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Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods

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Exterior detail
Exterior detail
Private kitchen
stove in Shambhala cabin
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Nevada City, CA
  • Place, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Blair Lake
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Malakoff Diggins-North Bloomfield Historic District
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

shared

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Dining area

About this property

Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods

Shamballa Cabin (sleeps 2-6) is an 800 square-foot, handcrafted log cabin on a 200-acre developing eco-preserve in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas. Offering peace, quiet, and a chance to reconnect to the beauty of wild nature, Shamballa Cabin is the perfect glamping-style getaway for couples, families, and small groups seeking a rustic mountain retreat.

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK: Our cabins do not have their own bathrooms or hot water. There is a guest bathroom a short walk away at the main house with a hot shower, sink, and flush toilet, as well as clean outhouses closer to the cabins.

Shamballa Cabin is equipped with a 4-burner gas stove, mini fridge, sink with cold running water,, dining table and chairs, and numerous cookware and utensils. Each bedroom has a queen-sized bed and dresser and there is a king-size bed in the main room.

There is also a wood stove for heating with firewood and kindling provided. Directions for how to operate the wood stove are posted in the cabins, but if you would like assistance please let us know.

Please note the fee listed is for two people. For each additional guest there is a charge of $25.

Other things to note:
PET POLICY: Your well-behaved pets are welcome for a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please note there may be other guests with pets on the property, so any pets you bring must get along with other animals and people.

CELL RECEPTION/INTERNET ACCESS: There is little to no cell reception on the entire property. Consider your stay an opportunity to disconnect from the virtual world and unwind. However, there is wifi available outside the main house if you need (a short walk away from the cabins).

SHARED SPACES: Geronimo, Shamballa, and Trinity Cabin are in close proximity, with communal fire pits, large charcoal BBQ (bring your own charcoal), a 16-foot slab picnic table and chairs nearby. If there are guests in the other cabins, please be mindful of sharing these spaces and keeping noise to a minimum. Serenity and Radiance cabins offer more privacy.

SMOKING/FIRE SAFETY: During high fire season (summer and early fall) we must be extremely careful with fires and smoking. Smoking is allowed on the cabin decks, fire pit and picnic areas, and in your vehicle but not in the outback on trails as it is prohibited by the local forest service.

OUTDOOR FIRE PITS: If you would like to build a fire in the outdoor pit there is a firewood fee of $20 per hour. **Please check in with us at the main house before you use the outdoor pit.***

Come see us at the main house for any questions between 8am and 9PM.

If Shamballa Cabin is reserved, please consider booking one of our other cabins:
Geronimo Cabin
Trinity Cabin
Serenity Cabin
Radiance Cabin
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (16 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside on decks

Important information

You need to know

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

About the area

Nevada City

Located in Nevada City, this cabin is in a rural area and on a river. Underground Gold Miners Museum and Historic Firehouse No. 1 Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Double Oak Vineyards and Winery and Scotts Flat Lake. Miners Foundry Cultural Center and Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Power boating and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and mountain biking nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in Nevada CityOpens in a new window
Map
Nevada City, CA

What's nearby

  • Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park - 9 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Blair Lake - 14 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Malakoff Diggins-North Bloomfield Historic District - 15 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Humbug Trailhead - 17 min drive - 10.3 km
  • South Yuba River State Park - 26 min drive - 15.7 km

Getting around

  • Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 115 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods ?

As of 19 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods on 20 Apr 2026 start from £116, 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 Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods ?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rustic mountain retreat - escape to a hand-built cabin in the woods located?

Situated on a river, this cabin is steps from Tahoe National Forest and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. Blair Lake and Humbug Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca G.

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

Great getaway

We had a really nice stay. The place was magical and wonderful! Remote and peaceful….
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2022
thank you kindly Rebecca and glad you enojed your stay- do visit us again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

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

Perfect unplugged vacation

Absolutely beautiful mountain cabin with a gorgeous meadow and stream plus wonderful trails. We're definitely going to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May 2023
Thank you kindly Jennifer for visiting with your partner it was good to have you here and we're really appreciative of the review you left we do hope we see you again soon the flowers will be blooming and after that the rivers will be ready for swimming when it's 100° in Sacramento and in the valley that's a good 85° up here and the rivers are the most extraordinary place to swim the Huber is famous the world over for beautiful swimming so do come again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

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

Loved our stay!!

