‘The Nook’ is a story of love.
The Start of Something Extraordinary
Owners Liz and Gary dreamed about building a truly special place for years. The inspiration for The Nook came from a charming stone building originally built as a small Conoco gas station in 1931.
In her younger years, Liz moved into an apartment just down the street from the quaint gas station. She would frequently walk or jog past the building, falling in love with it more every day. It seemed like it would be a nice place to open a coffee shop, or even a small shop to sell gifts and crafts.
In 1999, Liz and Gary got married, and Liz frequently reminisced about the cute property.
For years, Liz and Gary envisioned developing their property with beautiful gardens and an outdoor kitchen on the same parcel as their home. With the onset of the COVID Pandemic in 2020, and the resulting temporary pause of their business, Gary now had time to move forward with the plans. The small gas station was frequently in the back of his mind, and he began to think of ways to somehow include a similar structure into the project.
As plans progressed, some of the most technologically advanced features of the day were incorporated into the design.
Electronically controlled features, underfloor heat with a cozy fireplace, and advanced garden and landscape lighting began to take shape. See-thru outdoor glass was installed in the shower, allowing people to overlook the natural landscape and wildlife in relative privacy. A loft ladder was fashioned after a unique library ladder at Babylonstoren, a famous Dutch farm in South Africa that held a special place in their hearts.
Chilton stone (from the Chilton, Wisconsin quarry) was chosen for the outside of the building and walkways. Several stones that Gary and Liz had collected from their travels were also worked into the exterior design. Additional stones hand-picked at a local quarry added to the charm, and some were even added to the interior fireplace.
Two special engraved stones were created with the names of their grandchildren, and those were installed just outside the back door by accomplished stone masons. The top of each of those stones reflect the exact height of the young grandchildren on the day the stones were placed. Additionally, each child picked a small favorite stone from the local quarry to be included beside their names.
Wooden forms were crafted to add a distinctive curved edge to the roof. Nightly during the winter of 2020, individual shingles were soaked in barrels of water to make them pliable. The following morning, the soaked shingle was fit to a mold and allowed to dry. Soon there were enough shingles formed to allow the roof to be completed in the spring of 2021.
A robust arched front door was designed in Scottsdale, Arizona, and speak-easy door portals were added for fun for the grandkids and guests alike. The National Wildlife Federation endorsed the property as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, and great care is taken to ensure the plentiful wildlife is supported at the property.
And now, you too, can be part of the story of The Nook. No matter how long or short your stay, we are confident that the property will have a special place in your hearts, too. We will do everything possible to help commemorate your time at The Nook, and please take a moment to leave us a thought or two in the visitor book. We hope to see you soon!
100+
80
Tons
Built to Last
Old time construction techniques were used, and great care was taken to retain and celebrate the outside look of that inspirational gas station. Stone was mined from a quarry in Wisconsin called the Chilton quarry. Wooden shingles were fashioned from cedar trees in Canada, and brought into the United States just for this project. Molds were constructed for the special curves on the roof, and each day for a winter shingles were soaked in a barrel of water, and then placed on the mold to dry. Another shingle was placed in the water, and put on the mold the next day. The process continued until all the shingles for the curved edges of the roof were formed. In the spring, the cedar shake roof was installed, and the curved profile of the original building was preserved.
Why choose The Nook
Testimonials
FAQ’s
01
How do I get there?
This is, by design, a remote destination. After you land at O’Hare and grab your bags, you are on your way. Adventure is part of the fun. Just sit back and enjoy life as your driver takes you to this remote location. If you are coming in a private aircraft, our security manager will work with you or your team to direct them to the best airport.
02
Can I bring my pet?
While we love furry friends, unfortunately, they are not allowed.
03
What is the Capacity of The Nook?
The Nook is designed for two people. If you have a need for more, please make the request to Charles, and it will be considered.
04
Can we use the outdoor fire pit?
Yes! The outdoor firepit is available for you, and just let your attendant know when you would like to use it, and we will get the fire going. Firewood is provided.
05
What are the check-in and check-out times?
