Vacation Rentals by Owner

1st time renter

Guest: The traveling family (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 08/02/11

Wonderful home close to all the action in South Lake Tahoe. The home has a 2nd and 3rd floor living levels. The ground level is a closed off garage and storage area it appears. The interior has an open floor plan with the kitchen fully open to the living room area. The room has 20-25ft high ceilings with lots of lighting day and night. There is a gas fireplace which we never used. The kitchen and living area are open to the bedroom loft for the children on the 3rd floor. There is a bathroom with shower tucked away in the back with the two king bedrooms in the back on the 2nd floor, along with the laundry area. There is a bathroom with bath attached to the loft on the 3rd floor. The exterior decks are very expansive - they are great for play for children needing some space from the adults. There was a good quality BBQ. One of the king bedrooms opens to the deck. The listing accurately reflected the accomodations. Our GPS couldn't find the home, so we had to locate the home manually on the GPS. The property was well maintained and very clean. We were glad to have numerous channels on the satelite TV as well as WiFi and cable access to the internet. The owner was quite helpful in assisting us with our few questions, and provided information in advance for our stay. I would definately recommend staying here. There are numerous hiking opportunities near the home at Echo Lake and the home is right next to the entrance to Sierra at Tahoe.

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

2nd time renter

Guest: Wayne Norton_HAC73660 (Vacaville ca)
Date of Stay: 02/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/12/11

The setup and entry was great. I was quickly apparent that the beautiful deck was unusable. It was covered with 4 ft of snow and appeared to have not been removed since the beginning of winter. When we tried to use the grill, the propane tank was empty, so plan b was initiated. Not a big deal, but a disappointment none the less. Carol told us in advance that the remote to the DVD player was lost, but we didn't expect that the DVD was limited in use without it. We ended up going into town and buying a new DVD player, which we'll donate since the expense was minimal. For some reason, there's dozens of bars of used bar soap under the sinks. I'm not quite sure why they would save and sore used bar soap? It would have been a nice touch for the owners to have taken care of this when it was identified. The driveway is very difficult to maneuver because of a small grouping of trees placed directly in the middle of the driveway. Removing these trees would save potential damage to vehicle paint jobs. Other than these issues, the house is very comfortable and well appointed. The easy access to Sierra at Tahoe resort is great. With a little more attention to detail, I would rate this stay as 5 stars.

Owner response:We ask our guests for their comments and suggestions. Usually this takes place in a phone call or email. As a vacation home owner, we rely on our guests to let us know when something is not working properly, is missing or needs attention. In this case, our guest chose to use the traveler review as a forum to discuss a number of issues. I have responded directly to the guest and will provide a brief recap here. Our guests have my cell phone number. With a call about the propane tank, the guest would have been able to locate a full tank for replacement. I was not aware that the DVD player was a problem without the remote (their expense will be reimbursed). New bath soap is provided for each guest. The lightly used bath soap is set aside to be donated to an organization for recycling and distribution to impoverished countries. Our guest’s other observations relate to Mother Nature. The snow on the deck resulted from heavy snows in December. Many guests tell us that their kids like having snow on the deck. The “trees planted directly in the middle of the driveway” were there long before the home.

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Great place for ski

Guest: AkemiO (Concord, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/25/11

2 families (4 adults + 3 kids) stayed early Feb 2011. Great location for skiing at Sierra at Tahoe. The entrance to the ski resort is just down the street. Beautiful and cozy home. We enjoyed the stay very much. The owner is sweet! She called us to check up while staying, and sent back the items we left at home. Easy communication with her via phone and e-mail. Highly recommended!

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

Perfect Holiday Home Away from Home!

