Summerdale Cottage - Huge Galena Territory Retreat

WE'RE BACK! Summerdale Cottage - the Territory's favorite short term rental - has been offline for a little while. A simple insurance claim due to a burst pipe turned into a 28-month learning experience.

We learned just how much people love this place. Some have vacationed at the cottage for over a decade while others simply left positive reviews saying they planned to return.

But work was delayed. Then the work was shoddy. That work was promptly demolished, which caused more delays. Work was then done right, but slowly. We assumed being shut down for so long meant our loyal guests would move on and forget about us.

But they didn't.

In fact, we heard from so many of our favorite guests along the way it made us realize that the cottage was worthy of a more significant investment. So we did some upgrades. Then we did more. Once we realized we were getting a little carried away and knew it was time to stop--we kept going anyway. (And we're still going.) What started as an investment property has become a labor of love.

So the cottage is looking pretty awesome now. It boasts several completely remodeled spa-like bathrooms, beautiful new hardwood floors, new and expanded decks, new furniture, fixtures, HVAC, hot tub and more.

The cottage still has tons of common space in the middle with bedroom suites scattered in every direction. Each suite offers whatever degree of seclusion you want. If you feel like having drinks with other guests, common areas are just steps away. If other guests make you feel like drinking alone, your bedroom is an excellent sanctuary from the chaos. If you're sharing your bedroom with someone who might be a little much, you can slip away to your very own outdoor space. If they still manage to find you, other options remain.

The house isn't formal or pretentious. Every piece of furniture is something we'd put in our own home, but nothing that we've passed down. The kitchen will feel like your own, but without a junk drawer. There are multiple gathering areas that feel intimate and comfortable--and not like a banquet hall.

The mattresses are new and comfortable. The bedding and linens are high quality, and the bathrooms are well-appointed with glistening tile and solid fixtures. (Actually, the bathrooms are a little pretentious. They told us we needed Kohler toilets. We asked why. They said it's because they're better. Again-why? "Because they are." We couldn't argue with logic like that.)

The house is often used for rehearsal dinners, large family reunions and anniversary parties. When guests are part of a larger group staying in multiple properties for such events, the cottage usually serves as the central meeting spot--not only due to its size and proximity to the Territory entrance, but also because the layout is conducive to large gatherings. Time after time, we're told it's perfect for these events.

There's a lot happening inside:

LEVEL ONE: This level includes a generously-sized bedroom suite and a recreation room. The bedroom is completely remodeled. It includes a king size bed, 55" smart TV and dedicated screened-in porch.

But the bathroom is where it's at. It's brand new and it's fantastic. It has a double vanity, double shower and a ton of shiny new tile. The vibe might make you blush--think Barry White inviting you in and telling you to slide your clothes off and lather up because you're gonna look FINE when you're done. But you might instead be lured in by the tasteful decor and abundance of bulk toiletries normally reserved for a property that rents for twice the price. So whether it's a sultry voice or fiscal responsiblity, just go with whatever turns you on.

This level also includes a rec room with a pool table and lounge area. It includes a 65" smart TV, Sony PS4 and new furniture. It's an ideal place to escape--whether from adults, kids, your in-laws or law enforcement. We won't ask questions, and they won't be able to find you.

LEVEL TWO: There are two bedroom suites on this level. One includes a queen size bed and a smart TV. It has an adjacent screened-in porch with a door leading outside directly to the main deck, with quick and easy access to the hot tub.

The bathroom in this suite has a walk-in shower that's over-the-top, with gorgeous tile that's rumored to have been stolen from the Vatican. (Fun fact: it was.) The fixtures are unique and fun, but they're legit. We have receipts to prove it.

This suite is normally occupied by the first couple to arrive. Sure, they'll say something to stragglers like "Oh, did you want this one? We'll move. Seriously, it's no problem. You know us--we're fine staying anywhere."

But they're lying.

Because they played with the quirky vessel faucet. They let their minds wander as they followed the tile pattern that isn't really a pattern. They tried out the bed. Then they quickly unpacked. So if anyone actually tries to take them up on their offer to vacate, they're gonna throw hands.

