Reviews

June 2019

Beautiful, quiet, secluded and private, you’d never know Stillwater Haven is only about two minutes from the I-68 exit at Friendsville, so this is easy for both locals and out-of-towners to find. And it is worth finding! It was THE perfect venue for our son’s wedding.

Although each floor is equipped with its own kitchen (as well a a staging or caterer’s kitchen opening to the ground floor porch), a large group of friends and family who lodged there over the weekend enjoyed meeting and mingling in the spectacular main floor kitchen. Everything one needed was not only there, but each drawer and cabinet was labeled so finding every item was easy. The kitchen had everything one could think of from a coffee station, paper products, and every conceivable cooking and presentation article. Charmed with a fireplace and rocking chairs as well as a huge farm table and a seated bar, everyone seemed to love being in this room which overlooks the Youghiogheny River. It was phenomenal. In fact, the whole house is exuberantly decorated and thoughtfully appointed, and my wheelchair bound brother and his wife were fully comfortable in the handicap quarters on the ground level where my sister-in-law parked the car close to the door.

The grounds hold their own with the house. Prior to the rehearsal, the wedding party watched kayakers zoom down the Yough River. The ceremony was held at the end of the grassy sweep which ends at the tree lined banks of the river. There is something there for all ages: a swing set and all manner of toddler toy, yard games like croquet, corn hole and on and on, as well as comfy under roof seating for the older set. (Had it rained, we would have been able to move the ceremony under the huge covered porch, but we were blessed with great weather). There were many more amenities than we had time to enjoy! As if this weren’t enough, Lynn, the owner/hostess is beyond measure. She lives in the tiny cottage in the back yard and is quickly available as little or as much as you need her. Her great desire is for everyone to have a wonderful time and there is no doubt she has been blessed with a gift of hospitality. Super to work with and with no axes to grind, Lynn loves animals and has horses and two gentle black labs on site.

Many, many guests commented to us how much they were impressed with Stillwater Haven and I certainly hope one of them books it for their own event because I’m eager to return. When we were all packed and ready for final departure, my sister-in-law suddenly sat down and said, “On second thought, I think we’ll stay.” Exactement. It felt like home.

Stillwater Haven would be a great site for reunions where cousins and other family members have varying interests and would prefer to splinter during the day for preferred activities. For the outdoorsy and athletic set, the Yough (pronounced Yock) is literally feet away, and Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort just minutes away. For those with cultural or mercantile interests, Pittsburgh is about an hour and a half away so a day trip to visit museums and other urban attractions is utterly viable. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, as well as Fort Necessity and the National Pike are all a short drive. State parks and hiking trails abound in the area. Fan out in all directions during the day and reassemble in the evening. Easy. And just hanging out on site is a very appealing option; you won’t run out of things to do or ways to relax. The location as well as the facility is top notch. More accessible (and more private!) than Deep Creek Lake rentals.

Stillwater Haven gets top billing from this mother of the groom! Would do it again over and over. Thank you, Lynn. It was fabulous.

Louise