E Lincoln Retreat

Pros

• The Octagon is described as the perfect anniversary getaway.
• Bert is praised for being warm, welcoming, and friendly.
• Nancy's artistry is evident in every detail of the retreat.
• Water Forest is whimsical, beautiful, fun, and peaceful.
• The hosts are considered the nicest people, creating a tranquil paradise.
• The experiences are described as serene, magical, and deeply relaxing.
• The property offers privacy, comfort, and thoughtful amenities beyond typical cabins.
• The trails, pond, waterfall, and natural setting create a magical, rejuvenating experience.
• Guests express a strong desire to return and frequently recommend the retreat.

Cons

• One reviewer wished there was more water in the stream in August.
• One guest felt the price was a little pricey.
• A guest admitted being skeptical and described Norwich as a run-down city.
• The reviewer noted that the only downside was forgetting their sandals.

Review

Water Forest Retreat emerges in the memory as a rare combination of intimate cabin comfort, whimsical natural beauty, and a sense of being welcomed into a space that was crafted with love. For anniversaries and special getaways, guests describe the octagon cabin as the perfect setting: a cozy, aesthetically thoughtful sanctuary where every detail seems intentionally placed to heighten the feeling of being miles from ordinary life. On arrival, Bert is often the first friendly face - greeting by name, sharing a warm welcome, and setting a tone of relaxed hospitality. Nancy's artistry is evident throughout, from the d?cor to the careful touches that make the space feel almost magical. The setting itself - water, woods, a network of trails, a playful waterfall - contributes to a mood that is at once whimsical and serene, inviting guests to slow down and breathe.

Inside the octagonal cabin, guests frequently remark on the sense of immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort. The interior is described as beautifully decorated, with views that surround you from every window. A driftwood-and-light chandelier, thoughtful plant arrangements, and little handmade accents create an atmosphere that feels handcrafted with care. The outdoor grounds contribute as much as the cabin does: pebble pathways, dozens of seating nooks placed along streams and along the pond, and trail signs and maps that help visitors discover the property's hidden corners. One of the standout notes is the way nature is woven into daily life here - hot apple cider ready at the Keurig, rock wind chimes by the door, a beautifully crafted moon-shaped window detail on an outhouse, and a sense that you've entered a space designed to be a sanctuary as much as a house.

The experience isn't merely about aesthetics; it's also about the atmosphere of quiet, shared memories. In winter, staying by the fire while gentle snow falls around you becomes a core memory - an intimate moment that guests describe as incredibly lovely and almost magical. The hospitality extends beyond warmth and conversation to practical acts of care: Bert helping to clear snow from a car, and Nancy offering small gifts like handmade soap that feel personal and generous. Guests repeatedly emphasize that the hosts go above and beyond, not just providing a place to stay but creating a space that feels personal and alive with intention. For some, the privacy is total and the feel is glamping with upgraded amenities rather than roughing it, making it easy to unwind and pretend the world is just a short distance away.

Beyond the octagon, the property's other offerings - whether a treehouse or additional cozy spaces - are described with equal reverence. A few guests recount staying in the treehouse, where Nancy and Roberto (the latter mentioned as an especially friendly and responsive host who keeps the wood stocked and the space well supplied) contribute to a sense of welcome that feels both intimate and effortless. The trails, the moss-carpeted paths, and the mossy road-like feel of the terrain evoke a mini-adventure in the heart of the forest, with careful landscaping that keeps nature front and center while ensuring safe, accessible footing in varied conditions. The stone steps that help climbers navigate hills or marshes, the dozens of benches and chairs along the way, and the handmade map with clear intersections help guests feel guided yet free to explore at their own pace.

Several reviewers highlight how the setting supports romance, celebration, and time away from everyday routines. One guest notes celebrating a 58th birthday in this tranquil place, while others describe honeymoons and anniversaries as perfect backdrops for quiet, meaningful connection. A wedding-afterglow vibe is common: couples slip away from the bustle to reconnect, with the hosts offering a space that feels intimate and private, yet never isolating. The emphasis on privacy - paired with the option to bring a dog for a weekend - helps many guests imagine returning again and again. The overall tone across reviews is that Water Forest Retreat is not just a place to sleep but a haven that fosters memory-making, reflection, and restoration.

Cost is acknowledged in some reviews, with mention that the experience is a little pricey, but most guests feel the value lies in what is delivered: a unique, immersive forest setting, thoughtfully designed interiors, dependable hospitality, and a sense of wonder that lasts beyond a single visit. The September through October window is celebrated as especially beautiful, with plans often already forming for subsequent stays to absorb the peace of the place as the season changes. For those who want a destination that feels removed enough to unplug yet close enough to access, the retreat's Norwich location is frequently praised as an unseen gem - close to conveniences while still maintaining that remote, magical feel.

All told, the Water Forest Retreat offers more than a lodging experience; it presents a crafted, heartfelt escape where hosts Nancy and Bert (with occasional contributions from Roberto) blend artistry, practicality, and genuine care. The result is a sanctuary where the sounds of water, the sight of trees through panoramic windows, and the simple luxuries of cozy fires, thoughtful touches, and well-loved trails come together to create a lasting impression. Guests leave with sunsets imprinted on their memories, a renewed sense of pace, and a strong desire to return - whether for another winter escape by the fire, a quiet October hike through the mossy paths, or a reunion with the people who made the space feel like home. If you're seeking a retreat that feels both enchanted and real, where every corner invites curiosity and every gesture says you're welcome, this is a place you'll want to revisit again and again.

This part of Norwich, Connecticut offers a convenient location with easy access to pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, places of worship, restaurants, cafes, parks, and theaters. The close proximity of CVS Pharmacy and Backus Hospital provides peace of mind for any medical needs. Additionally, the variety of dining options nearby makes it easy to enjoy a meal out. The presence of parks like Taftville Playground and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. With New London Union Station just a short drive away, transportation options are readily available for exploring the surrounding area. Overall, this area provides a blend of essential amenities and recreational opportunities ideal for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (7.8 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (10.8 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (11.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mark Lutheran Church Elca (0.7 miles)
• Versailles United Methodist Church (5.4 miles)
• Temple Emanu-El (10.7 miles)

Physicians

• Women & Infants Faculty Physicians (0.7 miles)
• Thomas Henry Lesnik (1.1 miles)
• Backus Physician Services (1.3 miles)
• Backus Outpatient Care Center (1.7 miles)
• Matthew Brown (2.1 miles)
• Melissa J Welch (2.1 miles)
• David A Kalla (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (1.1 miles)
• Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub (1.2 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (1.2 miles)
• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.3 miles)
• Irene's Family Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Backus Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Center For Mental Health (1.3 miles)
• Backus Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Joshua Center-Montville (6.3 miles)
• Lawrence And Memorial Family Medicine (8.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Dexters Smoothie Coffee Vault (1.8 miles)
• Baker's Dozen (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.6 miles)
• Washington Street Coffee House (11.8 miles)

Parks

• Taftville Playground (3.4 miles)
• Lisbon Meadows Park (6.3 miles)
• Leary Park (9.9 miles)
• The Park 2 (10.4 miles)
• Washington Park (11.7 miles)
• Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (11.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Cinemas Waterford 9 (11.2 miles)

Transportation

• New London Union Station (11.8 miles)