Guest: Amy @ Pit Stops for Kids (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

I am the owner/administrator of the family travel website Pit Stops for Kids and a freelance travel writer. My family and I were fortunate enough to stay at this beautiful property and write about all the great features for families this past December. You can read an entire series of travel articles featuring this very home at Pit Stops for Kids for more detailed information. We truly loved this home. It was far enough off the beaten path to feel like a retreat, but close enough to South Tahoe for dinners out or activities. We loved the expanse of open woods and wilderness right out the front door, and the proximity to Sierra at Tahoe ski resort. The home was spacious but cozy, everything was clean and updated, the views were lovely, the kitchen was modern and convenient. We loved the upstairs loft area for the kids, the fireplace, the deck, and having two bathrooms. If you're looking for a truly relaxing experience without worrying about hotel rooms, who will sleep where, where you'll eat every night, etc, this property from HomeAway is for you!

Owner response:Thanks for visiting! Your articles aptly capture the essence of our home and location and the experience of renting a home for your vacation travel. We'll be following Pit Stops for Kids from now on....happy adventuring!

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

Refuel your urge for natural beauty

Guest: Roger (Falmouth, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

This is a gorgeous location - near enough to the town for conveniences but with a wonderful sense of remoteness even though it is only a few hundred yards from a fairly well traveled road. You can walk right out of the cabin and gain the sights and smells of the Sierra Nevadas. A short drive across the road and up the hill for 15 min provides true wilderness hiking atop a ridge and large lake, with vistas of the sierras and distant Lake Tahoe that will supply you with ample daydreams when you get back to work. This is a perfect getaway for "nature refueling" in one of the most beautiful regions of California.

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

Guest: wendy92 (-)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/18/09

We took our adult children to the cabin for the weekend. Great place to hike around or stay inside with a fire. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the tramping through the snow. Absolutely a place we will return to.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

We loved our stay at this cabin. Carol was fantastic, and ever so helpful. The cabin is situated in a very picturesque area. All our needs for accommodation were met and surpassed (and we had 4 kids between us!!). We would definitely visit again, and recommend it too.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/22/09

Amazing cabin! The windows in the living room are lovely to look out - especially when it snows. The cabin is adorable and Carol and Matt were nice enough to help us get out after a big snow storm. The proximity to Sierra at Tahoe can't be beat. The cabin was spacious, kid friendly for our two young ones and had everything we needed for a lovely long weekend get away. We will stay in this cabin again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/09/08

We spent the first week in August here, and loved it! It was beautifully furnished, comfortable, great beds, well equipped kitchen, wonderful deck, easy access to some of my favorite hiking trails. We had a big family gathering, so the younger crew (14 of them) stayed at Boyle River Lodge, just a couple miles downstream from us; I highly recommend this combination for folks who are looking for space for a big group. Carol was very helpful and welcoming, and we couldn't have been happier with this cabin.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/14/08

Our July 4-8, 2008 stay at the Alpine home suited us perfectly! We rent homes very frequently, and this was the best equipped. Carol was very understanding and helpful. My husband and I used it as a Pacific Crest Trail Lake Tahoe rest stop. We would highly recommend it for hikers and any family use. The location was walking distance to the PCT trail Echo Summit road crossing. Woodland setting was peacful but with all necessary facilities. Most importantly for my hiker husband, it had a washer/dryer, many cooking appliances, and comfortable couches and beds!!! Highly recommended!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

My husband and I spent five wonderful days in your beautiful home. The setting was perfect for my husband to relax from his Pacific Crest Trail hike, very close to the trail and surrounded by woodlands. We have rented a number of properties and this was amoung the best equiped to suit our needs. Carol, you were most helpful. It was a pleasure meeting you.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Brandi Jentgen_HAC125136 (Roseville, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/14/08

My family and I stayed here for three nights in February. It was absolutley wonderful. There is more than enough room for a family of 4, it's well stocked and very comfortable. It's almost right next door to Sierra at Tahoe, which was great for us. Carol was very easy to work with and the communication was great! We will definitely rent again. Thank You!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Cheryl & Jim_HAC101936 (Redlands, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/17/07

Our family stayed at the Alpine Avenue cabin for 10 days in July. We really appreciate how well stocked and maintained this cabin is. We loved being in the moutains and away from the hustle and bustle of Lake Tahoe. The area is quiet, close to hiking trails, and has easy access from the highway. Thank you, Carol, for making this such a pleasurable, hastle-free vacation for us. We are hoping to return next summer for some more R & R.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Tom (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/29/07

