Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Even better in person
Guests say this property exceeds expectations.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Shared communal pool
Garage parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Dorrington, CA
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Place, Calaveras Big Trees State Park
2 min walk
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course
Place, Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course
14 min drive
Ironstone Amphitheatre
Place, Ironstone Amphitheatre
38 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Additional Beds for Kids
2 Child Beds
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 King Bed
3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 4
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area
About this property
CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows
SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS - BIG TREES VILLAGE
The Chesa Madrisa is a beautiful vacation home nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Big Trees Village in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, and resides at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. Featuring 3 bedrooms & 3.5 bathrooms, this Swiss inspired custom built mountain home comfortably welcomes 10 guests (6 adults max).
This home has been well-run as a vacation rental for over 10 years with an experienced owner and a high attention to detail to ensure that your vacation is memorable for all the right reasons. The Chesa Madrisa offers an elevated experience for guests with high quality finishes and amenities.
The Chesa Madrisa is the ideal getaway for guests who are looking for a vacation home that meets a higher standard. Our home is available for short, mid, or long term stays. Monthly rates vary based on availability & season. Please reach out for additional information.
PREMIUM FEATURES ●3 bedrooms each with king size bed & plush mattress topper
●3 bedrooms each with private attached full bathroom
●Top of the line kitchen gear, from silverware to Vitamix - it's all there!
●High quality linens + towels
●Kitchen + all 4 bathrooms feature Williams-Sonoma hand soaps
●Electrolux full size washer + dryer
●Dual zones heat + gas fireplace on main level
●Central AC typically cools main level to 80 degrees + lower level bedrooms stay cooler
●3 Smart/Roku TVs - bring your logins
●2 car garage with fairly level driveway + plow service in winter months
●Kids Toy Closet filled with games + activities
●Large kitchen + pantry enables plenty of room to unpack groceries & cook
●Built-in automatic whole home generator
●Full size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap) + basket of extras
●All paper products provided
●Wifi thermostat so the home will be heated upon arrival in cool weather
●Dusk-to-dawn exterior lights so you don’t have to fumble with a lock box in the dark
●Wifi enabled security system so the alarm will be off prior to arrival
●Outdoor cameras to see screen shots of current weather - handy in winter months.
●Golden Poppy Pass for entry to Big Trees State Park
●Sno-Park Pass for access to local winter trails for sledding and snowshoeing etc
●Big Trees Village Rec Center: Highest level membership for free access to summer pool
●Pool towels for neighborhood pool Memorial Day to Labor Day
VACATION ELEVATED
At the Chesa Madrisa guests will experience a high level of service every step of the way. This home is family owned + managed with a great team of local boots on the ground. Just relax, kick up your feet and enjoy the mountains in this amazing home.
KITCHEN - A CHEF'S DREAM!
●KitchenAid Double Wall Oven
●Breville Mini Oven
●Vitamix Blender
●Breville Microwave
●Set of Le Creuset Ceramic Bakeware + Dutch Oven
●Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee & Espresso Maker
●Keurig
●Mr Coffee
●Coffee Bean Grinder
●Cuisinart Coffee Maker
●Le Creuset French Press
●Le Creuset Tea Kettle
●Williams-Sonoma Pots + Pans
●Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker
●KitchenAid Standing Mixer
●KitchenAid Double Belgian Waffle Maker
●All-Clad 7qt Slow Cooker
●Instant-Pot Pressure Cooker
●Black+Decker Electric Pancake Griddle
●Williams-Sonoma Wok
●Crate & Barrel Aspen Place Settings
●Crate & Barrel Wine Glasses
●Bosch 3 Row Dishwasher
●Fondue + Raclette Sets
●Everything you need to cook a Thanksgiving feast!
LAYOUT
The main level features an open floor plan with multiple sitting areas, an inviting oversized sectional couch, double sided-gas fireplace, large kitchen, mud room for ski gear, large windows overlooking the forest, and a dining room with access to an outdoor deck.
All three bedrooms are downstairs where each bedroom has a king size bed and its own attached full bathroom. The large hallway has a lounge area for younger guests with a couch, TV, and toy closet. The 1st bedroom also has a set of twin bunks + there are two twin size folding beds available for guests to set up as they wish. Twin bunks and folding beds are intended for children.
