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

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Exterior
Exterior detail
Terrace/patio
Room
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Nevada City, CA

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

master

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

guest bath

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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

Serenity Cabin (sleeps 2-4) is a 2-bedroom, handcrafted log cabin on a 200-acre developing eco-preserve in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas. Offering more privacy than our other cabins, Serenity Cabin is the perfect glamping-style getaway for those seeking to restore body, mind and spirit at a rustic mountain retreat center.

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK: Serenity Cabin does not have its own bathroom or running water inside the cabin, though a 5-gallon jug of water for washing and tea, coffee etc. is provided. 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 across the meadow by the other cabins.

Serenity Cabin is equipped with a 2-burner propane camp stove (propane provided), mini fridge, outdoor sink, dining table with log benches, slab countertop, and numerous cookware and utensils. Each bedroom has a queen-sized bed. Outside there is a picnic table with charcoal BBQ, fire pit, and chairs for gathering. Please read ‘fire safety’ section below.

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).

VEHICLE ACCESS: Approximately 24 miles from Nevada City, California, the property is located about a mile down a gravel road. 4-wheel drive is required in wintertime (we are at higher elevation and frequently get snow), but the roads are accessible to any car in the warmer months.

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 Serenity Cabin is reserved, please consider booking one of our other cabins:
Shamballa Cabin
Trinity Cabin
Geronimo Cabin
Radiance Cabin

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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 and a deadlock

About the area

Nevada City

Located in Nevada City, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Double Oak Vineyards and Winery and Scotts Flat Lake are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore South Yuba River State Park and Tahoe National Forest. Miners Foundry Cultural Center and Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking, ecotours and hiking nearby.
View more Cottages in Nevada CityOpens in a new window
Map
Nevada City, CA

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?

No, pets are not 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 7 May, 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 7 Sept, 2026 start from S$244, 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 3:00 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 cottage 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

10

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. 11 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous. Serene. Quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Nov, 2025
Thank you Kristen for your wonderful review and visit. We hope you had a good walk and we do hope you have a chance to come visit us again sometime soon. At Christmas time we're offering people the option for a free Christmas tree that they will cut off of the vast property which is becoming overgrown with various types of pines and furs.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles d.

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

Amazing Stay

It's far away from everything and the setting is just gorgeous. The cabins are comfortable, well equipped and charming. It was our 4th stay at Adam's cabins and we will come back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun, 2022
It is always good to see you Charles and you and your group are always welcomed back. Have a great day
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie L.

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

Absolutely magical!

We had the most amazing time on Adam’s property. It is a true getaway for those that enjoy the outdoors and rustic accommodations. We are already planning our next trip back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar, 2020
It was glad to see and meet you both during our first snow storm- glad you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to your return
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca N.

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

Cabin In The Woods

Had a great time
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun, 2021
It was great to have Rebecca visit with her group and we hope she visits again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna W.

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

Peaceful retreat to get away from it all

The Serenity cabin was a perfect place in which to unwind and relax. The distance away from the other cabins means that it's very quiet and private. The space is cozy and well-designed and we loved watching deer stalk across the meadow from the front porch. The back porch is perfect for a morning coffee! Adam is a great, low key host full of suggestions for special places to go and trails to explore. Definitely bring a torch or head lamp for trips to the bathroom at night ;)
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug, 2020
I could feel you guys fit that cabin and I can tell the cabin enjoyed your company as well- Happy Trails and see u next time
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

The peace of a camping trip without the hardships

Staying at the eco-preserve was so magical for us! Our cabin was very cozy, we loved having electricity and the option to use the bathroom in the main house while still feeling close to nature. A deer literally stepped out of the woods to greet us when we arrived. Our favorite part - the woodstove! So nice. Adam is a super generous host, he helped make sure the internet was working and gave us tips on where to find good hiking trails in the area. He is incredibly responsive to messages. I hope we can visit again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May, 2020
We want to thank Katie and her partner for their visit. We put our heart into building our newest Serenity cabin and built it off by itself and in a most beautiful part of the edge of the woods near our Arapaho meadow. While our other 3 cabins have their own temperament and motif, Serenity has something special all that come seem to enjoy and love. do come again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip H.

