Water Forest Retreat - Tree House Octagon & Hiker's Haven - Norwich, Connecticut

Richard Goyette

Headed to the Water Forest Retreat I was a little sceptical. We had always seen Norwich as a run down city. Then we are on a suburban street as it says we are getting closer. Are we going to be in someone's backyard? The road ends with a driveway, "that must be the place!". As we drive down you start to realize the other houses are not close. When you park in the parking spot it definitely starts to feel like a place to rejuvenate. We just need to make it past the next hurdle, introducing ourselves, which for an introvert is never fun, but Nancy made us feel welcome and at home as soon as we talked to her. She showed us the octagon, walking us through all the details including making sure the outhouse is warm in the middle of a winter night!! The details put into the octagon are amazing. It really comes from a place of love. The rock windchimes on the door to the hot apple cider for the keurig. The 360 degree view is amazing. The "chandelier " made from driftwood, sea shells and lights as well as the flowers and peacock feathers all around the ceiling give you a sense of nature. The unique attention to detail shines through, figuratively and literally, in the glass pieces on the moon shaped window of the outhouse. During the unpacking of the car I was able to meet our second exceptional host Bert. A kind man willing to help and make your stay as pleasant as possible. Then our adventures began. We did the outside trails. Stopping at the pond and sitting in a couple of the dozen or more chairs and benches scattered all over the property. We enjoyed the peaceful quite of the pond really helping us to get into the unplugged feel of nature. After relaxing for a while we explored the trails more, coming to the 1700's bridge. This rock bridge is fun to think about how a horse drawn carriage or a lone horseman would have used it at the beginning of the United States while I stand on it now with my winter gear and trekking poles hundreds of years later. After a couple more stops we ended up at the waterfall. Again we sat and enjoyed the beauty and peace of nature but with the sun starting to set we had to get back to the octagon. The next day was a cup of coffee and a muffin at the sitting area by the river before we were off to spend more time exploring the trails. Again the attention to detail here transports you into a magical world. The trails are lined with tree limbs and cleaned of leaves so nature has carpeted them with moss making it a green moss road. Giving you the feel of a mini golf course but fully natural!! The hand made map is a great way to see what the property has in store for you but if you are not a map person each intersection has beautifully made signs telling where you are or where you are going. The harder places to walk have stone steps put in place to help you climb a hill or get through the marsh. As a kid I always wondered how people came up with the stories of fairies and gnomes but seeing these trails I can see how they did. I keep waiting for one to pop up and tell me I'm sitting on their home or blocking their view. Just taking the time to sit and watch you can find the magic. Once at the waterfall I spent a half hour just watching frozen foam spinning in the eddies of the waterfall.  After our morning hiking and enjoying nature we went over to Summit Rock to enjoy our lunch with a view of the forest. As night fell we headed back to start our fire and cook up some potatoes, sausage, and peppers on the fire, Yum!!! Then we enjoyed the fire with some music and dancing before it became too cold for us again. On the last morning we woke up sad that it was time to leave already and started making plans for our next visit. The experience that was created for us comes from a great sense of love and passion from two great hosts!

Meghan Voloshin

My Husband and I spent the night there and it was Wonderful we absolutely loved this beautiful little getaway the Hosts were very helpful and delightful we had our privacy I highly recommend this place . We can wait to go back

Kavya Katugam-Dechene

A beautiful cabin in the woods experience! My husband and I stayed there after our wedding ceremony, and it was the perfect peaceful escape for us to relax and unwind after a weekend of festivities! Doug stayed up late to welcome us and show us around, and was up in the morning to see us off before we departed for our honeymoon. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Jon Mcgrath

Me and my wife had a wonderful quiet weekend here. Very comfortable with enough amenities to feel like a cabin in the woods but not totally roughing it. I would definitely go back

Jeff Lanteigne

Wonderfully peaceful. An awesome little hidden gem in the woods of Norwich. Think glamping with upgraded amenities. We were allowed to bring a dog that I was taking care of for the weekend. She loved it, so I was grateful for that! A little pricey, but you get what you pay for. The only downside was my fault - I forgot my sandals. Youll need them with the pebble covered walkways and climb up and down to the location.

Colleen Kublin

This place is amazing!! Deserves 1,000 stars. Quiet and beautiful and super nice people. Definitely going back.

Minaxy Flores

Having stayed at the tree house was a unique and peaceful experience. The cabin was beautifully decorated, an incredible view among the trees, the lovely birds were our companions for 4 nights and 5 days. Nancy and Roberto are incredibly friendly, they are super humble and charming, the cabin was covered with everything we needed and when we asked for wood Roberto brought it immediately.. We definitely return for the month of October to fill ourselves with that peace and that love that the place has and our dear new friends Nancy and Roberto. Thank you again for the lovely welcome and farewell you gave us!!!❤️

Montessa Wynn

Magical only “slightly” describes this little piece of heaven! From the sounds of the water, all of the seating areas throughout the property, the adorable Octogan cabin with its stunning views from every window, this place was amazing! Bert met us in the driveway, greeted us by name and embraced us each with a big hug, making us feel like friends and truly welcomed into such an amazing and almost sacred feeling space. He gave us a tour of our cabin, him & Nancy did not miss a thing when crafting such a serene space, inside and out. Hubby & I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere so much and will definitely be back again. Thank you Bert & Nancy for creating such a beautiful space from your heart, and also for sharing that beauty with us.

With much gratitude,

Michael & Montessa