Stone houses are found in Greece, Malta, Sicily and everywhere else where you need shelter from the scorching summer sun. But in Lithuania? Local guides claim that there is only one such house in Dzūkija, and take tours to it. How did it happen that in the Lithuanian climate, they came up with the idea of building a house made of stone? The owners of the stone manor will tell you its centuries-old story in more detail, but we can tell you that it includes a Lithuanian family returning from exile in Siberia, two grenades, deminers and other surprises... And that the stone house is wonderfully cool in the height of summer, but even cosier in winter, when the fireplace spreads warmth throughout the house.
If you are looking for a secluded place by the lake for a peaceful holiday with friends or family, children and four-legged friends, you will feel at home in Stone Manor. An added advantage is that Druskininkai is only half an hour away by car, so you can take advantage of all the resort's attractions. You are cordially invited!
There are two houses on the property: the "Stone House", about 200 metres from the shore of Lake Babri, and the "Log House", built right next to the water (about 50 metres). The Stone House is slightly larger, can accommodate up to 14 people with extra beds, has a separate kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and has a washing machine. The log cabin can accommodate a maximum of ten people, the kitchen area is connected to the living room, there is no washing machine or dishwasher, but you will find two bathrooms: one upstairs and one downstairs. Both houses can be rented for one group of guests, or you can rent the house of your choice separately. The distance between them is large enough to avoid disturbance and even the possibility of guests seeing each other.
The farmhouse is open all year round, with geothermal heating and electricity in winter. Both chalets have fireplaces in the living rooms, which are fun to light up in the cold season. Firewood is available locally and there is no limit on its consumption during your stay. The stone house is cool in the summer and the log cabin can be cooled by a fan if needed.
Pets are welcome at no extra charge.
Everyone who likes to cook together with family or friends will feel great at the stone homestead. Rest in nature is inseparable from the grill, but this time you will have significantly more opportunities to prepare meals on a live fire.
So, first of all, the pizza oven. This is the pride of the homestead and an added plus for all pizza lovers. There is a basement for baking pizza with a dining table under running water (except in winter) and even a place to dance.
Another "outdoor kitchen" is on the lake shore, where you'll find a fireplace with a pot holder for cooking soups, pilafs and other dishes over the fire. All necessary equipment and tools are on site. Lastly, there are several different sized barbecues for cooking fish, meat, or vegetables.
Of course, food can also be prepared indoors. Both cottages are equipped with kitchen areas with equipment and utensils, and even drinking water does not need to be carried with you: the water in the homestead is filtered and can be drunk directly from the tap. Firewood can also be found on site, and consumption during your stay is unlimited.
It is possible to sit together at the table on the terraces of the cottages or in the Viking gazebo at the Kelmai oak table.
If the cottages are rented by different groups of guests, the use of the stove, fireplace and other equipment must be agreed upon.
The time left over from cooking, eating and socializing can be spent relaxing by the lake, in the hot tub or in the sauna (up to 10 people). The shore is clean and suitable for swimming, there is a pier from which you can safely jump into the water (the depth of the lake at the place of the pier is about 6 m). Sunbeds, a boat and fishing rods are available (or bring your own). There are also several bikes for riding, but the roads around the homestead are not very comfortable to ride on.
All services, firewood and equipment in the homestead are included in the price of accommodation.
What’s there for children?
The homestead accepts families with children and prepares small surprises for them.
1. There is a small room in the attic of a stone house, which is gladly chosen by the little ones. For the convenience of children, it has a mattress, a socket for charging the phone and a light.
2. Mattresses and manege prepared for children as additional persons.
3. The stairs of the cottages are safe for children, but parents are asked not to leave children unattended.
4. In the homestead you will find amateur fishing rods, bicycles, a volleyball court and a children’s playground.
5. The shore of the lake is cleaned and seeded enough for the children to swim as well. Of course, under the supervision of parents.
6. On the other shore of the lake, near the Žališkė homestead, there is a glass hive where you can observe the life of bees, and the owner of the homestead conducts small educations.