Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful place to relax and enjoy life

Guest: Sarah (Lovettsville)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

If you want a great place to just sit back and relax this is it. The owners have made this home so family friendly providing plenty of games and limiting the TV to only one. Our first night here we each grabbed a small throw blanket, headed for the deck and did some serious star watching until 1 AM and then headed inside for a game of Scrabble. It was so relaxing for the rest of the week none of us wanted to leave the house. All we wanted to do was relax on the deck during the day and play games into the night. We live 3,000 miles away and are talking about making this a yearly vacation place. We highly recommend this home. Great location and very helpful owners.

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

Beautiful Home

Guest: Judabug (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

This home is lovely and in a pleasant setting. It is remote, however, and about 15 minutes out of Pollock Pines.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Awesome chalet in the woods!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/27/11

My wife and I recently spent Spring Break here and had a great time! The house is nicely tucked back in the woods, close enough to town and to Jenkinson Lake to be convenient, but far enough out in the country to be quiet and peaceful. Wildlife watching is possible without even leaving the house, as mule deer and turkeys came through the property every day of our visit. The house is spacious and has plenty of room to accommodate larger groups. We had a lot of cool, rainy weather during our visit, and so the supplied load of firewood for the fireplace was greatly appreciated. The house is situated in a great central location for visiting Jenkinson Lake, Placerville, Apple Hill, and the numerous wineries in the Sierra foothills. Lake Tahoe is a little farther away, but well within driving distance for a day trip. We're already planning a return visit this summer!

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

Best way for the family to spend a weekend togethe

Guest: Grammie and gang (Chico, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 10/26/10

We all agreed it was the very best idea to rent a home to stay on site for a weekend at Apple Hill. The home was so comfortable and had so many special features every one of our party of 10 said lets do it again next year. Our grand kids loved the mountain area and even the babies were excited to see the deer and wild turkeys roaming outside. Preparing a crock pot dinner in the morning to come home to added to our sense of restful vacation. Instead of the long drive back home we had an evening of games and conversation. Everything we could want was provided, from a well equipped kitchen for all our meals, to games, kids videos, and wifi access for all the laptops that came along. The minute we opened the door we saw a stack of CDs by the player, put one in, and had a squealing, laughing, dance moment in the huge living area to express our happiness for being there. A huge thank you to the rental family.

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

Girls Getaway

Guest: Girls Getaway (Nevada)
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Very lovely property, we enjoyed being outdoors as the weather was wonderful while we were there and the deck was very spacious.The house actually slept 8 comfortably and would accomodate 2-4 more on sofa sleepers in the living area. Had all the comforts of home, we would recommend to friends....The owners were very prompt at addressing a small problem we had with the plumbing and did not bother us at all in the process. Very close to Apple Hill activites and a small drive into Placerville.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place to Stay

Guest: Brian (Livermore, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Our family of six adults immediately liked the chalet. We appreciated that you really aren't looking out at any other homes but upon a forest with the chalet located in a sunny clearing. There is very little traffic and it is situated in a good area for walks or a morning run. We found the neighborhood to be pleasantly quiet. The chalet is spaciousness and comfortable, with plenty of games on hand. We liked its ambiance as well. There was plenty of room for the six adults with sleeping areas sufficient for a family of eight and the bathrooms were adequate for the square footage of the residence.The decks around the chalet are great for dining; even for just relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book. We weren't troubled by yellow jackets and there were few flies or mosquitoes in the month of August. The internet and phone were helpful for setting up reservations and getting more information on what you can do in the area. Cell phone service is fairly decent and the Pollock Pines area is a great jump off point for the gold rush towns or a quick trip to Tahoe. The un-crowded lake is a short distance and it is gorgeous. Hiking around the lake, or kayaking, swimming and picnics on the beaches are nice also nice there. For you who like fishing, the American River is better for fishing than the lake as the lake is rarely stocked. You will find great white water rafting just a short distance away which is a must for about every level of experience and challenge (bring a water proof camera as there are opportunities for memorable photos). We liked the fact that the area isn't commercialized, but don't be fooled, there’s plenty of fun to be had and a Safeway grocery store is reasonably close. You definitely won’t be disappointed. Communication with Kathleen and Simon (the owners) was prompt and pleasantly responsive. The prices were reasonable for the chalet, amenities and the beautiful area. You would find that (at the time we stayed there) the only thing that really needed upgrading was the kitchen. Other than that, the place was very clean, pleasantly memorable and comfortable. We wouldn't hesitate to rent the chalet again. Brian and Paige from Livermore, CA

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

Had a great time!