The second suite includes four bunk beds, a smart TV, and a screened-in deck with adjacent open-air private balcony. This bedroom is a party, plain and simple--at least until a fat guy takes a top bunk. Don't worry though--we have a futon for him that can be placed right next to the kitchen.

The bathroom has yet to receive a big makeover, but it's decent. It has a single vanity, a jetted whirlpool tub and a separate shower. There's a new half bath immediately adjacent. Together, these bathrooms can clean a crowd of filthy boys as fast as a high school locker room, and the fancy Kohler toilets give fantastic swirlies.

This level also includes a comfortable new TV room with a sofa, love seat, 65" smart TV and a bar table with stools. The main deck is accessible from here. It sports a large new Napoleon grill, eight-person hot tub, ample deck seating and even a fire pit area. It's good space.

LEVEL THREE: This level includes a new bedroom suite, plus the living room, dining room, kitchen and utility room.

The suite layout is identical to the queen bedroom suite on Level Two. While the bathroom escaped the 2024 catastrophe, we tore it down to the studs anyway to keep things fair. The mood here is more subdued and elegant, rendering comparison with the suite below akin to choosing between Honey Crisp and Red Delicious. (That's apples to apples, btw.) The screened-in porch has access to a catwalk balcony leading to the living room. The llving room can also be reached by simply walking out the bedroom door. But come on--it's a catwalk! This suite is great for guests who want easy access to common areas without having to navigate stairs, and it affords a bird's-eye view of the deck and hot tub below. It's a useful perch from where the "fun police" can keep an eye out for any mischief down there and address the offenders accordingly--whether they need to be chastised or sprayed with a hose.

The living room has a beautiful gas fireplace and new furniture, but no TV--because we thought nine TVs might keep people from actually talking with each other. Sure, this might eventually lead to you-know-who providing yet another unsolicited update about how her kid is so "gifted" that he doesn't feel challenged in class and his teacher is concerned that the other students are holding him back. But before she launches into her thoughts on the SAT versus the ACT, you can simply blurt out: "Hey--is that a record player?!" Because yeah, it is--complete with an enviable collection of vinyl ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac to Elton John, and Kelly Clarkson to everyone except Nickelback. And If the LPs don't do the trick, the adjacent full-service bar is within arm's reach.

The bar is stocked with over 200 glasses. (Call us superficial, but a proper toast requires matching champagne flutes.) There's a 12-seat dining table, and it's easy to configure the space to allow at least 25 people to comfortably dine together.

The dining room serves as a pass-thru from the living room to the kitchen, where there's a six-person round table, an island with three bar stools, coffee station, six-burner gas stove, dishwasher, convection oven and microwave. The kitchen comes with ample cooking gear, a bunch of matching plates, flatware, servingware and everything else needed to entertain.

The utility room includes a washer and dryer--feel free to use them.

LEVEL FOUR: This level includes a third loft-type living area overlooking the mezzanine entry, as well as a huge bedroom suite. The view from the loft is spectacular--affording views of several fairways of The General golf course through an entire wall of windows or from the large balcony.

The bedroom includes a king size bed and futon, plus a stone gas fireplace and 55" smart TV. The bathroom has a double vanity, large whirlpool tub and separate shower.

The cottage sits on an acre of property near the entrance to the Territory, and it's about as close to The General clubhouse as you can get. The driveway can accommodate 10-12 cars if parked creatively, and up to 20 when none of the vehicles have doors.

AMENITIES

Stay here and you'll have access to Eagle Ridge's restaurants, the Stonedrift Spa, and golf courses. The house is not affilliated with Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, so it doesn't come with access to their amenities such as the Eagle Ridge swimming pool. Instead, we offer access to The Galena Territory amenities. They're way better, and include both an indoor and outdoor pool, a zero-entry kiddie pool with bubblers and a frog slide, as well as a basketball court and other stuff.

Our guests also have access to Lake Galena and the Marina, the Owners' Club fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and nearly 32 miles of trails and nationally recognized greenspace. Seriously, it's all incredible--you'll love it.


Please reach out with any questions!