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A Promise to Gaia/Garden Of One

100%
·
· Rensselaerville, New York
107 acres
3 sites
3 Lodging
Our focus and purpose on this land is to provide stewardship and sanctuary for the Natural world to maintain it’s own balance with minimal interference from humans. To remain wild and free. We are a plant, wildlife and butterfly sanctuary. We rent the lodgings (Chalet, Cabin & Glampsite) to support and fund the maintenance and expansion of native and pollinating species of plants, expanding the area that we steward, providing habitat and refuge for animals, insects, birds and more. We wish to share our sacred land with people that love and respect the Earth, who wish to contribute to a conservation project through their own presence and mindfulness. Once a RV camping park called "Thunder Hill Campground" in the late 1960's early 1970's, the land sat mostly unused for 15 years before Rachel came to steward it 20 years ago. We are 107 acres of forest, a 9 acre lake, ponds, creeks, labyrinth, a Holistic Retreat Center & Organic Permaculture Farm at a 2000 foot elevation in the Heldeberg Mountains. 500 million years ago during the Devonian Period this was a sea, so we live in shale based mountains with lots of fossils! The Heldebergs are one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth, these mountains have been worn down to 2000 feet over time. Native Americans lived in the area many years ago and we are quite sure this was Native American sacred ceremony land. Hiking, canoeing, swimming and fishing (catch & release only) are available on site. There are many places to hike in the area, an Eagle Trail and in winter, 2 miles away, is a Nature Preserve that rents snowshoes and has trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, Very rural and private, even though we are only 25 miles SW of Albany, NY the capital of NYS, here it is quiet and peaceful. We do have 3 very friendly dogs that will want to be your best friends. Also farm animals that you can meet. There will be farm noises, roosters greeting the morning and various grunts and snorts... far less noise than any modern city. Albany, along with the surrounding areas, have many events etc going on. There's hiking, biking, nature parks, horse racing, concerts, festivals and events and so much more. Links and information can be provided to campers that stay with us that are looking for entertainment & excursions. We are near Albany, Berne, Catskill, Cairo, Cobleskill, East Durham, Greenville, Hunter, Knox, Medusa, Oak Hill, Middleburgh, Schoharie, Westerlo, Windham.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
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Location
Rensselaerville, New York, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Rachel G.Joined in December 2015
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 6 hours
100%
46 ratings · 70 reviews
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Anne S.recommends
August 28, 2022
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
A lovely retreat
The Quaint Lakeside Cabin was perfect for my two kids and I. We had a wonderful time exploring the area (caverns, Zoom Flume, hiking), getting back to nature with nightly campfires, and slept well in the peace of the forest. Rachel and Brian were excellent hosts.
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Erin M.recommends
August 2, 2022
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
Our family loved camping on Rachel’s serene property. The cabin was calm and cozy and the views of the lake were a beautiful way to start and end the day. The directions were clear and our hosts were great communicators and always there to provide fresh water and tell us about the area. We highly recommend their beautiful property.
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Alex M.recommends
June 20, 2022
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
This place is MUCH bigger than US
We stayed here three magestic nights… there is so much to see and do, or to choose to do absolutely nothing and just stare in any and all directions in order to ground oneself or offer gratitude to the thing that brought you here in the first place. Rachel and Brian and their sweet animal farm of happy-go-lucky creatures are the most welcoming piece of all. I highly recommend this spot for the mission behind what they are doing and in order to support them in honoring the land (if you don’t know what they’re doing please ask so you can further the endeavor even after you’ve gone), but also because of the care and effort they put into the many different travelers to provide a perfect stay. We couldn’t have been better cared for here, all of the amenities were thought of, and we never once felt like we were occupying someone else’s property. The campsite is so private and has its own little pond to admire and swim in. I can’t say enough about it and I hope more people can go and appreciate all that is there to learn and grow from. Thank you Rachel Brian and farm family!
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Melissa K.recommends
August 31, 2021
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
Beautiful Location
Sacred Hallow is a beautiful isolated location. Rachel was super helpful and quick with all her responses and her husband Brian met us when we arrived and checked in each day to ensure we had everything we needed. All in all a wonderful experience in a peaceful and relaxing location
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Lori K.recommends
July 18, 2021
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
Lovely lakeside rustic cabin
We had a lovely stay at the cabin! Brian and Rachel were wonderful hosts. They were very responsive to our needs and yet gave us plenty of privacy. The cabin is beautiful and just as described. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely consider coming back again.
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Isabel S.recommends
June 28, 2021
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
I had the absolute best stay with Rachel and Brian! Not only is the property beautiful, the cabin comfortable and cozy, but they are truly the best hosts I've ever had. My car was kind of on its last legs when I arrived and Brian went above and beyond to get it working again, was super informative and helpful. I highly recommend staying here!
