The Zelda Suite: A hidden hillside escape with a forest view

Nestled at the back of the campus is the Zelda Suite — a cozy retreat with a private rear deck overlooking deep woods. From the deck, you can soak in a large jacuzzi or enjoy breakfast at the table while watching deer and squirrels roam the hillsides beyond.

Entering the room, the cool interior invites one to escape the world outside and find solace within the white stone walls. Venetian blinds cover the windows, enhancing the feeling of privacy — perfect for the photoshoot I had planned, featuring a model clad in an outfit of pearls. The full-length mirrors provided flexibility with shooting angles.

Exploring the back deck

It was going to be a few minutes before my model arrived, so I took the opportunity to explore the back deck. Walking down the path running alongside the building’s exterior, I ascended two short sets of stairs to find a decent-sized deck with a full-size jacuzzi overlooking a lovely forest scene and a small wet-weather stream cascading down the hillside beyond.

A four-top table sat in one corner — perfect for a cozy breakfast or evening cocktails. Although totally open, the deck afforded a surprising degree of privacy. Only the staring eyes of four-legged forest folk beyond bore witness, beneath a full canopy of green.

The model arrives

My model texted to let me know she had arrived in the parking lot. Not wanting her to wait long, I ventured out to greet her and help carry her outfits. As usual, she brought far more than we’d use — but I encourage that. Good to have options.

Once we got her settled into her spot and the pile of clothing and makeup within reach, she commented on how nice the room was. Grabbing her makeup case, she asked where the restroom was. I pointed, adding that I hadn’t been in there yet, and asked what it was like.

“Oh my God — come see!” she blurted out, holding the door open and pointing at something out of view.

Rounding the corner, I saw what had caught her attention: a large statue based on Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, adorning what was actually a multi-mirrored towel rack.

“Impressive,” was my first thought.

A mirrored marvel

The oversized mirrors contributed to a bright, airy atmosphere, accented by a small, thick-glassed window near the ceiling. Even the shelves holding the towels were made of mirrors, creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect.

The seashore theme continued with underwater-vista wallpaper, lighthouse paintings, and the aforementioned Venus statue on a half shell. Even the tiles covering the large walk-in shower were printed with underwater imagery. The lightness of the bathroom stood in contrast to the softly lit, romantic illumination in the rest of the suite.

Makeup and preparation

That’s when I noticed an antique makeup table I had missed before — topped by a vaguely oval mirror. It was perfect for my model to sit and relax while applying her various cosmetic touches.

The main outfit for her shoot was made exclusively of pearls — whether real or not was no concern of mine. It looked real, and that was all I needed.

While she worked on her “campusion,” I carried my bulky equipment into the bedroom to begin setting up. Portraits of flowers hung on the suite’s pale stone walls. As I tested the light switches, I found a pleasing balance — with settings ranging from soft and romantic to bright and welcoming.

To my surprise, strip lighting was tucked all around the room, flooding the space with light when needed — a major win for posing and focus.

The shoot and the soak

Our session went exceedingly well — no tangled pearls, as I had feared. Both model and outfit remained unscathed.

As we wrapped up, I floated the idea of a well-deserved break in the giant jacuzzi. Sipping a little wine and listening to the serenade of sounds from the treescape around us, I jokingly pondered:

“I wonder what the poor photographers are doing this time of year?”

Grinning, I looked over as tiny birds sang to us and deer stared, seemingly amused.

As the lovely lass beside me downed her glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, she smiled and said,

“So lovely and so peaceful. I hope we get to come back here again.”

I nodded, smiled, and tried to catch up with her pace.