Our Story
From a Cabin . . .
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More than 30 years ago, fulfilling a childhood dream, then-owner Jim Macke purchased 54 acres of land in Madison, Indiana and began reconstructing an historic 1830s log cabin on the property. In a setting resembling nearby Clifty Falls State Park, the cabin took shape among mature beech, poplar and walnut trees overlooking the exposed bedrock and cascading waters of Dugan Hollow. When finished, the cabin was nearly 2,000 square feet and included two loft bedrooms, a full bath with oversized jetted tub, and a large family room with vaulted ceilings and stone fireplace.
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Later, Jim met Nancy Crisp. Nancy relocated to Madison from North Carolina, bringing her brand of southern hospitality to the enterprise. Together, Jim and Nancy built a second structure which eventually housed four (4) fully-furnished luxury suites, each with its own bedroom, full bath, full kitchen and living area. The business then became known as Dugan Hollow Log Cabins & Suites.
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. . . to a Retreat
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We discovered Dugan Hollow for ourselves in December, 2017. We will always remember the first time we saw the cabin as we rounded the final switchback of Dugan Hollow Road that evening -- the soft lights of a decorated Christmas tree in the cabin’s picture window punctuating the peaceful, snow-covered darkness all around.
Needless to say, when Jim and Nancy gave us the chance to buy the business five years later, we jumped at the chance. After much planning, preparation and praying, we became the new owners in January, 2023. At the same time, in recognition of the amazing breadth of the Dugan Hollow experience, we made the decision to change the name to Dugan Hollow Retreats. After 26 adventurous years of marriage & family, we're loving it!
We invite you to experience this unique property for yourself. Whether you decide to stay in the Cabin or a Suite, schedule some time to visit -- to recharge & regroup without the constraint of daily obligations, to spend time in prayer and reflection, or to celebrate with friends and loved ones. For our part, we promise your stay will be private, peaceful, and luxurious -- a true Retreat.
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Happy Retreat!
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