Though they’re just a few miles from the long-haul hum of I-35, the four cabins at River Bend Lodge Vacation Rentals in Davis feel much farther removed. Winding their way along tree-canopied roads, visitors enter the seventy-acre property that stretches along the banks of the Washita River. Along the forest perimeter, nestled fifteen feet up in the trees, is the property’s newest cabin—the aptly named Tree House. From this elevated vantage point, guests can bask in views of the meadow from either deck while the occasional train rolls through a rocky outcropping of mountains on the other side of the river. If ever a place could possibly be too picturesque for words, this might be it.

While the other three lodges house six to ten guests, the Tree House was created with just two in mind, making it an ideal retreat for couples, friends, or just one person who wants a weekend of peaceful solitude.

Miranda Hottel, who owns River Bend, La Ville Inn in downtown Davis, and other nearby properties with her husband Robert, designed every square foot of the Tree House cabin herself with the comfort of her guests in mind. The Hottels have owned and operated the cabins since the first one went up in 2004, gradually adding to their portfolio with new builds over the years. Hospitality is a calling she approaches with joy—and with meticulous consideration.

The two decks at the Tree House offer sweeping views of the seventy-acre property. Photo by Megan Rossman

“It’s difficult nowadays for guests to set aside time with their family and friends,” Miranda says. “They’re giving us one of their most precious commodities, which is time together. Therefore, we need to treat it with utter respect and curate it with utter care, and that’s where our stewardship truly lies.”

Renew, reconnect, and refocus is her motto for all the properties the couple owns, and the Tree House makes it an easy motto for anyone to adopt during their stay.

“I want to curate a space that is conducive to the holistic well-being of the guest,” says Miranda.

A king-sized bed adds to the overall comfort and luxury of the stay. Photo by Megan Rossman

Thoughtful details throughout echo that philosophy. She put obvious care into preserving the views from several large picture windows that bring light into every custom-carved arch and corner. Two separate decks ensure no railing or beams obscure the largest window, and the television ascends on a lift from its cabinet so that it’s partially obscuring the landscape only when summoned. An oversized, air-jetted tub a few steps away in the cozy living room means there’s no reason to abandon those views for a good soak. If more privacy is in order, guests can retreat to the bathroom, where a gigantic pebble-tiled shower awaits. Finally, they sink into a comfy king-sized bed that overlooks the whole of their ephemeral domain.

The Tree House is fifteen feet off the ground, so for safety’s sake, guests must be 13 years of age or older. Photo by Megan Rossman

It’s easy to abandon the outside world here. A propane grill, fire pit, and kitchen—sans oven—mean no one has to venture out for a meal. Though with Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, and other great restaurants nearby, they’d be missing out. Along with the bucolic meadow and the pond, there’s a well-shaded riverside trail that beckons ramblers.

As elegantly fashioned as it was imagined, the Tree House ushers in guests with welcoming touches, bountiful natural beauty, and maybe a little bit of magic.

Written By

Megan Rossman

Megan Rossman is Oklahoma Today's photography editor.