Mountain View: swimming hole and hot tub overlooking horse meadows

Soak up the history of Kernville Ranch in the all-natural cedar hot tub after a day on the river, and watch the horses frolic in front of pink and purple mountains. Plunge in or practice your casting in our private river (runs April through December). Mountain View was originally built in the 1890s, nestled in over 14 acres of water meadow. There is an attached but separate wing that is another listing. Two bedrooms upstairs, a large living room, loo, and kitchen downstairs. No checkout chores.
This charming house exudes authenticity, with its log cabin walls and a stacked-stone fireplace.
The heart of the home is the spacious kitchen, thoughtfully equipped with modern electric appliances for your convenience. It caters to cooking enthusiasts with a well-stocked selection of spices, herbs, serving platters, and specialized tools like citrus reamers and simple corkscrews.
A short corridor off the kitchen leads to the large bathroom: on the right, a separate shower stall; on the left, a full-sized bathtub. At the end of that hall is the locked and sound-insulated central door to the Meadowlands Cottage listing, which you can rent separately. There is also a listing for the whole ranch for larger groups.
Outside the kitchen is a private red-brick patio entry area. Dine outside under ten thousand stars at a round Moroccan tile table with seating for four. A charcoal grill is also available on this front deck.
Upstairs, the main bedroom offers a comfortable queen bed and a cozy sitting area with a TV. The windows frame views of the front garden, majestic shade trees, and the eastern mountains in the changing light.
The second bedroom, divided by the stairs, has a full double bed on one side and a twin bed that can transform into a small sofa on the other.
The living room, generously sized and designed for family gatherings, centers around the wood-burning fireplace, making it an ideal spot for board games and cozy evenings. On the opposite end of the room is another seating area beneath the window, great for the weekend’s puzzle or a peaceful reading nook. There are three sofas to lounge on while enjoying family movie nights on the large TV.
We provide endless firewood for the cold nights, cut from the many shade trees on the ranch. Very effective evaporative coolers keep the house comfortable on the hottest summer days. Heating and cooling are powered by a local hydroelectric turbine, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
We have two work desks and excellent WiFi for Zoom meetings while you relax in the mountains with us.
You have complete and private access to all interior areas photographed.
You are welcome to explore the fenced grounds of Kernville Ranch. Take a soothing dip in our all-natural cedar hot tub, plunge into our seasonal private river swimming hole (April through December), experience the thrill of the zip line, and feel free to use firewood from the woodpile for cozy evenings. Say hello to the horses that graze in the lower meadows. The upper grounds offer expansive grass lawns and over 100 mature shade trees.
The ranch spans about 15 acres, featuring other available listings. This listing is the Mountain View.
Meadowlands is a one-bedroom cottage attached to this house through the corridor off the kitchen, with a locked and insulated door.
The Shiny Spartan is a travel trailer to the north of the house with a main bedroom, kitchenette, and large deck.
Both of these listings can be rented separately. For larger groups, consider renting the entire ranch.
We encourage guests to connect with fellow vacationers. While exploring our ranch, please exercise caution and common sense. These areas contain tractors and farm equipment essential for ranch operations.
Kernville Ranch offers three distinct listings: Meadowlands Cottage is attached to this listing via a corridor with an insulated locked door, and the charming Shiny Spartan is a few hundred yards away. For larger groups, we have a listing to rent the entire ranch.
Please note that the outdoor spaces are shared among guests staying in the various listings. Our dedicated groundskeeper, Alen, visits daily to care for the horses and ensure the property is well-maintained.
Please note that I do not reside on-site and will likely not be physically present during your stay. Nevertheless, I am a conscientious and engaged host. My husband and I love sharing Kernville Ranch with others. We have both been involved in horses and hospitality for over 20 years. We run a dude ranch in Hollywood when we are not up here in Kernville fixing things. I won the prestigious Hero Award with xxx for hosting in 2014. I take my role as your host very seriously.
I can’t guarantee that something won’t go wrong during your stay—it’s a big historic property and things happen—but I do my very best to make sure you have a wonderful time in my care. I know how precious leisure time with your loved ones is, and I promise to do my best to make sure you love it here.
The magic of our property may reveal itself in unexpected ways. Perhaps a herd of deer will grace you with their presence as you witness the sunset over the water meadows. Or your children may frolic through the mint field, their hands cradling a newfound frog. Nature and wildlife will undoubtedly make their presence known during your stay.
My husband and I are thrilled to share Kernville Ranch’s enchantment with you. Our approach is a delicate one—we renovated the house and its surroundings to offer families a comfortable and enjoyable experience while safeguarding the historical charm of the ranch, where wildlife thrives.
Kernville Ranch is home to several retired horses, and a gentle river flows through our land. Abundant water keeps our grounds lush and green. Above the river, we have expansive lawns and towering shade trees, providing a welcome respite from the heat.
Separated by the babbling brook that meanders through the property (runs seasonally April through December), the remainder of the ranch opens into flood meadows where retired horses roam freely. Ducks, herons, and ospreys grace our skies, painting a picturesque scene against the backdrop of pink-hued mountains. It truly is a place of remarkable beauty.