Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court
This spacious residence has easy, paved-road access, yet it is secluded in the mountains where you bask in clean air and brilliant winter sun.
The backyard forms your own private park. You can relax while your children are engrossed with the safety and excitement of their own secluded space. The large log playground provides swings for tiny tots to adults. Its log structure forms a balance bridge, fireman's pole, a sliding board, climbing tires. Enjoy "King of the Log" on a nearby balance beam. You can play basketball on the concrete court or put up the adjustable net and grab the equipment for playing pickle ball, volleyball, or badminton. We try to keep a tether ball supplied, however, the local bears like to eat it. N
National Forests and a Woodland Park land preserve border the property. These provide hundreds of acres of picturesque hiking. A treasure map leads the adventurous through the mountains to an old gold mine. The map and hike create a fun, family challenge. There are hammocks, lawn chairs, a gas grill, and a soothing waterfall feature during summer. We are located in the beauty of Ute Pass.
Relaxation is enriched with our spacious spa / game room. There you soak in our hot tub - where you can cheer on your energetic friends as they compete in billiards, ping pong, air hockey, or foosball.
Since your vacation is a time for rest, we splurged on the bedding. Memory-foam on the mattresses provides form-fitting support. Sleep in the theme-decorated bedrooms for an imagination experience.
The spacious main-floor bedroom has a king-sized bed. Upstairs: 'Country Garden' has two queen size beds. 'Grandma’s Attic' has two twins, one of which is an adjustable bed that can be positioned for special sleeping needs. 'Wilderness Trail' has two twin beds. 'Mountain Adventure' has two twin mattresses inside a large tent. Finally, the upstairs balcony has a full-size hide-a-bed.
The house is especially designed to be environmentally friendly. Sun rays flood the house with toasty warmth during the winter. Woodland Park's motto is 'City Above the Clouds,.' It boasts an average of 300 sunny days per year, more than San Diego, CA or Miami Beach, FL. In the summer the house is naturally cooled when the house's concrete mass absorbs the cold from the night air. It returns the cool during the day. This is truly ECO-friendly.
In the summer the 8500 foot elevation doesn't require air conditioning. The average HIGH for the entire year is in July at 74.5 degrees. This means pleasant days. The cool nights average lows in the 50's.
Another benefit of our high elevation, is that recent studies show that those on diets can quickly lose weight and keep it off for weeks afterwards by spending time at higher altitudes. And what great training for athletes when their bodies acclimatize to the high elevation and return to lower elevation with a new endurance.
Our expansive solar windows take advantage of the sun and clean mountain air. Through them you look on to your private yard. There is no central heating system, so on those occasional winter days when the sun is hidden, you set individual heaters in the rooms or better yet, your family will gather around your glowing fire in the wood stove. 'Roughing it' never felt so good.
The home is well stocked with an extra-large, 30 cubic foot, french door refrigerator/freezer with an ice maker and water dispenser. Both are serviced with filtered water. We have. glass-top electric stove, dishwasher, drip coffee maker, large stainless steel cooking pans, a crock pot, hand mixer, blender, toaster, microwave and MUCH MORE - Plus we have on hand a selection of spices. There is baby equipment: an umbrella stroller,a high chair, a porta-crib, backpack baby carrier, stair guards.
Our home has been wheelchair accessible for previous guests who had some mobility and smaller wheelchairs. The house entrance is on ground level, This main level accesses one bedroom with a king-size bed and an attached bathroom with a walk-in shower. The doors and hallways in this area are narrow. (As low as 24" before trim.) This main level accesses the kitchen, dining, game/spa room, outdoor patio area. We have small portable ramps to get up and down the 5" step at the doors that enter and exist the house. But please note, our home is NOT ADA compliant.
We, the owners/managers live nearby so are immediately available to provide for your every need.
Keywords: Eco friendly, solar heat, on-site recreation, large house, borders National Forest and land preserve.
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Cascade-Chipita Park
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Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Approval required for special events
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Pets are to be kept on the main floor.
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Careless smoking can be a criminal offense
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please tell us about yourselves, what brings you to the area, and how many people are coming to stay.
Marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but it is absolutely forbidden at our home.
