Local Getaway: Hideaway at a Mystical Earth House in Kootenay

Location: Kootenay, British Columbia

The details: $349 per night plus fees; sleeps two

The amenities:

Visit this fantastical earth house in B.C.’s Okanagan Highlands and enjoy a weekend unwinding in nature!

Visitors will feel as if they are inside a Lord of the Rings movie set, as they explore this space inspired by dear Frodo’s hometown. From the rustic circular door to the soil and grass on the roof of the home, this space gives you the full Shire experience. 

A bit about earth houses – they are also known as earth shelters, and are characterized by their hole-in-the-ground structural design. These homes provide a cozy space and allow visitors to feel physically very close to nature. What’s more, the host for this rental is serious about reconnecting with nature and unplugging, as there is no TV or wifi available in the home. Don’t worry if you aren’t ready to fully commit and disconnect – there is still cellular service available!

When you head inside the home, you are welcomed by nature’s curvatures and lines in the form of circular elements and arches throughout the space. You’ll also find touches of nature throughout, like raw edge wooden doors, wooden furniture and stone elements. The high, curved ceilings make this earth home feel larger than expected. The high ceilings, in combination with the abundance of skylights and arched doorways also adds coherence to the interior space.

This stay has a generally open floor plan, with each living space separated by an arched doorway. Head into the bedroom to find a queen-sized bed, a cozy fireplace and a high ceiling with long dreamy drapes hanging along the bed frame. This room has an arched window, letting in a good amount of natural lighting. 

The kitchenette is connected to the living room and dining room. Although dwellers will not get a fully stocked kitchen, you still have everything you need to cook up a simple meal. Here, you’ll find a mini fridge, a three-quart instant pot and a microwave. Keep in mind there is no stove included in the home! If you need a stove, feel free to bring your own portable gas stove. Other appliances you can expect are a kettle and a coffee maker for your morning cup of joe. 

Head over to the dining nook for a cute, intimate dining experience. The hanging dried herbs and flowers on the wall adds to the rustic feel of this space. The dark coloured wooden dining table and chairs also does wonders to enhance the rustic energy.

Although there is no TV in the living room, there is a large fireplace for visitors to cozy up next to. Read your favorite book on the large armchairs, or take a nap to the flickering fireplace flames. 

You will have access to the bathroom through the large, live edge wooden double doors. This is my favourite room in the rental, as it has the most wooden elements throughout, adding to the warm feeling of the space. A solid wood Victorian-style dresser acts as the sink and storage space. This shade of deep brown perfectly mimics that of the wooden door. A standard-sized standing shower is also available. Lastly, there’s a framed painting of a man who resembles the iconic Gandolf! 

A heads up that as magical as this space sounds and looks, you cannot experience it with your furry friends! It is also not suitable for toddlers or small children. However, this space would be excellent for just a couple or a pair of friends.

Activities in the area:

This home is located 25 to 30 minutes east of Osoyoos, and is only accessible by car. As the home is located on a large secluded ranch, there is an abundance of wildlife in the area. Hit up the slopes at Mount Baldy Ski resort, or enjoy the beautiful views at Rock Creek and the Kettle river. All these destinations are only a 15 to 25-minute drive away. Drive slightly further (30 minutes) to get to the wine capital of B.C., where you will find an abundance of wineries, distilleries and restaurants. If you would like to buy groceries or produce to cook at the rental, make sure to note that the nearest grocery stores are in Rock Creek or Osoyoos!

This story was originally published in October 2024.