Long Hope Retreat Center and Lodge Opens
in Todd

By Scott Nicholson

The Long Hope Valley is also long on recreational and educational opportunities with the opening of a new retreat center and lodge.

The Long Hope Retreat property is located in Todd and connects to thousands of acres of undeveloped forest land that’s available for hiking and exploration. The property borders several large ponds that have their own habitats, rare and native plants and a field for sports and recreation.

“The long-term mission is to create space to do educational programs and have retreats and meetings,” said owner Ron Rognstad, who built much of the facility himself. “The thing I’m most interested in is having educational retreats out here so young people can learn about the environment of this area.”

Rognstad constructed Long Hope Retreat as an opportunity for people to share his love of the area and its environmental beauty. The Appalachian Mountains, which are the world’s oldest chain, is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world as well.

“I really love the idea that we’re in the middle of the Amphibolite (Mountain) range,” he said. “This is the birthplace of the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world. The land mass has been maturing longer than anything on the planet.”

The Amphibolites consist of about 14 mountains ranging from Boone to Jefferson. Its rocks are rich in nutrients and minerals, and its waterways and wetlands make for a stunning diversity of rare plants and unique habitats.

“I’d like to cultivate some resources and work with local schools to create a biological map of the area,” Rognstad said. “We’d have different groups work on it and have the information available for classes.”

The property adjoins 1,000 acres of designated game land open to the public and that piece connects to the 2,000-acre Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve. It’s in an area that both state governments and conservancy groups have been making large-scale connections of protected lands, beginning from Elk Knob State Natural Area on Meat Camp Road. The valley containing the retreat center is sparsely developed, with few electric lights available and the stars clearly visible at night.

“The center is a stone’s throw from a woodlands bog, the headwaters of the New River, a high-elevation, open-field bog, woodland areas and a variety of environments for educational programs,” Rognstad said. “The water is some of the cleanest around.”

While school and youth groups are a main interest, Rognstad foresees business owners and managers bringing staff to the center for relaxation, brainstorming and a chance to connect in a refreshing and inspirational environment. He also plans to rent it for vacations, reunions, weddings, honeymoons, parties and other functions, with rentals by the day, weekend, or week. He’s also exploring adding additional resource options like catering, advisors, or group session leaders on a variety of topics.

One of the more impressive features of the retreat’s lodge is the custom stone work, developed by Rognstad and Dave Damour, a style called either “little rock” or “New River fantasy.” It utilizes small, rounded, water-smoothed rocks placed in flowing patterns that tell different stories. The rocks are augmented with marble designs and stars that Rognstad said “represents the unity of all people,” and other features include protruding stone seats and a porch light embedded in a large quartz crystal.

“We’ve gone about sculpting not only the house but the land as well,” Rognstad said. “So it lends itself to a variety of activities and educational opportunities.”

The retreat is easily accessible as it is 25 minutes from Boone and West Jefferson, but it also offers isolation, fishing, hiking, and a short bike ride to the historic Todd district. The area is already a favorite of recreational bicyclists, with kayaking and fishing guides available through Rivergirl Fishing Company in Todd.

Other amenities include a sauna, hot tub, lake swimming, ice skating in winter, cross-country skiing, piano, wood stove, large open dining room and kitchen. It also has high-tech connections to the outside world if needed, such as wireless Internet and a 37-inch flat screen television.

The house sleeps 16 people, with three more bed spaces in the sauna building. There are also plenty of camp sites around the property, as well as a deck and porch. Though the construction uses wood and local stone to fit its environment, it offers all the modern comforts. Still, entering the wild wood of nature takes only a few steps.

“There’s really a sense of privacy here, and that’s rare these days,” Rognstad said.

The retreat is available for booking and more information is online at www.longhoperetreat.com.