Guest: Kendall (Rio Vista, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

We are a family of four and a happy go lucky lab. We had a great time this July spending four days up at this beautiful home. The kitchen was well stocked for cooking, the house was comfortable, and the setting could not have been more peaceful. We fully intend to come back and enjoy the wild turkeys and wildlife again!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

What a wonderful chalet! I was looking for a place that would accommodate my entire family (mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, wife, me and a dog) comfortably for a week. It was perfect. It is nicely appointed with coffee tables and comfortable chairs throughout. The dining room just off the kitchen has a large table and a built in buffet that made meals easy to serve and the kitchen has all the pots,utensils, plates, mugs and glasses you need. The design of the building and its furnishings is so conducive to being together without being on top of one another--it's spacious with a tremendously vaulted A frame ceiling that gives a great sense of openness and keeps room noise to a minimum. We could read, play games, piece puzzles, talk or eat all in the same space without disturbing each other. The wood burning stove kept the place a comfortable temperature (operation manual in the binder) and was a welcome sight after a walk in the chilly mountain air. It is the perfect retreat and we fully intend on making this chalet a family tradition!

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Guest: SuzieQue (South East USA)
Date of Stay: 01/17/10 Review Submitted: 01/17/10

We had a wonderful time staying in Pollack Pines, so good we came back a second time and will difinitely be back again. The house has everything you could possibly need. Kathleen and Simon have made sure all bases are covered. There is a large gang of wild turkeys that come through the yard daily to say hello and tease/terrorize my dog. He goes nuts trying to see them thru every window ears straight up but no barking, he is so funny and curious. Although it was cold both times we were there we were very comfortable, the fire place was great. The kitchen has everything you need then some. You could really have a croud and be comfortable. The views thru the glass windows and the beautiful surroundings are very peaceful and quiet. Whether from a balcony or on the surround deck you are able to capture all kinds of wildlife and birds. Great for photoghers or watchers. Binocculars are there for you. We were able to relax rest, go on walks and visit Placerville. Being in Placerville before Christmas was a real treat. Everything was so beautifully decorated. The stores were all decked out and they were full of wonderful gifts. We can not wait to go back. Hopefully during the summer we can bring our whole family for a week or so. We really love it there and we are positive they will too. Kathleen has a large book full of all the right places and all the things to see. It helps tremendously. We'll see you soon.. Don and Suzannne

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Guest: Carol McKinney Sam Van Zandt
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/04/09

Kathleen and Simon, We are so happy to have discovered your lovely vacation home. Our days were spent water skiing on Sly Park Lake and hiking the Sierra, and the evenings were peaceful and relaxing as we sat on the deck and watched the deer graze in the yard. The house had everything we needed, and the basket of goodies was a nice touch. Pride in ownership is evident throughout the home and property. We'll be back. Carol McKinney and Sam Van Zandt

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Wonderful Fall Getaway!

Guest: Jeannie and Mike (San Pablo, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/24/09 Review Submitted: 10/30/09

Well let me see....if you like deer, wild turkeys, and jack rabbits running around the yard while sitting at the dinning room table or living room you will like this place. We had a party of seven at one point and there is plenty of room for everyone, with a fully stocked kitchen you don't need to bring anything but the food. We stayed for six nights and I'm glad we did so we could spend time at Apple Hill, Placerville and fishing at the lake. One day we took a drive on the Mormon Emigrant Trail and was able to see snow covered pine trees in the being of Oct.! We had days of fun and nights staying in and spending time with the family sitting around a cozy fire. Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful stay at your Chalet, hopefully we will be able to do it again soon.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Great Escape

Guest: MelAlberteen (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

Our getaway vacation left us with many wonderful memories to cherish. We spent hours on the upper and lower deck conversing, reflecting, and taking in the breathtaking view of the deep woods The cabin was spacious, yet comfortable, with a perfect mix of old classic and modern decor. It was well-equipped with all the necessities and amenities you would need. We enjoyed barbecuing, playing board games, and visiting Jenkinson Lake, which was 5 minutes away from the cabin. Only an hour and a half from Sacramento, we found the location convenient, secluded, and the perfect spot for a romantic environment.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Richard63 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The kitchen had everything we needed to prepare some great meals. Our favorite part was having dinners outside on the front deck in the beautiful warm summer evenings, while deer and fox scampered through the front yard. It was very relaxing. We can’t wait to see it in winter.

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