The forty-six-acre property of the Sanctuary at Split Creek sits along Lake Hiawatha and backs up to the Ponceau Mountains. There are eight cottage rentals and a restored five thousand square foot church building available for reservation. The church house can sleep up to ten people and has a fully stalked kitchen with a five-car driveway. This private outdoor escape is an hour's drive from both the New York City and Pennsylvania airports. The Sanctuary at Split Creek is open year-round with an increase in guests during the summer months when local wineries and the lake are open.
The Sanctuary at Split Creek is a collection of eight rental cottages and a five thousand square foot church built in 1871 that was renovated in 2019. The property is located on forty-six acres of forested land. Tall trees border the property and surround each cottage for privacy. Grassy fields and gravel driveways surround each rental. The church house is located right next to the shoreline of Lake Hiawatha and has a large porch looking out over the water. Each cottage is different, with brightly colored exteriors, covered patios, and an outdoor firepit. There are several ponds spread throughout the property, along with many small creeks guests can walk along. Gardens, a gazebo, and three pergolas are laid throughout the acreage and maintained by the Sanctuary at Split Creek staff.
Ducks are raised by the owner Ross and his wife Valerie on the property, and if visiting during the spring, many ducklings can be observed swimming in the ponds and walking along the lake shoreline. A private fishing stream runs through the property, and although guests are not allowed to fish in the stream, they can walk along the trail beside the stream and watch the fish. Each of the cottages and church are decorated with upscale country décor. A gas fire pit with seating and barbecue grills are included with each property, along with games such as corn hole, horseshoes, and spike ball. With notice fishing gear, a paddleboat, rowboat, or a canoe can be set out for guests to take out on the lake during their stay.
The church has an entirely new interior, while the exterior architecture has been preserved with stained glass windows and tall steeples. Eight to ten guests can sleep comfortably in the home with four bedrooms and six bathrooms. The Citrus Suite is the master bedroom and has a private walk-out patio. The Sapphire, Violet, and Jade Rooms all have a queen bed and private bathrooms. Sleeper sofas are spread throughout the home in the game room, great room, and reading room. A large piano sits in the home's entry area, and flat-screen televisions are spread throughout the entire house. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food as a fully stocked kitchen is located in the home as well as a large dining area. The smaller cottages on the property have one bedroom and bathrooms with a small kitchen and living space.
Besides spending time on Lake Hiawatha, there are many other attractions in the area. During the day, guests can explore the two miles of walking trails, natural springs, and meditations spots throughout the property. Appointments can be set for a massage or a meal cooked right in front of the serving table by a world-renowned chef in the area. Wineries are spread throughout the area, and Kalahari Water Resort is within a twenty-minute drive of the property. Andre Moore's Stone Bar is a popular pub-style restaurant and bar nearby. Winter activities in the area include snowshoeing the Ponceau Mountain trails and skiing on the Blue and Big Boulder Mountains. The Sanctuary at Split Creek is open year-round.
The Sanctuary at Split Creek was created with the intent of building a private outdoor escape. The property is located fifteen minutes from the closest town Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Its seclusion adds to its charm, nestled deep into the woods with few neighbors. The renovated aspect of the property is unique and important to the owners. They purchased the property because of the decade-old church and cottages located on the property. These restored buildings have solid structures and modern upscale décor without losing any of the original elements of the building's exterior. Every guest who passes through the Sanctuary at Split Creek has access to all of the property's amenities and are encouraged to explore the grounds. Ross and his wife Valerie, the property owners, want each guest to feel like they are in a home away from home.
The upkeep of the grounds and cleanliness of the cabins are of uttermost importance to the property owners. They want every guest to be welcomed into a house that "looks like they're the first ones who have ever stayed there," says Ross. A clean space for each of the Sanctuary at Split Creek guests is vital in providing a space where guests can relax and unwind off the grid. The bed and breakfast is an hour away from the New York City and Philadelphia airports. Because of the close proximity to some of the largest cities in the United States, guests can escape from their busy lifestyles and relax at the Sanctuary at Split Creek. Visitors from out of state can take the drive into these cities to explore but still have a relaxing place to come back to away from the busy city.
Guests who have stayed on the property leave generally positive reviews regarding the well-managed rooms and secluded location. "The spacious homes and cottages were perfect for our family reunion. Everyone had a clean place to stay. They were all decorated well and kept clean. Owners Ross and Valerie were friendly and accommodating," said a guest at the bed and breakfast. The whole home and multiple cottages can be rented together for family reunions, work retreats, and weddings. An old airplane hangar on the property is under renovation to add a venue area for weddings and celebrations. The owners do their best to stay consistent with their standards and policies; this includes trying to make sure that each cottage and the church are well maintained, and guests know what to expect during their stay. Many guests return to the Sanctuary at Split Creek for additional reservations after their first stay.
Built in 1871, the original church at the Sanctuary at Split Creek and its surrounding acreage were purchased by Ross and Valerie Blakeslee in 2019. The church functioned as one of the only church buildings in the area for over sixty-five years. It sat vacant for decades before being turned into a food pantry. The food pantry lasted for over thirty years before it was yet again left vacant. Over the years, weather, animals, and people caused a lot of damage to the church. However, the original timber structure and handcrafted stained glass windows remained.
Ross had spent over forty years in the hospitality industry with a degree in hotel management. He spent years alongside his wife and children managing hotels and other rental properties. When it came time to retire, the couple decided they wanted to create this bed and breakfast as a source of income, but with little to no work on their part. So they purchased the church and spent a year rebuilding the entire interior of the building while keeping the stained glass windows and steeples. A handful of cottages built in the 1890s were scattered around the church. The couple purchased these cottages and knocked them down to be rebuilt. They opened the property for reservations in late 2020.
279 Greenview Dr.
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania 18353
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Ross & Valerie Blakeslee