We reserve the right to NOT finalize the booking if you're not in keeping with our rule regarding Parties and Events.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 63821vb
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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Approval required for special events
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Green Mountain Falls
Located in Cascade-Chipita Park, a neighbourhood in Green Mountain Falls, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cave of the Winds and Garden of the Gods. Travelling with kids? Consider North Pole Colorado, or check out an event or a game at Clune Arena. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling.
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center - 5 min drive - 6.2 km
Shining Mountain Golf Club - 9 min drive - 10.6 km
North Slope Recreation Area - 9 min drive - 5.1 km
North Pole Colorado - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway - 18 min drive - 19.8 km
Getting around
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Starbucks - 3 min drive
The Mad Hatter Pub - 6 min drive
Wendy's - 6 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?
As of 14 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court on 30 May, 2026 start from S$612, 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 retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court located?
Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, Shining Mountain Golf Club, and UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital. North Pole Colorado and Rainbow Falls are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful stay at this property. It is a great cabin for larger or multiple families with children. The playground and the play room with hot tub and game tables are amazing. Deer can be seen on and around the property daily. It was clean and well stocked. Lots of extras in the kitchen like spices and other staples. Would certainly recommend for the views, family-friendly environment, location being rustic but near town, and amenities. We enjoyed reading the owner's story in the welcome book as well.
Ambra L.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2026
We are so grateful for your review – it covers what makes for a great vacation....
As you state in part:
,,,,,a wonderful stay (what compliment can surpass that)
.... amazing play options (lots of recreation choices right on site to build life-long family memories)
.... roaming deer (passing by while you drink coffee on the patio)
.... clean and comfortably accommodates a large group (so valued by travelers)
.... what you needed for your meal preparation (You will find quality cookware that is stainless steel, sized BIG – with the accessories needed to cook up your favorite foods)
… a rustic mountain location (bordering hundreds of acres of public land preserves) .... yet access is easy and shopping is nearby.
I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about God's miracles as we struggled to build this, our family home.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Staying at this "rustic retreat" was perfect for my family reunion. The kitchen was well stocked with incidentals. The game room was much used by all ages.
Peggy A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Feb, 2026
We love "perfect" as the opening thought. We have a large family ourselves and pride ourselves in providing a well-stocked kitchen. Being able to prepare Grandma's old recipes is part of family memories as well as going home remembering the fun times in the game room,
It is especially encouraging that your texts show that you had great fellowship and great training (at our 8500 feet elevation.) We hope that when you return next summer, you will report on a great season.
Our family made great memories in this mountain home. The. Jews are breathtaking. Waking up looking at wildlife in the mornings. Host was so kind and responsive to our needs. I would do this again and again at this place.
Michael K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jun, 2025
(Typo correction) The VIEWS are breathtaking. So true!
What is also awesome is that you have “great memories.” Those memories are a lifetime investment in your family. Few investments last so long.
And just as awesome is the greatest compliment you could give a host, you want to return to Sun Mountain again and again. We heartily welcome you back any time.
We had 6 kids with us and they all stayed busy and loved the space outdoors. There is a TV under the stairs that we brought out for relaxed mornings with the littles. The temps during the day reached close to 100 and cooled at night in the 50's. The house stayed comfortable. It is also in a great location in the middle of you want to travel north or south and minutes from groceries.
Brittany M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jun, 2025
You are the first to mention a very important issue. The house remained comfortable despite the outside temperatures.
The TV isn’t the center of the house for a reason. It is hidden away. You chose the time when the kids watched TV. Mostly you made special memories by encouraging the kids to be busy with the many outside activities available. You didn’t collapse for hours in front of the TV. I congratulate you. You made wise use of your vacation
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts.
Karen
Our stay was amazing. Beautiful property with great views!! Kids loved the game room and enjoyed sledding right outside the house. They all had fun in the tent. It was a perfect getaway, there weren’t tvs in the rooms which was good, we loved watching the kids just being kids! Definitely made memories for them!
El T.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan, 2025
We are grateful that you took the time to share your thoughts. We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay
There are many things to do within a 15-20 minute drive from the property. A quick walk up the trail into the national forest gives you a great view of Pikes Peak. The property itself offers a stocked kitchen and a great outdoor space.
