Step into a world where every detail could be a clue and each room holds its own secrets. This unique West Virginia mountain retreat doubles as an intricate puzzle experience designed to challenge even seasoned mystery solvers. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in an adventure that tests your skills. Perfect for couples or small groups who love escape rooms, these challenges are not for beginners—prepare for an weekend of intense detective work.
The space
This isn't just any second-floor unit—it's a puzzle wrapped in an enigma, disguised as a cozy apartment. Behind its unassuming exterior, you'll find a private bedroom with a queen bed (we promise it's not a secret door... or is it?), plenty of seating for both relaxing and contemplating clues, and a smart TV for when your brain needs a break from all that mystery-solving.
The full kitchen offers ample counter space for spreading out your puzzle pieces, creating theories, or just making breakfast. And yes, all the appliances are real and functional—not elaborate props (though we can neither confirm nor deny the presence of secret compartments).
For those bringing actual transportation rather than solving imaginary riddles about it, we offer optional storage underneath in one of 4 garage bays to accommodate 4-wheelers, boats, kayaks, or Segways. Speaking of transportation—while there is a law in San Francisco that states you cannot walk your elephant down Market Street without a leash, we are proud to report that the town of Clendenin currently has no specific ordinances regarding elephant leashes. We are pet friendly, though we do request advance notice for pachyderms. Please reach out directly for our elephant rules and additional fees.
Safety note: Our secure entry system requires solving a puzzle to obtain your door code. Don't worry—we won't make you decode hieroglyphics... at least not until you're inside.
Fun fact: The ceiling fans spin both clockwise and counterclockwise. This may or may not be relevant to your stay. (It's probably not, but in a puzzle house, you never know...)
P.S. - If you happen to solve any mysteries about why garage doors always squeak at the most dramatic moments, please let us know. That one's been puzzling us for years.
Guest access
You'll have full use of the entire space—every nook, cranny, and mysteriously squeaky floorboard. The front entry features a smart lock, which requires solving a simple puzzle to obtain your entry code. (Don't worry, we won't make you translate ancient Sanskrit... yet.)
The back door, maintaining its old-school charm, is operated by what we affectionately call a "dumb lock." It's not that it failed lock school; it just believes in simplicity. We don't offer keys for any door locks because, let's face it, keys are so last century. Plus, they have an annoying habit of playing hide-and-seek at the most inconvenient moments.
Please remember to secure all doors when leaving, and text us if you somehow manage to forget your code. (Though how one forgets a code that involves your favorite color, your pet dinosaur's middle name, and the square root of pie—kidding! It's much simpler than that. No it’s not. Yes it is.)
As the saying goes, "Even dumb players can have smart luck."
- Unknown
(We suspect "Unknown" just couldn't remember their door code...)
And remember, while our smart lock is indeed quite clever, it occasionally likes to remind us that even smart things can have dumb moments. Like that time it decided to speak Spanish for an entire day. True story. Okay, not really, but wouldn't that make a great puzzle element?
P.S. - If you hear the locks whispering late at night, it's probably just them sharing riddles. They're quite competitive that way.
P.P.S. - No, the locks don't actually whisper. Or do they?
*cue mysterious music*
Other things to note
.☛ PUZZLE PEOPLE, UNITE! This isn't your average mountain getaway. You'll need:
-Your thinking cap (no, really)
-A sense of adventure
-The ability to look at ordinary things in extraordinary ways
-A phone with a calculator (trust us on this one)
-The patience of a detective solving their biggest case
-Friends who won't get mad when you shout "I FOUND SOMETHING!"
.☛ HELPFUL HINTS:
-Bookmark our contact info - you might need a hint
-Plan to spend quality time here - rushing through puzzles is no fun
-Bring snacks - solving mysteries makes you hungry
-Consider this a "digital detox with a twist" - your brain will be too busy for social media
.☛ IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES:
This experience contains numerous small puzzle pieces, clues, and items that could be hazardous to young children
While families are welcome, this experience is designed for adults and older children who can understand puzzle concepts
Parents of young children must actively supervise them throughout the stay
Some puzzles require careful handling of items - please treat all components with care
If you have any accessibility concerns, please message us before booking
.☛ BEST SUITED FOR:
-Puzzle enthusiasts
-Escape room lovers
-Mystery solvers
-Adventure seekers
-Groups who communicate well
-People who don't mind a good brain teaser
.☛ NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
-Those seeking a traditional rental experience
-Those seeking nothing other than pure financial gain
-Groups with unsupervised young children
-People who get frustrated easily with puzzles
-Those expecting a typical mountain vacation
-Those within 2 weeks of having a baby. Please don't give birth in this place. Unless you must, but then we get to write about it.
Remember: Everything you need to solve the mysteries is provided - just bring your curiosity and problem-solving skills!
