Entire home

A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette

Photo gallery for A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette

The front seating area has a grill and space for seating
The picnic area is under roof, allowing for outdoor dining even on rainy days
Elk are regularly found in front of the house grazing or looking for apples
The kitchen and dining area is a bright, spacious room to share family meals
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee, watching the elk in the front yard

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Benezette, PA
  • Main St Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Elk Country Visitor Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Marion Brooks Natural Area
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • St. Marys, PA (STQ-St. Marys Municipal)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette

PROPERTY BEING RETIRED NOVEMBER 2025

Located a mere one mile from the Elk Country Visitor’s Center, The Elk Grove is a semi-secluded haven right in the heart of Benezette, Pennsylvania. Tucked against wooded lands at the end of a gravel drive, The Elk Grove is a perfect escape for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to stay right in the town of Benzette without being feet away from other tenants.

This three bedroom, two bath house, with a full finished basement is spacious enough for larger families, but cozy enough for couples. The Elk Grove is walking distance to many attractions in Benezette, including the Elk Country Visitor’s Center, Benezette Wines, The Old Bull Café, The Benezette Hotel, the Elk Trail, and the waterways of Trout Run and the Bennett Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Despite being so close, guests can still feel far away with picnic and fire pit areas where you see more trees and wildflowers than neighbors!

Elk regularly visit the property to graze in the yard, or look for apples on the tree only 20 yards from the windows in the dining and kitchen areas. The former occupants told us stories of how "Fred," the former Benezette town bull, used to sit just under two bedroom windows regularly! So don’t be surprised if you see an elk staring in your bedroom window when you wake up!

The Elk Grove has a full kitchen equipped with a propane cooktop and double ovens, a full refrigerator and freezer, and a microwave. The eat-in kitchen has table seating for four, where guests can sit with their morning coffee or evening glass of wine and watch the elk come into the yard to graze on the grass or search for apples. The living room has enough seating for the entire family and includes a comfortable sectional sofa, recliner, and rocking chair, as well as a flat screen television with Dish Network. The upstairs bathroom features a tub/shower, toilet, and vanity illuminated by custom tin lighting that accents the mountain wildlife themed room.

There are three generously sized bedrooms upstairs, two with queen sized beds, and the other with a king. There is plush carpeting throughout the living room and bedroom areas. Each bedroom has ample closet space for longer stays, as well. There is also a large hall closet to collect the family's coats during those colder months in Pennsylvania.

There are a washer and dryer located in the finished basement available for tenant use. The basement is carpeted, with a full bathroom including a toilet, sink, and stand-up shower. There is more than enough space for the kids to play here!

For outdoors lovers, there is a picnic table under roof for outside meals, even in the rain. There is also a fire pit area outback with a perfect view of the woods behind the house.

The Elk Grove offers all of the convenience and close proximity to the attractions of Elk Country without the encroachment of other cabins, we hope you will join us!

Property manager

Bryan Lukehart & Jennifer Helman
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Benezette

Located in Benezette, this cottage is in the city centre. Elk Mountain Winery and Leaning Pines Public Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Pine Tree Trail Natural Area and Marion Brooks Natural Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Benezette, PA

What's nearby

  • Main St Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Elk Country Visitor Center - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Marion Brooks Natural Area - 21 min drive - 20.6 km
  • Elk Mountain Winery - 25 min drive - 24.9 km
  • Parker Dam State Park - 33 min drive - 26.9 km

Getting around

  • DuBois, PA (DUJ-DuBois Regional) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Palotv Benezette Hotel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Benezette Store & Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Elk View Diner - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Old Bull Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Benezette Store - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Private Retreat in the Heart of Benezette located?

Located in the heart of Benezette, this cottage is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Main St Park and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Elk Country Visitor Center. Mt Zion Historical Park and Hemlock Ave Park are also within 12 miles (20 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. 223 out of 243 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 243 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 243 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 243 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 243 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marci D.

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

Home Away from Home in Benezette

We have visited Benezette many times over the years, but as soon as we walked into this quaint cottage, my husband said, "I really like this one". And I did too. The main reasons we booked were the location and reviews, but the second reason we booked was because it had a king-sized bed. My husband is 6'6" tall and doesn't fit in many beds. The bed was actually comfortable. There is also a ping pong table in the basement, so we got in a couple of games. The cottage was so clean too! We met Chris the maintenance man, and he was so friendly and helpful as well. Communication with Jennifer was perfect. Thank you, Jennifer and Bryan, for the use of your beautiful and cozy cottage. We hope to come back in the Spring and Fall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

David G.

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

2nd time just as nice!

This is our 2nd stay in this house since this May. Bryan and Jenn are amzing host's. The house was prefect for our long weekend stay. Our
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

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

Cozy and comfortable

This property is an older cottage/home right in the heart of Pennsylvania elk country. If you're looking for a modern fancy retreat, you'll find clean and comfortable instead. The beds were lovely, the kitchen was well stocked, and everything was in working order. Elk Life is literally across the street, offering specialty coffee drinks, ice cream, and fresh made mini donuts. Just down a block is the Benezette Motel, where they smoke their own meats and serve great food. The elk themselves can be found anywhere, with the visitor center just up the hill. Location and amenities will bring us back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda C.