Many families have enjoyed multi-generational vacations at the Chesa Madrisa with grandparents in the far bedroom with a walk in shower, parents in the middle bedroom, and children all bunking up together in the 1st bedroom. The Chesa Madrisa does not accommodate more than 6 adult guests.
The Chesa Madrisa has a two-car garage for guests, and a covered footbridge with steps leading from the garage to the main entry. The driveway is not steep, and in the winter snow season it is plowed with each fresh snowfall. There’s no better place to hunker down during an exciting snowstorm!
●Bedroom #1 - king bed & 1 set of twin bunks with attached full bathroom
●Bedroom #2 - king bed & attached full bathroom & Roku TV
●Bedroom #3 - king bed & attached full bathroom (walk-in shower)
FAMILY FRIENDLY
The Chesa Madrisa is outfitted with many activities to keep the younger crew busy while the adults relax. The lower level of the Chesa Madrisa has a fun red couch & TV area with Smart TV and a closet full of toys, puzzles, Legos, Brio trains, arts + crafts, dollhouse, play kitchen, and board games galore. The closet in the 1st bedroom has a Baby Bjorn Portable Crib, Baby Bjorn Babysitter, diaper changing pad, Cloud B Twilight Ladybug nightlight, bath toys, step stool and red dinosaur humidifier. The dining room pantry has a high chair-booster combo seat for infants & toddlers.
FAQ
• Dogs are welcome with advanced permission (fee applies) • Exterior Cameras: Nest Outdoor Cam & Nest Hello Doorbell record exterior audio & video • This is a no smoking property both inside + outside • Sleeps 6 adults max + 4 children (2 children in twin size folding cots) • Welcome Info with lockbox key code will be sent a couple days in advance • Entire home is accessible with the exception of 3 locked closets • 2 car garage is fully accessible and available to guests for parking • Basic cooking spices typically available, but not guaranteed
RESERVATIONS
All guests are required to pay a non-refundable 50% Reservation Payment, digitally sign contract & text or email photo ID within 24 hours of booking or same day if reservation is within 2 weeks.
The Chesa Madrisa is a great escape – fresh air & quiet solitude, with easy access to fun activities. The neighborhood of Big Trees Village borders Calaveras Big Trees State Park, just north of the town of Arnold, and approximately halfway between Bear Valley Ski Resort & the town of Murphys.
The Chesa Madrisa comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests (6 ADULTS MAX).
**Please note VRBO's AI sometimes overrides owner input information and photo titles. The most accurate details are in this listing description (notably we do not have 4 bedrooms and photos of Big Trees State Park are not on our property as VRBO indicates)** Any text under this line has been added by VRBO's AI and may not be accurate.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Guests will receive a detailed contract upon booking & need to e-sign within 1 day of booking, or same day if booking is less than 2 weeks away.
ID required for Primary Guest booking & paying for reservation.
There is NO SMOKING anywhere on the property including no smoking outside due to high wildfire risk.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 224
Property # 639775vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Arnold
Located in Arnold, this holiday home is in the mountains. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and Murphys Creek Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Whale Rock and Balancing Rock. Travelling with kids? Consider Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 14 min drive - 11.9 km
Ironstone Amphitheatre - 38 min drive - 39.9 km
Lake Alpine - 47 min drive - 48.2 km
Bear Valley Ski - 47 min drive - 48.2 km
Getting around
Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 142 min drive
Restaurants
Bistro Espresso - 11 min drive
The Lube Room Saloon - 3 min drive
Heart & Soul Country Kitchen - 13 min drive
El Vaquero - 10 min drive
Giant Burger - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows 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 CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows?
As of 19 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows on 18 Oct 2026 start from £844, 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 at CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is CHESA MADRISA - Vacation Elevated - Open Floor Plan Chalet + Wall of Windows located?
This family-friendly Arnold holiday home is located in the mountains, 1 mi (1.6 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. White Pines Lake and Sierra Nevada Logging Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).
About the host
Hosted by Hillary Gibson - Chesa Madrisa Family Property Manager
I'm Hillary Gibson, and I am the Family Property Manager of the Chesa Madrisa, LLC - this is our family vacation home, built by my grandparents in 2001. I live in Lake Oswego, just outside of Portland, Oregon with my husband, son, and pup. I am readily available to guests via email, text, or phone & I have a great team on the ground in Big Trees if needed.
