The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK
Welcome to The Lookout House - Your Private River Waterfront Retreat
Look out over the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-story house situated in an amazing setting directly on the wild & scenic Kern River.
Home Layout:
Primary bedroom with a Queen bed and attached full Bathroom with walk-in shower. 2nd bedroom has a Queen bed with a full guest Bathroom with a bathtub/shower directly across the hallway. Both upstairs bedrooms lead out onto a beautiful mountain/river view balcony. Well-stocked full Kitchen with new full appliances. Ready for chef meals! Full Laundry off Kitchen. Dining table area seating for 8 with river/mountain views. Living room with a rugged stone wood-burning fireplace and TV. Interior staircase connects the floors. A door separates the floors if privacy is needed. Downstairs has its own wood-burning fireplace lounge with classic audio entertainment and games/puzzles. Downstairs has a cozy Queen sofa bed. Downstairs room has its own outdoor access through a sliding glass door.
Home Features:
Unobstructed and commanding views of the riverscape and rugged mountains beyond from every room. Each upstairs bathroom looks out to a private, lush plant atrium. We use local wood on the walls and local river stone on the fireplaces. Our home was designed to bring elements of the landscape into the space for a peaceful, natural experience. Your private escape provides comfortable, thoughtfully designed spaces and modern conveniences - curated in a rustic modern style with vintage artwork, favorite books/games, record player and cozy furniture with plenty of room for family and friends.
Property Layout and River Access:
Gated driveway with room for 2 cars and ample street parking. Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2 from driveway always available. The entire property is fenced from front to backyard with lockable gates. Past the backyard fence is a quaint, historical river water canal that is crossed by a short footbridge with security handrails. After the bridge crossing is the river's edge concrete patio with lounge chairs & a picnic table. This patio area has a metal handrail only, no fence. There's a natural boulder path with a handrail down to the river water. You must be sure-footed to access the water. There is a very nice swimming area at the house depending on the season & weather - please ask us about what to expect during your stay :) Outside you'll find native plant-filled terraces, sitting areas, hammock and mature shade trees. Large patio and riverfront setting invites you to enjoy a BBQ or picnic lunch, or simply lounge on the deck. Enjoy the river going by.
What We Provide:
Inside Amenities Bedding (linens, blankets, pillows) Bath Towels Hand Soap/Shower Gel/Shampoo/Conditioner Hairdryer Iron and Board Graco Pack 'n Play with Fitted Sheet Standalone Folding Highchair Crib with Mattress & Fitted Sheet (only with prior request) Robes Travel Blackout Curtains Bluetooth Portable Speaker Board Games/Puzzles/Cards Curated Reading Library Record Player with record selection Firewood for sale (seasonal)
Kitchen Amenities Locally Roasted Ground Coffee and Coffee Pods Drip Coffee Machine with filter Keurig Machine and French Press Bagged Teas/Creamer Pods/Sweeteners Paper Towels/Napkins Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Detergent/Dishwashing Pods Dishes/Silverware/Drinkware/Knives All Pots/Pans/Kitchen Accessories Glassware - Beer/Wine/Bubbly Toaster Oven/Blender/Coffee Grinder/Kettle Olive Oil/Salt & Pepper/Basic Spices Foil/Wraps Filtered Water
Outside Amenities Electric Vehicle Charger Level 2 in Driveway (for fee) Propane Weber BBQ Grill and Tools (propane provided) Beach: Towels, 2 Chairs, Umbrella, Sand Toys 2 Float Tubes, 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (seasonal and liability waiver required) Small Selection of Life Jackets - adult & child Binoculars, Backpack, Maps 2 Snow Sleds (seasonal and liability waiver required)
Location/Town:
The streets are wide, in very good condition & calm. No need for 4-wheel drive. The river is in the backyard so that's the sound you'll hear most of! It's a fun neighborhood to walk your dog to downtown Kernville. Kernville a vintage-y, quirky Old West town that feels like you've gone back in time. Many restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacy, post office, shops, sports outfitters, fishing shops & local brewery are right in town. You can bring it all with you or buy it here - the choice is yours! Bicycles are fun in Kernville. Many options for road or trail running. Some very nice trailheads/hikes are close to town with a short drive. It's a perfect basecamp for exploring the southern Sierras.
Things To Do:
1 mile to Downtown Kernville, walk there in 15 minutes. You can get your morning coffee and have a look around. Go for a run or nature walk to Bull Run Creek at nearby Whiskey Flat Trail 1 mile from house. Visit the Giant Redwoods at Trail of 100 Giants (closed in winter). A 45 minute picturesque drive upriver. Stroll in the Kern Audubon Preserve. Mountain bike Cannell Trail or Whiskey Flat Trail. Fly fish the North Fork of the Kern for famous wild trout. Or trout fish right in your backyard! Try a kayak lesson, a white water rafting trip, take an intro climbing lesson. Kids can have some fun at Riverside Park in downtown Kernville where there's a nice playground & children's river beach. Visit the free Kern Valley Museum or the Nuui Cunni Native American Cultural Center. The beautiful view from Johnsondale Bridge is a short drive upriver. Go out to the award-winning Kern River Brewery for a special brew. Catch the stunning view & good meals at Ewing's Restaurant. Pop into the Saloon or Sportsman's Bar for a nightcap & a chat with the locals. When you're ready for bed, you'll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rushing river!
If you'd like More Space: we also rent this entire house which includes a Downstairs Suite with a private entrance, queen bedroom, living room, kitchenette/dining, and another full bathroom as the listing: The Big View House. However you choose to rent this house, you'll be the only guests in the house & on the property. Please contact us for this upgrade :)
POLICIES: 1. Guest max for nightly rate is 5. Extra guest is $50 per night per guest up to 1 extra guest max. 2. Guest MUST review and accept the Rental Agreement and Contact Form that'll be emailed after booking. 3. No fireworks/outdoor fires are allowed (propane BBQ and indoor fireplace are OK) 4. No events, parties, photoshoots without prior Owner approval. We have a Nest camera pointed at the street entry to ensure only registered Guests are on the property. 5. Two well-behaved and house trained dogs will be considered for pre-approval. Please tell us about your pet. $60 pet fee per stay will apply.
*PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS when booking: 1. What brings you to the area? 2. What is the # of adults and # of children of any age in your group? 3. Are you bringing a pet (Yes or No)? If yes - please let us know breed, age, weight for pre-approval. :) Thanks!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Please tell us about your dogs for pre-approval
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking or vaping in or near the house.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please leave used beds unmade. Put all used towels on bathroom floor. Check for your items & chargers.
Please wash dishes or start dishwasher. No food left out. Take kitchen trash to outside bin.
Return all our used items to where you found them. Turn off lights. Set heat or a/c to appropriate temp. Pay for any used firewood. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Guest Must Sign Rental Agreement. No Smoking/Vaping/Outdoor Fires.
No Parties, Events, Gatherings, Photoshoots, or Extra Guests Allowed on the property without prior Owner approval.
Pets Must be Pre-Approved, 2 Pets Max, $60 Per Stay.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2729656
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
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Kernville
Located in Kernville, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the beach. Audubon Kern River Preserve and Sequoia National Forest reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sierra South Mountain Sports and Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center and Museum. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding and snowmobiling.
Kernville Chamber of Commerce - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Sierra South Mountain Sports - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Lake Isabella - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
Getting around
Inyokern, CA (IYK) - 73 min drive
Restaurants
Kern River Brewing Co. - 4 min drive
Big Blue Bear - 18 min walk
Pizza Barn - 4 min drive
Primo's - 4 min drive
Cheryl's Diner - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK?
As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK on Jun 7, 2026 start from $596, 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 The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK located?
Nestled on the beach, this Kernville vacation home is just steps from Sequoia National Forest and Kern River. Cannell Trail and The Kern Valley Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
I have traveled around the world and this vacation home was in my backyard. Attention to detail was 5 star and even though we came up here to off road we spent more time at the house than on the trails. Couldn’t get enough of the patio on the river. If you want to transport yourself to another realm then book yourself a stay at the Kern River House.
We had an excellent stay at the Kern River house. The property was incredibly clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully put together. Everything felt fresh and comfortable from the moment we walked in.The setting is just as impressive with beautiful views right along the river, peaceful surroundings, and a perfect place to relax or unwind after a day outdoors. You can tell the owners take pride in keeping the home in top condition.Overall, it was a great experience. Clean, comfortable, and in a beautiful location, exactly what you want in a getaway. We would absolutely stay here again.
One of the most beautiful we’ve stayed in, really showcases the mighty Kern river and the glorious backdrop that is the Kern River Valley. You have everything you need, the decor is very cool with a 40’s cabin/Mid Century Modern feel and hosts are so gracious. I would highly recommend The Kern River House!
What a lovely home situated on the river with multilevel yards and indoor spaces. Everything was inviting and cozy. There is nothing to improve on this property, as it was just perfect and peaceful.
Wow… This place has got an incredible view with large windows overlooking the mighty Kern River. There were many places to sit outside to Enjoy what the area has to offer. Since the water level was high this year, it was nice to be able to cool off in the canal that ran through the property. It was a great vacation for us and our dog.
The host with the most! The owners of the property didn’t spare any expense! Was like staying in a 5 star hotel. EXCEPTIONAL! And wonderful people! Property is in an amazing location. Can’t wait to go back!
One of the best getaway vacation I’ve had in a while. I love to fish and fish many spots from the Johnson Ville bridge downto the cemetery just south of town. But I about 2.5 trout a day from this house Fishin the back yard, the river. The host were fantastic and the house is modern and elegant and such a joy to be there!!! Can’t wait to return!!!
Jeff L.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 4, 2022
Thanks for the kind review Jeff! It was super cool to have met you & so happy that you had a good on the Kern River. The trout are awaiting your return :) So are we! Hope to see you again - Carol + Rod
What a beautiful well-appointed house in an amazing location!! The many windows and sliding doors brought the spectacular outdoors indoors. We loved sitting on the downstairs deck watching rafters navigate the rapids. Listening to the river flow at night lulled us to sleep. The hosts are gracious and good communicators. This was our second time at the Lookout House and we will return.
We loved our stay at Keen River House! The house itself is beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and equipped with everything we needed. It’s a two-story house with lots of space for relaxing, with two kitchens, comfy bedrooms, and great energy and atmosphere. The outdoors is a garden comprised of native trees and plants, several places to relax and observe nature, a barbecue grill and a table, and a couple of fishing spots by the river below. The river flow is quite strong at the location, but there are a couple of spots where one can safely get into the water. We really enjoyed our stay, the river, observing animals, and checking out the town and the nearby river banks. Thank you so much!
Rod and Carol’s property is an amazing family experience. They have taken so much care and thought in their property and it makes for an amazing stay. We swam in the river, explored and relaxed and was exactly what we needed to get away from the city.