Idyllwood Mountain Retreat

05/07/2026

Over the past few years, we’ve been tending something really special in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Idyllwood Mountain Retreat has become a place for gathering — from scout campouts and weekends with dear friends and family, to retreats inspired by the elements: 🌱 earth, 💦 water, 💨 air, and 🔥 fire.

Along the way, we’ve also had the joy of hosting guests from near and far, and we’re proud (and grateful!) to have earned 25 five-star reviews as an Airbnb. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At its heart, Idyllwood is rooted in the things we value most: connection, delight, hygge, renewal, and a deep appreciation for time spent together in nature. 💚

I’m excited to finally share our website more broadly, including a calendar of upcoming retreats, workshops, and gatherings:

🌿 https://www.idyllwoodmountainretreat.com

We hope to welcome you to Idyllwood soon!

Discover Idyllwood Mountain Retreat in Virginia for relaxing stays, retreats, and celebrations. Reconnect with nature and yourself in a peaceful mountain setting.

09/29/2024

I cannot say a big enough THANK YOU to Amber Abney (www.amberabney.com) for collaborating with me on my Idyllwood logo! This final version was the first thing I saw when I woke up last Saturday morning, and my immediate thought was “This is IT!”

Ever since she designed our wedding invitations almost 20 years ago, I have been amazed by Amber's graphic design expertise. Two years ago, I was blown away by the logos she created for our WHES house teams. Once again, I am so impressed by her ability to take my words/stories/vision for my business and then distill all that into a powerful but simple graphic representation. As always, I so appreciate her openness and responsiveness to feedback, as we worked through various drafts the week before my open house. You nailed it! 💛

I also want to thank my people (Sara, Anita, Jason) and some of Sara’s people (Chy Creative, Jill Liebhaber) who provided feedback and encouragement for me during this process. This was a very big decision for my new business and I appreciate it having these thought-partners alongside me!

ABOUT THE LOGO: I was inspired by The Rooms, a cultural center in my hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, which houses the provincial archives, art gallery, and museum. This iconic building (along with its architecture, name and logo) celebrates the simple gabled-roof sheds (called “fishing rooms“) that once proliferated the shores of Newfoundland fishing villages. The quilt design in the center represents a simplified version of the barn quilts I painted that will hang at the entrance of our mountain property and on Idyllwood barn. Finally, the navy and yellow reflect the new colors of Idlewood Cabin, selected to honor my Swedish roots 💛💙

Available on hats, t-shirts and go-cups soon! 🤣

09/28/2024

Introducing Idyllwood Mountain Retreat! Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a babbling brook and two ponds, Idyllwood includes a cozy cabin and a versatile enclosed pavilion. We bought this idyllic property less than a year ago, and I have loved transforming it into a place that fosters connection and renewal for anyone who comes here.

This past Saturday, I was delighted to welcome dear friends and new acquaintances from all over central and northern Virginia to celebrate the official launch of my new business venture Home From Away LLC and the renaming of our beautiful property to Idyllwood Mountain Retreat! Scouts led tours of the property and tested our new archery sets. We feasted on gumbo and listened to an amazing solo set by J Roddy Walston, and connected with old and new friends.

Cheers to Idyllwood! I hope when people come here—whether for a cozy cabin stay or a milestone celebration—that it feels like coming *home from away* ⛰️💚🌲

P.S. In my hand, you may notice a CB Talley cup, one of hundreds of *go-cups* we have from many Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana. Renewal is one of my core values for Home From Away. As much as possible for Idyllwood events, I want to use real dishes, cutlery and cups, rather than disposable paper goods. Having a deep stash of go-cups not only makes this possible, but also brings delight and fond memories of our people back in Louisiana! (Like CB & Anissa Talley ☺️)

📷 Photography by Christian Hommel
💐Local flower arrangements by Fresh Cut Sisters
🏡 Check out my Air BnB listing for Idyllwood Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/ZHc9DFKL (photos of new paint job to be updated soon!)