The town offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, with local shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful river views. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the landscape, Taylor’s Falls is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway in nature.brbrFranconia sculpture park is right around the corner. Many wonderful coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, wineries, and breweries to explore. Local bike trails, hiking trails and cross country skiing.brbrGuests will park and there is a short walk along the prairie to the cottage. A cart or sled is provided for your belongings.brbrUnity farm is an extraordinary place, filled with wildlife, native flowers, and abundance of trees and forest, and private access to the St. Croix River. It is a place that offers peace and serenity, and surrounded by national forest property. There is a pond in the yard with occasional great blue herons, ducks and many turtles. On the property there are tennis courts, walking paths that lead through the woods and down to the river. There is a small sand beach on the river at the end of the trail. There is a tennis court, and even a baseball field and basketball hoop. brbrThe landscape is glorious any time of the year, whether it is cross country skiing around the big field in the winter or hiking to the river for a swim in the summer.brbrWe have restored 80 acres of land into natural prairie, which offers a variety of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer, and ends in the fall with tall blue stem grasses.brbrWe have three cottages that we offer for rent. One is called “ the cottage”, and it is a two/three bedroom farmhouse with two bathrooms and a small kitchenette. The downstairs has a small living room, with an adjoining bedroom with a queen size bed. The bathroom has a walk in shower. The upstairs floor has four twin beds, with a partial room divider between the rooms. The bathroom has a pink clawfoot tub. brbrFor cold nights in the winter, there is a wood stove downstairs, and for the rest of the year, there is a small front porch, and a few steps away is a large deck with a dining table and chairs.brbrThe other cottage is called “ the coop”, and this farmhouse has a full kitchen, a downstairs bathroom with a walk in shower, and a larger living room with a large TV if so desired. Upstairs there is a queen size bed. This cottage has an outdoor deck that overlooks the restored prairie. brbrThe third is the Roost, it is a luxurious one bedroom rental with 1/2 bath surrounded by the woods and prairie. brbrThe walking trails are marked clearly, whether you are on snowshoes or skis, or going for a walk through the woods or to the river. Please respect the private property signs and the DNR signs, there is rare flora and fauna in areas, and we want to preserve our natural resources. You will find the woods magical, you might want to pack a picnic lunch and sit on the bridge that goes over Lawrence Creek – there are two for you to choose from! brbrPlease be courteous of our neighbors and pay attention to the areas that are designated for your use. brbrWe are less than an hour outside of the cities, we invite you to come and experience this incredible environment! brbrEnjoy your stay, sign the guestbook if you please, and leave only footprints and memories.brbrNOTE: Prior to your stay we require you to sign and agree to our rental agreement. We require license plate information per our lodging classification with the county. brbrWifi can be spotty at times as this is a remote location. We encourage you to unplug during your stay.brbrLocal coffee and k cups provided along with tea. brHot plate is provided in the kitchenette along with basic cooking essentials, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and basic spices. brbrOutdoor shower is on approximately May-Early October! We shut it off when temps get too low. brbrThis is an off grid experience. There is WIFI but the signal can be weak at times. Please plan accordingly. br br1/2 Bath only with washcloths and towels provided to wash off. No Shower in the winter months. brbrKitchenette has:brFridge/freezer, toaster oven, kuerig coffee maker, French press, electric tea kettle, hot plate. brbrOutdoor fire pit area with grate for fire cooking off the deck! Please note: keep fires modest and small for safety. brbr*This is a short hike in stay. A cart is provided for guests to bring items to the Roost.brbrAveda shampoo, conditioner, and cream rinse provided for when the outdoor shower is available in the summer. brCoffee and tea provided. brMany sculptures are scattered throughout the property. brTennis courts and baseball diamond.brPottery studio available for by appointment shopping.brbrWe want your stay at Unity farm to feel comfortable, restorative, and truly five-star. As with many homes surrounded by woods and nature, occasional seasonal bugs or wildlife/critter activity can occur despite ongoing maintenance and preventative care. If anything needs attention during your stay, please let us know right away so we can address it promptly. brPlease be mindful of leaving doors open.brbrAny additional guests will be charged an added fee and must be approved by host.brbrViolation charges are as follows:brGuests will be charged $500 for any smoke inside the property. brUnapproved pets bought to the property $300brUnapproved guests: $150 per person per nightbrParties will result in immediate eviction without a refund. brProperty left excessively dirty will result in an added cleaning fee of $250 to cover added cleaning costs.
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Sleep 2

