Surrounded By Nature: My Blue Heaven

My Blue Heaven is that secret you hope to possess. This log cabin hideaway is in the middle of nowhere, with nowhere being the ultimate vacation experience of Buffalo National River country.

Tucked in a valley, this secluded retreat on 125 acres has frontage on the Little Buffalo River and a spectacular view of the Ozark Mountains. Surrounded by six of the 10 highest peaks in the Ozarks, the property offers a 180-degree view.

“It’s unusual to have a big open view down in the valley,” Owner Gordon Watkins says. “Usually you need a high ridge to see that kind of view.” The back side of the cabin is full of windows to capitalize on the scenery.

Watkins adds that the unique setting makes the property perfect for kids. “We have a lot of families in the summer. There are some really scenic cabins in Newton County but they’re perched on a bluff. Here, families say they can let their kids run wild.”

Located near Parthenon, the cabin is popular for families, reunions and with couples as well. “They come here to really have some quality family time and get away from hectic vacations,” adds his wife Susan.

The Cabin

The three bedroom, two bath log cabin sleeps 11 guests comfortably with one king, one queen, two full, and three twin beds. The nearby guest house sleeps four more. It has a spacious well-equipped kitchen, WiFi, DISH TV, ROKU, washer/dryer and a wood burning soapstone stove. It also has a large deck with a hot tub and grill.

Uniquely, My Blue Heaven has an electric car charger and a solar bank on the roof. The Watkins also try to have a green philosophy, using green cleaners and no pesticides. “That comes from being organic gardeners,” he adds. They farmed land adjacent to this property for many years with organic blueberries, strawberries and vegetables.

My Blue Heaven also has two miles of mowed hiking trails, a swimming hole on the Little Buffalo River, an electric golf cart, ping pong, foosball, yard games (badminton, croquet, lawn bowling), and a large kid-friendly yard with a playhouse. Inside, there’s a selection of board games, playing cards and a Wii.

Outdoor Things to Do

The swimming hole is spring fed. “Sometimes it dries up above and below us, but we are fortunate we always have water,” Watkins adds. The property also has a nice gentle slope to the water making it easy for people to get in. There’s also a fire pit and free firewood.

Watkins says there are nice fishing holes as well. With about a mile of river frontage, it’s easy to wade and fish the river. “We ask everyone to catch and release,” he adds.

Susan adds that My Blue Heaven is also a great dark sky property. “We’ve had people come and say they’ve never seen a sky like this in 20 years.”

In addition to the fun that can be had on the property itself, My Blue Heaven is an easy jumping off point for experiencing the upper and middle Buffalo National River. Popular with visitors, Alum Cove is 15 minutes away and Glory Hole is 30 minutes away.

Susan says a lot of hikers visit in the winter, although there’s something to do in every season.