Courter Country Farm — Hotel in Silverdale

If it wasn't for Airbnb, I probably would have never found Courter Country Farm...but I am oh so thankful that we did! Looking for a place to stay overnight in the Poulsbo area on the app, I happened upon a listing for a renovated greenhouse with glass walls and ceiling, perfect for stargazing, that would make for a perfect, romantic weekend getaway for my wife and I. I booked it immediately.

Upon arrival, we learned that the greenhouse was only one fantastic feature of a similarly incredible property. Courter Country Farm, run by a husband and wife combo, Kevin and Denise (fantastic, welcoming people!), is equal parts functioning farm, event venue (weddings in particular), campground, and country store. Apart from the main farmhouse, there's an attached "saloon" (open from 6am to 10pm) with functions as a community gathering place, complete with kitchenette, restrooms, pool table, chairs, patio deck and modest farm store, with items such as soaps and snacks available for purchase.

The expansive property also includes a petting zoo, containing (at the time) the cutest little bunny I've ever seen (for sale! $25! we almost took him home!), goats in an adjacent fenced barn, alpacas down the hill, and a chicken run with at least one talented jailbreaking rooster, who apparently loves to show off his Houdini-esque escape act!

Further down the hill, you will find the converted greenhouse/Airbnb rental, adjacent to the tent-covered, patio event space, where most of the larger events are held. Now, I know what you're thinking: glass house, glass walls...no privacy. No problem! The hosts make themselves scarce no later than 8pm, so you are left to your own devices in the evening. Campers staying at the single camp space, tucked away down a short forest path along a creek, are similarly encouraged to give the glass house a wide berth.

It's important to note that, as it is a greenhouse with transparent walls, it can grow extremely warm when exposed to the summer sun, and lacking insulation, bitterly cold in the winter. Don't plan on spending the day hanging out inside during warm weather: let it cool down in the evening, and you'll be just fine when it's time for bed. A powerful fan is provided, if needed. Similarly, for the colder months, a heated mattress pad is provided; the hosts informed us that some previous patrons booked the room in the dead of winter, when the whole structure was encased in snow, and they loved the warm, cozy feeling of snuggling into a heated bed while the world froze around them. Honestly, that sounds pretty great, too!

Additional features include a firepit, yard games, hiking paths, and porta-potties (since the saloon closes between 10pm and 6am) help make Courter Country Farm a truly special destination for anyone looking for a cozy weekend getaway, without venturing too far from civilization. Proximity to Poulsbo is a huge plus; anyone who hasn't explored this Nordic novelty needs to do so! One of our favorite towns in the Pacific Northwest! Additionally, Port Gamble and Port Townsend are 15 and 45 minutes by car, respectively, meaning there is no shortage of amazing places to visit!

And if you are planning on hosting an event here, such as a wedding, Kevin and Denise will work gladly with your choice of caterer! Most other event venues require that you use whichever they are contracted with, but fortunately, Courter Country Farm doesn't have that requirement.

Courter Country Farm is the sort of place I would love to own, develop and dwell in myself, if I had the talent and resources. Lacking both, my wife and I are thankful that Kevin and Denise are such fantastic stewards and hosts, who have put a substantial amount of work, care and love into making this place a magical venue for prospective newlyweds, overnight campers, and couples looking for a romantic weekend escape in one of the most unique BNB experiences out there. After staying in the glass house, I can safely say that have no stones to throw; Kevin and Denise will just have to make do with gushing...

As a DJ, there are a lot of things to like about working Courter Country Farm, and also some things to know beforehand. Pros: The grounds are amazing with varied landscapes, flowers trees, wetlands, and pathways. The ceremony area is a very short distance from the reception area (less than 20 yards, but there are stairs). The Ceremony area is almost entirely in the shade by 3:30pm (middle of August). Unload distance is relatively short as you can pull up pretty close to the reception tent.

Some things to be aware of: There is one GFI outlet dedicated to the DJ area in the southwest corner of the tent. (Sometimes this outlet needs to be reset, otherwise no power) This is the ONLY designated spot for the DJ and there's not much flexibility there, which is unfortunate because it is over 25 feet away from the concrete pad dance floor. This results in either a) quiet music as heard on the dance floor, or b) the guests in between the DJ and dance floor requiring hearing protection. The deaignated DJ area is not super flat. It slopes down to the south east. This can be an issue if it rains, water will flow towards you. Also, the venue is subject to whatever temperature it is outside, and in August it can be toasty. This is especially true for guests (and the DJ) unfortunate enoigh to be seated on the west side of the tent who are in direct sunlight from ~4pm until 6:30pm or thereabouts. It can be very uncomfortable. Bring a battery powered fan to keep your gear cool. In October, it can be rainy, the wind can get moisture on your stuff. There is a hard cutoff of music at 9pm and a pack out deadline of 10pm. This isn't a huge issue, just make sure the guests know that the party ends a little earlier than they might expect. Once you know what to expect, it's a nice...

I truly cannot say enough good things about Courter Country Farms! The Courters are the kindest couple, with a beautiful dedication to their land and the guests who visit it. We hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner with them and if we could go back, we might just have had the wedding with them, too!

Their grounds are thoughtfully designed with unique structures, picture-perfect natural backdrops, smart facilities, abundant gardens, tons of room to spread out, and so many amenities. Their tent is absolutely stunning, as you can see, strung with fairy lights and topped with romantic swooping peaks. The small lake is a beautiful backdrop and activity, with a walking trail winding around it. The whole property is enclosed by tall trees, providing a private oasis for your event. They even provide bespoke floral services sourced right from their stunning flower gardens! They created small centerpieces for our tables that were so lovely.

Denise and Kevin were so accommodating, the kind of people who care more about making someone’s day than squeezing more into their bottom line. On our day, they were so helpful but discreet, even going around taking pictures and candids of us and our guests, and bringing out adorable baby bunnies for people to snuggle! They also set up yard games and built a large bonfire as the evening waned, making us feel welcomed throughout and never in a rush to leave.

I truly cannot imagine anyone having a bad experience with these wonderful people on their beautiful estate, if you choose them you will...