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Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access

Photo gallery for Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access

Aerial of Home and River
Living Room Wood Fireplace
Kitchen
Riverside Pavilion - Guest Access
Outside of Home

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 12211.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Steelville, Missouri
  • Meramec River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Peaceful Bend Vineyard
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Maramec Spring Park
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Rolla, MO (RLA-Rolla National)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access

Murphy’s Retreat is a spacious hunting lodge hideaway that holds a special place in our hearts— since it’s the spot where our family’s Meramec River adventure began. Boasting a wide-open floor plan and a deck with breathtaking views overlooking the winding river bed below, Murphy’s Retreat has space for 12 people to gather together in the gorgeous Missouri Ozarks, yet there’s still plenty of room for everyone to spread out and find a little private time and peace. 

A Grand Great Room
Open the glass-paned front door and step inside the sprawling great room. Shiny wood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings, and two walls of large windows create a spacious room that’s filled with natural sunlight. Two buttery soft leather sofas and two plush armchairs provide plenty of comfy seating space, and the wood-burning fireplace is ideal for those chilly Missouri evenings. Over the fireplace is a large HDTV for catching the game or hosting a family movie night. 

A Spacious, Open Kitchen
A super-convenient bar separates the kitchen from the living space, yet keeps everyone close together too. The kitchen is arranged in an efficient u-shape and is outfitted with lots of wood cabinets and butcher block countertops. Premier appliances include an electric range, microwave oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Next to the kitchen is a formal dining space illuminated by an antler chandelier and bookshelves with an impressive array of board games for the occasional rainy day. 

Three Serene Sleeping Spaces
The three bedrooms at Murphy’s Retreat are spread out to allow for plenty of privacy even with larger groups. On the main level, there are three bedrooms— one with a queen-size, log-framed bed and a twin-size day bed with a twin-size trundle, and two additional bedrooms with two full-size beds. The full bathroom features a deep jetted tub and a separate shower. Then on the lower level, there is a large, flexible space with a queen-size bed, a queen-size sleeper sofa, and a small sitting area. 

A Dreamy Deck With Magnificent Views
Chances are, you’ll find yourself drawn outside again and again to the fantastic covered porch overlooking the winding river below— it’s everyone’s favorite spot. In the mornings, this is the perfect place to bring your steaming mug of morning coffee as you watch the forest wake up around you. At sunset, pour a glass of wine and break out the binoculars to search the sky for the majestic eagles soaring overhead and nesting in the treetops. During the day, you’ll want to lace up your hiking shoes and explore the surrounding trails, or grab your rod and reel and catch that evening’s dinner in the river. Guests of Murphy’s Retreat also have access to a riverside pavilion that houses a smoker, bbq grills, bar, hanging firepit, and a large deck. This is riverside ozark mountain bliss at its very best.

Property manager

Jessica
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Fee is per pet - please keep pets off bedding
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$50 fee will be charged for smoking in home.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Steelville

Located in Steelville, this holiday home is in a rural area. Peaceful Bend Vineyard and Maramec Spring Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area and Mark Twain National Forest. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Steelville, Missouri

What's nearby

  • Meramec River - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Peaceful Bend Vineyard - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Birds Nest Beach Park - 17 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Maramec Spring Park - 19 min drive - 17.4 km
  • Fanning Route 66 Outpost - 29 min drive - 26.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Midwest Travel Plaza - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Missouri Hick Barbeque - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is steps from Meramec River and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Peaceful Bend Vineyard. Riverview Roadside Park and Birds Nest Beach Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vicki M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house, private, everything you need

We couldn't be happier with everything you provided! And the fan was perfect on the deck - thank you! And the recommendation for your mom's rafting company worked out perfect! I highly recommend your property!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golf trip with friends

Had a great stay. Beautiful view. Very relaxing. Look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Relaxing and refreshing

So easy to settle in and begin enjoying the surroundings. Outside fire pit every night. Good fishing in the beautiful river. The house had everything we needed. Used a bird identifying app and noted 24 birds one morning over coffee. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good spot for a bachelor party

There was a ton of room for guests to sleep (there were 12 of us). The kitchen was spacious and had everything we needed and the river was short walk down the trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Douglas J., Joplin, MO

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vineyards and Springs

This place has a great view and is right on the Meramec River, we went to several vineyard and Missouri Springs. A good place to get away and see the natural beauty of Missouri.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Thanksgiving Gathering

We had a wonderful time gathering with our far flung children for the holiday in this remote spot. The kitchen had everything we needed for a traditional feast. The views are spectacular!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

cynthia h.

