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Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

Photo gallery for Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

A wooden deck with a grill, outdoor seating, and a glass-enclosed bar area.
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a bookshelf, and a painting on the wall.
A forested trail leading to a gated entrance.
A modern kitchen with dark cabinets, a central island with two red chairs, and pendant lighting.
A room with a glass door leading to a balcony, a tiled shower wall, and a small framed picture on the wall.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • A quiet escape
    Guests like the location for the peace and quiet.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Rollins Lake
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Grass Valley, CA
  • Place, Rollins Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Nevada County Fairgrounds
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Thunder Valley Casino
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

This is not a vacation home that we built as much as it is an experience that we created. Please read our guest reviews!

As seen in Sunset and Dwell Magazines, the Lotus Lake House is a completely 'green' exclusive home designed by the award-winning architect Michelle Kaufmann. Its sleek & modern with accordian-style glass walls that completely open to the deck and views of the lake. Lots of windows and cool welcoming tones. We are completely off-grid and have been awarded 'Build it Green' and 'Keep the Sierra Green' certification.

We're situated on 7 acres of private forested property. We cleared just enough trees to have fabulous views of Rollins Lake or instead of just gazing, hike the private trail from the deck to the lake and hop in the canoe we provide guests. With the glass 'Nano' walls open to the outdoors - indoor and outdoor living is blended. No neighbors or other structures in sight! Just the Sierra Mountains, trees, deep blue water, deer, owls, raptors and the ocassional honking geese.

Whether you are on the deck sipping coffee and watching the beautiful sunrise over the mountains, reading, sipping a drink at sunset or star gazing at night, the experience is magical.

Our home is ideally suited for a romantic get-away, or for a couple of good friends or close family members who just need a retreat from the stresses of daily life. Sit on the deck and enjoy the water activity during the summer, swim in the lake or come off season when it's absolutely still. Ideal for writer/artist retreat. Only earth-friendly products are used so it's perfect for people with chemical sensitivities.


For those who want to support the environment while staying in an exclusive and unique property, you can't ask for more. You'll feel like you are in a treehouse. As one of our guests said, 'if you need to relearn how to breathe, this place will teach you'!
Come experience off-the-grid living in luxury!

The Lotus Lake House was the showcase home at the 2007 West Coast Green Show in San Francisco.

Please read our guest comments as they describe the experience better than we ever could!!


Keywords: ecofriendly,contemporary,unique,lakefront,romantic,pet-friendly,luxury,secluded,private, boating,close to downtown Grass Valley & Nevada City, green, eco, dog friendly (25$ per dog )lake, forest, cabin, unique,
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Return the keys
Please don't strip the bed, cleaning will handle that.
Turn the heat down to 58
Return the keys to the mechanical room
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 250156
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Grass Valley

Located in Grass Valley, this vacation home is in the mountains and on a lake. Bourn House and Bourn Cottage are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Montoliva Vineyard & Winery and Grass Valley Brewing. Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce and Center For The Arts are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledding.
View more Vacation Homes in Grass ValleyOpens in a new window
Map
Grass Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Rollins Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Center For The Arts - 18 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Nevada County Fairgrounds - 19 min drive - 19.9 km
  • South Yuba River State Park - 28 min drive - 33.3 km
  • Thunder Valley Casino - 59 min drive - 74.2 km

Getting around

  • Colfax Station - 12 min drive
  • Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dine n Dash Pub & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Colfax Bistro - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Red Frog - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home?

As of Aug 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home on Nov 1, 2026 start from $247, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home located?

Situated on a lake, this vacation home is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Rollins Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Montoliva Vineyard & Winery. Sierra Vista Community Center and Colfax Area Heritage Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 139 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 168 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lauren E.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a lovely property. Really enjoyed staying at this lake house and are already planning another trip for next spring.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Valerie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you love being surrounded by nature, you’re going to love the Lotus Lake House. We loved being able to open the glass doors and be part of the forest. Hikes down to the lake to take out the kayak, the canoe or lounge on floaties was the best!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daren S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unbelievable experience. Will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property! The back deck was a highlight of the trip. There is a trail down to the lake, but just a heads up there’s so much driftwood and fallen trees. It’s not a beach so it would be difficult to get into the water from the property. But we loved our stay here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our 2-night stay at Lotus House was the perfect escape to relax and unwind. We especially loved sitting on the deck, listening to the peaceful sounds of birds all around us. The space felt quiet, comfortable, and ideal for disconnecting from the busyness of everyday life. We left feeling refreshed and would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved staying in the beautiful house and enjoying the views of the lake. Tod was the best host! Responsive and welcoming. Would recommend to everyone!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ana S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, peaceful relaxing, nice view among the trees, loved all the windows!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ty S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was awesome, couldn’t have asked for a better weekend retreat!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

george d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time, weather was perfect, property was clean and had all of the essential items needed for a quick 2 day trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay at this secluded and peaceful home. The home has a large deck and glass floor to ceiling walls giving you fabulous views of the trees and the Lake just beyond.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

