Location: Pinecrest, Gold Country & High Sierra, California, USA (30 min. E of Sonora;10 min. to Pinecrest & 15 to Dodge Ridge) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-11)
Keywords: Cabin
RIFUGIO DI MONTAGNA IS ITALIAN FOR "MOUNTAIN REFUGE" ~ Our refuge in the Dodge Ridge/Pinecrest area at 5,300 ft elevation is the perfect place for you and your family and friends to spend together in a unique combination of brand new construction infused with traditional memorabilia.
THE PINECREST TRADITION BEGAN WITH GRANDPA AND GRANDMA ~ This 2,200 square foot mountain home was lovingly constructed in 2007 as a place to recharge and relax, and is located on a quiet street in Cold Springs. Having grown up with grandparents who owned a cabin in the area for many years, this home was built after thoughtful planning and much creativity to use and enjoy some of the furnishings that were located in the old cabin. Rifugio di Montagna was actually designed "around" the grand old dining room table which can seat up to 12 and is the focal point of the home.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RIFUGIO ~ The slate floors and granite countertops of the interior are combined with the natural colors of the outdoors making for a warm and cozy refuge for your mind and spirit. The living areas were specifically made to be the largest rooms in the cabin and to flow together. The spacious kitchen has an island and a breakfast bar which opens to the dining room, which in turn is connected to the 24' high ceilinged Great Room. The Master Suite is also located on this floor and has it's own entry AND A KING SIZE BED. You will feel as though you are showering outside under a waterfall in the oversized, full slate shower in the Master Bathroom.
The loft upstairs with the double futon overlooks the Great Room and is flanked by two bedrooms, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE KING-SIZE MATTRESSES. (No more arguing over who has to take the "little" bed!!!) There is also a full bathroom on this floor with a tub/shower combo. All of the beds are fitted with 500 and 400 thread count sheets, beautiful hand-crafted quilts, and 100% goose down comforters. The two raised Deluxe AeroBeds can be automatically inflated in three minutes and can be used in any room where there is carpeting allowing families great flexibility for sleeping.
The 560 square foot front deck wraps around three sides of the house, bringing the outdoors right to your feet. And who wants to eat indoors when the perfect Summer weather calls you outside to dine on our custom-made, bar height picnic table? As an alternative, sit out on the back deck which offers a view of the landscaped area and the undeveloped forest beyond. In the Winter you will be glad you've chosen to rent a newly-constructed, well-insulated cabin with double-paned windows plus two sources of warmth - the fireplace and central heat.
THE PINECREST/DODGE RIDGE AREA CAN BE YOUR TRADITION, TOO! ~ Or, maybe it already is and you want to make wonderful new memories at Rifugio! There are many fabulous things to do in the area - great family skiing/snowboarding at Dodge Ridge and sledding at High Sierra Snowplay in the Winter, and in the Summer, the great fishing, hiking, and boating choices are endless. We've prepared a book at the cabin - just for you - which lists all of the wonderful things to do/places to see, with Rifugio as your home base. Come ~ relax, refresh and recharge ~ experience Rifugio di Montagna for yourself!
Check In 3:00 P.M.; Check Out 11:00 A.M.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Brand new European style washer on pedestal located in kitchen
- Dryer : Brand new European style dryer on pedestal located in kitchen
- Linens Provided : All sheets on beds are 500 and 400 thread count, and 100% down comforters are provided. There are also beautiful, hand-crafted quilts on each of the three King beds, and a great supply of extra blankets.
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace : w/remote control
- Beds
- King Bed (3) : Brand new mattresses! All three bedrooms have King-Size Mattresses!!
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : There are two Deluxe raised AeroBeds complete with bedding for your use. These can be used in any bedroom or in the loft to allow for sleeping flexibility with families.
- Convertible Bed : A futon in the loft converts to a double size mattress. There is a Serta 4" Memory Foam topper for this mattress which makes it incredibly comfortable! There are also curtains to separate the loft from the Great Room for privacy.
- Crib : Brand new Pack-and-Play that can be used as a crib, with quilted padded sheet.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : We have three TV's in the cabin - a flat screen in the Great Room, a regular TV in the Master Bedroom, and a third TV in the Deer Bedroom upstairs.
- DVD
- Video Library : Blu-Ray DVD Player
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Many CD's are on site with varying styles of music. We also have an i-Pod dock, so bring your own music with your i-Pod!!!