Sleeps

Slider Thumb

$312.75

/ Nightly
Cottage

Unity Farm -The Coop/tennis court/river access

Shafer, Minnesota, United States

Welcome to the Coop at Unity Farm. This is an extraordinary place filled with wildlife, restored prairie, surrounded by National forest, and private access to the Saint Croix River. There are abundant walking/skiing trails that wind through the woods. brThis delightful one bedroom one bathroom cottage with in floor heat offers wide open views of the prairie and surrounding national forest. brWe invite you to come and enjoy the magic of Unity Farm!brbrTaylor’s Falls, Minnesota is a charming river town known for its stunning natural scenery along the St. Croix River. Visitors are drawn to the area for its dramatic rock formations, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails in Interstate State Park. The town offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, with local shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful river views. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the landscape, Taylor’s Falls is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway in nature.brbrFranconia sculpture park is right around the corner. Many wonderful coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, wineries, and breweries to explore. Local bike trails, hiking trails and cross country skiing.brbrGuest will park directly in front of the cottagebrbrUnity farm is an extraordinary place, filled with wildlife, native flowers, and abundance of trees and forest, and private access to the St. Croix River. It is a place that offers peace and serenity, and surrounded by national forest property. There is a pond in the yard with occasional great blue herons, ducks and many turtles. On the property there are tennis courts, walking paths that lead through the woods and down to the river. There is a small sand beach on the river at the end of the trail. There is a tennis court, and even a baseball field and basketball hoop. brbrThe landscape is glorious any time of the year, whether it is cross country skiing around the big field in the winter or hiking to the river for a swim in the summer.brbrWe have restored 80 acres of land into natural prairie, which offers a variety of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer, and ends in the fall with tall blue stem grasses.brbrWe have three cottages that we offer for rent. One is called “ the cottage”, and it is a two/three bedroom farmhouse with two bathrooms and a small kitchenette. The downstairs has a small living room, with an adjoining bedroom with a queen size bed. The bathroom has a walk in shower. The upstairs floor has four twin beds, with a partial room divider between the rooms. The bathroom has a pink clawfoot tub. brbrFor cold nights in the winter, there is a wood stove downstairs, and for the rest of the year, there is a small front porch, and a few steps away is a large deck with a dining table and chairs.brbrThe other cottage is called “ the coop”, and this farmhouse has a full kitchen, a downstairs bathroom with a walk in shower, and a larger living room with a large TV if so desired. Upstairs there is a queen size bed. This cottage has an outdoor deck that overlooks the restored prairie. brbrThe third is the Roost, it is a luxurious one bedroom rental with 1/2 bath surrounded by the woods and prairie. brbrThe walking trails are marked clearly, whether you are on snowshoes or skis, or going for a walk through the woods or to the river. Please respect the private property signs and the DNR signs, there is rare flora and fauna in areas, and we want to preserve our natural resources. You will find the woods magical, you might want to pack a picnic lunch and sit on the bridge that goes over Lawrence Creek – there are two for you to choose from! brbrPlease be courteous of our neighbors and pay attention to the areas that are designated for your use. brbrWe are less than an hour outside of the cities, we invite you to come and experience this incredible environment!brbrNOTE: Prior to your stay we require you to sign and agree to our rental agreement. We require license plate information per our lodging classification with the county. brbrInternet and streaming can be spotty at times, as this is a rural property, brBasic cooking supplies, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, basic spices are provided. brLocal coffee and k cups provided along with tea. brIn floor radiant heat. brAveda shampoo, conditioner, and cream rinse provided.brMany sculptures are scattered throughout the property. brTennis courts and baseball diamond.brPottery studio available for by appointment shopping.brbrWe want your stay at Unity farm to feel comfortable, restorative, and truly five-star. As with many homes surrounded by woods and nature, occasional seasonal bugs or wildlife/critter activity can occur despite ongoing maintenance and preventative care. If anything needs attention during your stay, please let us know right away so we can address it promptly. brPlease be mindful of leaving doors open.brbrbrbrAny added guests over 2 will be charged an added guest fee, and must be approved by host. brbrViolation charges are as follows:brGuests will be charged $500 for any smoke inside the property. brUnapproved pets bought to the property $300brUnapproved guests: $150 per person per nightbrParties will result in immediate eviction without a refund. brProperty left excessively dirty will result in an added cleaning fee of $250 to cover added cleaning costs.
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Sleep 2

