Sleep in a Storybook Cottage When You Book a Stay in This Small-Town Airbnb in Washington

Fairytales sweep us off to a fantastical world of enchantment, folklore, and maybe even a little mystery. We immerse ourselves in whimsical images and fanciful characters that are far removed from reality … or are they? What if you could slip away into such a world — at least for a weekend? When you see this storybook cottage in Olalla, Washington, it won’t take you long to pack your bags for your own magical adventure.

This dreamy home is nestled within five acres of forest and will instantly make you swoon with its fairytale-like appearance. You’ll reach the entrance by crossing a little stone bridge over a pond. Every detail is amazing, from the curvy roof to the tiny, irregular windows to the stone chimneys. And that’s before you go inside and see there is a huge hollowed-out Douglas Fir tree that reaches from the kitchen up to the loft bedroom.

Every part of the cottage is pure storybook character with stone walls and arches, cool beams, and candle-filled fireplaces. The open living and dining area is spacious and perfect for family time. There is a comfy sectional couch, board games, children’s toys, and books for all ages.

Up a curved wooden staircase, you’ll find a whimsical loft bedroom with lots of natural light — until you don’t want it, in which case you have room-darkening shades to help you drift off to sleep.

There are two other bedrooms, including one with hand-carved cave-like bunks that everyone in the family might fight over. Each bunk has little built-in shelves, outlets, and a bedside lamp. The room also has a candle-filled fireplace, attached full bath, and boulders and stalactites throughout. A third bedroom has both a full-size bed and a sectional sofa that becomes a bed. There is plenty of space in the cottage for up to eight guests.

The quaint kitchen might look and feel like make-believe (in the best way!) but it is stocked with modern amenities and everything you need to make delicious meals so you never have to leave home if you don’t want to.

Outside the cottage, you will enjoy the use of a covered hot tub and a fully-appointed outdoor cooking and dining area so you can take full advantage of the beautiful forest surroundings. Wander through the old-growth cedars, maple, and other trees, as well as the apples, plums, and berries in the small orchard. And discover a wishing well, ponds full of singing frogs, stone bridges, and a hollowed-out “tree house.”

With an almost perfect 5-star rating, many guests describe the Storybook Cottage as “magical,” “even more beautiful in person,” and as more of an experience than a home. One past guest called it “Charming, beautiful, picturesque — a perfectly unique getaway full of whimsy, zen, gorgeous scenery, and totally awe-inspiring and original interiors.”

You’ll likely never want to leave the property during your stay, but if your wanderlust gets the better of you, Gig Harbor and Port Orchard are each just a short drive away, where endless adventures await.

Are you ready to live out your fairytale dreams? Find more information and availability for the Olalla Forest Retreat Storybook Cottage on Airbnb, and be sure to share this article with a friend who could use a whimsical getaway.