This new cottage is perfect country retreat; luxury appliances, HD TV, strong A/C, fast Wifi, portable power station & cozy beds, local antiques. Unique central fireplace, terrace & grill, master bedroom with private shower/toilet, guest room, fully equipped kitchen, heated floors and hot showers. Groceries, river, huge forest reserve with horse riding, rare deer and petting zoo, and more, minutes away. Free parking. Kayak, bikes, zipline, archery, volleyball, pool, sauna, bar, cafe nearby.
The space
Everything inside is handmade by locals from local material, including the table, chairs, bed, doors and shelving. The floors on the first floor are heated and the fixtures (stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, etc) are new and modern. All of the decorations -- including the antique single bed, samovar and wall clock -- were purchased from our neighbors.
The second floor has a cozy private king sized bed with door and own AC/heater. Also on the second floor is a large master bathroom with shower and toilet, and a window looking out over the terrace, as well as a small workspace.
On the first floor is a small guest room with a single bed for one. There is room here for another floor mattress so two could share this space, but all mattresses are singles. The guest room adjoins the main living area with access to a ground floor bathroom with shower. Photos show the layout with and without the floor mattresses.
Please look carefully at the sleeping arrangements. There are only spaces on beds for three people. There are also two floor mattresses and one fold out bed. The space is perfect for two couples (if one is willing to sleep on a cozy floor mattress on a heated floor) or a couple with three kids. It's also great for a group of five who are looking to save money and aren't concerned about sleeping on the floor mattresses (see photos). However, please note this is a small cottage and so it's not really recommended for more than four adults (although technically it's possible).
The ground floor is an open space dominated by a beautiful central indoor fireplace place made from bricks saved from the 19th century "pech" (oven) that was originally on the site. There is also a table for eight and space for two floor single floor mattresses for people to sleep on.
The terrace is large and perfect for big lunches (invite friends for a picnic!). Next to the huge oak table that seats 16 is a handmade fireplace grill and an area for food preparation with running water (in summer) and a window that provides access to the indoor kitchen.
A few steps away is a big fire pit and the barn, which has bicycles and more.
Guest access
The entire cottage and the property is all yours - no other guests although you may see the groundkeeper tending flowers during the week. There is a door code to enter. When you leave, you must also press the code and lock the door. Sometimes it takes a little push.
Our Ukrainian and Russian-speaking groundskeeper will also meet you to answer any questions and show you how to use the fireplace, etc. if you wish.
Other things to note
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING
Drivers and guides are available for an extra modest fee. We can meet you at the airport, make a stop for you to buy groceries or get cash, and then deliver you to our front door and make sure you're connected to WiFi and any questions are answered. Translators, transportation, and guides are not included in the price, but the rates are reasonable.
No shoes inside the house please - use slippers or socks on our heated floors, otherwise, the dirt can accumulate quickly and ruin your stay. Before your arrival the floors will have been scrubbed clean, so feel free to walk inside barefoot or in socks.
- Aside from a small grocery and hardware store about a 5 minute walk away, there is not much to do in the village except walk and chat with the friendly neighbors selling fresh veggies. However, 20 minutes away is a huge sports complex with restaurant, bar, huge pool, kayaks, bike rental, ziplines, volleyball and much much more. We work with them to help our guests who want more outdoor activities. During the war, you will have to check whether they are open.
- Without a car, you would be able only to enjoy the cottage or take a walk to the river or forest. We are in a tiny village. We have a driver available for $100/day (12 hours) -- he can take you everywhere, even into Kyiv for sightseeing and then back to the cottage at night.
- For stays longer than a few days, a car is really necessary to be able to explore the surrounding area (or our driver). You can take an Uber there from the airport or from Kyiv, but there is no Uber in the village. So to get home I have a driver who will take you for $50 (or you can call a taxi). If you are adventurous, you can also take a small bus to and from Kyiv, it stops not far from our house and costs under $5.
- This is a small village and my home is for guests to enjoy the quiet and fresh air of the countryside, cozy nights by the fire, picnics and dinners on the terrace. Loud, late night parties are not acceptable and will lead to security coming by. Five friends sitting around a campfire and talking until late into the night is encouraged, but no fireworks or loud singing/carousing. Also note that the adjacent pond is not ours so please do not go outside our fence and respect the privacy of our neighbors. Thank you!
- The house has a maximum occupancy of five people, but in certain cases, if you want to invite a few more guests during the day for a big outdoor lunch on the terrace, please ask.
- We have a 50 meter deep new fresh water pump and the water has been certified as 100% safe and healthy to drink. However, since it is from a natural source, it has lots of minerals and at times a smell of iron. This comes and goes, but should dissipate. I personally enjoy the water's flavor now, but of course, you can always buy bottled water and the next door store.
Please help me by being flexible and providing me private feedback so that I can improve the place as a dream dacha.
