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!

A dining area with a table and chairs, a chandelier, and a view of a deck with a red umbrella.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large window.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a wooden ceiling, a brown leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a kitchen area with wooden cabinets and a dining table.
A cabin with a wooden exterior, a chimney, and a deck.
A staircase with wooden steps leading to a landing with a framed picture and a light fixture.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • 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
    Close to Wisp Resort
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • 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 Single Beds

pull out twin bed in downstairs family room

1 Single 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.













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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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 # 429074vb
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 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

McHenry

Located in McHenry, this holiday 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 explore 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 try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
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
  • Adventure Sports Center International - 12 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park - 19 min drive - 16.6 km

Getting around

  • Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Black Hawk Coffee + Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Wispers Mountainside Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mountain State Brewing Co. - ‬5 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 is parking at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?

On-site 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!?

Checkout 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 holiday 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 miles (5 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. 134 out of 160 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 160 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 160 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 160 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 160 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Patty was wonderful to work with!It’s a great property and the hot tub was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul, 2026
Thank you so much for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good stay at Writers Refuge in Deep Creek Lake. I agree, there's nothing like sitting under the stars and enjoying the hot tub. Please come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Molly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well stocked kitchen nice and peaceful location. Nice big dining room table for the family to sit around. Dogs loves it. Will go back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2026
Thanks so much for the review. I'm so happy you all (humans and puppers) had a good long weekend at Writers Refuge in DCL!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was great! No complaints at all and would for sure stay again! Hot tub was ready to roll and the deck is a great hang out spot! A few dog hairs around as it’s pet friendly, not a problem. Great hosts and was a great stay! Thanks again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2026
Thanks so much for the review -- Thanks for calling out a couple of our favorites in the house -- hot tub and the deck. I'm so glad you all had a good weekend at Writers Refuge in DCL!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed this Deep Creek home. The kitchen was fully stocked. Everything was as described. The host gave great local recommendations and special touches. We would stay here again on return visits.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug, 2026
Thank you so much for the great review! I'm so glad you all had a good trip to Deep Creek Lake! Please come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nathan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love the pet friendly touches (like a lead attached to the back yard so your pooch can hangout without worrying they'll run off!). The host gave some excellent recommendations of things to do and instructions for the house. The house is well equipped and had cozy spaces for the group to hangout together but also enough rooms for us to spread out when we wanted. We will definitely be back when we return to the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug, 2026
Thank you for the excellent review. Yes, we love our two labs and use these cables whenever we travel. We figured our guests would appreciate having access to them as well. I'm so glad you all had a good trip to the area and a good time at the house. I agree -- there's enough room and space in the house to spend time alone as well as good space where everyone can gather. Please come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
Verified review

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 14 Jun, 2026
Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you had a good stay at Writers' Refuge!
Verified review

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 1 Dec, 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 review

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 30 Sept, 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 review

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 26 Jul, 2021
Thank you for the review, Karen. So glad you all had a nice trip! Patty
Verified review

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 14 Jun, 2026
Thanks for your review! Cozy cabin vibe -- love it!
Verified review

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 13 Jul, 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 review

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 24 Mar, 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 review

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 22 Nov, 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 review

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 2 Jul, 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 review

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 19 Jan, 2021
Glad you all had a good trip, Mallory. Come back to visit soon!
Verified review

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 9 Jul, 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 review

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 10 Feb, 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 review

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 1 Dec, 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 review

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 28 May, 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 review

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 30 Jul, 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 review

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 22 Feb, 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 review

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 12 Sept, 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 review

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 12 Jan, 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 review

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 24 Jun, 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 review

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 7 Jul, 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

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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