Wonderful

Guest: love_birds (LA, California)
Date of Stay: 12/31/08 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

My boyfriend and I just spent New Years in this wonderful cabin. I was a little concerned about booking a cabin in the mountains because I'm a 26-year-old, 100% city girl but this cabin matched every hotel that I have ever stayed in. The cabin had a perfect located with modern decor and appliances. It had the added ammenity of a fabulous sauna. The homeowners were very nice even after I broke a plate and even had cute little extras like microwave popcorn and ever variety of hot tea. We are planning another trip to this cabin and I have told all of my friends about it, WONDERFUL.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

Peaceful retreat only minutes away from Kings Canyon and Sequoia

Guest: Gill & Family (Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

This is a beautiful cabin set high up in the hills at Pinehurst. It is equipped with everything you could need during your stay (linens/towels/soaps/shower gel etc). The cabin is very clean and well-maintained and the kitchen has a full range of equipment and utensils. There are guidebooks,maps and binoculars available for your use. We were there to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. After first looking at accommodation in the parks and realising that it is all very basic (no cooking facilities) and also expensive, we were delighted to find this cabin. It is only 15 minutes away from the park entrances, where you go left for Kings Canyon and right for Sequoia. There's a coolbox in the laundry room and so we were able to pack picnics to take with us (there are only a few places where you can eat in the parks and they are all expensive). The national parks are breathtaking. We had looked at the websites beforehand but nothing prepares you for the vastness of both mountains and trees. We only stayed for 3 nights/2 days on our tour of California and we all wish we'd booked for longer. We were out touring and hiking during the day so obviously did not spend much time in the cabin itself. We found it peaceful and relaxing after our long days out. The hummingbirds and frogs were delightful, the mosquitoes less so - pack the repellent! The owners were always very helpful and responded immediately to our emails. They live close by so are there if you have questions during your stay. They provided lots of information before our visit - where to shop for food on the way and a beautiful hand-drawn map of directions to the cabin. We would certainly recommend this cabin if you are visiting the area, and we hope to return for a longer stay at some point in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Great place to relax or to visit Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks

Guest: Rip (Santa Barbara)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

Our family (2 adults + 3 kids) really enjoyed this cabin. It was our first visit to the area, and we weren't sure what to expect. This place certainly exceeded our expectations. There were so many thoughtful and extra touches that made it feel like a "home away from home". We were able to explore the beautiful National Parks, do a load of laundry, to cook a full meal with all the equipment/utensils/condiments they have (including a gas grill), to have tea in the morning, and to read their guidebook of the Park (and other numerous books), to borrow the binoculars, to enjoy the porch and the back patio area, and to take a nice shower or bath after a long hike. We didn't use the sauna or fireplace, but they were nice touches. The fresh flowers were also a delight. My wife loved the fact that she saw some quails in the back yard, and the hummingbird feeders were a delight to our kids with the numerous hummingbirds. This place was conveniently located to visit by Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The place was within walking distance of the Pinehurst Lodge. The one dinner we had was pretty good, but the service was slow, so don't be in rush if you eat there (They said they were understaffed that night). It was also the first VRBO we've stayed where the owner lived right next door. I think that was a positive thing, because it meant that they were the ones making sure the place stayed spotless between guests and added all those extra personal touches that made this place special. I highly recommend this to everyone interested in visiting the area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Fun Time!

Guest: ladsad (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

We recently stayed 3 nights at this delightful cabin and had a wonderful experience. There were so many little unexpected touches that made our stay extra enjoyable plus the cleanliness and conveniences that made our time there very pleasant (stocked kitchen, great bathroom, beautiful artwork, awesome sauna.) It was quite convenient to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, which was the purpose of our trip there. Mahalia and Bachrun provided very helpful resource information for the area. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a private, unique place to stay while visiting the area. Thank you Mahalia and Bachrun for your gracious hospitality!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Birthday Weekend

Guest: Rain (Orange County, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/07/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

My Girl set this up for me for my 40th birthday...when we pulled up to the cabin I caught a glimpse of the daffodils poking through the snow...being from the eastcoast this was a heart warming sight because it reminds me that spring is coming! My Girl set it up with the owner that we would be there very early as long as they didn't have anyone staying the night before...we arrived at the cabin Thursday morning unloaded the car that My Girl packed while I was still asleep in bed...coming from Orange County, CA we left at 2am in the morning! We walked in the cabin and it was very adorable...with splashes of color coming from the chalkboard in the kitchen...the walls...and the strange but delightful mixture of tchotchkes (for the non east coasters means a large collection of trinkets-not always valuable except to the collector) My favorite a plastic lizard lady with a pink bathing suit on...and a brown gummy yak! My Girl made breakfast that morning...and we used the kitchen everyday we are not big on eating out! We spent 3 full days there and left early Saturday morning! It was beautiful there...the cabin is a perfect comfy little place...with lots to look at...and the sauna gets rave reviews! We loved escaping the city and staring at lots and lots of cows...birds...and huge trees...It snowed and snowed there and was a winter wonderland paradise...the area is used to the snow and keeps the roads nice and plowed as much as they can! The cabin and the beautiful sights around us was worth turning 40 for! The blazing fire...the sauna...the beautiful bathroom...the no television...the daffodils...and the beautiful sights with the big trees...and being able to eat every meal at the cabin were all a perfect birthday surprise! I highly recommend this place...in fact we are going to try and make it up again in the summer! On a side note...the cabin is SPOTLESSLY CLEAN! They also have so many amenities...laundry room...sauna...full kitchen...beautiful grounds...and lots and lots of games...this place is all about the details- and none were missed when the owners put it all together! Interesting artwork on the walls looks like wood carved block printings...bot sure...but fun to look at especially the piece over the couch! Also the materials provided in the book were great...and really helpful...sorry to future guests we realized when we got home we have the park map and a book with things to do we accidently brought home! SORRY! The only place to stay there!

Owner response:Note to future guests: Rayna has assured us she'll send those guidebooks right back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

We loved our mini- vacation at Five Spot Cabin near King's Canyon National Park!

Guest: Amelia & Emmanuel (Pacifica, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

My husband & I (ages 60+) just returned from a wonderful 3 nights in the Sierra foothills near Kings Canyon National Park. We stayed at Five Spot cabin in Pinehurst for this mini-winter get-a-way, and it is our 2nd time in this vacation rental. We had previously stayed at Five Spot over Labor Day weekend. I can now testify that this place is beautiful and cozy in summer AND winter. After playing by day at King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, we settled comfortably back at the cabin. In the summer we languished on the sheltered slate patio with the sounds of birds, and on the front balcony where we enjoyed views of the valley and mountains. This winter we cozied by evening in front of the large open fire, comfortably augmented by very nice heaters. Very welcome after snow-shoeing over five foot deep snow fields. The cabin is well appointed with full service kitchen, a well stocked library and boxes of games. Owner Mahalia LoMele graciously tended to any details and assured we had plenty of firewood for our comfort. My final rave is accolades for the aesthetics - the decor is thoughtfully conceived and executed - an exquisite blend of whimsy, class and function, and the walls feature original art by owner Bachrun LoMele. OH! And don't forget the sauna! We will definitely plan another stay at Five Spot. THANK YOU, Five Spot, for a memorable experience!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Great cabin near Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Guest: Matthias (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

We (2 adults, 2 kids) had a great time in this neat, tastefully renovated, and well-equipped cabin. We did many day hikes- the entrance to the park is only 15 min away, so many trails in the northern half of Sequoia are easily accessible. We will certainly be back!

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

WOW. This is the real deal!

Guest: sciteach (Dunstable, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

This property was designed for a total relaxing experience. From the honeysuckle vine blooming in the outdoor shower to the overall quiet and private atmosphere. The cabin was spotless and well-maintained and owners were accommodating. No cell phone service or TV which made our visit even more relaxing-we managed to play a few board games when not enjoying the antics of several hummingbirds on the back patio. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are extremely close and not as crowded as Yosemite, but just as exciting. King's Canyon actually has THE best gift shop at Grant's Grove. I would recommend this cabin to couples/families who want to explore the parks or just get away from it all.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Loved it!!

Guest: AngrySky (Wildwood, MO)
Date of Stay: 05/18/10 Review Submitted: 05/24/10

I wish we could have spent the whole week. The cabin was beautiful. My husband and I enjoyed sitting out on the patio drinking our wine. So romantic. We loved all the bird life around the cabin - the scrub jays, hummingbirds, and the acorn woodpeckers were fun to watch. And so convenient to King's Canyon and Sequoia. Mahalia was so nice and made us feel right at home. We would love to come back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Wonderful place

Guest: 99lmb99 (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 04/20/10

My partner and I spent Presidents Day/Valentines Day weekend here and it was lovely. It's a sweet home with lots of artistic touches, very well taken care of by the owners. The bathroom, among other areas of the house, is gorgeous, with a claw foot tub and a beautiful custom tiled shower. The owners had the wood and kindling set up for our first fire in the fireplace when we arrived. It was great to come home from a day in the snow to a toasty fire. It was too cold when we were there to hang out on the gorgeous stone patio, but it looked great for summer time hanging out. We cooked some of our meals, and had a delicious steak dinner one night at the lodge that was just a minute's drive down the road. It was about a 15 minute drive to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, where snow shoes were available for rent (though we rented ours back home in San Jose for the weekend) and several different trails were easy to access. We saw lots of giant sequoias while there. We highly recommend this place and we're looking forward to coming back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.