Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a retreat package?
Booking will be for the entire cottage 4 days, 3 nights. Thursday-Sunday. Thursday 9:00 am check-in and a Sunday 3:00 pm check-out. Optional Wednesday arrival for $45 per guest.
Our retreat features two beautifully appointed bedrooms:
- Starlight Suite: Sleeps up to 5 guests (no bunks) and includes a full bathroom for your convenience.
- Cozy Cove: Sleeps 3 guests (no bunks), offering a cozy space with a half bath and a shower located just next to the bedroom.
Relax and unwind with all the comforts of home—we provide fresh linens, towels,washcloths and hair dryers for our guests.
While meals are the responsibility of our guests, we’ve made it easy for you to prepare something special in our fully-equipped kitchen. Whether you’re cooking up a casual meal or preparing a feast with friends, you'll have access to:
- Stove/oven
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Large farmhouse sink
- Cookware, utensils, and more!
After a day of crafting, take time to relax in the sitting area where you can enjoy WiFi and internet TV. Start your mornings at our coffee bar, featuring a regular coffee maker and a Keurig with a variety of K-cups (feel free to bring your favorites!). Plus, stay refreshed throughout your stay with our hot & cold water dispenser.
For all your crafting needs, our scrapbook/craft room is ready to inspire. With seven 6-foot tables and all the essentials, you’ll have plenty of space to create and collaborate. Each table is equipped with:
- Personal lighting
- Convenient power plugs and charging stations
- Comfy rolling office chairs
- Trash can
- Quilt wall
Whether you're here for crafting, relaxation, or both, Lakeside Cottage Retreat is the perfect place to create lasting memories.
How many does the retreat hold?
There are scrapbook/craft tables and beds for 7 guests. (No bunk beds)
How can I book a retreat?
Visit the Booking page and follow these instructions:
Please follow these steps to secure your date and complete your payment:
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Select Your Date: Click on the date you're interested in on the calendar below.
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Choose Your Ticket:
- If your retreat is more than 45 days away, select the "Secure Your Date" ticket.
- If your retreat is less than 45 days away or if you want to go ahead and pay the full amount early, select the "Pay in Full" ticket.
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View Selections: Click on "View Selections" and then click "Book Now".
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Add Wednesday Arrival Guests: Select the number of Wednesday Arrival Guests from the dropdown list ($45 per Guest).
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Agree to Terms: Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
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Payment:
- For bookings more than 45 days away, pay the $350 deposit. Any Wednesday arrivals will be automatically processed as a separate additional charge 45 days before your retreat ($45 per Guest), along with the remaining balance of $1260.
- For bookings less than 45 days away or if you want to go ahead and pay the full amount early, pay the full amount of $1610, which includes the non-refundable deposit. Any Wednesday arrivals will be automatically processed as a separate additional charge within the next business day ($45 per Guest).
Do I have to book the entire cottage?
"Group Booking and Payment Information"
To make your booking process as smooth as possible, we ask that the entire cottage be booked by one person from your group. This means that one individual will reserve the entire space and then collect payments from the other guests to cover the cost.
Here’s how it works:
- Book the Entire Cottage: One person from your group will make the full payment for the cottage.
- Collect Payments from Your Group: After booking, the designated person will collect individual payments from the other retreat participants.
- Submit One Payment to the Retreat: When everyone in your group has paid, the lead booker will send the full amount to us in a single payment.
This process helps us keep everything organized and ensures that we can hold the cottage for your group. If you have any questions or need assistance with the booking process, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Can I arrive on Wednesday?
Yes! Wednesday 9:00 am arrival is an added $45 per guest.
What if the weekend I want is booked?
If the weekend you want is booked, please email and have your name added to the wait list. If there is a cancellation, you will have first chance to book.
What if its raining the day of arrival?
Unfortunately, sometimes it's raining when you are trying to unload your precious items. We've got you covered! Thankfully, we have a covered concrete area to keep you dry while unloading.
Will there be planned activities at the Lakeside Cottage Retreat?
No, we are providing a wonderful place for you to hold your own retreat, but any activities will be up to you and your group to create.