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Elise S.recommends
June 18, 2021
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Brian and Rachel are wonderful hosts! We had a great time in their lakeside yurt. The property is beautiful and the spot feels secluded. Being able to canoe on the lake was a huge plus! Rachel gave great recommendations to nearby hiking and Brian gave us a wonderful tour of the yurt and amenities. They had everything we needed in the kitchen area! The tree cover and altitude do make the yurt nice and cool---which is a huge bonus in the summer months. But plan accordingly and bring a jacket or sweater.
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Donnaleah J.recommends
June 12, 2021
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Truly enchanted!
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Bryen P.recommends
June 1, 2021
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Must stay in yurt next to lake
Rachel & Brian were amazing hosts and the property was just as lovely. We went on a cold memorial day weekend, but they were quick to offer more blankets and anything to make us more comfortable, even fresh bread :) We also appreciated the dry composting toilet with toilet paper provided and camping soap for the outdoor shower. Will certainly return and go kayaking on the gorgeous lake
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Meg F.recommends
May 24, 2021
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
Garden of One Feels Like Home
You would be doing yourself a great disservice if you read this review and don't immediately book a trip to Garden of One's property. The spot is absolutely stunning, the sites were immaculately cared for, and Rachel and Brian are simply heaven sent! It was so difficult to pack up and come back to day to day life, it felt like leaving home & long time friends. No words fully express our gratitude for this much needed time away to heal and recoup!
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Alicia P.recommends
April 13, 2021
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
Peaceful, beautiful getaway
Beautiful property + gracious and accommodating hosts = wonderful family getaway! I brought 3 kids (11, 10, 5) for a Mom-cation and we all were delighted with our stay. The kids learned to steer a canoe on the gentle, hazard-free lake; we saw a bald eagle and a beaver right on the property; and we had a lot of blessed downtime playing games from the very well-stocked game cabinet. Our family time was helped tremendously by the lack of internet connectivity - a plus in my book for a few days. We do camp regularly so are not fazed by things like outdoor showers or composting toilets or tub-washing dishes without running water. This was part of the fun for us! But, be aware that things like cooking and dishes do take more effort than at a different kind of vacation rental. The kitchen has a smaller selection of wonderful cookware however, including 2 sizes of crock pots, a toaster oven, and an electric 2-burner stove. Pots and kitchen utensils are appropriately sized for 2-4, so if you do come with 5 you may need to find some more forks and/or bring a bigger pot (e.g., for a large pot of pasta). We didn't leave the property much, but did venture out for one day to see a cave with a 100-foot underground waterfall and an Iroquois museum. The upper Catskills are lovely and on another trip I'm sure we would have enjoyed the nearby hikes. This time we just needed to relax and unwind, and this was a wonderful place to do that.
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Chris S.recommends
November 6, 2020
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
Exactly what I needed
It was fantastic! Brian and Rachel took great care of my pup and I. Brian and Rachel were mindful of social distancing. Everything in the cabin was thoroughly explained. I was impressed with how clean the cabin was. The rocket heater was really cool and efficient and a lot cleaner and easier than a regular fireplace but loads more charm than electric heating. Hiking in Huyke was gorgeous. Amazing views everywhere.
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Sean K.recommends
October 25, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
mystical
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Sean J.recommends
October 20, 2020
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
We loved our stay in the cabin. It was very cozy and the property is beautiful. Brian and Rachel are friendly and respectful. Would highly recommend!
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Stephanie R.recommends
October 5, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Magical little spot nestled in the woods upstate. The lake is beautiful, the site is well-equipped, and the silence is pristine. Brian and Rachel were excellent hosts to boot!
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Valerie D.recommends
September 29, 2020
Moonlit Chalet & Nature Sanctuary
Beautiful Chalet in Nature
It was a pleasant surprise since I read the wrong description. This was definitely more chalet than cabin. Many comforts and definitely more luxurious than a cabin stay. Beautiful home in nature with working kitchen and bathroom. A lot of attention to detail was put into this home and was much appreciated by me being an event planner and designer. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend and do it again.
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Cheryl D.recommends
September 23, 2020
Moonlit Chalet & Nature Sanctuary
Beautiful chalet in nature
The moonlit chalet was beautifully designed and decorated. So many little details made the place a perfect getaway for nature seekers looking for extra comforts. We loved everything about it! The hosts Rachel and Brian were also very attentive and accommodating!