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : All new stainless steel appliances with a gas stove that has five burners and a convection oven. Beautiful granite counter tops and slate tile! There is an island and a huge breakfast bar ~ great gathering place!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : More dishes, pots & pans, and glasses than you'll ever use! Mr. Coffee coffe maker, a small expresso machine, and a coffee grinder are also availble for your use.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : We have a brand new dual barbeque!! One side is gas and the other side is charcoal - guaranteed to please every outdoor chef!
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Front deck wraps around three sides of the house; small deck out back kitchen door has barbeque.
- View/Location
- Mountain View : The cabin is on the last street in the subdivision (very quiet) and looks over a vast forest area. The property directly behind the cabin is undeveloped so neighbors only on two sides and across the street. The cabin sits tall, so when looking out the Great Room, all you can see is trees, trees, trees!
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Other Amenities
- There are five ceiling fans in the cabin. The two in the Great Room operate by remote control. The other three are located upstairs; one in each of the bedrooms and the third in the loft. Blow dryer is provided. Bath & Body Works soaps and body washes are also provided. No need to bring toilet paper or paper towels - we provide. DO Bring you i-Pod - we have a dock stereo system!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Large, wrap-around front deck has complete railing and a gate that locks.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Must be at least 25 years old to rent this property.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Winter rates ~ Dec 16, 2011 thru April 15, 2012 ...... $250/night $1400/week
Summer rates ~ May 25, 2012 thru Sept. 3, 2012 ....... $250/night $1400/week
Off-season ~ Apr 16 thru May 24th & Sept. 4 thru Dec. 15 $225/nite $1200/week
+ 10% County Tax; 3 Night Min Stay Holiday Weekends & months of June July & August
Security Deposit (Refundable) - $200 due within 7 days of booking cabin.
Cleaning fee $150. Ask us about our optional "clean it yourselves" policy.
Full amount of rent and cleaning deposit due two weeks prior to stay.
We also accept PayPal. Credit card and PayPal transactions - add 5%.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Rifugio Di Montagna - Now with 3 King-Size Beds!
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Pinecrest
In addition to it being Paul's playground when he was young, the Pinecrest/Dodge Ridge area is a hidden treasure. It is the closest Sierra experience for Bay Area and Valley residents, yet is still quite untouched by the swarms of people who flock to other mountain locations. Additionally, the elevation of 5,300 feet is perfect; while we don't get inundated with snow in the Winter, we certainly get our fair share to enjoy the magic. And in the Summer, the higher elevation definitely makes for a cooler experience than those areas that sit at 4,000 feet or less. Skiing at Dodge Ridge is only 15 minutes away, and did we mention the lack of crowds and the cheapest lift ticket around? Pinecrest Lake in the Summer is great for fishing, and we have yet to explore all the hiking trails in the area. Rifugio is centrally located to so many beautiful spots, and there are many day trips that are very do-able.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
We love the deep night's sleep we get at the cabin. Not only are the linens soft and luxurious, but the beds are super comfortable. And because the cabin sits high, the windows can be safely left open at night letting in that wonderful fresh mountain air. Our street is very, very quiet. We love cooking in the kitchen, but we also enjoy going to Mia's for a fabulous eating out experience. We always come away from Rifugio feeling refreshed and recharged, and we know our guests will have the very same result.
Rent a boat for the day, hike around the lake, or just swim at the beach! Fish are planted weekly in the summer, and in the winter, you can sled down the boat ramp!
The best family-oriented skiing in the Sierra's, and still the cheapest lift ticket around.
Owner's Map of Pinecrest
Paul is an avid fly fisherman and duck hunter. He spent most of his Summers in the Pinecrest/Dodge Ridge area as a kid because his grandparents had a cabin in the Cow Creek Subdivision just a few miles from Rifugio. It was always Paul's dream to own a place of his own in the same area, and that dream came true in 2007. He built two "Rifugio's" in Cold Springs and retained one for himself. While not spending time in the mountains, he is involved in the construction industry in the Stockton area.
Pam enjoys the outdoors almost as much as Paul. The scenery in the Pinecrest area never ceases to amaze her, and days spent on Pinecrest Lake and at Kennedy Meadows are treasured. She works for a large local accounting firm in Stockton.
Paul and Pam used to date back in the '70's when Paul played football for UOP. After a 30-year break, they came back together and found in each other great compatibility and friendship. They were married in 2005 - just in time to take on the great adventure of building two cabins!
Property Photos
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- Rifugio in the Summer! - Dodge Ridge Cabin
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- A view of the other side of the cabin in the Winter! - Dodge Ridge Cabin
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- Beautiful new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances - Dodge Ridge Cabin
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- View of kitchen from the corner sink looking towards front door and great room
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- A view of the spacious Great Room with 24' high ceilings & remote control fans
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- View from the Dining Room looking towards the Great Room
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- The Master Bedroom, located on the main level, has a private entrance & bathroom
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- The "Bear Bedroom" - our newest King-size bed!
