Among these gorgeous ponds and the ducks that live on and around them are several cabins and even a renovated historic church here at Split Creek Preserve Cottages and Resort. Hosts Valerie and Ross welcome you to come, stay a while, and enjoy the surrounding Pocono Mountain beauty.

"Well, it happens to be our neighborhood. I was born and raised in this little vicinity,” said Ross Blakeslee as he sat next to his wife, Valerie. “It was a property that was beautiful in the '50s and '60s, but it fell into disrepair over the last 30 years or so. It became available, and it was originally a Methodist church up until 1995."

Sitting in what once was the sanctuary of the former St. Luke's Methodist Church in Saylorsburg, Valerie and Ross Blakeslee beam with pride at their creation—a three-level renovated church with vibrant colors and comfortable layouts perfect for family stays in any season and for any reason.

"We wanted to be able to offer something unique. But folks need modern conveniences today. So we have six full bathrooms, five bedrooms, and some pull-out sofas. All the things that everybody wants today,” said the couple.

Once a church, now “The Corner at St. Luke's” is just one aspect of Split Creek Preserve. The property boasts eight cottages and several scenic ponds. Ross takes special pleasure in feeding the ducks that call Split Creek Preserve home.

"We have a 50-acre property. The existing lodging was in disrepair, so we decided to tear them down with the township's permission and built eight new cottages. People like modern conveniences, as well as the serene, beautiful environment. We have ponds and the McMichaels stream coming through the property. It's very picturesque."

Visitors to these modern, charming cottages will soon learn the depth of appreciation from those who’ve stayed here before.

"We have guests who come back seven or eight times within three or four years. When guests first arrive, we make every effort to meet them in person for a meet and greet. Many guests write in our journals and all say they want to come back. They are very, very happy,” said the Blakeslees.

"Our stay at Lincoln Lodge was absolutely delightful. We spent time at wineries, visiting different downtowns, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and more. It was always nice to come back to a clean, quiet, and comfortable place to relax after a busy day. There were even cozy blankets to curl up under, just like home."
-Lynne and Bob Scott of Haverhill, Massachusetts

"Thank you so much for our stay. We had a great time exploring the trails and enjoying a peaceful escape from the city. We look forward to another visit in the winter!"
-Zoe and Adam from New Jersey

Whether you’re outside by the ponds, creek, and cottages, or inside the vibrant walls and stained glass of the historic church, Split Creek Preserve offers a setting where memories carry on in a whole new light.

"We provided a beautiful environment for people to enjoy and be only 25 minutes from everything in the Poconos,” said Ross. "And it brings us joy to have people come with families and friends and enjoy everything we have provided. The church has seen a lot of happy and sad times—weddings, funerals, everything,” added Valerie.

Want to see it for yourself? Head to PoconoMountains.com and look for Split Creek Preserve and Resort. Click through the virtual tour on the listing, meet the ducks, leave a note for Ross and Valerie, and plan your stay soon!