We love the idea that you can enjoy a weekend or overnight getaway without having to leave the city. We’ve discovered many local hotels make for excellent staycations, but sometimes you want something that feels quieter, a little more remote.
Enter the Timbrook Guesthouse.
Timbrook is hidden in plain sight on the city’s northwest side. The original structure is the homestead of the Antrim family, who owned the quarry that would become Antrim Lake. In 1970 the family gifted the land to the city that would become Antrim Park.
We’ve been driving by Timbrook for years, and Beth and I were invited for an overnight stay to write about it for Experience Worthington. I wanted to share some additional photos and thoughts here!
Timbrook’s grounds are surprisingly extensive. Aside from the house itself with six suites, there are gardens, a new gazebo, spacious patios, and – most surprisingly for us – a pool!
The oval pool is located just down the hill from the house, and feels like its own little getaway. There’s also plenty of seating around it, so you can sit and read or relax in the sun.
As you’d expect from an older renovated house like Timbrook, each suite is slightly different, with its own shape and decor.
If you visit during the warmer months, you’ll want to spend time strolling the gardens. They’re colorful and well-tended. Plus, the hot tub is nestled in and amongst it all.
You’ll likely hear squawking and chirping when you’re out on the grounds, as owners Jill and Peter Dole own a colorful collection of birds, many of which live (during the warmer) months in the rear of the gardens. You can grab a seat on the nearby bench and listen to them, and maybe even get a hello in return!
What I appreciated most is the variety of spaces for quiet and relaxation. Even if the house were full, you can find spots in the gardens, on the patio, in the gazebo, or in the common rooms throughout the house. I spent my usual morning routine – a little reading, journaling, music – in one of the common areas on the second floor.
We found a box with cards with typed quotes, all perfect for conversation-starters or reflection.
And the Guesthouse is a true B&B, so you’re served a home-cooked meal in the curved and naturally lit breakfast nook. Jill cooks up something slightly different every morning, but in season she incorporates vegetables and herbs from the garden, and eggs from her chickens.
That morning we feasted on yogurt with honey, quiche, blueberry coffeecake, potatoes, bacon, coffee, and juice. A bright and flavorful finish to our stay there!
Timbrook Guesthouse
5811 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH 43235
(419) 560-3263
timbrookguesthouse.com
Find them on Facebook and @timbrook_guesthouse on Instagram
