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| - So, it was a spur of the moment decision. I haven't been out of the city in almost four years and my boyfriend... try being landlocked for the last two decades. I got a wild hair last Friday and decided we were going out of town at least for a night. I'd take him kicking and screaming if I had to. (Which I knew wouldn't happen, he's so mild.) I really wanted something special, rustic, vintage, shabby chic, natural, with just a dash of hokey charm. (I was born on a ranch, western-ish stuff makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside!)
Now I'd driven by the SLR a couple of months ago and said "Some day I'll stay there.." Little did I know that some day would be Saturday night! It. Was. Amazing. I've always loved that section of Saguaro Lake with the buttes in the background and the windy road to get there.
I picked up the phone Saturday morning, half expecting to hear "We're booked." But after a short round of phone tag, John called me back and said they had a room available. In fact the entire ranch was vacant for the night, as he put it "Maybe that's how you two want it?"
Without further adieu we were off and running! The lodge was empty, save for a pair of gentlemen playing bocce ball on the lawn. The Gift Shop where the front desk was made me giggle with it's collection of dusty curios. And it's funny, one might expect a vacant ranch to be a little spooky, but while Sean A'lee gave us the grand tour it just felt like home. The lawn was manicured, even the natural landscape didn't seem overgrown or without tending. I smiled the most at the hanging baskets of petunias and geraniums outside the cabins.
The staff was very friendly, our cabin was clean and tidy, even the bed was very comfortable! And while there was no phone or television, the cabin came equipped with a new AC/Heater unit. Even the fixtures in the bathroom were up to par!
One of my favorite things was breakfast the next morning. The chef was so nice!! And the meal he prepared for us.... I felt like we were guests in his home.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. Would I suggest it to a friend? You better believe it!
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