There is just something about heading into nature that restores our body and soul. There is something particularly refreshing about spending time in the verdant quiet of the woods.

For this reason and for us, nothing beats having a mountain vacation home in the beautiful forests of Southeastern Oklahoma’s Potato Hills. 

Owning a vacation home in the woods is the perfect combination of luxury and the outdoors. We want others to experience the same joy at our home in the woods.

With that in mind, here are eight ways owning a vacation home in the woods can improve your life and your overall well-being.

1. Your Own Peaceful Mountain Home Retreat

Our day-to-day lives are often complex, stressful and incredibly busy. Ownership of a vacation home in the woods means you always have a peaceful place to go in order to escape the hustle and bustle and stressors of daily life.

A home in the woods is truly a sanctuary to which to retreat.

Think about some of the times you’ve felt your most content. I don’t know about you, but when I think back to moments I’ve felt true serenity, those moments usually involve nature.

Whether it was camping with friends and family when I was young, hiking in the mountains as a young adult or sitting by a lake to watch the sunset with my own kids, those are times that I’ve often found the most happy and calm.

That’s the same feeling a vacation home in the woods can bring to your life. Your own peaceful retreat might truly be just the gift you need for some needed doses of serenity.

2. Outdoor Activities

The woods offer up a whole different array of opportunities for fun that you just can’t get in the city.

Some of the many things you can enjoy at or near your vacation home in the woods are hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, wildlife and birdwatching, nature photography, swimming and boating on nearby Lake Sardis, stargazing, sitting around a fire pit, plus so much more. 

Getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh, clean mountain air while engaging in your favorite pastimes is rejuvenating.

Not only that, but all of that healthy activity out in the fresh air usually means a better night’s sleep. Which, frankly, isn’t as easy when dealing with the usual daily stressors, but here you can leave that all behind.

3. Improved Health

Did you know that even a 15-minute walk in the woods has measurable health benefits? Just that short venture has been found to improve mood and lower stress levels.

So imagine what having a vacation home in the woods can do! 

Although many of us know this intuitively, there are actual studies on the mental and physical effects of time spent in the woods.

Japanese medical doctor and researcher Qing Li found that “spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger; strengthen the immune system; improve cardiovascular and metabolic health; and boost overall well-being.”

In fact, in the 1980s the art of “forest bathing” or “shinrin-yoku” began in Japan. Forest bathing is the act of slowly walking through a forest while using all your senses to soak in the atmosphere.

Imagine listening to the wind in the trees, feeling the moss, smelling the lushness…you get the picture. Doesn’t that stress just melt away?

4. Family Gatherings

There is possibly no better way to bring the family together than owning a vacation home in the woods.

A vacation home in the woods offers family members of all ages and stages something to enjoy. Simply sharing time together in a peaceful, scenic and spacious setting is priceless. 

Having the time to enjoy conversation, share in one another’s hobbies, go on outdoor adventures together, cook together, play games, sit by the fire - the list goes on and on - is endlessly valuable. A vacation home in the woods is where beautiful family memories are made. Of course, the same thing goes for gathering friends together as well, it’s bonding at its finest!

5. Privacy

Of course, sometimes you just need some downtime. What a gift to have a place to go for some real serenity and quiet. Life in the city and at work can sometimes feel like everyone is on top of each other. Out here, you won’t find any noisy or nosy neighbors. 

While there are plenty of opportunities to socialize through some of our amenities such as at our pavilion or on the pickleball court, you always have your own private piece of heaven to retreat to. Our spacious sites offer the perfect amount of privacy.

6. Pet-Friendly

For families, often one of the most challenging things about going on vacation is needing to board or leave pets at home. Your own vacation home in the woods means you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry friends behind.

Your own vacation home means you can create the right environment to accommodate your pet or pets. You’ll find that we have some of our own furry and feathered friends here at Timber Ridge, too.

7. Rental Income

Mountain vacation home ownership can also have financial benefits. One way to boost your income is by renting out your vacation home whenever you are not using it. There are so many people looking for fun and relaxing retreats with family or friends, and a vacation home in the woods is often just what they’re looking for. Your own vacation home means setting your own schedule, rules, and cost for your guests. 

8. Retirement Destination

Many folks plan on ultimately using their vacation home in the woods as their retirement home. What better way to live out some of your best days than in such a beautiful and peaceful setting? Plus it’s still a great place to have your family and friends come visit. 

Come Find Your Own Private Oasis

There are so many wonderful benefits to having a mountain vacation home in the woods. Timber Ridge Estates is truly one of the most beautiful places we know, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Schedule a private tour and come experience it for yourself.