Sleeps

Slider Thumb

$347.81

/ Nightly
Cottage

Unity Farm-The Cottage/tennis court/river access

Shafer, Minnesota, United States

Welcome to the Cottage at Unity farm. This is an extraordinary place, filled with wildlife, restored prairie, surrounded by National forest, and private access to the Saint Croix River. There are abundant walking/ski trails that wind through the woods. brThis delightful 3 bedroom, two bathroom cottage with a wood stove warming you in the winter, or dining al fresco in the summers after a hike down to the river. Simple kitchenette with access to a full kitchen under the cottage via cellar.brbrTaylor’s Falls, Minnesota is a charming river town known for its stunning natural scenery along the St. Croix River. Visitors are drawn to the area for its dramatic rock formations, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails in Interstate State Park. The town offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, with local shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful river views. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the landscape, Taylor’s Falls is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway in nature.brbrFranconia sculpture park is right around the corner. Many wonderful coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, wineries, and breweries to explore. Local bike trails, hiking trails and cross country skiing.brbrPrivate access code provided for the gate at this property. Guests will access the cottage by a lockbox code at the door. Designated guest Parking at the Cottage.brbrUnity farm is an extraordinary place, filled with wildlife, native flowers, and abundance of trees and forest, and private access to the St. Croix River. It is a place that offers peace and serenity, and surrounded by national forest property. There is a pond in the yard with occasional great blue herons, ducks and many turtles. On the property there are tennis courts, walking paths that lead through the woods and down to the river. There is a small sand beach on the river at the end of the trail. There is a tennis court, and even a baseball field and basketball hoop. brbrThe landscape is glorious any time of the year, whether it is cross country skiing around the big field in the winter or hiking to the river for a swim in the summer.brbrWe have restored 80 acres of land into natural prairie, which offers a variety of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer, and ends in the fall with tall blue stem grasses.brbrWe have three cottages that we offer for rent. One is called “ the cottage”, and it is a two/three bedroom farmhouse with two bathrooms and a small kitchenette. The downstairs has a small living room, with an adjoining bedroom with a queen size bed. The bathroom has a walk in shower. The upstairs floor has four twin beds, with a partial room divider between the rooms. The bathroom has a pink clawfoot tub. brbrFor cold nights in the winter, there is a wood stove downstairs, and for the rest of the year, there is a small front porch, and a few steps away is a large deck with a dining table and chairs.brbrThe other cottage is called “ the coop”, and this farmhouse has a full kitchen, a downstairs bathroom with a walk in shower, and a larger living room with a large TV if so desired. Upstairs there is a queen size bed. This cottage has an outdoor deck that overlooks the restored prairie. brbrThe third is the Roost, it is a luxurious one bedroom rental with 1/2 bath surrounded by the woods and prairie. brbrThe walking trails are marked clearly, whether you are on snowshoes or skis, or going for a walk through the woods or to the river. Please respect the private property signs and the DNR signs, there is rare flora and fauna in areas, and we want to preserve our natural resources. You will find the woods magical, you might want to pack a picnic lunch and sit on the bridge that goes over Lawrence Creek – there are two for you to choose from! brbrPlease be courteous of our neighbors and pay attention to the areas that are designated for your use. brbrWe are less than an hour outside of the cities, we invite you to come and experience this incredible environment! brbrEnjoy your stay, sign the guestbook if you please, and leave only footprints and memories.brbrNOTE: Prior to your stay we require you to sign and agree to our rental agreement. We require license plate information per our lodging classification with the county. br brInternet and streaming can be spotty at times, as this is a rural property, brbrHot plate is provided in the kitchenette along with basic cooking essentials, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and basic spices. brLocal coffee and k cups provided along with tea. brFull kitchen available in basement if needed. Access the full kitchen via the cellar doors on the side of the cottage! brPlease feel free to make use of the patio table and chairs located on the deck of the building directly adjacent to the cottage. brKitchenette in the cottage. brAveda shampoo, conditioner, and cream rinse provided.brFirewood is provided for the wood stove. brMany sculptures are scattered throughout the property. brTennis courts and baseball diamond.brPottery studio available for by appointment shopping.brbrWe want your stay at Unity farm to feel comfortable, restorative, and truly five-star. As with many homes surrounded by woods and nature, occasional seasonal bugs or wildlife/critter activity can occur despite ongoing maintenance and preventative care. If anything needs attention during your stay, please let us know right away so we can address it promptly. brPlease be mindful of leaving doors open.brbrAny added guests over 6 will be charged an added guest fee, and must be approved by host. brbrViolation charges are as follows:brGuests will be charged $500 for any smoke inside the property. brUnapproved pets bought to the property $300brUnapproved guests: $150 per person per nightbrParties will result in immediate eviction without a refund. brProperty left excessively dirty will result in an added cleaning fee of $250 to cover added cleaning costs.
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Sleep 6

Sleeps