Jason Van Camp
5/5
If it wasn't for Airbnb, I probably would have never found Courter Country Farm...but I am oh so thankful that we did! Looking for a place to stay overnight in the Poulsbo area on the app, I happened upon a listing for a renovated greenhouse with glass walls and ceiling, perfect for stargazing, that would make for a perfect, romantic weekend getaway for my wife and I. I booked it immediately.
Upon arrival, we learned that the greenhouse was only one fantastic feature of a similarly incredible property. Courter Country Farm, run by a husband and wife combo, Kevin and Denise (fantastic, welcoming people!), is equal parts functioning farm, event venue (weddings in particular), campground, and country store. Apart from the main farmhouse, there's an attached "saloon" (open from 6am to 10pm) with functions as a community gathering place, complete with kitchenette, restrooms, pool table, chairs, patio deck and modest farm store, with items such as soaps and snacks available for purchase.
The expansive property also includes a petting zoo, containing (at the time) the cutest little bunny I've ever seen (for sale! $25! we almost took him home!), goats in an adjacent fenced barn, alpacas down the hill, and a chicken run with at least one talented jailbreaking rooster, who apparently loves to show off his Houdini-esque escape act!
Further down the hill, you will find the converted greenhouse/Airbnb rental, adjacent to the tent-covered, patio event space, where most of the larger events are held. Now, I know what you're thinking: glass house, glass walls...no privacy. No problem! The hosts make themselves scarce no later than 8pm, so you are left to your own devices in the evening. Campers staying at the single camp space, tucked away down a short forest path along a creek, are similarly encouraged to give the glass house a wide berth.
It's important to note that, as it is a greenhouse with transparent walls, it can grow extremely warm when exposed to the summer sun, and lacking insulation, bitterly cold in the winter. Don't plan on spending the day hanging out inside during warm weather: let it cool down in the evening, and you'll be just fine when it's time for bed. A powerful fan is provided, if needed. Similarly, for the colder months, a heated mattress pad is provided; the hosts informed us that some previous patrons booked the room in the dead of winter, when the whole structure was encased in snow, and they loved the warm, cozy feeling of snuggling into a heated bed while the world froze around them. Honestly, that sounds pretty great, too!
Additional features include a firepit, yard games, hiking paths, and porta-potties (since the saloon closes between 10pm and 6am) help make Courter Country Farm a truly special destination for anyone looking for a cozy weekend getaway, without venturing too far from civilization. Proximity to Poulsbo is a huge plus; anyone who hasn't explored this Nordic novelty needs to do so! One of our favorite towns in the Pacific Northwest! Additionally, Port Gamble and Port Townsend are 15 and 45 minutes by car, respectively, meaning there is no shortage of amazing places to visit!
And if you are planning on hosting an event here, such as a wedding, Kevin and Denise will work gladly with your choice of caterer! Most other event venues require that you use whichever they are contracted with, but fortunately, Courter Country Farm doesn't have that requirement.
Courter Country Farm is the sort of place I would love to own, develop and dwell in myself, if I had the talent and resources. Lacking both, my wife and I are thankful that Kevin and Denise are such fantastic stewards and hosts, who have put a substantial amount of work, care and love into making this place a magical venue for prospective newlyweds, overnight campers, and couples looking for a romantic weekend escape in one of the most unique BNB experiences out there. After staying in the glass house, I can safely say that have no stones to throw; Kevin and Denise will just have to make do with gushing praise instead.