Can I reserve Lakeside Cottage Retreat for something other than scrapbooking/quilting/crafting?
Absolutely! Although the house is designed with scrapbookers/quilters/crafters in mind any small group is welcome to come and enjoy the lakeviews and peaceful country.
Is food provided?
We do not provide food for your retreat. However, we do have a fully-equipped kitchen in the cottage. You can find pots, pans, baking dishes, utensils, coffee pots, and much more for you to prepare your own meals. We will also provide a list of restaurants and their distances from the retreat in case you want to go grab a meal to bring back.
What are my dining options?
Goodrich, TX, is a small town, so dining options in the immediate area are somewhat limited. However, there are a few options nearby for casual dining, local favorites, and comfort food. Here are some places you might want to consider (confirm before heading out that they are open):
Dining Options in Livingston, Texas
Stella's Bakery
Address: 1201 N Washington Ave, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: Bakery, Desserts
Description: Stella's Bakery is a charming, family-owned spot offering a variety of freshly baked goods, including cakes, cookies, pies, and bread. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it's a local favorite for both casual treats and custom cakes for special occasions. A great place to enjoy coffee and dessert!
El Toro Mexican Restaurant
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 12 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: Mexican
Description: A relaxed spot serving traditional Mexican dishes, including fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and more. Perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Café 105
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 13 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: American, Southern
Description: A cozy café offering classic American comfort food, from burgers and sandwiches to Southern-style dishes. Great for breakfast or lunch.
Sonic Drive-In
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 12 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: Fast food, American
Description: A classic American fast-food chain offering burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes, and more. Quick, convenient, and tasty!
The Grumpy Monkey Café
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 14 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: Café, American
Description: A quirky, locally owned café with a laid-back vibe, offering breakfast, sandwiches, and a variety of coffee drinks. A fun, casual place to relax.
China Garden
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 12 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: Chinese
Description: Serving up classic Chinese dishes like General Tso's Chicken and Kung Pao, this spot is great for fans of traditional Chinese cuisine.
The Texas Grill
Address: Onalaska, TX (Approx. 15 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Description: Known for hearty Texan-style dishes, including BBQ and burgers, this casual, friendly spot offers a nice local vibe and great food.
Back Porch Grill
Address: Livingston, TX (Approx. 12 miles from Goodrich)
Cuisine: American, Seafood, Grill
Description: Offering a relaxing dining experience with a view of Lake Livingston, this spot is perfect for seafood, steaks, and grilled items.
Local Favorites in Livingston, Texas
Katie's Café and Bakery
Address: 206 N Washington Ave, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: Bakery, Café, American
Description: A charming café offering freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and hearty breakfast options. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
Indulge Kitchen and Lounge
Address: 1370 US-59, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: American, Lounge
Description: A stylish lounge offering a mix of American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for both dining and socializing.
Patron's Grill
Address: 1404 N Washington Ave, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: American, Grill
Description: A friendly grill serving burgers, steaks, and sandwiches. Known for its welcoming service and a great spot to relax and enjoy good food.
Shrimp Boat Manny's
Address: 3401 US-190, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: Seafood, American
Description: Specializing in seafood, especially shrimp, with Southern-style preparations. A must-visit for seafood lovers looking for casual dining.
Pit Row Pit Stop
Address: 1233 US-190, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: BBQ, American
Description: A laid-back BBQ joint offering smoky meats like brisket, ribs, and sausages. A great choice for BBQ enthusiasts.
Florida's Kitchen
Address: 2421 US-190, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Description: A casual eatery with Southern-style seafood dishes, including shrimp, fish, and gumbo. Known for its relaxed ambiance and fresh ingredients.
Court House Whistle Stop
Address: 500 W Church St, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: American, Diner
Description: A classic diner offering hearty American meals in a nostalgic, cozy setting. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite.
Huddle House
Address: 1267 US-59, Livingston, TX 77351
Cuisine: American, Diner
Description: A 24-hour diner serving classic American comfort food like pancakes, burgers, and breakfast staples. Ideal for any time of day.