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

Very serene

Serenity was a comfortable and peaceful stay. We really enjoyed it and the listing is very accurate. The things I think someone might want to know are: 1) If it is cool, you'll need to light the wood burning stove. They have lots of kindling and it is pine, so it isn't super hard. 2) The walk to the bathroom isn't too far, but far enough to make it something kids wouldn't want to do at night by themselves. 3) It might be 17 minutes to the nearest store, the country store that is closer was closed the whole time we were there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2022
Thank you kindly for visiting Philip and we do hope you visit us again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig R.

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

Beautiful location close to nature

We had a wonderful stay at the Wisdom Retreat. It was exactly what we were looking for: a remote cabin in a beautiful forest where we could escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Adam was a great host. He quickly responded to messages and stay made sure we were comfortable during our stay (and he's fun to talk to!). For three days we replaced our TV with a fireplace and loved every minute of it. We saw two bears on our way in which was really cool. There are some great walks you can do without leaving the property. When we went in late November, there was snow on the ground in places (needed good, warm boots). The Yuba River is a short drive. We went to Malakoff Diggins State Park which has some great hikes as well. Things to know: This rental is for people who enjoy being close to nature. The cabin is very rustic and has limited amenities. There was no hot water and the nearest bathroom is a composting outhouse (hot water may be available in the future). There is a flushing toilet and hot shower available at the main house. So why the price? The beautiful, remote, private location makes it worth it. I also appreciate the difficulties and expenses associated with running a remote off-grid property. In my experience, being closer to nature means giving up some modern conveniences. Also note: Firewood for the cabin is included. Firewood for outdoor fires is an additional cost (at the time of this writing). So if you're looking for a remote, beautiful place to unplug, and you appreciate the simplicity of a rustic (limited amenities) cabin, this place is great. My son and I made some great memories here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Nov, 2022
Hello Craig I want to thank you kindly for your very insightful and wonderful appreciative Review of our off-grid cabins. I also appreciate you going into detail explaining the pluses and and minuses of having a cabin fall from city life and we do hope you come again and visit there was a nice meeting you and it was nice speaking with you
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kayla R.

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

Such a treat!

Such a wonderful location! The views and the area just took my breath away. We had such an amazing time we extended our stay. The location has such a healing feel to it. Definitely will come and stay there again! We booked the serenity cabin and loved it so much! The privacy was wonderful, the trails are wonderful, and the owner is very accommodating & nice! We just left and are already talking about the next time we go up. Book here for a wonderful trip in the woods & be healed by the powers of nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May, 2022
Thank you so much Kayla- we do appreciate meeting you all and are totally appreciative of having you visit and look forward to you coming again. Adam
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradley M.

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

Great experience

This is an awesome place. Great for people like me who think they wanna go camping til they get there. Quiet and peaceful. We loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith W.

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

Serene, secluded, back woods retreat

We were challenged and invigorated by the isolation of Serenity Cabin. The silence was powerful. Having a forest all to ourselves and the canopy of stars at night. It was dry in mid summer and hot so we didn't explore the land as much as we would have in the other seasons. A very special place. The cabin is glamping in a very beautiful Western aesthetic raw wood, kick your cowboy boots (Teva's actually) up on the porch. And few mosquitoes. All the firewood and propane you need. Boil the water and you have all you need. We spent our days at Purdon and Hoyt's Crossing on the Yuba about 30 minutes away. Evenings and mornings we had all the privacy and quiet we could ask for. I recommend this place if you've got some Thoreau in your soul.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug, 2020
Thank Keith for describing one of our favorite cabins so aptly. it is all you said it was and we are glad and fortunate to have visitors such as yourselves. Do come agian. thanks Adam
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura R.

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

Beautiful stay for a vacation off the grid!

Serenity is a beautiful cabin in the middle of the Sierra. Be prepared to be really in the middle of nowhere, no signal, no distractions! It s just you and the nature, and this is exactly what we wanted from this vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Adam DeFranco

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Languages:

English, Spanish
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