Wonderful time

It was a great property. Even though the weather was cold the wood burning fireplace made for great comfort. Very clean and had everything we needed for family fun. Thanks for everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Area

House was amazing! Beautiful views!! Jessica was very nice and responding to any communication quickly. We got to meet her and her husband and they were both friendly and awesome! Definitely recommend and will hopefully be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic!

It is a beautiful, comfortable, clean house with lots of room. The deck has a fantastic view and there is a great picnic table next to the deck. We had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the river. The pavilion next to the river is also very nice. Overall, everything was better than we expected. Perfect for larger groups and all of us noncampers!

10/10 Excellent

Blake F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay

Beautiful place! We loved the access to the river and the peaceful views. Only negative is there is a hornets nest in the upper soffit of the house to the right of the deck. We sprayed them a bunch of times and they kept coming. Might want to get an exterminator out there. It happens and we understand, just wanted you to know about it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Nijole G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas in July

It was a lovely spot. Nice and clean. 2 guests stung by wasps and 1 spider bite but we were in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem

Great experience! Enjoyed the house, making fires, drinking coffee & soaking up the view, hanging out at the pavilion, hiking, playing corn hole and cards, and baking pizzas in the pizza oven. We also enjoyed a trip into Steelville. Walked around visiting the stores. Enjoyed a burger and ice cream at the Dairy Isle.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a great space to be with friends and perfect location

Host was available when needed for questions. House was perfect for our group. We loved the Pavillion and out door back porch. Plenty of space very clean and beautiful scenery! Close to the river for floating and play time. I called to organize float and everything was ready to go when we arrived. Great directions to our location and float pick up drop off with no problems. Cant wait to go back! PERFECT 5TH YEAR GIRLS annual float trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Cozy cabin with tons of space

We really enjoyed our stay and it worked out really well with our two toddlers. The kitchen was really well equipped and everything seemed really clean. We only slept in the master bedroom and the basement bed but both were really comfortable. The bathtub was so fun for our toddlers to bathe in and we used it everyday. The only issue we had was that the listing makes it sound like the pavilion is was for our private use, when in fact there are a handful of other cabins nearby that also have access to the pavilion. That being said the pavilion was awesome! It had a refrigerator multiple grills, a Johnny on the spot (that wasn’t awful) and plenty of seating. The gravel road to get down to the pavilion was pretty steep and hard to get up in a minivan but we made it just fine once we got the hang of it. If you have four wheel drive it would be no problem. The spring that is just down the river a bit is so beautiful and was so fun to explore! We did have a few questions for the owner who was super helpful and very polite. We look forward to staying at this cabin again and possibly trying out some other cabins at Murphy’s place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Corrina T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break

This is a beautiful home and the views are amazing. Everything was nice and neat.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic, quiet, beautiful view

Great location yet away from everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Breanna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely birthday trip

We absolutely loved our stay at Murphy's Retreat! It was so cozy and spacious all at once! We really enjoyed the screened in porch and how close the river was! We will definitely be back soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Marty B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view of the river

Upon entering, the air smelled nice and clean. However, there were a few problems with cleanliness. The floors were quite dirty, the fireplace doors black, there was a spoon in the disposal and it smelled bad, and some of the kitchen items were greasy or soiled. Screens on porch have several holes allowing unwanted animals to enter. On the plus side, bedding was clean and there were plenty of clean towels. The furniture is well worn but comfortable. I've rented many apartments, condos and houses in this country as well as in Europe. In my opinion, this house, though very remote with a great view, is not a good value for the money.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dani O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway

Very clean, beautiful view of the river, large screened in porch. We were a group of women that met at Peaceful Bend Winery (right across the street from the property) for a nice lunch and wine prior to check in at our cabin. The cabin had plenty of sleeping space and everything we needed. We spent most of our time on the screened in porch looking at the river below. It is a little hike to get down to the river if you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Or you can drive a couple of miles to Bird's Nest Landing for river access. We had a great weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

april m., Effingham

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BEAUTIFUL AND SPACIOUS!!