If you like seclusion, this is the place to go. A short 30 minute drive to Yuba River access. Adam was great and very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2022
Thank you kindly Susan for your review and we do hope you come back again sometime many
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean F.

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

Lovely cabins in a beautiful forest

This place continues to be our favorite wilderness spot, with plenty of hiking, swimming in the Yuba, and a short drive to civilization. A special thanks to the host, Adam (the talented carpenter who built these gorgeous cabins!) for his friendly hospitality. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2022
Thank you kindly sean for your fine review- we do our best to maintain the sublime and simple beauty of land that is as close to 'wilderness' as possible- glad to see you and your partner this year and the many yrs past
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean F.

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

Fantastic

We rented multiple cabins for a business retreat. There is no better place to detach from the office to focus on team dynamics and collaboration. The cabins are situated in a stunning forest, which adds a sense of peace and calm to the dynamics. Thanks for the hospitality!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca N.

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

Great Getaway

My daughter and I enjoyed our mountain get away. It was so lovely to experience the out of doors in a rustic setting. The cabin was exactly what we were expecting cozy and warm. We had fun playing games cooking together and taking walks in the forest. Being able to unplug from the world was just what we needed following a year of lockdown. We are looking forward to planning another visit. Rebecca Niedbalec
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2021
We are glad you enjoyed your stay here and hope you come back one day soon
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean F.

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

Secluded spot. Beautiful cabins.

Lots of hiking opportunities. Swimming in the Yuba river is a short drive away. Malakoff Diggins (sp?) State Park is a historic gem. Whitewater afting trips are nearby and run through July. The cabin is remote, about 45 minutes from Nevada City. There are a few really gorgeous hand-built cabins made with a lot of love and attention to detail. Accommodations are rustic but very comfortable. If you are trying to escape to somewhere peaceful among the trees, this is the perfect place to retreat.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2021
Thank you kindly Sean. I was a pleasure see you and the family this 3rd time. we appreciate you visiting and enjoying all that is alive and thriving here. also thanks for cleaning the cabin so well- also i guess you finally got to see some bears.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy D.

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

awesome

Beautiful nature, lovely cabin, and warm amenities. Wood stove kept us warm with all the wood we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2022
Thank you kindly for your review Timothy. Glad you had time to visit our place and hope you come again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Spring W.

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

A Beautiful Refuge in the Woods

I love this 200-acre forest! I just came back from spending 2 weeks in Shambhala and I loved it! This is my favorite cabin. It's super bright, the bed is so comfortable and the wood stove is perfect. If you need a refuge in nature then this is it! I definitely will be coming back soon.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2022
Thank you, kindly Spring- you too have brightened our little haven here with your extraordinary book and your inspired writing. You are more than welcome to come visit us anytime- the sooner the better.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny S.

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

Loved it

Loved the glamping. Best thing about the entire trip was to let our dog just run! He had a blast and was always with an eyesight of the cabin. We were lucky enough to have two military girls in the cabin next to us with two dogs. We ended up playing horseshoes and letting the three dogs just run on a beautiful afternoon
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2022
That is wonderful to hear and thank u kindly for cleaning up the cabin so well- do visit us agaIN
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

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

Getaway in the woods!

Wonderful little cabin in the woods. Unfortunately, we left early because of wildfire smoke but hope to be back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2021
Thank you Anna and do visit us again. It was good to meet you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tess M.

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

Beautiful cabin

Beautiful, comfortable space. Lovely setting. Convenient to river and other swimming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

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

Oasis in the forest

Feeling very thankful to find this beautiful space deep in the forest! My family and I where able to disconnect, refresh and reconnect. Good vibes all around and would definitely go back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul 2021
Thank you Megan for both visiting our developing eco-preserve and for such a lovely review- we will welcome you back anytime.
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristina D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful, cozy cabin

Shamballa cabin was a wonderful place for a quiet getaway. The cabin was perfect for our family of four and our dog. It's cozy without being cramped, and the kitchen had everything we needed. The beds were super comfortable, and we loved the warmth of the wood stove. The outhouse was clean, though we also enjoyed having access to the guest shower and flush toilet nearby. The surrounding property was a great place for solitude and made accessing Malakoff Diggins state park very easy. The only cons were that the cabin itself could have used a good scrubbing, and the overall property (e.g. outdoor chairs around a communal fire circle) felt like it needed a little more upkeep.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin R.

