Stay in this new shipping container tiny home; in the tradition of Thoreau’s cabin in the Sequoia NF woods, come and immerse yourself in the forest, outside the door. The Aspenhof Cabin has a kitchen, toilet, shower, tv and wifi. Sit at the custom table where 2-4 can share a simple meal or work side by side on creative projects. Enjoy a stovetop, BBQ, and hot, running water. Relax by the campfire at the end of the day. Wake up in the forest where you can relax with the birdsong as the sun rises.
One goal I had when designing and building this was to create a magical place. I created an elevator, painted the northern hemisphere stars and constellations on the bedroom ceiling, made custom woodwork, and installed peaceful outdoor lighting to create a space that feels unique, relaxing, and magical. Our original BnB in Alpine had 5.0 stars, but burned to the ground in 2020 in the Castle Fire. We were inspired to build something completely new in a quaking aspen grove in nearby Ponderosa. This cabin has been custom designed and built as a new model of construction, to meet the needs of fire recovery, low income housing, and ecological design. It was designed and constructed to meet all the current and modern requirements. The space consists of an 8x20 bath/kitchen/dining area, an 8x20 bedroom with desk and wardrobe, and an 8x20 attic bedroom. The stairs to the attic are steep and not suitable for small legs or those who are unstable on their feet. The stairs are on a custom-made elevator lift to rise up into the attic when not in use. Attention to detail at every level is maintained. Custom woodworking, aspen leaf table and metal sculpture are highlighted.
LOCATION and FIRES
We are located at 7100 feet, between the burn scars of the 2020 Castle Fire to our north and the 2021 Windy fire to our south. While areas near the highway are burned, we encourage you to explore many fine trails to the Stagg Tree (the 5th largest of the world), other trails along Redwood Drive, Dome Rock, Trail of 100 Giants, Peppermint Creek, etc. We are happy to guide you to find your favorite adventure or peaceful perch. We regularly see deer, foxes, bear, eagles, hawks, and sometimes bobcats and Sierra newts.
If you have ever wanted to live in a tiny home and want to try it out first, we encourage 7-28 day stays so that you can fully enjoy and immerse yourself in tiny home living, forest living, and relaxing in solitude. Longer term discounts are significant - 4 day, 1 week, 28 day.
WEATHER and ROADS
The climate ranges from highs in the 70s, rarely 80s in the summer, and freezing with full snow coverage in winter. The snow is deep enough to build igloos/snow caves in winter but we have the driveway plowed after each storm for easy access. The roads can still be icy from December to May. You still need chains or 4WD and check ACTUAL road conditions since roads close, get washed out, and sometimes not plowed every day.
We are in the wild, with NO cell phone reception, so you need to plan ahead and have maps, directions, and common sense. You have to download the driving directions BEFORE you leave the city.
SHOPPING and GAS
The nearest shopping and gas are in Springville, Porterville, Kernville an HOUR down the hill so plan ahead.
RULES
• Close EVERY window and latch the door whenever you are gone because the bears will climb inside.
• No dogs due to allergies and issues with native animals
• Do not put anything in the sinks or toilets except water, toilet paper, and body waste. NO flushable wipes, feminine hygiene, food, oils, coffee grounds, or trash.
• Take your trash with you and don’t leave any trash or food outside
• Turn off heaters while you are out, except the one in the bathroom
• You will need to turn on the water when you arrive and then do a shut down by turning off the water, open the drain valves, and plugging in the heater when you leave.
• You might need to get your hands dirty by shoveling snow, plugging in plumbing heaters, or swapping out your own propane tank.
• This home is in a community of nice people so you need to act responsibly. No loud music, no parties, no bothering neighbors when you forget your snowchains, food, maps, etc.
• Quiet hours 10 pm to 8 am.