If there’s truth to the idea that the best experiences come in small packages, then a single-tent glamping stay in Catlett, Virginia, might just prove it.
About an hour from Washington, D.C., Catlett is a tiny, quiet town with fewer than 300 residents—exactly the kind of place you go when you’re craving space, stillness, and a deep breath away from everyday noise. That sense of calm is what draws visitors to Seven Oaks Lavender Farm, where guests can stay overnight in a thoughtfully designed Tentrr glamping setup, surrounded by fragrant purple fields.
For those unfamiliar, Tentrr partners with private landowners to create ready-made glamping experiences. Each site includes a raised platform and canvas tent, and signature locations—like this one—come fully outfitted with a real bed, Adirondack chairs, a dining area, and even a private camp-style bathroom. Everything is assembled ahead of time by the Tentrr team, making the experience completely stress-free from arrival to departure.
I reached the farm just before sunset, leaving enough daylight to wander the working agricultural property. Visitors can pay a small fee to cut their own lavender—20 stems per person—while exploring the fields. My companion and I had the place nearly to ourselves as we walked through the blooms, watched cows grazing in the distance, and peeked at a small enclosure where floppy-eared rabbits hopped about, strictly for viewing.
As dusk settled over the fields, I took what might be the most memorable shower of my life. The setup was simple: a solar-powered hanging water bag with a hose, tucked into a three-sided stall that opened directly onto the open land behind it. With no one else around except a few wandering cows, I laughed at the contrast between my setting and the tiny bottle of luxury shampoo I’d brought along from a Paris hotel. Still, even that elegance couldn’t compete with the natural aroma of lavender drifting through the air, a scent so calming it followed me straight into sleep.
Guests who want to take a piece of the experience home can arrange small add-ons, such as a lavender gift bundle waiting inside the tent. These typically include lavender linen and room spray, lip balm, a sachet, and farm keepsakes. Additional items—like bouquets, candles, soaps, pet products, and more—can also be preordered from the farm shop.
From the moment I arrived, the stay felt grounding and restorative. Waking with the sun and the distant sound of roosters, I stayed still for a few extra moments, trying to hold onto the quiet and carry it with me. Thankfully, I left with a small lavender sachet—a fragrant reminder I can squeeze whenever I need to return, if only briefly, to that peaceful field in Virginia.
