The Den (Hunting Lodge & Cedar Ridge): A Decision Review
Overview and Location
The Den (Hunting Lodge & Cedar Ridge) is a student-oriented housing property located at Willington, CT 06279, USA, near the Mansfield Center area. The address places it within a short drive of the local university campus — reviewers mention a 3- to 4-minute drive to campus, and a bus service is also available. The property consists of multiple buildings under the same management (formerly separate complexes now unified as “The Den”). It offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Key on-site features include free parking, pet-friendly policies, and what the property describes as “Location Benefit” — proximity to campus and local amenities.
The property has a Google rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 29 reviews, reflecting a mix of positive experiences with recent renovations and negative feedback about rent increases under new management. The relatively low review count (29) means the rating should be taken as indicative of a small sample.
Who This Residence Suits
This residence is best suited for students or graduate students who:
- Prefer recently renovated units. Multiple reviewers highlight that the renovated apartments come with brand-new appliances, granite countertops, new flooring, and updated fixtures. If you value a modern finish and are willing to pay a premium for it, the renovated units at The Den appear to deliver.
- Need free parking. The property lists “Free Parking” as a tag, which can be a significant advantage for students who drive to campus.
- Have a pet. The property is pet-friendly. This is uncommon in many student housing complexes and can be a deciding factor for pet owners.
- Want a short commute to the university. According to a reviewer, the drive to campus takes about three to four minutes. The bus service is also mentioned as convenient, so even without a car, the commute appears manageable.
- Prefer a shorter lease. The minimum lease term is three months, which offers flexibility for summer sessions, quarters, or semester breaks — though availability may vary by unit.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
The same reviews point to several groups who may find The Den less suitable:
- Budget-conscious students. The monthly rent range is $1,715–$3,300 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The city’s overall from-price (i.e., the lowest advertised rent across all properties in Mansfield Center) is $1,259/month. That means The Den’s starting price is about $456 more per month than the cheapest option in the area. For a three-bedroom unit that may be split between roommates, the individual cost could still be higher than other properties, especially if the unit is not fully occupied.
- Students who experienced the pre-Den management. One long-term resident (a graduate student) reported that after the management changed and the property became The Den, the rent jumped significantly — from $1,785/month to $2,300/month at renewal. If you are looking for long-term stability or have heard stories from previous tenants, the price hike may be a concern.
- Those who need a very short walk to class. The property is not within walking distance for most; the reviewer notes a bus and a short drive. If you rely on walking or biking and do not have a car, the commute might still be workable with the bus, but it is not a “next to campus” location.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews capture the main facets of the experience. Here they are quoted verbatim:
Emry (1 star):
“I lived here for several years as a graduate student until the management changed and the property became The Den. My experience was fine until the exorbitant price increase. My lease was $1,785/mo, but when it came time to renew, they raised the rent to $2,300/mo—my jaw hit the floor. For that price, I would expect am”
A B (5 stars):
“I recently moved into a renovated unit and all i can say is it’s amazing. Not only are the units brand new, i have new appliances, flooring, granite counter tops, everything you could think of. The office staff is very helpful & is there whenever i have needed them. Kaitlyn has helped me with every single question i’ve”
Kisha Saint Louis (5 stars):
“I toured here a few weeks ago and with the renovations, it’s so nice! It’s only a 3-4 minute drive to campus & the bus will come in handy. Kaitlyn and Derrick in the office were super helpful with giving me all the information and when Kaitlyn gave me the tour, she was able to answer all of my questions and made this m”
Price Positioning and Room Type Guidance
The Den offers studios (though not listed in unit_types), one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. The minimum price is $1,715/month and the maximum is $3,300/month (indicative — confirm with the operator). All prices are monthly. For context:
- The city of Mansfield Center has three student housing properties listed with a combined from-price of $1,259/month.
- The Den’s cheapest option ($1,715) is about 36% higher than the city’s lowest price.
However, the price range is wide. A three-bedroom unit at the lower end of the range ($1,715) could be shared by three tenants, bringing the per-person cost to about $572 – but note that individual rooms are not always rented separately; you may be responsible for the entire unit. At the top end ($3,300) for a one-bedroom, the cost is high relative to the local market.
Room type guidance:
- One-bedroom units suit single occupants who want privacy. They are likely the most expensive per square foot.
- Two-bedroom units could work for two roommates sharing costs.
- Three-bedroom units are best for groups of three who want to split rent — the per-person cost at the lower end of the range could be competitive with other properties, but confirm the exact unit price before planning.
The property does not specify whether the rent includes utilities; you should verify that with the operator.
Booking Timing
The property has a minimum lease of three months, but the available-from date is not provided. For planning purposes:
- The typical academic year in the US runs from August/September to May/June. If you are aiming for fall 2026, start inquiring in early 2026 (February–April) to secure a renovated unit, as those appear to be in demand based on positive reviews.
- For spring 2027 entry, begin looking around October–November 2026.
- Because the rent has been known to increase between lease cycles (as noted in the negative review), signing a longer lease (if available) might help lock in a rate, but that is not guaranteed.
Given that only 29 reviews exist and the property has undergone recent management changes, inventory and pricing can shift quickly. It is advisable to contact the property directly for current availability and exact move-in dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rooms are available at The Den?
The Den offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Studios are not explicitly listed in the data, but you should confirm with the operator if studios exist. Unit types may vary between the Hunting Lodge and Cedar Ridge components of the property.
Is parking and pet ownership allowed?
Yes. The property lists “Free Parking” and “Pet Friendly” as tags. However, check with the management for any restrictions on pet size, breed, or number of pets, as well as any pet deposits or fees.
What is the minimum lease term?
The minimum lease term is three months. This offers flexibility for short-term stays, such as a summer semester or a quarter. If you need a longer term (e.g., a full academic year), the property likely offers that as well — confirm directly.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
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