Crystal responded quickly. Place was great! Already planning a trip back next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Greg-Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Getaway from the City!

Everything was as advertised and the screened-in porch overlooking the river and woods was definitely the highlight of the trip! So relaxing for us, and the perfect place for the dogs to hang out too. Had a couple of issues but Crystal addressed them to our satisfaction. Would definitely return and have already recommended it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie D., Heyworth, IL

Perfect Family Retreat

Your property far exceeded our expectations. We hiked, ate good meals, talked and laughed and gave thanks for the opportunity to spend time together in a wonderful atmosphere. Thanks, The Darrow Family
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Lisa H.

Loved the location

Very nice property and wonderful views. Overall the property was clean and comfortable. Kitchen had everything you need. Wish we had brought more meals to eat in. The only negatives is some of the furniture is older and worn and bathrooms are a bit dated. The cabin is very roomy and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again. We enjoyed having a nice dinner out at Sybill’s in St.James. Avoid eating at Hick BBQ in Steelville it was not good.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Megan T.

Murphy's Retreat

We had a wonderful time at Murphy's retreat and would recommend the place to anyone traveling to the area!! Crystal was wonderful and everyone else was so kind and amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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Finally a "cabin" that I love.

Came to these parts from northern Wisconsin where every winter I would rent out a cabin on a frozen lake and enjoy the cold with a fireplace, some wine and a book. I have lived in MO. for five years and had not found anything to compete with those experiences. Since I was hosting a wine tasting at Peaceful Bend, I thought it a good idea to stay close by. The property was recommended to me by a couple different folks but still my expectations were low. Well, my expectations got a slap up side the head when our small group stepped inside this wonderful retreat. Terrific view, comfy beds, immaculate house keeping, a wonderful wood burning fireplace, and close to a winery. Pretty near perfect. Looking forward to next stay.

About the host

Hosted by Jessica

Host profile image
This idyllic location has been in my family for five generations. Originally purchased by my great-great-grandfather, my great-grandfather was born in the original farmhouse. Then my grandmother, her twin sister, my own mother, and I were all lucky enough and blessed to have grown up cradled within this picturesque and peaceful piece of land.
Excited and inspired to share our love of this land with others, my husband Justin and I started 4J Vacation Rentals in 2020 with two homes— Country Cabin & Hillside— that were each built and lived in by my grandparents and my great-grandmother. In 2021, we purchased the neighboring 16 acres and 4 cabins— Dogwood, Sassafras, Copperstone, and Murphy’s Retreat— that overlook the Meramec River, and our vision of sharing this land was magnified and expanded beyond our wildest dreams.
Additionally, Justin and I also run a nearby cattle farm, and my mom and I have started a non-profit equine therapy practice for those with special needs. Justin and I have two kids who love to run around and explore the surrounding rolling hills and sparkling riverbed, just like I did when I was a kid, and my mom did before me.
This land is a magical place we so enjoy sharing— and seeing guests like you fall in love with it is such a rewarding feeling. Waking up to see the morning sunrise through the mist as it rises off the Meramec River Valley is a truly spiritual experience— one that will effortlessly bring you the serenity and tranquility you crave, and that are so lacking in the world today. But don’t take my word for it. Book your next escape and come see us soon.

Why they chose this property

This house is a great escape for 8 to 12 people. It has everything you need to enjoy a fantastic weekend with close friends. The view from the back deck overlooking the River below is hard to put into pictures or words but if I had to choose one it would be breathtaking!!!!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests