Entire home

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

Photo gallery for Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

street side of house with parking deck (no entry bridge yet)
great room fireplace
North side facing lake
ensuite bath
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 82900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Oakland, MD
  • Deep Creek Lake
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Wisp Resort
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Lake level Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Lake level Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Main level Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Main level Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Lake level bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Main level Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Main level powder room

Towels provided · Toilet

Private Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

Update - August 20, 2024. Unfortunately, we are still behind schedule due to availability of trades workers, especially HVAC. Since HVAC installation precedes electrical and plumbing, we are blocked on all three. I've posted pictures of the house as it is and we are also waiting on roofers and for some custom timber roof trusses for over the balcony to be delivered. At this point we are going to block rentals through the end of the year. Sorry for those hoping for Fall retreat.

Re-building of Sunny Escape:
After 20 years of ownership of this 1940's former fishing cabin, we have decided to tear down the old home and rebuild on the same lot. We expect to make it available for vacation rental around September 2024, unless we are very lucky with demolition, construction, and provisioning. We hope that all of our former guests who have been so loyal and admiring for so many years will also be patrons of the new home.

The story of Sunny Escape started in the late 1930s when Deep Creek Lake construction began as part of the the New Deal electrification program. However, the lake has always been a treasured getaway with it's natural shoreline, many coves, fishing, and relaxed atmosphere. Originally, just a one room stone cabin, it was added to in the late 1950s and turned into a year round lakefront home. However, it took many remodeling and sometimes the quality of these were not always as great as we would like. This has lead to maintenance problems, pests, and high heating bills. We finally decided, after several expensive renovations of our own to cut our loses and build a "better" Sunny Escape.

For those who admired the original stone interior and exterior stone work and the wormy chestnut wood paneling, we realize those were hallmarks of the original building and we are taking as many steps as we can to retain and preserve these elements. We have stripped the chestnut panels and have contracted with a woodsmith to clean and prepare that lumber for reuse.

The headlines about the new house is that it is designed according to "passive house" standards, that will reduce heating and air conditioning cost, while providing fresh air throughout the house year round. We have also designed it to be friendly for short term stays in ways that we have learned from your feedback over our ownership. This includes plenty of common space, four bedrooms, generous parking, and easy moving in and out.

There will be four bedroom in the new house, two on the second floor and two on the first. Persons who have difficulties with stairs will have an easy time living entirely on the upper (street level) door, where the kitchen, dining, and great room provide plenty of space for gathering and relaxing with spectacular views of the lake.

As always, we will have the dock with swim platform, easy access to the lake, fire pit, and hot tub. We will also continue to allow well behaved dogs and will ensure that pet hair is removed between visits for those whom are sensitive.

Layout:
Great Room - Gas Fireplace, Lake View, TV, Table Seats 6
Balcony/deck - Located on second floor, covered, with furniture for relaxing and dining.
Kitchen - adjoining great room with eat-at island, plenty of food storage, dishwasher, ovens, induction range, and plenty of gadgets, dishes, and cooking gear.
Bedrooms 1 & 2 - street level - shared bath with tub and shower
Bedroom 3 - lake level - with private en suite bath with shower
Bedroom 4 - lake level - shared full bath
(we are trying to provide at least two king size beds, one queen size, and one with twin full size beds.
share this listing:
https://bit.ly/SunnyEscapeDCL

Property manager

Michael Matyas

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
There is an unfenced dock area.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
There are local noise ordinances.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Up to two dogs only.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not inside property

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
If you bring a pet, we expect you to clean up and dispose of any pet waste and clean rugs and furniture of any pet hair. There is a vacuum cleaner available for guest use.
The combination washer-dryer on the street level is a technology wonder, but requires diligent cleaning of the lint filter. Please do this after each load of laundry.
All other outdoor furniture must be returned to the fenced yard prior to leaving. The exception are the benches at the fire pit.
All interior furniture must be returned to the location it was in at the start of the rental. Bed linens should stay in the room they were found in.
Balcony furniture should not be removed from the balcony.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8
Note from host: There are local noise ordinances.
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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number Parcel ID: 18032554

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Oakland

Located in Oakland, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Funland, or check out an event or a game at Adventure Sports Center International. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oakland, MD

What's nearby

  • Deep Creek Lake - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
  • Wisp Resort - 9 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Adventure Sports Center International - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park - 11 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Lodestone Golf Club - 12 min drive - 9.7 km

Getting around

  • Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Arrowhead Market - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Deep Creek Yacht Club Turkey Neck - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Trader's Coffee House - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild located?

This family-friendly Oakland holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Deep Creek Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Funland and Deep Creek Lake State Park. Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Club 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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 172 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 183 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Laura J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great view of the lake

Nice location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

JEROME Z.

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

Second time rentals. Place was clean, close to all restaurants.

Great time, everything was excellent
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

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

Everything you need

Excellent location and everything was thought out for guests. Everyone loved this place.. can't go wrong staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

JEROME Z.

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

Excellent

Still great place after numerous trips. Enjoy the location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

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

Great place

Great place and location. Exactly what we were looking for. Everything was super easy, communication was great.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

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

Sunny escape

Can't wait to go back
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan K.

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

Great stay!

Perfect place for a quick getaway. Hot tub was awesome and being rightg on the lake was great. Kids loved it. Quick drives to activities for the family!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry F.

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

Always a great stay at Sunny Escape.

We have been staying here a few years now. We are never dissatisfied.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

SHANE R.

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

Great family weekend

Really enjoyed our stay at this house. Great location, lots of ammenties, clean house. We brought our boat just a short drive to the launch but very easy to navigate back to the home. Would definitely stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry F.

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

Great Stay as always

Love this house. Always very comfortable at Sunny Escape. Very clean, new amenities. Had great weather sunny all week with only rain on Friday night.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Angel W.

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

DCL

Great place, excellent view of the lake from the great room, and it had everything we needed. Loved the fenced in area for our dog.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect Getaway!

The perfect weekend getaway! There was ample space for the family, lots of board games, clean, and it was a very convenient location. Beautiful inside and out. Quick responses from owner when we had questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L., Pittsburgh, PA

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

Best house ever!

This house, which will be rebuilt in September, 2023, has been a refuge for us and our two dogs. It’s extremely comfortable from the beds to the accoutrements to the stocked kitchen to the beautiful views and gas fireplace.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Kristen T.

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

Excellent getaway for dog owners

We stayed for a long weekend with our two dogs. Unfortunately the weather was not good, but the house was well equipped with everything we needed. The dog yard made things much easier and the views are spectacular.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry F.

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

Never dissatisfied !

Always a great stay at Sunny Escape ! This house is our favorite. It’s close to everything you may need for your stay. The owner keeps this house up to date on everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin B., Annapolis, MD

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

Always a wonderful stay!

This was our 3rd or 4th stay at Sunny Escape and it was like coming home. The best property we’ve rented since beginning our annual trips in 2016. We’ll miss this house as it transforms into a new one in the coming year. Looking forward to its transformation. Thanks again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Molly B.

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

great stay with lots of amenities

We had a relaxing off season weekend here. The house was clean and well stocked. We had everything we needed and more for a long weekend. We appreciated the attention to detail with things being labeled throughout the house and the FAST internet. The dog area is a nice touch along with the electirc vehicle charger. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

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

Excellent

Positive we had a great time. Weather was cold and rainy so we stayed warm and cozy inside and watched the NCAA Basketball tournament.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great stay!

I’ve been here a few times and I would go back again. Michael has always been prompt to answer any questions I’ve had. The house was clean, well stocked and all rooms are big for relaxing. Accurate description of the property on VRBO. But of course it’s also great because of the lake front, nearby restaurants, groceries and adventures. Thank you Michael for sharing your home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel J.

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

Extraordinary and beyond

I slept the best I’ve slept in months here. The house itself has everything you need, labeled and extremely organized. The owner was incredible and we are so thankful for that. The home was warm, cozy, inviting and more. The views were impeccable. It was close to everything. It was quiet and serene. I could keep going.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meghan H.

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

Lovely lake house

We had a wonderful time at the property. Communication from host was helpful and prompt. It was very clean and exactly as pictured. The hot tub was wonderful! We enjoyed looking out on the lake from the hot tub and the indoor living room. The gas fireplace was cozy. Heat worked wonderfully. It had everything we needed. Would love to go back. The only thing we could think to improve is the king mattress.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie K.

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

Summer Fun

We truly enjoyed our stay at Sunny Escape. The house is lovely and the kitchen is fabulous. We had everything we needed to cook all of our meals. I loved the gentle slope down to the dock. Our 10 year old Labrador also appreciated that and the shaded yard. If she wasn't puttering around the lake in her life jacket, she was hanging out in the yard watching the boat activity. I haven't seen her that happy in a long time!!! We also enjoyed kayaking, skiing, and wake boarding in gentler waters, as we are used to the Chesapeake Bay. We definitely plan to return to Sunny Escape.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandon G.

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

Weekend Getaway

This property was very cozy and relaxing. There was an abundance of games and puzzles to use. The TV has any channel you could think of, in addition to streaming apps. The view was the best part as you wake up and have your morning coffee. The neighborhood was super quiet and peaceful. The hot tub was a fun addition to use before the NFL games came on. Only minor negative was the creaking of the wood boards in the master bedroom that started as soon as we wanted to go to bed. But it stopped after 5-10 minutes but we could not find where the noise was coming from. Overall would definitely come back next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

William P.

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

Great Again

As former residents and now still frequent visitors to DCL, we know the area and we’ve rented several places. Sunny Escape is the best!! The house is deceptively wonderful - a little drab on the outside but comfortable, roomy and so beautifully maintained on the inside. Mike is the host and he is part of what is so exceptional. He is quick to respond from initial steps to renting the place throughout the entire stay. He is also resourceful and genuinely works to address anything that comes up. The place is beautifully stocked as well - with kitchen appliances but also kitchen supplies. You feel at home. I regret the house will not be available in the fall - as he is apparently taking almost a year to update and renovate.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dani G.

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

Perfect Little Getaway

I booked this property last minute after travel plans changed and we had to stay more local. I hadn’t been to Deep Creek for about 5 years and wanted to take the kiddos. The property was literally perfect. Waterfront, with enough flatness at the start of the dock that the kids could navigate their way in easily into the water (for reference I traveled with 3 boys ages 5, 6, and 7). It is a busier part of the lake and the boys LOVED that sometimes there were waves. They called it the wave pool. The house itself quite literally had everything you would need. Games galore, every kitchen item including storage containers for leftovers which is something I seldom find and really appreciated. It was clean, it was plenty of space for the 5 of us. Could’ve easily invited a few more. I absolutely loved the sheets in the king room. So soft I even found the tag to see the brand. The proximity to everything else you’d ever want like pizza, the grocery store, rentals and most importantly, ice cream, was perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing and would totally book again! Bringing the pup next time!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Michael Matyas

Host profile image
Our family has been coming to Deep Creek lake since 2001 and it is a second home for us. We enjoy the slower pace and many outdoor attractions such as boating, fishing, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, wake boarding, or just going for a walk in the woods. We live in Arlington, Virginia and come here whenever we are able.

Why they chose this property

This location is convenient to attractions and a half mile from the main Rt 319 road. The current house was built shortly after the lake was filled in the late 40's due to the location and commands one of the best views around. It is also easy to get to and easy to get to grocery stores, coffee, and activities.

What makes this property unique

We are rebuilding with an eye for comfort and affordable luxury. The new house will be quiet, comfortable, and convenient year round. It will be the first certified "passive house" on Deep Creek Lake and as such provides a unique perspective on the future of sustainable architecture and low carbon living.

Languages:

English