Entire home

2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!

Photo gallery for 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!

cozy and welcoming living room
Summer scene from back porch and back of house
.summer on the back deck
wall of windows to bring the outside in
Beautiful autumn view from hot tub

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Private garden
    A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Wisp Resort
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer and dryer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
McHenry, MD
  • Place, Fork Run Recreation Area
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Wisp Resort
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Deep Creek Lake
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Twin Beds

pull out twin bed in downstairs family room

1 Twin Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$125 pet fee per visit
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 429074
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. Funland and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledding.
Map
McHenry, MD

What's nearby

  • Fork Run Recreation Area - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Wisp Resort - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Deep Creek Lake - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • 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
  • ‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Wispers Mountainside Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Casselman Bakery and Café - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬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 Jun 21, 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 Jun 28, 2026 start from $437, 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. Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area and Adventure Sports Center International are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 128 out of 154 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 154 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 154 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 154 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 154 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Owner let us check in early and process was easy. Easy communication with the owner. Location was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 14, 2026
Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you had a good stay at Writers' Refuge!
Verified

8/10 Good

Meghan W. B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent communication with the owner. Well equipped kitchen. Perfect vibe for a cozy cabin weekend away!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 14, 2026
Thanks for your review! Cozy cabin vibe -- love it!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Amber C.

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

Great destination for Family Gathering

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here; would highly recommend! Hosts were wonderful and great activities nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 1, 2024
Thank you for the review, Amber! I am so happy you all had a good Thanksgiving. Come visit again soon; DCL is beautiful in every season.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Great stay!

We had a wonderful stay in this lovely house!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 26, 2021
Thank you for the review, Karen. So glad you all had a nice trip! Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda L.

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

Quiet cabin in the woods

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean G.

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

Great place to stay

We enjoyed the cabin, good location, nice hot tub. Make sure to bring your own towels and sheets.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Hi Sean--glad you had a nice time--yes, we ask guests to bring linens and towels. come back and visit us soon! Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

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

Wonderful repeat visit

This was our second time staying here and loved it yet again! Highly recommend for couples and smaller groups :-)
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 22, 2023
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you all had a good week at Writers Refuge -- again! Please come back to visit again soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

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

Weekend stay

Property was clean, quiet, and all around a great place. A great place for a weekend stay with lot to do nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 2, 2023
Hi Richard, thanks very much for the review. I'm so glad everyone had a great weekend retreat. Writers Refuge is a great place to escape the summer heat! Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season! -Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mallory C.

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

Amazing place

Everything was just perfect at this property! Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 19, 2021
Glad you all had a good trip, Mallory. Come back to visit soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

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

Great house in a great location

Our stay was exactly what we hoped for. It is a nice little house away from the busy areas of Deep Creek.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 9, 2023
Hi Jamie, thanks so much for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good stay! Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meagan L.

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

Winter getaway

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

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

Winter Escape

Wonderful location and beautifully decorated. Family was a big fan of the hot tub and proximity to Wisp!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 10, 2023
Thank you for the review, Amy. I'm so happy you all had a good trip. I, too, am a big fan of the hot tub. I absolutely love sitting under the stars, especially after a day of skiing at WISP! Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy r.

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

Wonderful Thanksgiving weekend

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving in this cozy property off the beaten path!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 1, 2021
Hi Amy, thanks so much for the kind review. We have spent many holidays at the house and love it as well. So glad you had a happy Thanksgiving!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Victoria K.

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

Family relaxing

The place was very comfortable, clean, and exactly as described.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 30, 2023
Thanks for the review, Victoria. I'm glad you and your family had a good visit. Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe B.

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

Great Place!

Location, location, location! This unit has not only location, but also great communication at a very reasonable price. We were thankful to stay here for the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 22, 2023
Thanks so much for the review, Joe. I'm so glad you all had a good weekend. Come back to visit! Snow and skiing at WISP is great, and the summer is beautiful as well! --Patty
Verified

8/10 Good

Dan S.

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

Deep Creek House

We enjoyed!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 12, 2023
Thanks for your review, Dan. So glad you all had a good visit. Come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juan Carlos P.

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

NIce place

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy J.

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

Cool Leafy Retreat

We loved visiting the green area around Derp Creek Lake and taking the grandchildren to local activities!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2022
Hi Cathy, I'm so happy to hear you had a nice visit. I agree, it's always so nice to get out of the city heat and head to the mountains in the summer. Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful every season! --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl G.

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

Pretty location and view

Enjoyed our late family Christmas together
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 1, 2021
thanks for the review, Cheryl. So glad you were able to enjoy time with your family. I'm so happy you got some snow--I'm sure the skiing was excellent! Best, Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

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

Very relaxing, comfortable hideaway

Wonderful property was everything we were hoping for. The location was great – very near to all the conveniences of town, but yet feeling very isolated and private. Communication was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 7, 2022
Hi David, thank you so much for the review. I agree, the secluded feeling, yet proximity to town and the lake is very convenient. Come back to visit soon! DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

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

Mountain & Deep Creek Lake Escape

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess R.

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

Cute cabin

Everything was perfect! Very easy to communicate with Patty. Close to many of the attractions. The cabin was very cute and had everything you could need. Would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 10, 2022
Thanks for the great review, Jess! I'm so glad you all had a peaceful getaway. Please come back to visit, DCL is gorgeous in every season. --Patty
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared G.

Weekend Getaway

We had a great time during our stay! The hot tub was relaxing after a day of hiking. Great location. Would recommend 4 wheel drive if the weather gets bad. Hope to be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
thanks for your review, Jared. Yes, there is nothing like sitting under the stars in the hot tub after a day of skiing. I agree, four wheel drive is important for the area when the weather gets bad. Hope you're able to visit again this winter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel M.

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

Secluded Cabin

Great experience. Property owner was great in terms of contact
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 7, 2022
Hi Joel, thank you for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good vacation. Come back and visit soon. DCL is beautiful in every season.

About the host

Hosted by Patty Brown and Lane Cooper

Host profile image
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

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