TX Hickory Hideout: Spiritual Retrt/Country Resort - Quitman

Read DETAILED DESCRIPTION under “YOUR PROPERTY” w/HOUSE RULES + ANSWER Pre-Book QUESTIONS BEFORE Booking!

Cabin located at RAPHA’S REST Spiritual Retreat & Cntry MicroResort ... a PLACE OF PRESENCE. 42 wooded acres w/trails to hike & explore. Our most private cabin & only one w/a King.

** MULTI-NIGHT, MILITARY & MINISTRY DISCOUNTS **

Play w/goats, read a book, relax in the hot tub, or roast marshmallows ... PERFECT rest-stop on your continued journey for healing REST & RESTORATION!

The space
WELCOME TO RAPHA’s REST RETREAT!!

** Read entire LISTING DESCRIPTION + HOUSE RULES BEFORE Booking! **
[Ie. NO PETS, NO ALCOHOL or TOBACCO incl. Vaping for liability reasons.]

Before describing this DESTINATION RETREAT, please note we are only set up for very specific sojourners & may not be the best place for you ... send QUESTIONS @ HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING.

REQUESTS & INSTANT BOOKING: If Pre-Book QUESTIONS REQUIRED TO BOOK have not been answered, you will have until the noon or the end of the day (whichever is sooner) to provide information, OR we will DECLINE or CANCEL your RESERVATION. NOTE: Due to multiple issues this past year, we NO LONGER accept LAST MINUTE Guests, 1st AIRBNB STAY Guests, or Guests with NO PRIOR REVIEWS, except in rare instances.

** DISCOUNTS for MULTI-NIGHT GUESTS, MILITARY, & MINISTRY LEADERS (w/documentation) **

3rd PARTY BOOKINGS: If you wish to “scholarship” a weekend as a gift (ie. pastor appreciation), we can usually accommodate! However, if you wish to book for different party (ie. business trip), we are not the place. We take guest safety VERY seriously. For that reason we DO NOT accept 3rd Party bookings without prior authorization. ALL of our other guests deserve to trust that each guest has been properly vetted.

ENGLISH: Guests must be able to speak ENGLISH for the SAFETY of all. We are an interactive property & best experienced with all amenities & boundaries clearly understood.

IF THESE PARAMETERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE, PLEASE READ ON...

TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT CABIN is located at RAPHA’S REST Spiritual Retreat & Country MicroResort ... a PLACE OF PRESENCE ... surrounded by 42 wooded acres w/trails to hike, explore & spend time w/Papa-God. This CABIN is at its optimum $VALUE & COMFORT for REST & RESTORATION when enjoyed 2+ nights - HOWEVER, we did recently make it available for 1-night stays.

The Retreat at RAPHA’s REST offers 5 Cozy Cabins & 3 Private Rooms remotely located on 42 acres in the piney woods of E TX, only 1-2 hours from Louisiana, Tyler, and DFW. Great for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION, or for small family reunions or ministry groups! Play w/the goats, read a book, roast marshmallows, or enjoy seasonal show of bats dancing at sunset ... PERFECT REST-STOP on your continued journey!

TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT is nestled inside a Hickory grove within an East Texas Loblolly Pine Forest. Though private and set apart, it is only a short walk to all property amenities such as library, pool, hot tub and (future) pond.

Due to its seclusion & being our only cabin featuring a KING SIZE BED with BATHTUB & SHOWER, TEXAS HICKORY ‘Honeymoon’ HIDEOUT is set up ideally as a COUPLE getaway. There is a Queen foldout couch in 2nd Room with memory foam mattress, however, for 2 additional children or guests. Small but very comfortable. Also room for an infant Portacrib. [We ask that you NOT sleep on the couch due to unnecessary wear.] When couch is used as a bed, you will lose living space, but there is still a table & chairs to sit in, or watch a family movie from the comfort of the “bed”.

TEXAS HICKORY ‘Honeymoon’ HIDEOUT is 1 of 2 cabins that comes with a complete kitchen fully stocked with full-size appliances including a stove, refrigerator, and microwave in addition to its outdoor grill. Kitchen also includes a waffle iron, hand mixer and multiple other tools by request. This is one of our only cabins where the sleeping is in a separate bedroom from living/dining area. Both covered outdoor seating & an open deck for your early morning coffee!

We recommend this cabin for ANNIVERSARY / HONEYMOON COUPLES. STILL NOT SURE?? Check out all of our cabin designs, or ask for our recommendation! … [Removed]

PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES.
$15/stay for each additional vehicle. [DETAILS @ possible BOAT PARKING BELOW] … *CONFIRM BEFORE BOOKING*

FIRE-PIT: You will also find a private firepit to enjoy late nights reminiscing or roasted marshmallows [SMORES PKG @ $10]

FIRE-PIT SAFETY: At present, wood is provided. If you need more wood, please request. Do not use wood larger than circumference of fire-put. Please do not use project lumber around property. NOTE: Fire-pits may NOT be a used when Wood County FIRE BAN is in affect, or when Hosts determine winds/weather make a fire dangerous. DO NOT LEAVE FIRE-PIT UNATTENDED (controlled smoldering coals are fine) … common sense!

