Sometimes you just need some time away with your girlfriends. When the urge to reconnect and recharge arises, there is no better place than Ivy Cottage.
Nestled in nearby Hocking Hills, Ivy Cottage is one of the unique properties built and owned by Dianna Shurz and her husband. Recently retired from 35 years in the direct selling industry, Shurz is not one to sit idle. She and her husband had run Creative Cabinets, a cabinetry business focusing on high-end residential and museum projects, for 20 years.
When the pair decided to expand their custom cabinetry business to include cabins for rent under the name Creative Cabins, they went looking for a location that would provide the serenity of a secluded getaway near the many activities and amenities of the surrounding area. Hocking Hills seemed the perfect environment for visitors hoping to escape with friends or family, to relax and reconnect. “I grew up in Hocking Hills,” Shurz said, adding that the beauty of the area made it her first choice for a site.
When Shurz set foot on the plot that would eventually be home to Ivy Cottage, she knew right away that it would be perfect. “I felt very comfortable,” she said. She and her husband then set about designing and building the cottage, which they named for one of their grandchildren. (Another smaller cabin, The Lily Pad, is likewise named for a cherished grandchild.)
Ivy Cottage is a “barndominium,” with sliding barn doors opening to reveal a space with white shiplap walls and a great room with a gas fireplace. The cottage sleeps eight, with two queen-size beds and a room with bunk beds, which have been well received by both adults and children. A full kitchen allows for as much meal prep as visitors desire. The hallway was designed to be wide enough to accommodate a folding massage table, so visitors can take advantage of traveling massage services available in the area. Additionally, the cottage is equipped with Wi-Fi, and the great room and bedrooms have televisions.
Of course, visitors to Ivy Cottage won’t want to spend all of their time inside. The resort-like cottage features front porch rocking chairs, seating on the back deck for eight, a covered dining area, a hot tub, a gas grill and a fire pit. Shurz even makes sure the property is equipped with firewood.
Shurz finds the little amenities to be of great importance in creating an ambiance of relaxation and space to reconnect. This is why she is sure to stock the spa-like bathroom with the best towels and makeup cloths. The cottage includes games for groups to play, and the kitchen is stocked with Starbucks coffee.
Ivy Cottage is situated near some of the most popular sites and activities in Hocking Hills. It is near Old Man’s Cave, an area known for its expansive hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls. Hocking Hills State Park also offers ziplining and canoeing for groups that are feeling adventurous.
The area is replete with popular restaurants; and The Hocking Hills Winery is the perfect location for friends on a getaway to enjoy appetizers and live music, as well as bringing home a bottle or two to share around a fire.
Hocking Hills is located within an hour’s drive of several day trip options, like Historic Lancaster, Wayne National Forest and the Bob Evans Farm.
Shurz notes that Ivy Cottage was designed for groups such as girlfriends who want to find a place to get away and enjoy a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of space and opportunity to talk, laugh and reconnect. “I want people to relax and kick back,” she said. Get a video tour at www.creative-cabins.com.
01
Plenty of Gathering Spaces
both inside and out, to accommodate eight BFFs who are ready to get away together.
02
The Hocking Hills area
is home to a variety of restaurants and other attractions. Ivy Cottage is perfectly situated as the base for day trips.
03
A Truly Unique Home
designed and built by owner Diana Shurz and her husband. You won’t find anything just like it anywhere else!
04
An Outdoor Fire Pit and Hot Tub
are the perfect places to open a bottle or two of wine from a local winery and spend some time enjoying the scenery and the company of friends.
05
‘Glamping’ At Its Finest
The bathroom includes a spa shower and is stocked with spa-like supplies. Traveling massage services will come right to the cottage.
