The Ozark Cabin Where Memories Are Made

"Whether we are in Manhattan or the Ozarks; home is where you spend time, make memories and build traditions."

Our little guy was at summer camp in the Ozarks in 2005 and was experiencing separation anxiety, wishing his family in New York City was nearby. That was the dawn of a new chapter of cabin living for my family. Over 12 years and countless memories later, the Refuge and its 40 acres have truly become our home away from home. Nestled in the beauty of the Ozark’s tall pines, our family has carved out a little piece of paradise. Made of Colorado pine, D-cut logs with original bark intact, our log cabin is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of our primary home in New York City. A quick flight to Missouri, and in a few hours, we find ourselves nestled into Adirondack chairs in front of a fire pit making s’mores and gazing at the stars while counting fireflies from our wraparound deck. Inside, we chose a stacked-stone fireplace as the focal point of the great room/kitchen, with oversized windows facing endless views of our heavily wooded enclave. Off the great room are two bedrooms and a bathroom. The Refuge floors are natural pine that have gained character over the years, as we have enjoyed summer retreats and holidays in the Ozarks. See also Why the Cabin is Our Happy Place Upstairs is a master bedroom/bath, complete with a spa tub and separate shower that includes a skylight, which brings the outdoors in. We built a loft off the master bedroom that is the perfect place to grab a book and a rocking chair or simply gaze at nature through the massive windows above the fireplace. Downstairs is devoted to the kids (or the kids at heart). A pool table, ping-pong table, TV area and game room provide the perfect place for friendly competition or a movie night with lots of popcorn. For the adventurous, we chose to build a screen porch with futons for our adult children who want to relive the nights at camp from decades past. Lastly, my favorite escape is the hot tub on the lower deck. Built into the trees, this bubbly oasis reminds me that “it’s all good,” whether we are in Manhattan or the Ozarks; home is where you spend time, make memories and build traditions. See also How a Cabin Getaway Helped a Family Heal A message to my youngest son: Thanks for wanting Mom and Dad to be nearby while you were at camp.