Our family from Oregon and Colorado met here for a few days around the 4th of July and had a wonderful time. The home is wonderfully equipped and provides spacious opportunity to relax and enjoy family time and a great kitchen to prepare meals. The deck is such a asset and allows for relaxing at tree level and overlook the woods. It takes just about 10-15 minutes to get to South Lake Tahoe, but it is wonderful to be away from all the busy stuff going on there all day and all night. The kids loved being able to play feel like they were in a special place. We hope to have another opportunity to stay here and highly recommend this as a wonderful place to get away from it all. Carol did everything to make our trip special.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Xochitl Rico_HAC76961 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 02/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/20/07

This place is Great!! Location, amenities you name it this place has everything you need and its kept very clean. Carol it was a pleasure meeting you and look forward to renting from you again. Sorry about the key thing :-) and thanks for looking for the "grill".

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Rick_HAC75903 (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 02/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/10/07

Three families from San Diego went up there for the Christmas holidays in 2006. We had a wonderful time in the gorgeous house with lots of snow and fun. The house had everything you need. Thanks to Carol, we have had unforgettable memories. We definitely will stay at the house again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Wayne Norton_HAC73660 (Vacaville ca)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/16/07

WOW! What a great Cabin and just 2 miles from the ski lift. First rate appliances and furnishings. Fully stocked and ready to relax. This was a truely wonderful winter retreat for family and friends. I'm looking forward to the return trip!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Carie_HAC70026 (Livermore, Ca)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/01/06

My family rented this cabin for the Thanksgiving weekend. What an amazing place!! The cabin was very cozy and very well stocked. Being here was like home away from home. Carol was wonderful to work with and when speaking with her you knew she was sincere. My family has already requesteed to rent again in January 07. I recommend this cabin and Carol to anyone!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: May and Wayne_HAC63261 (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/06/06

We highly recommend this mountain cabin to any family looking for a home away from home. It is new, comfortable and a lot better than hotels.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: John_HAC62017 (Davis, California)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/25/06

Our family of my wife and I and our two young children had a wonderful time, especially because we were able to invite guests to come visit. Kids could stay in the spacious second floor sleeping area, and a second adult couple was well provided for in the second bedroom on the main floor. The location is one of our favorite places in the north Sierras -- near Twin Bridge and Echo Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail, and within easy reach of Angorra Lakes, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Tahoe.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Jake_HAC55859 (Santa Clara, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/06/06

Perfect setting for a large party of friends or a getaway for 2 - 3 couples. Very spacious and cosy at the same time. The large deck outdoor facing the mountains was our favorite. Although there was so much to see and do at Tahoe - we hardly felt like leaving home.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Veronica and Hakan_HAC48123 (Campbell, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 04/03/06

We really enjoyed our stay. The house was beautiful, clean and very conveniently located. The owners were wonderful -- super friendly, accomodating and helpful. We will definitely be coming back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Cathy_HAC45440 (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/27/06

This home was perfect for our family get away. The owners are responsive and a great resource for the area. The home is spotless, has plenty of room and wonderful vistas out every window. It is nesltled in a winter wonderland, so close to Sierra at Tahoe, and a meadow perfect for sledding. Great memories were made here . . .we'll be back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Robyn_HAC45471 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/27/06

We spent a wonderful holiday weekend at the Alpine Ave. cabin. Carol is great to work with - very organized, prompt and helpful. The cabin was perfect - clean & warm with all of the supplies that you might need. We especially enjoyed playing with the kids in the snow in the meadow up the street.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/21/06

The house on second floor allows you to sit in the trees and look out on the fabulous views of the mountains. Perfect for family and friends. It was a wonderful winter wonderland -- we didn't want to leave. We can't wait to go back this summer. This is definitely a house for all seasons.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/17/06

This is a beautiful spacious home that my friends and I had a great time staying at. Carol was very easy to get a hold of, and helpful with any questions that I had about the house and that area. I would definetely stay there again.

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