This list provides you with a good variety of dining options in Livingston and nearby, with descriptions to help you choose based on what you're in the mood for!
Note:
Since Goodrich is a smaller town, you'll likely need to drive a short distance (around 10–15 miles) to reach the dining options listed above, most of which are located in Livingston, the county seat. If you're looking for a wider variety of dining experiences, Livingston will be your best bet.
Local Craft Supplies?
Goodrich, TX, is a small town, so there are limited craft or scrapbook stores directly in the area. However, nearby Livingston, TX, offers a few options where you might find scrapbook and craft supplies:
1. Walmart Supercenter
- Location: 1800 W Church St, Livingston, TX 77351
- Distance from Goodrich: About 12 miles
- What They Offer: While not a dedicated craft store, Walmart has a craft section with scrapbooking supplies, including paper, stickers, embellishments, and other basic craft items.
Do we have to clean the cottage after the retreat?
There is a built in cleaning fee with your cost. We bring in a cleaning service after you leave. However, we do ask that you keep things tidy and follow the check out procedure (seen below as a FAQ) that we provide in order to make it possible to prepare the retreat for the next group.
Check Out Procedure
We ask you to help us take care of the cottage with several small requests at check out:
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To avoid odors, during your stay, please do not put kitchen trash in the craft room's trash cans.
- Please strip the bed you used. No need to do the wash - just leave them on top of the beds.
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Put all dry towels in the laundry room floor. Leave them hanging if they are damp or wet.
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Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and start a run.
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Make sure all small appliances used are put away in the cabinets.
- Please turn off the power to the table lights and any interior lights.
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Transfer all the kitchen trash to the large trashcan under the carport.
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Take the bags of trash out of each bathroom and place them in trashcan under the carport.
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Please place personal crafting trash in trashcan under the carport.
- Please make sure all the doors are locked prior to leaving. Check out is at 3:00 pm. Please remember locks will cease to work with your code at 3:15 pm. We don't always start our cleaning on Sundays. So the above steps helps to prevent odors indoors.
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If any of the above are not done, you may incur an extra cleaning fee of $100.
Cancellation Policy
We know life happens and sometimes requires a need for you to change your retreat plans.
If you need to change your date, we will do our best to accommodate your request but are not under any obligation to accommodate a date change request. Any changes are made at our discretion. You must contact us prior to your 45-day final payment date.
If you chose to cancel and not reschedule prior to 45-days of arrival, you will forfeit your security deposit. If you cancel within 45-days of your arrival date, you will be responsible for the full amount due. We will attempt to fill your rental dates. If we are able to fill your reservation, you will not be responsible for any further balances due and will refund all payments, less the security deposit. If we are unable to fill your rental, you remain responsible for making full payment on your reservations.
We can’t cancel individual guests within a whole house reservation. You may cancel or reschedule your whole house reservation prior to 45-days of your arrival date. If you need help replacing a guest, reach out and we will do our best to help!
Do you keep your retreat chemical free?
Our Commitment to a Healthier You
At Lakeside Cottage Retreat, we are dedicated to providing a sanctuary where health and well-being are prioritized. That’s why we use only non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products throughout our entire retreat center. These products ensure that you can relax and recharge in a space free from harmful chemicals, making it an ideal environment for those who are health-conscious and seek a holistic experience. By choosing non-toxic cleaning solutions, we protect the health of our guests.
Terms & Conditions
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Lakeside Cottage Retreat is a non-smoking home.
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For safety reasons, no candles or other open flames allowed
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Guests must be female and 18 years of age or older. Guests 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
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We love pets! But we can't accommodate them at the cottage.
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Lakeside Cottage Retreat is not liable for any loss, damages or claims for any reason for any events outside our control. Such as loss of power, utilities, cable or internet issues, personal injury, etc.
- Lakeside Cottage Retreat is not liable if there are unforeseen weather conditions that keep you from arriving to the retreat on time or at all and will not be eligible for a refund. We will do our best to accommodate another weekend if available but not guaranteed.
- Wait list: If the weekend you want is booked, please email and have your name added to the wait list. If there is a cancellation, you will have first chance to book.