PROPERTY: In addition to your own private deck, relax on large Retreat Pool Deck - perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins. Multiple yard games including corn-hole, frisbee golf (1 basket), horseshoes, badminton, etc! Summer evenings can bring a bat show over the newly dug (future) pond.

** MINORS: We encourage exploring, playing with goats, etc, but there are many potential dangers. So … ALL MINORS under 18 must have an adult ONSITE. ALL CHILDREN under 13 must be accompanied around the 42-acre property by an adult or older sibling … for SAFETY of ALL.

HIKING: 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, & explore — bring good shoes, especially when muddy. ALL CHILDREN under 13 must be accompanied around property by an adult or older sibling.

[ NOTE: You will notice multiple unfinished projects around the property! We're a work-in-progress, but it shouldn't keep you from having a good time!!]

WORK-OUT ROOM: **ADULTS ONLY!** Complete with weights, a TreadClimber, and MASSAGE CHAIR!! BLUETOOTH your favorite relaxing tunes to the Chair. Just another layer of “Rest” for guests here at Rapha’s Rest!!

BOOKSTORE/ MOVIES:
We just opened our BOOKNOOK & VINTAGE COUNTRY STORE … books, gifts, snacks & farm-fresh eggs!! We want guests to be as free as possible from distractions, so we do not have cable in the cabins/rooms. However, we have a full LIBRARY of DVDs/ BOOKS to enjoy on rainy & hot days!

PRAYER CHAPEL: So excited to have our “CHAPEL IN THE WOODS” finally open - it’s been a labor of love!! Another quiet space to spend with Papa-God.

POOL: Open 8am-10pm so BRING SWIM SUITS!! Kids love it but it was designed around ADULTS: Waterfall, Hot Tub, Tanning ledge, etc. BEACH TOWELS provided in each Cabin, but you may wish to bring a robe/flip flops for walking back & forth.

** KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our RETREAT design is ADULT-ORIENTED, so pool was created with ADULT RELAXATION in mind — not a sports pool. Kids do enjoy it, however. Please keep CHILDREN RESPECTFUL of NOISE LEVEL & other guests’ PERSONAL SPACE. An adult must be within eye-site. This is for SAFETY OF ALL.

** SWIM AT OWN RISK **

NOTE: NO MUSIC PLEASE (even in your phone) as guests have different tastes. If you would like to add MUSIC at the pool, please ASK HOSTS to turn on SPEAKER for RAPHA’S REST RADIO (choose from 3 Mixes Rapha’s Rest Mix). THANK YOU!!

YEAR-ROUND HOT TUB:
(Attach’d to Pool) **IMPORTANT** DUE TO RISING COST OF PROPANE, use 1x FREE/Booking. Each additional use = $15 DONATION. [Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, each use $15]. We ask that once you request heat on, you ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES of being ready - after that we have to cut it off. (Delays happen, but you may not be fond of cold showers if propane is depleted!) NOTE: NO JUMPING from Hot tub to pool!

LATTES/ FRAPPES: Upon request with small DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned a Coffeehouse]

FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST: Upon request with DONATION (Couple $35; Family $15ea /$8 under 8) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. REQUEST @ BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs or egg casserole, bacon, biscuits/gravy, our own coffee roast, juice, fruit, pancakes or sweet rolls/muffins, etc ... served inside Main House or outside, weather pending.

NOTE: If you require a specific diet, this may not be the best option for you … many amazing Breakfast Eateries listed in our GUIDEBOOK!

** When avail, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5) or a S'more's Pkg ($10) for the firepit can be purchased.

CHECK-IN/OUT: Important INSTRUCTIONS upon ARRIVAL … This may NOT work for you … SO PLEASE READ:

— CHECK-IN: 3-7:00pm [FIRM]
** Plan +30min for traffic/detours!
— CHECK-OUT: 1pm [FIRM]
** INSTRUCTIONS sent to cell#

** EARLY/ LATE CHK-IN/ OUT: $25 Donation WHEN OWNERS AVAIL ($40/both). ASK @ BOOKING.

INTERNET: We encourage guests to get the full benefit of RAPHA’s REST by detaching from all devices. However, the POOL DECK does have internet available when needed - slow, but fine for a quick email check. We ask that you NOT upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA. THANK YOU!!

ANIMALS: Our property cannot accommodate PETS or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. [Certified Service Dogs permitted with DOCUMENTATION]. However, we have a virtual zoo ... 2 VERY LARGE lovable dogs, 2 cats, small goats, multitude chickens/turkeys/quail, and 1 potbelly pig!

BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork/ Lake Quitman! We cannot guarantee BOAT PARKING, but we make every effort, depending on what all of our other guests’ needs are. If Overnight Battery CHARGING needed, there is a DONATION of $10/night required. BRING an extra long EXTENSION CORD. All Fish cleaned outside with remains sealed & placed in trash (not tossed on property).

NOTE: We have only ONE CABIN that can handle 2 BOATS [Inquire BEFORE BOOKING].

UNREGISTERED VISITOR POLICY: It is not a surprise that guests occasionally want to share their Rapha’s Rest experience w/ a friend or family member. HOWEVER, due to past experiences we have had to become STRICT @ non-reservation visitors on the property. VISITOR POLICY includes an added $DONATION (Outlined Below) + AGREEMENT to PROPERTY/HOUSE RULES + SIGNED RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

[NOTE: All DONATIONS go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

FINAL WORD: One name for Jesus is Jehovah-Rapha which means "God our Healer". The primary purpose of Rapha’s Rest is found in its name ... REST. If you choose to bring your children, we encourage you to come back another time to receive all the “Rest & Restoration” that God has waiting to give in His Presence!

Blessings,
Randy & Cheryl Bland

———————————————
** NON-REGISTERED VISITORS **

1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Blands, and only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked during your stay. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

2) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify
a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)?
b. WHAT DAY / TIME?
c. HOW LONG?

3) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows:
- $40/visitor/per day… Any length of time + AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.), LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $20/visitor/per day … 2-8 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc), LEAVE BY SUNSET

- FREE … Less than 2 hours (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, massage chair, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking.

5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.

6) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES & SIGN RELEASE of LIABILITY upon arrival. The Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such.

7) Please DO NOT give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your Cabin.

REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can/cannot do once request is submitted.

PRIMARY REASONS:
a) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple bookings want to invite family/friends at same time. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear and maintenance. THEREFORE, your request is NOT GUARANTEED.

b) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially when our GATE CODE is given out.

** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within a 10-minute drive to meet your friend/family!

Guest access
The county roads leading to our property are paved. Presently the quarter mile rock driveway from the gate through the property to the Main House is accessible for most vehicles.

Due to its wooded location, TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT - our cabin in the woods - may need to be accessed on foot when excessively rainy or muddy, unless you have 4WD or SUV. (Although it is less than 100’ to main rock driveway, & we have had no issues to date.)

Though private and set apart, it is only a short walk to all property amenities such as library, pool, hot tub and (future) pond & has its own designated parking.

PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES.
$10/stay for each additional vehicle - INQUIRE @ BOOKING

Once on the property, walking is the best way to access the 42 wooded acres.

Other things to note
UPGRADED AMENITIES & VISITOR APPROVAL GUIDELINES

** UPGRADED AMENITY OPTIONS by DONATION **
Please read HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING. This will keep communication lines open & insure we’re a good fit for your needs. Ask questions for clarification.

- EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN OPTION: Up to 3-Hour Early/Late Check-In/Out for $25 DONATION when available. [$40/Both] INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

- LATTES/ ICED COFFEES: By DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned coffeehouse in Saint Jo, Texas].

- FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST avail. by DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$8 under 8) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. PLEASE REQUEST UPON BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs casserole, our OWN COFFEE LINE, juice, pancakes, bacon, sweet rolls/muffins or other ... served inside the Main House or on the poolside deck.

NOTE: If you require a specific diet, this may not be the best option for you … many amazing Breakfast Eateries listed in our GUIDEBOOK!

- Additional use of HOT TUB beyond 1x/Booking or in temps under 50 degrees - $15 DONATION

- When available, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5), a doz. quail eggs ($3) or a S'more's Pkg ($10) for the firepit can be purchased anytime.

- BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork and Lake Quitman. We make every effort to park your boat. However, if you need to charge your battery, TEXAS HICKORY HIDEOUT CABIN is our ONLY CABIN for Overnight Battery Charging at a DONATION of $10/night.

- PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES.
$5/day each additional vehicle - INQUIRE @ BOOKING

[All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

** NON-REGISTERED VISITORS **
We have 5 cabins to oversee & serve on our property - communication is critical to ensure all guests experience all we offer here at Rapha’s Rest. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

It is not surprising that guests occasionally want to share their Rapha’s Rest experience w/ a friend/family member. Due to some previous bad experiences, however, we have had to become STRICT about Non-Reservation visitors on the property.

Since we do not want to be in a position of deciding who is allowed and who is not, we now have a VISITOR POLICY which includes a DONATION + AGREEMENT to Property/HOUSE RULES with RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

PRIMARY REASONS:
1) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple guests want to invite family/ friends. We have had issues with multiple Guest Visitor Requests. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear & maintenance. THEREFORE, it is NOT A GUARANTEE.

2) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially if our GATE CODE is given out.

CABIN VISITOR POLICY:
1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Randy or Cheryl Bland, and only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked on the Property. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

2) Please do not give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your Cabin.

3) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES/ RELEASE of LIABILITY. Their Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such. A written signature may also be provided upon arrival.

4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking.

5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.

6) DONATION PAYMENTS/ VISITOR/ DAY are as follows:

- $10 DONATION… Less than 3 hours (ie. a meal/visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $20 DONATION… More than 3 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $40 DONATION… More than 3 hours + AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.) LEAVE BY SUNSET

7) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify
a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)?
b. WHAT DAY / TIME?
c. HOW LONG?

REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can or cannot do once your request is submitted.

[All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, please remember, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within a 10 minute drive to meet your family/friend! CHECK OUT EXCURSIONS GUIDEBOOK for suggestions.