HISTORY Lawrence & Luana Wilsey built this home in 2001. The home’s design was inspired by Swiss ski chalets that the Wilseys had grown fond of during their travels. The name “Chesa” means home, and “Madrisa” was the Wilseys’ favorite ski run in Switzerland, from Klosters to Davos.
The Wilsey family has deep roots in the Sierra Nevada region. The original owner’s father was a leader in the logging industry in nearby White Pines, Big Trees, and Angel’s Camp. The town of Wilseyville, also up in the Sierras, was named after the original owner’s father.
Be sure to admire the vintage wooden Norwegian skis hanging in the stairway that were retired by the original owner decades ago after amazing runs in Norway, Switzerland, and Colorado.
Why they chose this property
Big Trees Village is an ideal location for a relaxing home base at the Chesa Madrisa while you explore the Sierra Nevada mountains. Fresh air & quiet solitude, with easy access to fun activities in Big Trees State Park, Bear Valley, Murphys & Angels Camp.
Avoid the crowds of Tahoe and enjoy relaxation just a 3-4 hour drive from the Bay Area, and just over 2 hours from the Sacramento airport.
Year round the nearby town of Murphys is the perfect destination for guests who enjoy one of a kind shops, nice restaurants, and wine tasting. This historical mining town in the Sierra Nevada foothills is now well known for excellent wineries and its charming Main Street lined with boutiques. Pack a picnic, or grab a sandwich from Aria or Alchemy in Murphys, and then head to the picnic tables by the creek and let the kids enjoy the playground and water. There’s even a bocce court! The 1st Saturday every October is the annual Calaveras Grape Stomp & the Annual Gold Rush Street Faire. In March, Murphys Irish Day features a parade and entertainment all along Main Street.
REGIONAL ACTIVITIES ●Big Trees State Park - Giant Sequoias, Beaver Creek, Sour Grass Bridge ●Bear Valley Ski Resort - Downhill alpine skiing & expansive groomed cross-country skiing trails ●Lake Alpine - Summer water sports such as swimming, stand-up-paddle boarding, & kayaking ●Murphys - Irish Day (March), Calaveras Grape Stomp & Street Faire (October), Day of the Dead (November) ●Angels Camp - Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (May), Mark Twain Wild West Fest (October) ●Stanislaus River - fly fishing ●Mercer Caverns ●Columbia State Historic Park ●Union & Utica Reservoirs ●White Pines Lake – summer swimming next to town of Arnold ●Arnold Rim Trail - hiking ●Sierra Nevada Logging Museum ●Big Trees Village Recreation Center - summer swimming pool
What makes this property unique
This is our well loved family vacation home, and not a generic investment rental property. If you're looking for a home that values quality over quantity, then you are in the right place. Our goal is not to get "heads in beds" - we want families who appreciate the extra amenities and will enjoy our home as if it were their own special retreat.
As a frequent guest of vacation homes with my husband & son, I have tried to outfit the Chesa Madrisa with every item I've ever found to be lacking in other homes - nothing has been overlooked here!
The Chesa Madrisa is one of the few vacation rentals in the area that has premium features such as nice linens & towels, as well as top of the line cooking gadgets. This home is amazing in all seasons with a wide variety of outdoor activities & we also loan out Golden Poppy Pass & SnoPark pass.
Guests love the Chesa Madrisa layout because all three bedrooms have their own private bathroom, and the rest of the home has plenty of room to spread out and relax.
Got kids? I've yet to stay at another vacation home outfitted with so many toys to keep the younger crew busy while the adults can relax. Legos, Brio trains, arts & crafts, dollhouse, play kitchen, board games galore....
Tired of Departure Chore Lists? We pretty much just ask you to start the dishwasher before heading out. If you use extra blankets or beach towels then those need to be laundered, but our cleaners will launder all of the bed sheets, duvet covers, and bath towels. 100% of our cleaning fee goes to our cleaners. Enjoy the final morning of your vacation!
Don't like surprises? Our home is well taken care of and we do routine preventive maintenance. In the past few years all of the following have been replaced: double oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, AC, generator, furnace & water heater. We try really hard to have everything in tip top shape for our guests to enjoy & relax.