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- The "deer" bedroom upstairs with open-beamed ceiling and comfy King-si
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- The loft with futon and computer overlooks the Great Room with Great Views!
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- View to the left off the back deck . . .
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- And the view to the right . . . note - no cabins behind us!!
Traveler Reviews (40)
Amazing place, amazing owners!
Guest: Karen
(Roseville, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11
Review Submitted: 12/19/11
It is difficult for me to put into words, just how much we love Paul and Pam and Rifugio Di Montagna! This past September, we held a surprise 80th Bday party here for my Mother. We had people come in from far and wide to make it a special celebration for her. But, what really made this an event to remember, was this cabin. To say that you will feel at home here is an understatement! To be honest, you may actually feel like you wish this WAS your home! Paul and Pam have taken such careful pains to make sure everything is comfortable, charming and beautiful. You truly feel like you are staying at someone's home, rather than a random cabin. (** when you stay, pay careful attention to the lovely plates on the dining room wall and be sure to read the story behind them....truly touching.) Pam & Paul are sure to make you feel special, as if you are the only ones ever to stay there! You may even be lucky enough to receive one of Pam's incredible gift baskets, which will be waiting for you on the kitchen counter, upon your arrival. Their kindness and thoughtfulness knows no bounds. All of our guests, whether staying the night, or merely there for the party, were astounded at how gorgeous this place is! Lots of oohs and ahhs could be heard, as they entered to join the festivities. Just about everything has been thought of for you, from games, to books, to DVDs, to flashlights, even snow gear! It's like having a group of Boy or Girl Scouts there right before you, making sure no detail was spared and every contingency was met. We truly look forward to visiting Rifugio again. Whether it be Summer, or Winter, or any season in between. We know that a refuge from our hectic lives will surely be found. We thank Paul and Pam for making this such a wonderful weekend. We were so lucky to have stayed in your "home".
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Lovely Mountain Escape
Guest: Sumiko
(Cupertion, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/13/10
Review Submitted: 04/06/11
We arrived at the cabin to find your beautiful welcome basket, and exclaimed and pored over its thoughtful contents as we did your beautiful home, noting the exquisite details in its craftsmanship, the lovely decor and tasteful design touches and the majesty of your vaulted ceilings in the Great Room. After spending the past few months nearly homebound with our newest addition to the family, I was so thankful for a beautiful change of scene among the comforts of your home, walking the deck in the warm afternoon hours, listening to the baby coo as she stared up at the swaying pines overhead. Most of our family are avid fisher-folk, so while Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy and our oldest jaunted off to the lake, the baby and I were once again homebound, as she nursed her way through the latest growth spurt, sleeping and eating for the majority of our time there. While many might think being left behind and cabin-bound are the recipe for insanity, I gladly welcomed the quiet and beauty, and my vacation felt very much like escaping off to a mountain spa. I LOVED the master bathroom's shower, and with the baby soundly napping, felt as though I escaped off to a resort for the longest and most relaxing shower in many, many months, drinking in the luxury of your lavender soaps, the small indulgences and kindnesses that a tired mommy takes great comfort in! The lovely stone tiling, the view of the backyard trees and the heady scent of lavender flooding the room were all on par with the finest spa offerings, and that moment alone was my vacation! Thank you for creating such beauty in your home, a visual buffet of little trinkets and treasures to discover and admire from the kitchen's collection of woodland critters to the fascinating collage of plates adorning the dining room wall. We relished how our morning coffee with toast and eggs seemed to taste better in the mountain air, enjoying leisurely meals around your generous table, the casual winding down of the day in conversation and story-telling, those moments that become so precious and needed in the busyness of life. Thank you for taking such care in providing for all of our needs, for ensuring our every comfort and lavishing all of those extra thoughtful details that made us feel even more pampered!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Fun and comfortable retreat!
Guest: Melissa & Friends
(San Rafael, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11
Review Submitted: 03/29/11
The Refugio was one of the best vacation rentals I've stayed in - it was spacious, comfortable and well-stocked. And it was great for kids - we were three couples, each with a toddler. The large front deck was basically a giant playpen in the trees, and we made our own sledding trail right behind the house. We had quite an adventure with the snowfall but Pam and Paul were prepared - Paul came to our rescue with the snowblower so we could go home on Sunday (thanks Paul!!!). Adults and toddlers alike had a really great time in the house and we're already talking about going back!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children.
