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Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!

Photo gallery for Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!

A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a chandelier, and a window with a view of greenery.
A round glass table with metal chairs and a wooden railing, overlooking a mountainous landscape.
A kitchen with a granite countertop, stainless steel sink, and a hanging light fixture.
A wooden deck overlooking a mountainous landscape with dense vegetation and a prominent tree.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel oven, a refrigerator, and a bar area with stools.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Midpines, CA
  • Place, Merced River
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Merced River Recreation Area
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Mariposa County Visitor Center
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!

California has cowboys, beaches and surfing, skiing, hiking and shopping all rolled into one beautiful state. Seeing Yosemite when you vacation in California is a must. For this vacation, expand your mind and enjoy a true California experience by staying in a straw bale home. Unlike those of big bad wolf fame, modern straw bale homes are warm and comfortable. They provide a unique place to rest your soul (and feet) after a day of discovering Yosemite.

Our newly constructed Yosemite Straw Bale vacation home is a wonder. While the straw bales provide incredible R-50 insulation, we are using passive solar heating for preheating our radiant floor heating system with an instantaneous hot water heater as a backup system. Our photovoltaic grid panels are naturally creating clean energy from the sun. We tested these techniques on our own home and perfected them in this vacation rental for your enjoyment. Made to feel like your private second home, design touches include a social kitchen with a granite slab bar height counter, finished dyed concrete floors, and cozy radiant floor heating. Sitting hilltop at 3000 feet elevation (914m), the house includes a private deck perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views. We are also honored to share with you, eight fine art prints by renowned Sierra photographer Howard Weamer.

The gates of Yosemite are a mere 35 minutes away* on a drive that follows the wild and scenic Merced River. (*Your drive may take longer as you stop to put your feet in the river or photograph the wildflowers along the way.)

Check out our profile below, and look at the calendar for booking availability. Call or email to hear more and make arrangements. We look forward to hearing from you.

Keywords: Straw Bale, Home, Yosemite, Yosemite Area, Mariposa , Midpines, Hilltop
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Strict no pet policy
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strict non smoking policy

Important information

You need to know

Property # 296628
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 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 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

Midpines

Located in Midpines, this vacation home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Merced River Recreation Area and Butterfly Creek Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Windows on the World Books and Art and California State Mining and Mineral Museum. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and El Portal Market are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledding.
View more Vacation Homes in MidpinesOpens in a new window
Map
Midpines, CA

What's nearby

  • Merced River - 13 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Briceburg Information Center - 13 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Merced River Recreation Area - 13 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Mariposa County Visitor Center - 17 min drive - 19.1 km
  • Mariposa County Courthouse - 18 min drive - 19.8 km

Getting around

  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Pony Expresso - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪1850 Brewery - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Happy Burger Diner - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Don Rubens - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!?

As of Aug 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra! on Aug 12, 2026 start from $352, 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 Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra! located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Sierra National Forest, Merced River Recreation Area, and Briceburg Information Center. Merced River and Mariposa County Visitor Center are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

10

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. 260 out of 268 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 268 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 268 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 268 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 268 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was amazing! Beautiful, clean and spacious home. Great views! This was the perfect spot to stay for our visit to Yosemite.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ishor D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts were super nice and friendly. We got an opportunity to meet and talk with Alex as well. The place was very cozy, newly build, well maintained and had all the necessary amenities. We booked the place for our first time trip to Yosemite.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Linda J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the Bale Straw House! it is a beautiful house with beautiful views. It was very clean and comfortable! Kathleen is a great host, easy to communicate with, very helpful and friendly. We highly recommend Kathleen's home.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dmitri P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well equipped, great views
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jared K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool location with great views of mountains. Our kids loved the sunset and sunrise while walking around the neighborhood. House was well equipped and enough room for our group of 5. I would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 13, 2026
Beautiful photos! Thank you for the kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place, great sunsets! Host was very helpful. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

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

Cozy home for a winter trip

My family had a fantastic stay here for their trip to visit us.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location. Well stocked.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rita J.

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

Great house for two couples.

Wonderful house and location. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Teresa P.

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

Yosemite beauty

What a great place to stay while checking out Yosemite. We totally enjoyed this home, very comfy and had everything we needed. The mornings & evenings on the front deck were just wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erica F.

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

Beatiful setting, comfy home

My daughters and I had a lovely time during our May stay. The weather was great, the flowers were blooming and the home had everything we needed to wind down and rest between our sightseeing. Definitely would love to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication from the host. The house and surroundings were beautiful and the kitchen was well stocked. The location was remote with amazing views of the Milky Way. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dale H.

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

Great location

Property was clean and spacious. Covenant to Yosemite and easy to find. Had a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mikael K.

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

Perfect

The perfect place to stay for our visit at Yosemite area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

john f.

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

Yosemite adventure

Fun and pretty
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

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

Superb

Great location for exploring midpines region and Yosemite National park. Property with superb views and facilities.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chad F.

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

Awesome Home in a Stunning Setting

We loved our stay in the Strawbale Vacation Home. It is extremely well kept, a beautiful property, and a convenient location to the Yosemite main entrance. The owner was extremely helpful with our planning and a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Spencer S.

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

A great stay

We loved our time at this home in Midpines and Yosemite. The home is clean and pretty, and the view is wonderful. We strongly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam O.

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

Awesome location!

Awesome views! Seemed like it was made for two traveling couples. Really enjoyed the layout and scenery. May have to come back some day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

LeAnne D.

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

Yosemite 2024

It was just perfect for our Yosemite visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane Z.

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

Clean and comfortable

Lovely place. Clean and comfortable. Great location. My family enjoy the stay! Thank you Kathleen!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam W.

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

Beautiful stay near Yosemite

We loved the 2 nights we spent here and wished we had been able to stay longer. A lovely quiet location, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and wildlife all around. Super convenient for our day in Yosemite as part of our West Coast USA trip. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Harald W.

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

Wonderful

Wonderful place, very quiet, stunning views, close to Yosemite. We were very happy for having the opportunity to spend a few days at this fantastic house. Very supportive hosts, everything simply perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jon N.

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

Yosemite Base Camp

Very good communication with the host. The home was well kept and clean. Beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Would book again today if our family was heading west.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

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

Unique Setting and House

What a fun and unique house. Quality of the house and furnishings exceptional. Excellent access to Yosemite and Mariposa. Beautiful sunsets and wildlife in the area as well. Thank you for a lovely and memorable stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kathleen Pfeffer

Host profile image
Kathleen and Alex moved to Midpines sixteen years ago to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and spend as much time in Yosemite as possible. Kathleen is an Architectural Designer and specializes in Straw Bale Home design. She is also very busy raising twin boys. Alex is a trained Engineer and teaches mathematics at the local public school.

Why they chose this property

We chose to build a vacation rental on our thirteen acre hill top to allow family, friends and vacationers the opportunity to enjoy Yosemite and its surroundings.

What makes this property unique

Our hilltop is incredible for enjoying sunsets, sunrises, star gazing, wild flowers and bird watching all from the comfort of your private deck.

Languages:

English, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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