My husband and I wanted quiet, privacy and a bit of nature away from the city during our week-long stay while visiting our daughter for the first time in St. Louis, and this rental completely fit the bill. The lodge was cozy, comfortable & well-stocked for any whim (grill, hot tub, canoe, etc.). My favorite area was the large sun room with its nearly floor-to-ceiling screened-in windows which let cool breezes in, but kept the bugs away . . . almost felt like I was outdoors & I spent quite a bit of time in that room. Loved everything about the property, especially the big trees, greenery, listening to lots of bird song and frogs croaking, saw turtles, and the fireflies were a treat too. And, YES, the pond views truly are as lovely as shown in the property listing photos. Thank you & we'll definitely want to book this rental again next time we visit St. Louis!