Stay was great. Only issue- wish we knew ahead of time there was no washer and dryer available
Kris P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun, 2023
We are so pleased to know you enjoyed your stay. We wish we could offer a washer/dryer. However, our well has dried up due to years of drought so we have to haul in water by truck. We couldn't keep up with the amount of water a washer uses. We do have a lovely laundromat nearby. I'm there often. Karen
This was perfect for us! Each kid, big kid and old folks had something to do! Within driving distance of everything we wanted to do. We loved having some of the essentials already there which was a major bonus! Thank you for allowing us to stay and we cannot wait to return.
Ashley B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul, 2023
Planning a return trip to our home is the biggest compliment we can receive. We look forward to serving you again - especially since you did so well cleaning up our home as you were leaving.
We had a week long family re-union for our family and grandchildren (kids ages 2, 2 1/2, and 3 years). We really enjoyed the swings and slide being right in the back yard. We also enjoyed the spa room with the ping-pong table and hot tub. The house was super clean when we arrived with plenty of firewood for the stove for chilly nights. There were plenty of dishes and the cooking pots and pans were great for preparing meals for a large family. There was plenty of bathroom space for our group of 11 people. And the host left extra towels for using the hot tub and extra blankets for chilly nights. The host understands children and provided stair guards, pack and play, and a high chair which we got a lot of use out of. The kids loved the tent room. We had unusual weather (pretty warm for December in Colorado). This gave us the opportunity to really get to know the passive solar heating in such a large home. Great for techies like our family who have always wondered how solar heating of a big home works. Karen was a great host. She was easy to get a hold of with questions and replied promptly to our messages. And she didn't have a lot of rules and finger wagging like some Vrbo homes we have looked at online. The location was great for our family and easy to get to Colorado Springs. We spent one day at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and really enjoyed the day (be aware of the timed tickets). We definitely recommend this house for families with kids!
Tom Y.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Feb, 2026
I can't thank you enough for your review. You provided so much accurate detail regarding our home. In our world of internet shopping, reviews are critical to the sale of anything. It can be a struggle to know what is true. Then your very trustworthy review pops up. Your detailed information shows you gave careful thought to your words. You speak clearly and honestly. I wish every interested guest would read your observations. It answers many practical questions
Great place for a large active family! We all enjoyed the game room and the pickle ball count every afternoon. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
We had such a great time here with our friends. We had a total of 6 kids and the property was perfect for them to play. They were outside all day!
The hot tub would be better outside as that room gets very warm, but other then that everything was absolutely lovely!
Plenty of activities for all. Nice to go on hikes just out the back door. Disappointed in the cleanliness.
Cindy L.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2020
I confess – cleanliness was an issue in this case. Why? Good news and bad news. We had a last minute family gathering at Sun Mountain. It had been years since we had dinner together in our old family home. Our 16 grandchildren played non-stop on the playground. They had such fun they hardly took time to eat. I got to see first hand how the 14 adults had room around the table to sit and visit. The kitchen had supplies to meet all our needs. Bad news. At the end of a long night, I forgot to return to the house for last-minute clean up. Our guests arrived the next day to a kitchen and bathroom that showed the signs of our use. I apologize
There were 14 in our group and there was plenty of room. The house was perfect, and the kids had a blast in the treehouse. It was central to everyplace we wanted to go. We saw deer, a raccoon and bears. Fun!!!
Troy H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Karen Rae Magistrelli
We, Bob and Karen Magistrelli, built Sun Mountain Retreat for our family home. God carried us through the unknowns of construction - working miracles all along the way. We designed the home for kids - where they could be safe and have fun. We raised our seven children and numerous foster children here Years later we moved nearby to a home where we now take in men coming out of prison. We help the men start life over after years of isolation from society. Our income from Sun Mountain helps to provide for the needs of these men.
Why they chose this property
When our family home, now Sun Mountain Retreat, was no longer needed by the family, we could not bear to sell it, despite multiple buyer requests. We love this area and we love our family home. Our children are grown and settling in the immediate area. Making Sun Mountain a vacation home has involved all our children. Running it has been a great joy to us as we see our guests enjoying our home as much as we did.
What makes this property unique
Our most unique offering is the wide range of fun family activities right at our home - from a private backyard park to a large indoor recreation room and hot tub. Our home is central to a wide range of activities. Guests can enjoy the city offerings of beautiful Colorado Springs and can also be challenged with the outdoor activities of the mountains that surround us. Our home was designed to conserve our limited natural resources - as a 'green' home our guests can know they are part of needful conservation.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests