2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!
Relax, recover and unwind at Writers' Refuge, a beautiful secluded and modern mountain chalet. This is a spectacular opportunity to enjoy all that Deep Creek Lake has to offer.
Whether skiing in the winter, boating in the summer or admiring the changing colors in Autumn, Writers' Refuge at Deep Creek Lake has something for the whole family to enjoy. High-speed Internet access is included and provides an excellent opportunity to take an extended vacation and catch up on work, if necessary. (desk and computer monitor included in downstairs bedroom) Well behaved pets are always welcome. Our beloved yellow lab spent 14 years hiking with us around DCL--we cherish the memories and understand that four-legged family members are just as important as the rest of our family members. We now have two new labs, Ama and Lucky, that have joined our family and are loving the wonderful hiking trails in the area.
This beautiful three-story chalet has 4 bedrooms: Bedroom 1 on the main floor (queen) with sliding glass doors to the back deck and connected door to main bath; Bedroom 2 on top floor (queen); Bedroom 3 on top floor (full); Bedroom 4 on lower level (2 twins and 1 single trundle/total for twins) with sliding glass door to backyard; Two bathrooms--one on main floor and one on top floor. The upstairs bathroom has a tub, the main floor bathroom has shower and tub.
The house is located 2 miles from Deep Creek Lake and 1.5 miles from the WISP Ski Resort entrance. It is fully furnished inside and out with lots of quilts and very cozy furnishings. We now include linens and quilts with each bed and include a set of towels for each guest.
Enjoy the view overlooking the woods from the deck, relax in front of the wood-burning stove or gaze at the stars from the outdoor hot tub. Grill out and relax on the large back deck overlooking the woods. The chalet is just minutes away from beautiful state parks, including: Deep Creek Lake Park, Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor.
Guests of Writers' Refuge have complimentary access to Deep Creek Fitness...enjoy your workout!
High-speed WIFI access is included. We recently over-stocked the kitchen with new pottery dishes, pots/pans, glass and barware. We upgraded the appliances a couple of years ago with all stainless steel appliances, new gas stove added in 2020 and we upgraded the washer/dryer with stainless steel as well.
In the summer we have a window Air Conditioning unit on the main floor and we've added circulating fans in each of the bedrooms. And we recently completed a refresh of the house: new paint in each room, new light fixtures throughout and a kitchen refresh as well as an extended driveway/pad area and upgraded walkway/decking in the front of the house.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $125 pet fee, per visit.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
McHenry
Located in McHenry, this vacation home is in the mountains. While the natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake and Deep Creek Lake State Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Wisp Resort.
Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledding.
Deep Creek Lake State Park - 19 min drive - 16.6 km
West Virginia University - 55 min drive - 86.7 km
Getting around
Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Black Hawk Coffee + Kitchen - 6 min drive
Burger King - 6 min drive
The Rowdy Rooster Bar and Grille - 14 min drive
Honi Honi Bar - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
As of Oct 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! on Oct 20, 2026 start from $414, 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 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! located?
Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Fork Run Recreation Area and Wisp Resort. Fox Way and Road Runner are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The place was great! No complaints at all and would for sure stay again! Hot tub was ready to roll and the deck is a great hang out spot! A few dog hairs around as it’s pet friendly, not a problem. Great hosts and was a great stay! Thanks again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2026
Thanks so much for the review -- Thanks for calling out a couple of our favorites in the house -- hot tub and the deck. I'm so glad you all had a good weekend at Writers Refuge in DCL!
We enjoyed this Deep Creek home. The kitchen was fully stocked. Everything was as described. The host gave great local recommendations and special touches. We would stay here again on return visits.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 3, 2026
Thank you so much for the great review! I'm so glad you all had a good trip to Deep Creek Lake! Please come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season.
Patty was wonderful to work with!It’s a great property and the hot tub was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 26, 2026
Thank you so much for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good stay at Writers Refuge in Deep Creek Lake. I agree, there's nothing like sitting under the stars and enjoying the hot tub. Please come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
Love the pet friendly touches (like a lead attached to the back yard so your pooch can hangout without worrying they'll run off!). The host gave some excellent recommendations of things to do and instructions for the house. The house is well equipped and had cozy spaces for the group to hangout together but also enough rooms for us to spread out when we wanted. We will definitely be back when we return to the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 3, 2026
Thank you for the excellent review. Yes, we love our two labs and use these cables whenever we travel. We figured our guests would appreciate having access to them as well. I'm so glad you all had a good trip to the area and a good time at the house. I agree -- there's enough room and space in the house to spend time alone as well as good space where everyone can gather. Please come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Heather H.
Jun 22, 2026
Liked: Location
Everything was perfect from start to finish. Clean, well maintained house. The hosts were very gracious.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 22, 2026
Thank you so much for the review. I'm so glad everyone had a good vacation at Writers Refuge in Deep Creek Lake. Please come back to visit. The area is beautiful in every season.
Very nice cabin for a relaxing and enjoyable stay! The host was very helpful and the home was clean, organized, and welcoming! I would definitely rent this home again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 30, 2025
Thank you for the review! I'm so glad you had a good stay. Please come back to visit -- Writers Refuge is beautiful in every season.
This cozy house has plenty of space for a group to stretch out and enjoy. The deck was beautiful - it was really peaceful in the mornings out there. The kitchen was equipped with plenty of bowls, plates, glasses and more. A full fridge / freezer, dishwasher and microwave made things super easy since we had two toddlers in tow for our trip.There is no central air - so keep that in mind for summer months. Our stay was in August and it got pretty hot and uncomfortable during nighttime in each bedroom. There were some standing fans but they didn't do much. The bedding on the beds was warm (beautiful! but warm) but we made the best of it. The upstairs bathroom has only a tub (we didn't use) but the main bathroom downstairs has a shower. The family room on the bottom level was lovely for having a movie night with the kids. The carpet was comfy too. There's a little bit of a smell downstairs - couldn't figure out what it was. All in all, the house was really great honestly. Perfect location for getting to attractions around Deep Creek Lake. The turn off to get to the house is easily missed so pay attention to your GPS - the road is marked weird. I had to double back the first time we drove in.
Unfortunately it rained the whole weekend so the property was very dark due to all the trees. There is only one window air conditioning unit in the main sitting area. That caused a musty odor due to the rainy weather. The downstairs dehumidifier was working but there was still a strong musty odor in the basement. The fans in the bedrooms are not enough to keep you cool for sleeping. The furniture in the sitting area was old and worn and the carpet was dirty. It was difficult to have a baby who likes to crawl on the carpet. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes, pots/pans, etc. However, the gas stove top needed cleaning as well as inside the fridge. We appreciated the early check in and late check out although we didn’t take advantage of the offer. Also, need to bring your own shampoo and body wash soap, as well as extra toilet paper. We did not use the hot tub during our stay. The property location is excellent to everything in the Deep Creek area. We appreciated the recommendations from Patty and were able to enjoy the many breweries and restaurants in the area.
peace & quiet in relative summer cool in mountains
There are few things better than sitting in a hot tub outside just after twilight, looking at the stars, when it's comfortably cool. Especially in July in the mountains, away from the heat of DC and the racket of the city fireworks. Just sat in it for 45 minutes each evening, letting the toxicity of the news and life just melt away.The setting is beautiful, with a lovely deck at leaf level. I loved eating meals at the table and reading on one of the small sofas, with just the birds. At night, with the fans turned off and the sliding doors open, I could hear the bullfrogs (Jeremiah, maybe :-)? croaking away in the neighbor's pond a few hundred feet away.The cabin is only about 5 minutes from Wisp, and 15 minutes or so from some restaurants and shopping. It's quite close to Swallow Falls State Park, one of Maryland's best.The kitchen is very well equipped, but oddly, no spices or condiments. I wasn't doing any cooking other than leftovers, but something more than just a salt grinder would have been helpful.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 30, 2025
WOW -- what a beautiful review! I am so glad you had a good stay at Writers Refuge. We've added a spice rack to the kitchen. Please come back to visit. Deep Creek Lake is gorgeous in every season.
The house was cozy and welcoming. The location was amazing. The hosts were responsive and helpful. We stayed with another family and there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 28, 2025
Thanks for your review, Meagan. I'm so glad you all had a nice winter getaway! Come visit us in the summer. DCL is beautiful in every season.
We stayed at this rental with 2 families (4 adults and 4 kids). There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy their stay. The basement was a great ‘hang out’ space for the kids. We enjoyed playing games in the evenings at the kitchen table. Loved the privacy in the woods but also proximity to restaurants and activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 13, 2025
thank you for the review, Bethany. I'm so glad you all had a good trip to DCL. We love the privacy and the hang out space in the basement as well. Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
The cabin was both cozy and spacious enough for everyone to spread out and relax separately. It is also in the quiet woods (with excellent star gazing because of so little light pollution) yet super close to everything you want to go do in the Deep Creek area. The owners were super responsive and helpful. Very easy and pleasant communication all the way around. The overall cleanliness was great, especially for a cabin in the woods where you know mud is easily tracked inside. The floors were clean, linens well kept, bathrooms and surfaces very clean throughout the house. We all agreed we would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 13, 2025
Thank you for the review, Shannon. And thank you for pointing out the cleanliness -- Our cleaning crew does an excellent job! Agree on the stargazing -- we love to sit on the deck and in the outdoor hot tub and be one with nature. Please come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! --Patty and Lane
A charming house perfect for a family getaway. Convenient location and dog friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 13, 2025
Thank you for the review, Mindy! Our two puppers are part of our family -- it's one of the reasons we are dog friendly! Come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season.
We planned a big gathering to attend the PSU-WVU football game. This place worked out very well. I was joined by my wife, son, parents, sister & her hubby and my best friend & his son. We had a great weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 6, 2024
Thank you for the review, Larry. I'm so glad you and your family had a great weekend! Come back to visit -- Deep Creek Lake is beautiful in every season!
Long weekend stay to enjoy mountains and lake activities. Beautiful rustic mountain home with plenty of space and privacy. Patty made trip and check-in process very easy. She provided great tips for activities nearby as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 15, 2024
Thanks so much for the review, Chris! I am so glad you all had a nice visit -- Please come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! -- Patty
We had a very enjoyable stay. The house is in a great location; very close to everything you could wish to visit in the area. Road traffic noise was very slight and not at all disturbing. The place exudes charm with its' shabby chic decor and beautiful exposed beam ceilings. The kitchen is exceptional with all you need to create full course meals. My son was making a spaghetti dinner one day and had to exclaim when he even found a garlic press! The drive in takes a little getting used to. It is a mountainous area, after all, and the entry is a little steep. You get used to it quickly, though, and there is generous parking for three vehicles. When my daughter and I first arrived, it was close to dusk, and we did see a bear trying to break into the trash bins. I recommend disposing of the trash mid-day!
There are a few minor items that could be addressed related to limited mobility on my part. These mainly concern the entrance, the bathtub and the hot tub. Overall, a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this lovely get-a-way!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 30, 2024
Thank you for the in-depth review, Lynn. I am so happy you all had a good time visiting the DCL area and so glad your son found the garlic press! Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! -- Patty and Lane
The house was lovely, quiet and secluded, but conveniently near to many wonderful hiking trails, the Deep Creek Lake park with beach and swimming, and, of course, mini golf and the best pizza in western Maryland!
We greatly enjoyed the hot tub, as well as the cozy downstairs den for watching movies. The house was large enough so that we could stay out of each others' way when needed!
A happy spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 22, 2024
Hi Hope, thank you for the review! I absolutely love your last statement -- A happy spot -- Lane and I have worked hard to decorate the house and create a warm and welcoming ambiance to do exactly that -- provide a happy spot for our guests. It sounds like you were able to enjoy all that Deep Creek Lake has to offer in the summer months and I'm so glad you all were able to enjoy the hot tub. And, I agree -- the three floors do provide enough space to spread out a bit and find some private time. Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! --Patty
Spent the weekend with my 5 bridesmaids, mom, and future mother in law, loved the hot tub! Ate at the Green Turtle, got donuts at Dazed and Confused and coffee at Canoe on the Run, took a trip to view the waterfalls, and enjoyed the scenery and privacy!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 8, 2024
Hi Cierra, so glad to hear you and your bridesmaids, mom and future mother in law had a good trip. It sounds like you explored all that DCL has to offer -- Enjoy the wedding and come back to visit soon! --Patty and Lane
The cabin was very clean and well equiped with everything we needed to enjoy a long weekend with the family. Wr did have a shortage in paper towels but, Patty came to the rescue and Zelled us money to buy what we needed to make it right. Really enjoyed the hot tub and the deck to relax and just enjoy our time together.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 16, 2024
Thanks so much for the review, Shawn. I'm so glad you and your family had a good visit and were able to enjoy the cabin. I agree, one of my favorite things to do is sit in the hot tub or back deck and enjoy time with family and friends. Come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season! --Patty and Lane
We really linke the cabin. Very confortable and very well equipped.
We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 12, 2024
Hi Juan Carlos, thanks very much for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good time. Please come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! --Patty and Lane
We had a great time at this perfect cabin! Good number of bedrooms and space to hang out. Hot tub was great to relax in after a day at Wisp! Very close to everything Deep Creek has to offer. The snow was definitely a bonus and made this property even more beautiful!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 6, 2024
Thanks so much for this wonderful review, Emily. I'm so glad you and your friends had a great time. I agree, the area is so beautiful with the snow. It's gorgeous in the summer as well. Please come back to visit soon! --Patty
About the host
Hosted by Patty Brown and Lane Cooper
We are a family of writers and communicators based in Washington DC. Mom and Dad have been journalists since the late eighties...and there is a good chance that our son will follow in the family business. Writing is what we love to do. But it is also a deadline-intensive line of business. So every chance we get, we head for Deep Creek Lake and Writers' Refuge.
Why they chose this property
It is a chalet-style house and we fell in love with it the minute we drove up the driveway. It was off the beaten path while still being convenient to all the best the area has to offer. You are five minutes away form the the lake and the slopes. Or you can just curl up with a book in bed...or on the deck...and get lost in the rustic surroundings.
What makes this property unique
The chalet is completely surrounded by the woods...away from all distractions. The views are gorgeous...especially at night...from the hot tub when you lean your head back on a starry night.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests