✨ Words & Wonder Cottage | Sleeps 12 • Hot Tub • Game Room • Pet-Friendly ✨ Nestled in the pines of Bayfield, Colorado — just 25 minutes from Durango — Words & Wonder Cottage is more than a stay. It’s a story waiting to be written. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, holiday gathering, or mountain escape with friends, our whimsical retreat offers space, comfort, and magic for up to 12 guests. Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully designed spaces for everyone: a master suite with king bed and ensuite bath, a restful queen bedroom, a kid-friendly triple bunk room, and even a playful Harry Potter-inspired twin trundle room. Two cozy living rooms invite movie marathons or quiet reading, while the game room (Pac-Man arcade, Roku TV, puzzles & board games) sparks laughter across generations. Every sofa can flex into extra sleeping space, so no one is left out. At the heart of the cottage, the fully stocked kitchen makes meals a joy — from pancake breakfasts to Thanksgiving feasts — with a Nespresso coffee maker, kid-friendly dishes, and all the cookware you need. Gather in the dining area, swap stories, and let food bring everyone together. Step outside and soak in the private hot tub under a blanket of stars. In winter, snowflakes swirl as steam rises into crisp mountain air; in summer, crickets sing as you unwind with a glass of wine. Families love the thoughtful touches — Pack ’n Play, high chair, outlet covers, children’s books & games — while pet parents appreciate our pet-friendly policy. With fast Wi-Fi, laundry, and smart entry, modern comforts blend seamlessly with rustic charm. Adventure is never far: paddle at Vallecito Lake (13 min), hike the Pine River Trail (15 min), explore historic Durango (25 min), ski at Purgatory Resort (55 min), or discover ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde (1 hr 15 min). This is where kids giggle in the game room, friends toast in the hot tub, and families share meals they’ll never forget. Your story begins here.

We’re Brittany and Derek, partners in life, parenting, and adventure — and now, in creating a space where families and friends can come together to make unforgettable memories. Hosting isn’t just about giving people a place to sleep for us — it’s about sharing comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic with every guest who walks through our door. We built this cottage with families like ours in mind. As parents of three kids (and a few four-legged friends too), we know how important it is to have spaces that bring people together, but also allow for quiet moments. From the game room that keeps kids laughing, to the hot tub that lets adults unwind under the stars, to the cozy corners where everyone can recharge — every detail was chosen with care. What do we love most about hosting? Hearing the stories. The grandparents who finally got the whole family under one roof. The friends who turned the hot tub into their nightly tradition. The kids who found magic in the Harry Potter room. Every stay feels like a new chapter written into this house’s story, and we’re honored to be a small part of it. A little about us: Derek has a background in tech and teaching, but his favorite “job” is being a dad. He loves solving problems, telling stories, and sneaking away for mountain hikes or a long backpacking trip. Brittany is the heart of our home, known for her creativity, warmth, and ability to make any space feel welcoming. She loves good coffee, cozy nights with a book, and exploring new places with the kids. Together, we believe travel should feel easy, joyful, and inspiring. We’ve stocked the cottage with thoughtful touches — from kid-friendly gear to fast Wi-Fi — so you can focus on what matters most: being present with the people you love. We’re always just a message away if you need tips on where to eat, hike, or explore. Or if you simply want to know the best spot in the yard to stargaze (yes, we have one!). ✨ We can’t wait to host you at Words & Wonder Cottage!

Words & Wonder Cottage is tucked away in the Forest Lakes Metro District, a peaceful mountain community in Bayfield, Colorado — just 25 minutes from Durango. Guests love the balance here: quiet mornings among the pines, evenings under a sky filled with stars, and quick access to world-class adventure, history, and dining. Forest Lakes itself feels like a storybook setting. Towering evergreens surround winding roads, wildlife wanders through the trees, and the crisp mountain air invites you to slow down and breathe deeply. You’ll find trails for morning walks, a private lake for residents and guests to enjoy, and plenty of opportunities to spot deer, hummingbirds, and maybe even a fox or two. It’s the perfect spot to unplug, yet close enough to Durango for when adventure calls. 📍 Nearby Adventures & Attractions -Durango (25 min): A lively mix of Wild West history and modern charm. Ride the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, stroll historic Main Avenue, or dine at local favorites like Steamworks Brewing Co. and Eolus Bar & Dining. -Vallecito Lake (13 min): Paddleboard, kayak, or fish in summer; try snowshoeing or ice fishing in winter. The lake is a local gem surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. -Pine River Trail (15 min): A gentle riverside hike perfect for families and year-round explorers. -Purgatory Resort (55 min): Ski and snowboard in winter, or try mountain biking and alpine slides in summer. -Mesa Verde National Park (1 hr 15 min): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient cliff dwellings that bring history to life. 🍽️ Food & Drink Durango is a foodie’s dream, offering everything from craft breweries to farm-to-table restaurants. Closer to home in Bayfield, you’ll find charming local spots for coffee, breakfast, and hearty Colorado comfort food. Guests say the neighborhood feels like a true Colorado mountain retreat — peaceful and family-friendly — while still close to Durango, Vallecito Lake, and San Juan Mountains.