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Cheryl D.recommends
September 20, 2020
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
Amazing camping experience
Garden of One was a great place for camping with our family. My husband and I were used to camping before we had our 2 boys and the Sacred Hollow glampsite was set up so nicely that camping with 2 little boys was made easy. Everything you could think of and more was available including fun lawn games that we enjoyed. There was plenty of room for the boys to run around. The property was so beautiful and situated around a serene lake you could canoe on. We loved that there were other accommodation options including a yurt, lakeside cabin, and the moonlit chalet. My sister, mom and brother-in-law stayed at the chalet which was perfect for enjoying nature with extra comforts. Some of our favorites things were sitting by the bonfire, visiting the faery glenn, canoeing to visit the chalet from our campsite, and awe-inspiring stargazing at night. Finally, Rachel & Brian were so pleasant and helpful. The space they have created is perfect for all looking to unwind, reflect, and enjoy time in nature.
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Jennie K.recommends
September 15, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
This was a beautiful experience, in the woods, alone, yet protected and close to the hosts and other guests but far enough to feel alone and have space. Taking the canoe out in the mornings on the slight fog covered lake was magical. Rachel's wisdom was healing. The flowers were amazing. Things to note before coming here is to bring layers/sweatshirts, and know the bean bag beds may take a day or so to get used to. It is a working farm so it felt like a vacation for me and the hosts are also doing many other tasks that require coordination so updating them about time of arrival is helpful. And I had nearly no cell phone service there- which was amazing, but good to note ahead of time. The yurt was wonderful! I'd definitely recommend this place to all. Definitely feels like glamping! In the beauty and the serenity of the woods, but you can stand up and even do yoga in the yurt. Thank you!
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Ariel S.recommends
September 7, 2020
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
We loved our stay at the Sacred Hollow campsite. It was beautiful, private, and we even had a pond onsite. We took advantage of the canoe on the lake, which was relaxing on a warm day. We also were very impressed with the kitchen and it’s amenities. We will hopefully be back!
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Rebecca P.recommends
September 7, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Thank you to the hosts! We had an awesome trip. I definitely recommend hiking the reserve that is 2 miles away, there is a huge waterfall! We also loved stargazing on the hammock, paddling around on the canoe, and roasting marshmallows. If you like nature and tranquility you will like it here.
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Narmin S.recommends
September 5, 2020
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
A perfect Anniversary
Fantastic. You will not be disappointed. The location is isolated, the lakes are so pretty and have beaver dams, and the amenities and service were impeccable. Rachel and Bryan are very kind and quickly responded to all requests and questions. We want to come back!
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Ella G.recommends
September 1, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Sublime, magical
Our time spent at the yurt was a truly magical experience. The surrounding landscape teems with wildlife. It was nothing short of pristine. Rachel and Brian are exceptional hosts. The amount of time and care they invest in maintaining this property and assisting guests is self-evident at the moment of arrival. I would highly recommend this location to all friends and family who enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
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Christopher B.recommends
August 31, 2020
Sacred Hollow Glampsite
A+++++
This was a really great experience! My wife and I recommend it to all!
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Csilla S.recommends
August 23, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Our stay at the yurt was very refreshing and unique. Enjoyed the whole experience
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Michelle U.
August 15, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
We enjoyed our trip! The property was beautiful and Rachel and Brian were really nice. However, we were unaware that there were other rentals with guests on the property, sharing what is described as a “private lake.” Also, the bean bag beds were a fun novelty, but may not be for everyone. Overall we had a nice trip to this scenic yurt!
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Walter M.recommends
August 12, 2020
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
Delightful rustic cabin
This beautiful place requires a little adjustment. Not exactly camping and not exactly a modern cabin but a bit of both. Wooden enough to hide any neighbors, with enough electric to charge your devices and do a little cooking but no running water (there is plenty of water provided regularly) the contrast to modern life was welcomed for us. We loved our stay.
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Laurie J.recommends
August 11, 2020
Quaint Lakeside Nature Cabin
We loved the rustic little cottage.
Rachel and Brian have created such a wonderfully special place--and they are equally as wonderful. We loved the rustic little cottage.
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Morgan I.recommends
July 17, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
Rachel and Brian were wonderful hosts providing their guests with whimsy and wonder. I would recommend 'Garden of One' to anyone with two eyes and a heart.
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Irina V.recommends
June 28, 2020
Lakeside Rustic Yurt
A Hidden Gem
Rachel and Ryan were wonderful, caring hosts, who made us feel at home. Even though we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, it was of a great confort to know they were nearby and were ever so kind. The yurt was just a perfect size for the two of us and the dog. The room was neat and had a beautiful flower arrangment greeting us. The site had everyithing we could possibly need from the flashlight to kitchen towels. The attention to detail was obvious and made us feel so well cared for. The lake was our absolutely favorite part! We took full advantage of the swimming in rain or shine and took the canoe out a couple of times. My daughter especially enjoyed the Fairy Graden and we searched for hidden houses and gems together. The place is every kid's delight! We already look forward to being back!
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