“The Croft” is an industrial/farm house inspired barn which rests privately on Willow Ridge Ranch, and is located only a few minutes from the historic town of Cochrane, AB. With scenic views of our family owned and operated ranch, and the Rocky Mountains, “The Croft” is best enjoyed by a family or small group of friends looking to reconnect with one another and the land around after a busy day exploring nearby Calgary, Kananaskis Country and Banff/Yoho National Parks. Our mission is to provide our guests with a welcoming and unique stay where one can settle in and reconnect with their group and the land around. The Croft, which is located on the East end of Willow Ridge Ranch, is best suited for two couples, a family or business persons requiring a facility to host private gatherings or business meetings. With it’s close proximity to the historic town of Cochrane AB, and being centrally located between the Calgary International Airport, Canmore AB, Banff National Park, The Croft is a perfect accommodation for guests looking to explore South Western Alberta. When designing “The Croft” our vision was to create a space that felt a pre-existing barn was transformed into a modern industrial farm house with all the comforts one would expect to find in a home. We chose to integrate both industrial and farm house design through an open concept floor plan, brick, exposed metal and concrete floors, linear lines and a cool colour palet. We finished the Croft with repurposed rustic wood finishings, traditional industrial/farm house lighting and antique furnishings which are in large part family heirlooms. There are plenty of private spaces to relax and unwind, while at “The Croft.” Guest favourites include: The covered West facing deck off the living area, which hosts a dining area and breathtaking scenic views overlooking our ranch and Rocky Mountains. The fire pit which is tucked away in a little cove and surrounded by a sandstone rocks, lilacs, and lit by solar lights in the evening. The second floor balconies, where guests enjoy slowly waking up with a hot drink, to the scenic views, while watching the wildlife: Deer, elk, moose, coyote, raptors and plenty more. When guests are looking for a change of pace and scenery they can head down the road by bike or car to the Jumping Pound Creek and Bow River in the town of Cochrane where there are endless public scenic nature trails and places to enjoy the cool waters or cast a line for trout. “The Croft is fully furnished, with all towels and linens included. There are two large bedrooms on the second floor which include a sitting area, king bed and a patio door that access a shared South facing balcony. The second floor living area has a couch with pull out bed, and a sliding patio door with north facing balcony, television and a selection of books and toys. Additionally, we have added an expandable wall made of shutters so guests using the the pull out can settle into the space and have more privacy. There are two bathrooms, a half on the ground floor and full upstairs. For guests staying several days or who are adventuring in the Rockies and need to launder their clothes, there is a Laundromat close by. The kitchen is equipped with all the cooking necessities one will need. There is a large fridge and freezer, ice maker, induction stove, oven with built in air fryer, coffee makers, Barbecue and steel grill on the fire pit. The main floor living is furnished with leather furniture, and is situated in-front of oversized windows and a patio doors that that over the ranch and Rocky Mountains. We are incredibly fortunate to be teamed up with Albertas top pastry chef Victoria German. Available upon request, Chef Victoria provides a variety of sweet and savoury pastries, that will be ready for you upon arrival or for your special event or meals can be catered via our local favourite restaurants. We are here to help you create your ideal get a way. If you are booking The Croft for a special occasion such as an anniversary, or engagement, be sure to let us know! We can assist with the fine details, have a special gift ready upon arrival, or just help by pointing you in the right direction. If your looking for the perfect home base away from home, we can provide you a list of contacts for our favourite and recommended bucket lists of things to see and do while here in the best part of Alberta. -Private cottage, with Rocky Mountain View. -Keyless cottage entry. -King bed with memory foam mattress. -100% organic cotton sheets, 100% cotton king duvet cover -Biodegradable toiletries. -Private campfire pit, wood included. -Stainless steel, propane BBQ. -Access to 10 acres of green space. -Fenced pasture for your horses if required. -Visit our bees (with advanced notice) *Ask us about our bee keeping course that begins in the spring. -Grant is a big game wildlife biologist whose Metis family has been fur trading and ranching in Alberta since the early 1860’s, so if you have any questions regarding the local wildlife, Metis or indigenous history and culture, or the best places to learn more, be sure to ask. -5 min from down town Cochrane. -40 min to Calgary International Airport. -1 Hour to Banff. -50 min to Kananaskis Village. We look forward to hosting you. Please message us for more details and to secure your stay. Sincerely, Grant and Jenna at Willow Ridge Ranch