Alaska Farmhouse Retreat - Cedar Sauna - 7 Fenced Acres - Sleeps 8 - Dogs OK

Welcome to Flora Borealis, a newly built designer farmhouse on 12 acres (7 acres fenced for pups & guests to explore) in the Meadow Lakes area of Alaska's Mat-Su Valley. It's a real working farm, ten years in the making, where northern things bloom.

The Talkeetna Mountains look down on the property from the north and the upstairs covered deck offers glimpses to the east of the Chugach Mountains. The gable-covered deck is the spot for morning coffee, alpenglow, and long midnight-sun evenings. Below it, a herringbone paver patio holds a propane fire table with chairs and wicker sofa seating under the upper gabled deck roof stays dry in Alaska rain.

The centerpiece is a Western red cedar barrel sauna with a Harvia heater and a half-moon window looking over the wildflower fields. Heat up, then step out into the cool air beside the fire. In winter, under the northern lights, it's unforgettable. A robe and sauna towel are provided for every guest.

Seven fenced acres give kids and dogs room to roam. The fields fill with fireweed, yarrow and wild geranium from May through September. Sandhill cranes Sammy and Sandy return every spring. Eagles, owls, ravens, geese and songbirds regularly soar overhead or stop in to perch. Foxes and other small animals visit year-round and the occasional moose will ignore the fence and come in for some grazing time.

Inside, the style is mid-century modern with an industrial touch:

Upper floor: open kitchen, dining and living area with island seating; the Raven Room (queen) and the Blue Room (king, with desk); full bath with walk-in shower; vintage radio and CD player.

Ground floor: private keypad entry; living area with 65" Roku TV; queen Murphy bed; sofa with ottomans that sleeps 2; office nook with library and games; full bath with soaking tub; washer and dryer.

Room-darkening wood blinds in both bedrooms for the midnight sun.

Fully equipped kitchen with a stocked coffee and tea station. Twice-filtered well water that's excellent to drink.

Outdoor games: bocce, "mega-jenga" made from the old barn's rafters, and a supply of tennis balls with both a chucker and automatic launcher for the dogs.

The property is away from city lights, making it an excellent dark-sky spot for aurora viewing from late August through April. Groceries and gas are 5 minutes away. Wasilla is 20 minutes, Anchorage airport about 60–75 minutes. Hatcher Pass, Big Lake, Talkeetna and Denali flightseeing are all easy day trips.

Your host lives 20 minutes away and will meet you for a welcome tour if you arrive before 8 PM.