5 Star Experience
Guest: juan
(Santa Cruz County)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11
Review Submitted: 03/23/11
Pam and Paul, thank you for sharing your beautliful cabin with our family. We felt very welcomed, comforable, and relaxed the entire time. Thank you for the gift basket, we enjoyed everything in it. We plan on returning in the future to experience the summer months. We truly had a 5 star resort experience. Thank you so much. The Trujillo family
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Winter Snow Vacation
Guest: Marcia20
(Pleasanton, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/09/11
Review Submitted: 03/14/11
This was our first trip to Rifugio Di Montagna. If you want to treat yourself to a lovely vacation home, this is it! Everything was as described and more. The kitchen was stocked beyond belief, the beds were incredibly comfortable, the home was decorated beautifully and very clean and welcoming. Paul and Pam put a lot of thought and energy into this home and it certainly made our stay quite a lovely experience. The weather was perfect and there was an abundance of snow. Leland High Sierra just beyond Dodge Ridge is highly recommended for snow play. Many snowball fights took place right at Rifugio and the grandchildren also enjoyed ice skating at Long Barn. Pam and Paul are wonderful hosts and so easy to communicate with. We are looking forward to our next stay.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Weekend
Guest: Paula
(Modesto, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11
Review Submitted: 02/01/11
What a beautiful cabin, Pam was a gracious host with out even being there. The basket was just a added touch that made it that more special. Even thou there wasn't that much snow at the cabin, the location was great, the grandkids went ice skating at Long Barn and sleigh riding at Pine Crest. Had the best time and would recommend this cabin in a heart beat! Thanks Paul and Pam. The Tobins Modesto.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Our visit on Dec. 17, 2010
Guest: wendy
(Aptos, Ca)
Date of Stay: 12/17/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
This is so much more than a "cabin"; it's a beautiful two story gem. There are cathedral windows that showcase the wonderful snow laden pines, and tasteful touches everywhere! The kitchen is fully stocked. We cooked for 11 people and had no problem with a lack of anything! All the modern appliances to make everything easy. Lots of room for everybody. Pam decorated the whole place for Xmas too. A big tree, hats on the bears, little touches everywhere. Pam and Paul were excellent hosts and very pleasant and helpful. I highly recommend this rental and will go there again!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Winter Wonderland Weekend
Guest: Sondra, Steve and Family
(Woodbridge, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10
Review Submitted: 12/14/10
Our family spent a long weekend at Rifugio in November....the first snow of the season. It was wonderful! Not only were the accomodations top-notch - everything we needed to have our extended family with us - the snow was beautiful. When the snow began it didn't stop...but neither did Paul!! He made sure we had access to our vehicles and everything was okay. We enjoyed our time - cooked lots and never lacked for a pot or pan or dish in the kitchen - watched the snow, played games, watched football and movies, played in the snow....great time. All of the bedrooms were cozy, clean and comfy...excellent property. Thanks Pam and Paul!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
All the advantages of staying on the concierge floor of a nice hotel, with more space and privacy
Guest: Natasha
(Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 08/30/10
The Refugio is not a cabin. It's a comfortable, spacious, well-built, essentially brand-new family house that could have been decorated by a professional interior designer in sage and rust tones. The bedding is excellent and ample: sheets, towels and extra blankets/pillows are supplied. Stripping the sheets off the beds and plopping the first load into the washing machine is a small price to pay for the luxury of not lugging my own feather beds/sheets/comforters/pillows, as I have done in the years past when renting through the local realtor Brezina. The toileteries and condiments are provided, and a lovely wicker basket of artisan pasta, pasta sauce, wine and chocolates means that you can put off food shopping till next morning.
Owner response:Thank you, Natasha, for such a lovely review and for taking such good care of Rifugio while you and your family were there! Just a little disclaimer for those who may be contemplating renting Rifugio: We do love leaving a gift basket for all our renters, but the contents are not always the same . . . we like to surprise you!!! I guess what we're saying is - bring groceries the first night just in case your basket has only wine, cheese & chocolates!! P & P
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Family Tradition a Success
Guest: bern
(Hollister)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10
Review Submitted: 08/28/10
Our yearly family vacation to Pinecrest was wonderful and our stay at your cabin was FABULOUS!!! The decor, layout and cozy feel was like being in our own cabin. There is such a warm feeling of welcome and peace and your choice of gift basket items is tasteful and delicious. You both have put a lot of love and effort into this cabin and certainly make your guests stay enjoyable. Undoubtedly the best cabin we have stayed in over the years. We will return for many more memories. Thanks for sharing!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #139424
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