Welcome!

Welcome to the Olive Branch Retreat. We can’t wait to share the Olive Branch experience with you. Use the Arrow Keys below to go back and forth through the pages.

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How To Retreat:

1. As you discover each room at the OLIVE BRANCH adjust thermostats and turn on lamps to create a comforting glow in each space.
2. Turn on CD players with your choice of music or the tuners set to MPR in sitting room, gathering space and library to create a calming, welcoming atmosphere.
3. Light a fire. Nothing says cozy as much as the crackle of the wood fireplace.
4. Pour a beverage. We don’t care what it is… lemonade with fresh lemons, coffee with Torani syrup from the coffee bar, hot chocolate, or your own wine. Whatever means relaxation to you … enjoy it.

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How To Retreat (continued):

5. Let your inhibitions go… tell stories, laugh, bond, try on wedding gowns … be nothing but yourself … you are the best “you” that has ever been. Embrace your uniqueness.
6. Lounge in spa robes (provided) … unwind.
7. Create your own experience: Watch movies, roast marshmallows, fish, walk through the woods, request a massage, ask us for catering services, engage our personal chef, eat using the good china and crystal!
8. Above all embrace today. Enjoy the people you are with.

Checking In:

1. This guide contains a directory of amenities available in each room. If you are wondering where something is located…snoop around (it’s fun), or check the directory.
2. Thermostats are located in each room. Set to personal comfort levels.
3. The water heater at the OLIVE BRANCH is earth-loving and energy efficient. It heats water on demand. This means water is heated only after you turn it on. Let water run in sink before plugging for dishwashing or in the shower until it is warm to the touch before getting in.
4. Recycling and refuse bins are located outside to the left of garage.

Checking Out:

1. Please remove any sheets and pillowcases used and place in pile on bed.
2. Leave other bedding on bed.
3. Place garbage and recycling in outdoor bins.
4. Please take all left-over food with you.
5. In winter months set thermostats to 50°.
6. Please sign the guestbook before you leave… we love to hear what you did to enjoy the OLIVE BRANCH.
7. Leave a note on kitchen counter if there is anything we need to replace or fix.
8. Close and lock all windows and doors behind you.
9. Please drive safely and smile as you remember the time you spent at the OLIVE BRANCH.

The Floorplan:

There's plenty of room at the Olive Branch. Take a look a the floorplan and see all the areas at your disposal. Click the thumbnail to see the large version.

Dowload a Printable Version HERE

Amenities: The Sitting Room

The sitting room is equipped for bonding and sharing. There is a television & DVD player for viewing movies, and 2 chair & a halfs for snuggling. You might choose to interact by playing board games. Bingo and other fun family games are located in the closet. A drawing/art table is set up for creating projects together or on your own. There is also a karaoke machine for singers and non-singers alike. Both chairs convert into single sleepers. Bedding for these pull outs is located in the closet in the Courtyard View Room.

Amenities: The Courtyard View Room

This room is a beautiful, quiet spot on the end of the home perfect for parents with children staying in the sitting room, or for those looking for seclusion. The Courtyard View Room is furnished with a queen size bed and a dresser to make you feel right at home.

Amenities: The Grace Room

A special bedroom in the home. This room offers two twin beds, one of which is adjustable (hospital quality). The room is named for our Grace… a little girl that survived unbelievable odds to bring us all joy.

Amenities: The Garden Room

The headboard in this room was donated by a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This room also has a wonderful view of the garden birdbath made by the Franciscan Sisters, bestowed to the guests of the Olive Branch. It is also furnished with a queen size bed and writing desk.

Amenities: The Kitchen

The kitchen includes a complete coffee bar. There are two refrigerator/freezers for food storage. All amenities to cook and serve meals for large groups are available in the kitchen as well as in the dining room hutches, china cabinet, pantry closet, and wine bar located in the gathering space. We believe that good China and crystal should be used just for fun!

Amenities: The Dining Room

The dining room offers seating for 8 and collections of China, stemware, and serving pieces for guest use in the built-in, the china hutch, and the pantry. We find the dining room is a fantastic place to set up a buffet and enjoy while you socialize.

Amenities: The Breakfast Porch

One of our favorite spaces; the views are fabulous. Relax with a cup of coffee in the morning. Enjoy the sunrise. Lunch with girlfriends. Dine in comfort.

Amenities: The Peter Bartholome Chapel

The chapel is a gift from the nuns that lived at the OLIVE BRANCH before it was named. These Franciscan sisters created a separate space that speaks to your spirit. The chapel is named for Peter Bartholome, a monsignor from the St. Cloud community who lived in the home during the summer months.

Amenities: The Gathering Space

The gathering space is an open area consisting of three rooms that flow to create one large space; a sitting room, living room with fireplace, and a lake-view eating nook. The space can be left wide open during the day, and can be sectioned into sleeping areas at night. Both the sitting room couch and living room couch open into queen sleepers. Bedding for both pull outs is located in the LakeView Suite cedar chest.

Amenities: The Lakeview Suite

The highlight of this room is a lake view. Guests also enjoy the king-sized bed and attached full bath. Spa robes are available in the closet for guest relaxation. The top shelf is full of self pedicure packets just in case you would like to pamper yourself.

Amenities: The Garden Porch

The perfect spot for a glass of wine or other refreshment and a chat with a friend. Porch swing and wicker furniture make this area a charming place to escape.

Amenities: The Smoker's Alcove

A sheltered area between the garden porch and garage for our smoking guests. Area includes outdoor lighting, seating, and receptacle.

Amenities: Peter's Room

Named for Peter Bartholome, this room has its own attached bath, and a closet full of wedding gowns. Be a child again and “dress-up”. The room is furnished with a queen size bed.

Amenities: Rita's Room

Rita is one of the nuns who lived at the OLIVE BRANCH. This room is adorable… just like her. One twin bed provides a comfy, private room for a single.

Amenities: The Library

Perhaps the quietest and most secluded room in the house provides the perfect “quiet time” atmosphere. A selection of inspiring literature is available. The couch converts into a Queen sofa sleeper. This secluded room is the perfect place for an additional bedroom, or a massage area if you request a massage therapist in advance. Bedding is located in the chest of drawers.

Amenities: The Children's Attic Getaway

Located above the Dining room with access from the kitchen, this room offers a cozy bedroom with two twin beds…creating the perfect area for hide and seek play. Dollhouse included for creative fun.

Outside: The Hen House

Guests call this area various things due to it’s versatility. “The Man Zone.” “The Conference Room.” “The Game Room.” All are appropriate. Whatever the name, this area is a gathering area that is conducive to either business or just plain fun. What was once the nun’s chicken barn, has been renovated to include a wet bar, bathroom, refrigerator, and woodstove. There is a large table with chairs, and a fire pit located right outside.

Outside: Fuller Lake

We share this semi-private lake with one neighbor. The lake offers plenty of pan fish and trophy-sized bass.

Check out our Fuller Lake Guide (pdf)

Outside: Boats

In the spring, summer and fall months a duck boat is available for guest use.

Outside: Walking Trails

The OLIVE BRANCH is located on 57 acres surrounding the lake, and is adjacent to 1100 acres of state land. Our walking trail connects to the MN state walking trail offering opportunities for relaxation, self-reflection, and exploration of nature.

Ready to Book Your visit?

You've seen all of the beauty that the Olive Branch has to offer. Now it's time to book your visit and experience it for yourself.

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• Request a Reservation Here