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

Beautiful location!

Very lovely cabin and location, pictures don't do it justice. Perfect blend of rustic and updated, we really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2021
Thank you Erin and we enjoyed your stay as well and hope you come again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige B.

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

A fantastic getaway!

A very lovely stay with a picturesque environment. The beds were cozy, ample firewood, and overall a serene place to stay. If you are looking for a true cabin experience, this is it!
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2020
Hi Paige- It was great to have you, your sister and Mom come visit- esp when your mom sang Avi Maria.
Verified

8/10 Good

Cory W.

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

Nice property

Cabin was nice and spacious their is no restroom in cabin so you will have to walk to outhouse at night which is a little outdated with no window coverings so anyone can see you use the restroom. Their is a guest bathroom inside main house which has a restroom and shower separate . Towels are provided though their was issues with getting hot water it wasn’t bad . Trails on property are very nice and their a lot of trees and wooded areas to see . The seasonal pond was completely dried up but it has been a long warm summer and no rain yet . Keys were their for us and check in was easy didn’t have to deal with property owner . The power kept going out durning the night even though we had one light on and sometimes while making dinner which made things difficult but it’s understandable with leaving off the grid . Sheets could use a wash and cabin runs were in need of a clean but all in all experience was very pleasant and property was beautiful. Malakoff Doggins park is only about 29 minutes away and well worth the visit
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Bo C.

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

beautiful getaway

Adam's place was great and the land was absolutely beautiful. Adam was very helpful when we asked for more information and the cabin had most everything we needed for a little getaway in the woods. We were close to great swimming spots and there were many nice walks close to the cabin too. Even though there were others staying in the adjacent cabins while we were there, we hardly saw anyone and it felt very private. We definitely hope to return in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2020
Thank you Bo for your wonderful review. Nature is very healing isn't it, esp. when it has that primal wild feeling. We are glad to have met you and yours and do hope you visit us again. thanks Adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great Get-Away

A perfect location to "retreat" and spend time in nature. The cabins are delightful, and well designed and maintained. All the basic amenities are included - all you need is food, beverage and clothes! It takes glamping to the next level :) Adam is super helpful and a great host. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2020
We are appreciative of your review and it is good to hear how much you enjoyed your visit. This is always encouraging as it takes a lot to build each cabin and still maintain the essence of the wild here in nature- the perfect balance is what we strive for. We hope you can visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Magical place!

Idyllic location. The cabin was so lovely. Perfect weekend for our family. Very special place. Will definitely be back! Thanks Adam!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2020
We are glad to have you visit and also happy that you enjoyed the land as much as we- do come again
Verified

8/10 Good

Valerie K.

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

off the grid getaway

I had a rustic, peaceful glamping experience. This place is perfect for hanging out in the wilderness and watching wildlife, or as a base for exploring more of the Sierra back country. So wonderful that we could bring our dog.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thank you Kindly Valerie for your visit and your descriptive response - there is so much to explore here we hope you come back. Adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Gorgeous property close to Purdon Crossing - the cabin was lovely!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
thank u kindly Caitlin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Djamal D.

Charming cabin

We enjoyed our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
thanks
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole M.

Adam our host was very friendly and kind. The cabin was beautiful. We were so relaxed.

Would definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

About the host

Hosted by Adam DeFranco

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This 200 acres is being developed as an eco-preserve retreat center

What makes this property unique

Many trails and wildlife, emf free zone, no cell coverage, simple quiet country living.
We now have located in front of the 3 cabins a shared group picnic area with a large charcoal BBQ, a massive 16 foot slab table, a fire pit and misc. chairs for family gathering and group workshops.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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