The Contented Acres - Relaxing retreat near Duluth, Esko

Welcome to Contented Acres! This exquisite custom-built home is nestled in a peaceful 14 acres just minutes from Duluth, Jay Cooke, Munger Trail, & Spirit Mountain. Recent updates include (but are not limited to) new paint, mattresses, linens, & furniture. We are new owners & can't wait to share our home with you - we know you’ll love it as much as we do!


THE SPACE:



Contented Acres is located 20 minutes south of Duluth on 14 secluded, peaceful acres. The home started as a classic one-room Finnish log cabin homesteaded in 1910 and has been transformed into a custom-built lodge-style home that today can comfortably sleep 16. Recently updated to create an intimate, relaxing, modern space with upscale and comfort features, it is ideal for couples, families, and friends looking for a secluded getaway without being far from the area attractions! Whether you're hoping to kick back and enjoy the sounds of nature while sipping coffee or a glass of wine on the porch, or you're eager to hit the slopes at Spirit Mountain or bike nearby Munger Trail, we have everything you need to relax, unwind, and reset.



At over 5,600 square feet, our home features three levels with 7 bedrooms (including a built-in bunk room with playhouse), as well as 4.5 bathrooms equipped with clean towels and toiletries. Traveling with a small child? A Pack n’ Play portable crib is provided (please note that pack n' play sheets are not provided).



+ Master Suite with King Bed, Master Bath with Jacuzzi tub and Walk-In Shower

+ Second Master Suite with King Bed

+ Two Upstairs Bedrooms with Queen Beds

+ Upstairs Built-In Bunk Bed Room with 4 Twin Beds, a Playhouse, & attached Playroom stocked with a children’s library, toys, and games

+ Upstairs Full Bathroom

+ Office area with Futon (full-sized mattress) & Portable Pack n’ Play Crib

+ Main floor Half Bathroom

+ Two downstairs full bathrooms, each with two Walk-In Showers

+ Downstairs Bedroom with Queen Bed



The large kitchen is fully equipped with all the basic cooking essentials including a commercial stainless steel refrigerator/freezer, 6-burner gas stove with griddle, double oven (including a convection oven), microwave, and dishwasher to make hosting large groups a breeze. The kitchen includes soapstone countertops and an island with plenty of entertaining and prep space.



Everyone can enjoy shared meals and laughter in the dining area, which is comprised of the original log home’s hand hewn horizontal log structure. Walk right out of the dining area to the private backyard and enjoy playing yard games (croquet, bag toss, and ladder golf provided), grilling up some burgers, or time together roasting marshmallows around the fire pit!



In the 1,200 square foot Great Room with its custom-built soap stone masonry fireplace and reading nook, you can get cozy with one of the provided books, enjoy great conversation with friends, or start a board game.



From the walkout basement, you can view the incredible display of stars or experience the 15 acres full of fields and woods.



During cold months, Contented Acres provides a cozy environment to relax or connect with friends and family. From the extensive variety of books and games, to the ping pong and foosball tables, there is plenty of space and options to have fun and unwind while staying in.



Throughout the home are amenities galore, including:

+ Coffee maker with complementary coffee,

filters, cream & sugar
+ Charcoal grill (please note, charcoal is not provided at this time)

+ Fire pit with firewood provided

+ Central air

+ Toilet paper, paper towels, linens, shampoo & conditioner, hair dryer, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, hand soap, salt & pepper and olive oil

+ 2 TVs. The Great Room TV is connected to a surround sound system and complementary satellite TV is provided on both TVs

+ Smart door locks for keyless entry and exit

+WiFi - PLEASE NOTE: Due to single source provider in the area, WiFi speeds can be limited.

+ Private gas fireplace in the Master Suite

+ Bluetooth speaker

+ Private jacuzzi tub in the Master Suite

+ Stacked washer and dryer with laundry soap

+ And more



In the neighboring communities of Duluth, Esko, Cloquet, and Carlton, you will find a variety of year-round activities to enjoy. Some of the main Duluth attractions and events include Grandma’s Marathon, Bentleyville Christmas lights exhibit, and Bayfront Blues Festival. Cloquet’s own Gordy’s Hi-Hat Restaurant is famous for their burgers, fish, and malts and was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Enjoy professionally guided Whitewater Rafting on the nearby St. Louis River, chase the fall colors on Minnesota’s North Shore, or enjoy a day of skiing on the slopes of Spirit Mountain. Nearby Jay Cooke State Park offers over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.



DRIVING DISTANCE TO:

+ Duluth: 10.1 mi

+ Jay Cooke State Park: 7.5 mi

+ Munger Trail Trailhead: 9.8 mi

+ Spirit Mountain Recreation Area: 9.2 mi

+ Minnesota Whitewater Rafting: 6.0 mi

+ Cloquet: 5.6 mi

+ Black Bear Casino Resort: 10.6 mi

+ Endurance Kennels LLC (dog sledding): 35.4 mi

+ Two Harbors: 43.8 mi



(Photo credit: Laura Jean Media Services)



GUEST ACCESS:



The entire home and 15 acres is yours to enjoy while you stay with us!



Keypad entry.



There is ample free parking on site. Please note that motorized vehicles are NOT permitted at this time for insurance and liability purposes.



OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:



+ NO EARLY CHECK-INS - due to the size of the home, this policy is to allow our housekeeping staff ample time to prepare the home between guests



+ The stove and oven in the kitchen are gas - please keep our home beautiful by ensuring that the fan above the stove is turned on while in use!



+ There are exterior security cameras on site.



HOUSE RULES:

+ Minimum renter age 26 - copy of ID is required prior to stay along with a signed rental agreement.



+ Absolutely no smoking or vaping - extra fees will apply if there is evidence of smoking.



+ No outdoor shoes in the house. Please remove upon entry and utilize the provided shoe mats next to the coat hangers.



+ Additional guests outside of the reservation must be cleared in advance.



+ *****Use of the wood stove in the kitchen and the masonry fireplace in the Great Room are strictly prohibited per our renter’s insurance policy. The security deposit will be withheld if there is any evidence of use or tampering.



+ Please Note: This is NOT a party house - Large events and parties are strictly prohibited and are grounds for immediate dismissal from the property.



+ Please keep noise at a reasonable level during the day. Quiet hours are 10pm-7am - we would like to

be respectful of our neighbors.


+ No check-ins or checkouts on Thanksgiving or Christmas day.



+ No candles/open flames.



+ Please report any damages immediately.



+ Please limit parking to the driveway to maintain the property for all to enjoy.



+ Please respect our neighbors.



+ Exterior security cameras on site for the protection of our guests and property - ***Turning off or tampering with cameras will result in immediate termination of reservation without refund.



+ PET POLICY: Only fully house-trained dogs greater than 1 year of age allowed on a case-by-case basis, non-refundable pet fee $100 for first dog, $50 for additional dog. Maximum 2 dogs. Dogs are NOT allowed on any furniture. Must be completely cleaned up after (including dog waste, fur, and accidents), both inside and outdoors - dog poo bags are provided. Must be on a leash at all times when outdoors and must be crated indoors if guests leave the property. Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and receive monthly flea and tick preventative. You will be responsible for any damage your pet(s) cause and additional cleaning fees will be charged if not cleaned up after. No cats allowed.



+ Please leave the place like you found it!