The Tall Pines Chalet was built by hand in classic Swiss style by a family of professional cabinetmakers. Special touches are visible everywhere, from two-inch-thick solid oak floors, to custom-crafted benches and cabinets, to hand-painted art on beams and railings. Although the home is less than 50 years old, its craftsmanship derives from centuries of European tradition.

As you can see, this vintage home is surrounded by huge old-growth pine trees on a private five-acre parcel. Our land is bordered on two sides by natural, undeveloped National Forest.

Our little ranch is truly secluded. As you overlook the meadow which once held a Shoshone Indian village every Summer, the only sounds you're likely to hear are from the birds who come to visit and enjoy the natural spring.

Hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and sledding begin at your back door. Trails continue throughout hundreds of square miles of wilderness, and the Pacific Crest Trail is just two miles east.

If you're looking for a relaxing holiday retreat in the woods, staying in a home that overflows with warmth and traditional charm, this is the place for you.

+++++

Stepping into the Chalet is like entering a vintage home in the Swiss Alps. You will enjoy a spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace, an adjoining formal dining room, and a large deck with BBQ which overlooks a seasonal pond, tall poplars, a broad meadow, and towering pines.

Located at nearly 7,000 feet, adjacent to hundreds of square miles of forest, this home is the perfect gateway to hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

The Chalet is quiet night and day -- a perfect retreat from the city. Even on major holidays, there’s no traffic out here, whether you’re at the ranch or on the hiking trails.

The kitchen is roomy and equipped with full-size appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, drip coffeemaker) plus all the cooking gear you need to create memorable meals.

The home features two expansive bedrooms, each of which holds a large bed for two. One of the bedrooms is double the normal size, and also holds two single beds. Both bedrooms feature attached full bathrooms.

The living room adds a queen-size fold-out bed. (Details for both homes listed below.) For maximum comfort, we recommend no more than eight adults.

All towels as well as bedding are provided.

A large hot tub sits a few steps away, right at the edge of the forest, offering a commanding view of trees and sky.

+++++

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

Master Bedroom: 1 large bed for two.

There is also a standard sofa in this bedroom, with plenty of room left over for a crib or sleeping cushions for kids.

Forest Bedroom: 1 large bed for two.

This is an extraordinarily large room, which also holds two single beds.

There is also a separate office/den area, separated from the bedroom by folding doors, which has two rollaway beds.

Living Room: 1 queen sofabed for two.

There is also a second standard sofa.

+++++

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dogs are welcome; there is a fee. The deck and/or spacious dog corral provide secure outdoor space.

Unfortunately, we can't accept cats. There are simply too many people who are allergic (including members of our family).

Note this major advantage over many rental homes: You do *not* have to cart your trash and recyclables in your car when you leave (be sure to ask other hosts in advance, as this is a surprisingly common requirement). We have multiple cans for trash at the property, and you can leave aluminum and bottles in the can on the porch.

We have wifi, and most wireless devices function well. The living room has the strongest signal.

Cell phones on Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile will have cell coverage, but last we checked, the AT&T network still did not cover this neighborhood.

We have two TVs, each connected to a DVD player. The TV in the living room can also stream from the internet.

We have various board games. There's even a big electric organ!

You will find a charcoal BBQ, along with an outdoor dining table and chairs, on the spacious deck of the Chalet. We have self-starting charcoal for sale at our cost.

We have a two-acre horse corral, plus hay barn and covered stall. No extra charge -- but you buy the hay!

There is easy parking and turnaround for cars, RVs, and trailers. Essentially unlimited.

The public bus stop is a short walk. It is actually possible to travel all the way here via rail/bus from any train line in SoCal!