We loved our stay! So secluded, quiet and relaxing, but close to Grass Valley, Nevada City and all kinds of outdoor fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Ashley V.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The area was beautiful and absolutely would love to come again! Main issues were locking doors for some reason, as well as the lack of cleanliness. We expected it cleaner since the price was pretty up there. What I had to clean during the stay was the grill, the couch, windows were a bit smudged when there, and the shower was full of mildew and the red bacteria. Would come back again if cleaning improves(:
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dianne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I spent two nights at this beautiful property, which wasn’t enough to completely enjoy the peace and quiet we received. We were so entertained by the quietness and peaceful surroundings that we had no need to leave
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Simone Oktavia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It always blows me away with this location! Very quiet and safe and definitely a needed getaway. We enjoyed our time there and Tod was as always a super host and made sure we felt comfortable. However we did wish that the washing machine/dryer was functional. There was also a jacuzzi this time, but it seemed out of function. We wish that there had been more info about this, but we enjoyed our time there without regardless!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the location and the views. The property was comfortable and clean.The bed was too hard for me, and too soft for my husband, so it's probably perfect for everyone else! Thanks for the ice! The hike down to the lake was a bit steep (and slippery after the rain) in a very few places but was mostly a gentle switchback hike, easy to navigate for these two seniors. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome lake views

What a wonderful stay at the lotus Lakehouse. Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

forrest d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Three day get away

Relaxing very beautiful place
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denise W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it

Beautiful serene location and house
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous privacy and Gorgeous Scenery

It is an intimate romantic place just perfect for a couple. We will go back again and again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful scnenery

Loved the quiet surroundings. Rained the whole time but was still fabulous watching the rain through the big windows.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake house

We loved everything about our stay here! The area gorgeous and the home is incredible! We were very comfortable even through a brutal heatwave (105 degrees!!) The path to the lake is beautiful and well maintained. You could tell how much thought and care was given to this sweet home!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katelin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakefront home

The property was beautiful, not to far from the city of Colfax or Grass valley but far enough for some peace and quiet. The walk down to the water was pleasant, not to far and not a steep walk. Overall a great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded and great view

We spent Christmas Eve and Day here and really enjoyed the solitude. Nice home with a great deck and view of Rollins Lake. I would suggest a binder for guests with possible hikes in the area, helpful hints for using the home, and if guests bring dogs, a note about ticks and poison oak in the area. Overall, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway Experience

There was a black Bear in the garbage cans.And a Mountain Loin on the deck at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Views and Solitude

Spring snow and cold weather didn't detour us from enjoying the wonderful home. Fabulous windows and deck. Everything clean and in place. On a private road and not likely to have other people coming by.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Tod duBois

Host profile image
We are very interested in doing our part to protect our planet and the environment. A refuge from the corporate world in Silicon Valley where I held demanding jobs we enjoyed building my lakeside dream eco-friendly vacation home in the middle of a forest overlooking beautiful Rollins Lake. Tod designed the off-grid system himself, it's amazing! This is my home and when it's not rented we delight in escaping the Bay Area for the beauty and simplicity of its zen-like qualities.

Why they chose this property

I love the Sierras and a number of years ago bought 8 acres in the forest overlooking Rollins Lake with the intent of building a low carbon-footprint vacation home that would be all about the views. Although our home is private & secluded I liked that you are within 5 minutes of wineries, 15 minutes to the quaint artist town of Nevada City, 12 minutes to the historic Gold Rush town of Grass Valley, hiking, exploring the gold mines, and organic farms and only 45 minutes to Sugar Bowl Ski resort.

What makes this property unique

You will come away rejuvenated, even after just 2 days! As one of our guests wrote: 'If you need to learn how to breathe again, this place will teach you'. Most of our guests have plans to do lots of things and wind up not leaving the house! The seclusion, the tree-house feel, the lake views and access to the lake and a canoe make this a very special getaway for 2.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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