We don’t have any formal times established. We work around your arrival and departure, and there is no need to rush either way. When we have someone scheduled before you, or coming in behind you, we will coordinate a time that works for everyone.
06
I’m from the Chicago area, and would like to know how to get to The Nook?
This destination is designed for seclusion and secrecy. Let Charles know where you are coming from, and he will arrange your pick-up.
07
Are cell phone service and internet available?
While this is designed as a time for relaxation, disconnecting from the daily rigors of life, and spending special time with your lover, we do understand sometimes you need to be in touch. Both cell phone service and high-speed internet are available at The Nook. Complimentary, of course.
08
Are there other cottages around?
The Nook has its own space, and the firepit and the garden are reserved for your pleasure. The Nook is on a plot with another home, and you will be able to see other buildings from there.
09
What amenities are included?
The Nook is equipped with power curtains, and those can be opened and closed one at a time, or all at once with the push of a button. Your Sub-Zero refrigerator is stocked with various complimentary beverages including juice, beer, wine, soda pop and water. Please let us know if you have a preference, and we will do our best to accommodate. Snacks are also included. There is a Keurig coffee machine with various Keurig coffee and tea options. If you would like a specialty coffee, just let us know and we will bring it to you. You also have access to a microwave in the room, but it does not have a full kitchen.
10
Can I watch TV or get movies?
There is a 55” large screen TV in the room with the ability to stream movies, watch TV, or simply stream your favorite audio station. Everything is run from a Control 4 control station (similar to an iPad).
11
How does the smart-glass in the shower work?
There is plenty of hot water (softened, of course), and your shower is equipped with smart glass to the outside world. Smart glass becomes transparent with the touch of a switch. You can choose to ‘open’ the top part of the window to view your gardens or wildlife, or take the more adventurous approach and ‘open’ the entire window.
12
Cancellation policy
We try to be easy to work with, and understand that things do come up. We ask that you pay for any costs incurred to support your visit, but will try to cancel everything as soon as we are notified of your difficulty. For example, if we have already printed your photos and framed them, we would ask that you pay for those. With enough notice, we can cancel things like your limo, or meals ordered. Honestly, we try to make those situations come out as favorable as possible for you, and most people understand our desire to have you pay for incurred costs.
13
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes, gift certificates are available and those can be applied to a booking.
14
Can I reschedule if my schedule changes?
Yes. And we would only ask that you pay for costs incurred to support the initial stay.
15
Is there a minimum or a maximum stay?
No. Two nights are strongly recommended to be able to immerse into the serenity offered at the Nook.
16
Do you have a loyalty program?
Yes, after 7 nights are accumulated, the next one is on us. We track your stays, and will let you know when those nights add up!
17
Is The Nook secure?
Absolutely. The Nook is fully secure and has a digital lock. You will be given a personalized code upon entry. And it should be noted that wildlife is present. You should keep food indoors, keep things clean, and secure your personal items indoors.
18
Is it handicap accessible?
You must be able to walk the trail to The Nook. It is not deemed handicap accessible.
19
What about meals?
There are several meal options, and they include everything from delivered pizza to a pretty darn nice prepared meal. We also have an outdoor kitchen to support your special grilling requests. Just let Charles know if you would like anything special, and he will get it arranged through our talented chef. (And obviously, we are better with special meal requests with a little notice.) We will be going thru your meal options upon booking.
20
Is there a coffee shop close?
Yes, believe it or not, even in this remote area, there is a wonderful coffee shop located within a couple miles. We can take you there, or you can just let us know what you want and we will bring it to your door!
What is included?
Stays at The Nook are always special, and include the following:
- Boutique 5-star accommodations
- Unlimited use of the garden and firepit
- Meal choices are always yours, and include Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily.
- All beverages, including premium brand alcohol and wine by the bottle at dinner
- Exclusive access to The Spa located a short ride away – with a range of restorative treatments to improve your wellbeing
- Fully equipped Fitness Center and transportation to and from
- Free Wi-Fi Service
- Taxes and gratuities