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

Fall Trip

The property was perfect for our family weekend getaway with elderly parents. It was close to all the attractions Benezette has to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandi R.

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

Great vacation!

Plenty of room for our family stay. Very clean and enjoyed the outside with the fire pit. Liked that it is in town but up against the mountain. Seen plenty of elk at Winslow hill.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Dale A.

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

Review

Could use new mattresses beds not comfortable had low water pressure otherwise convenient and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa F.

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

Close but private

We had a wonderful time. Loved that we were so close to everything and still had privacy to sit by the fire. The house was very clean when we arrived. We took a small table to give us space to put our food on as the kitchen counters are limited. Hope to rent this house in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Niena V.

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

The cabin was great didn't see many elk though

Property was great
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine L.

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

Elk viewing

Excellent location! Very convenient. Fantastic hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

LISA R.

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

Benezette Happy Place

Have stayed here 2 or 3 time over the years and it is always a great stay. Location is awesome!! Everything is ready when we arrive.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol R.

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

Early September Stay

The property is nice. I like that it sits back off of the street. It is very quiet. The house was very clean and comfortable. The location is great with easy access to everything that Benezette has to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim W.

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

benezette get away

like the location, plenty of room for 9 people the kids like the basement with the ping pong table.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky B.

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

Elk Grove

Amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara G.

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

Nice

I really liked the location. It is convenient and quieter than u thought it was going to be and also because I love the Elk Life for coffee and snacks! The listing is accurate. If you don’t want to take your own towels sheets and blankets get the linen service (WHICH IS CLEARLY STAYED WHEN THEY SEND YOU THE INFORMATION). It was clean and cozy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

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

Elk Grove Stay

Impressed with all the kitchenware that was supplied.We had everthing we needed.We all slept very well,beds were very comfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rita B.

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

Good

Nice property and wonderful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

sally m.

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

Good Times

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

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

Great

Close to Elk life . Saw some deer on property and very cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna K.

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

Perfect!!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lin P.

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

Elk world

We had such a wonderful time staying at your home. Saw elk turkeys deer and the location was wonderful. Would stay there again. Thank you for letting us share your home.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

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

Benzenette beauty

The home we rented was very nice and pet friendly! Even though it is summer months we did see Bull Elks up at the “Big Cross on the Hill” location. Which is absolutely awesome. We plan to go back in the fall to hear some bugling and see more elk at the other overlook areas.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison Z.

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

Great stay!

We had a wonderful time here. The place was clean and very homey. The fire ring and yard were nice. We could hear the deer walking in the woods at night. And walking distance to the ice cream shop was perfect. Thank you for a great trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David G.

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

Beautiful mountain getaway!

My wife and I, and the two pups found this private retreat just right for our stay. The house was immaculate and very homey. The little town is just right for getting away from the hustle and bustle of life. The Elk Life store is literally down the end of the driveway- good coffee and all kinds of good eats. We really enjoyed exploring the surrounding parks (saw some elk), St Marys (Straub Brewery), and a distillery, among many adventures. We plan on coming back!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Bryan Lukehart & Jennifer Helman

Host profile image
An unlikely pair, Bryan grew up in Marion Center, Pennsylvania where he was raised on the family farm, tending to fields, and hunting and fishing when he got the chance; Jennifer grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, and when she came to Indiana County, PA to attend IUP, she fell in love with the outdoors and never left the area.

Bryan's family has a camp on Wolf Lick, and since he was a child, Bryan grew up fishing the streams in Elk Country, and hunting bear and whitetail deer in the abundant State Game and Forest Lands. Needless to say, Bryan's roots as an outdoorsman run deep, and still today, he is an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper.

Almost a decade ago, Jennifer was introduced to Elk Country by Bryan's dad, Ed, and the two have put on countless miles photographing elk and sightseeing. Despite growing up in the city, Jennifer developed a deep love for the outdoors, she is an avid trail runner and hiker, and also likes to hunt and fish.

Why they chose this property

On Mother's Day weekend of 2016, we saw a "For Sale by Owner" sign along Route 555 in the town of Benezette and decided to take a look.

Right in the middle of Benezette, yikes! At first glance, this wasn’t an ideal location for another vacation rental. The more we toured the property, the more we fell in love. Despite being in the middle of downtown Benezette, this cottage, now named “The Elk Grove” after the former owners, Walt and Donna Grove, sits at the end of a long gravel drive and is backed by wooded land that is home to many of the local elk herd.

In fact, the former owners told us stories about how “Fred,” the former town Bull, used to lay in their mulch bed under the bedroom windows!

What makes this property unique

For us, this cottage offers the best of both worlds: close enough, but also far enough away. It is the perfect balance of near and far; just one mile from the Elk Country Visitor’s Center, guests are within walking distance to local attractions, but have enough space and seclusion that you aren’t looking at another cottage or cabin 10 yards away.

Our kids love walking to the Old Bull Cafe for ice cream! We love that the Elk trail is only one mile away, and that we can have a fire in the back yard and watch the elk walk through the woods!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests