The Cottage
At 2800ft (860m) we are above the valley fog and town lights, but below the snow line (except for a few days in winter), Frontier Hill is amazingly quiet apart from the birds and occasional wildlife. Spectacularly clear nights make for perfect star and moon gazing.
Unfortunately the cottage is not wheelchair accessible, but it is suited to elderly (and very young folks) as there are only two steps to get in either door. There are concrete side and back shaded patios, as well as a larger deck in front complete with furniture and umbrella – which is seldom needed because of shade from all the big trees. We even provide insect repellent candles.
Master bed room is decorated in mountain cabin style with a brand new bed made of allergy avoidance materials. Same for all the new sheets and covers.
Second bed room has twin beds and is decorated in an American Indian style with appropriate wall hangings. Both bedrooms have big new double pained windows and ceiling fans.
Kitchen is fully equipped with enough crockery and cutlery to feed eight, in case you have visitors. There is a gas stove and new microwave and refrigerator. Tea and Coffee are provided, plus an emergency supply of canned food in case you are ever snowed in (unlikely), rained in (possible in Winter) or simply arrive home too late to visit any store in town. Please replace any emergency food you use with similar items.
Big rustic wood framed couch can also fold flat if you want to sleep in living room and watch TV. New flat TV is equipped with DISH 150 package. It is not connected to the Internet so please do not try to order any shows, movies or downloads. A supply of magazines, some board games and writing paper are available in the living room closet. Wifi password is listed in the guest guide in living room.
In winter only, there is a wood burning stove insert in the fireplace. Wood is provided from all the cutting on our property.
Bathroom has a shower over tub. Hot water is from an electric boiler, so it will run cold after about 30 minutes. Then you need to wait for it to warm another tankful if someone hogged the shower for too long!
Air conditioning in living room should only be used if absolutely necessary. It has its own small remote.
To use the barbecue, all you need is a lighter or match (look in top cupboard out of reach of children). It will be setup with charcoal and starter brick. Kids can sit on the big logs. For the rest of you, there are camping chairs in the storage room at back of house. They can also be used on one of the patios for meals or card games.
The Grounds
We are on a 14acre parcel set half way down the hill. You are invited to take a walk down to the big pond (probably dry in Summer as it leaks badly) as well as to the river creek where there are some amazing rocks and clearings. You can relax peacefully many miles away from civilization.
NOTE: These areas can be very muddy and slippery. In winter in particular, no one should explore the river and small waterfalls alone. Please make sure your children are accompanied at all times. Also, watch out for poison oak. We are trying to eradicate any on the more common trails but in the meantime a good shower after hiking is recommended.
Across the river it is a jungle. Not recommended except for the very health and adventurous, and then not alone. When you go up the hill you will eventually see a fence for a farm. That is end of our property. Now can you find the way back?
Around the cottage you are welcome to use the garden and lawns as you want. A volley ball net and ball is in the storage area, as well as some big recliners to pull out under the giant oak tree. Perfect for a book and siesta.
The Winery
Between Frontier Hill and the bottom of the big hill is Butterfly Creek Winery. For liability reasons, please drive down to the winery tasting room which is right at the bottom of the hill. Open hours are Tues – Sun 11 – 4.
Special events happen at the winery too, like old car rallies and weddings in the little chapel. If you get to the tasting room, which is right down the bottom past the Spanish mansion, past the fields, and no one is around, just wait a little and Bob will come barreling out of the fields. We do like to take a sandwich as well and picnic with a bottle of wine by the river – he has such a neat spot with picnic tables.
