Ahead, we rounded up more than a few of Airbnb’s best and most unique lake houses around the US — from a sprawling estate in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes region to a secluded cabin on the shores of the Caddo Lake wetlands in Texas that’s just right for intimate escapes. Ahead, book your next retreat to one of these waterfront beauties. (Be warned — everyone has “cabin” fever after a year spent in quarantine, and properties are getting up booked up faster than you can say “jetski.”)
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bear’s Den on Ambajejus Lake
Location: Millinocket, Maine
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $175
“Kiss all your cares goodbye, rest and relax, or seek out the many adventures here in the great north woods. Even during this crisis, I invite you to come to Bear’s Den where I am doing everything in my power to clean and disinfect my camp thoroughly between each guest. We are on a peninsula overlooking Deep Cove and Ambajejus Lake. Just 11 miles from Baxter State Park, 40 min to Katahdin woods and waters. Bears Den is a cozy cabin nestled in the woods on 1.5 acres. It can sleep two or three adults, or two adults and two children. The camp is situated on a peninsula overlooking Deep Cove, and you have a beach on the other side of the road on Ambajejus Lake with a view of Mt. Katahdin. Sunrise on the cove side, and sunset on the beach side!! The views from the picture windows are stunning.”
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Maine Lakefront Home
Location: Liberty, Maine
Sleeps: 7
Price Per Night: $178
“Map out your Maine lake escape to this warm and welcoming 2-bedroom, 1-bath vacation rental located directly on St. George Lake in Liberty! This family-oriented residence offers a lake-themed interior with all the essentials, a reading nook, full kitchen, as well as a spacious backyard with a deck, dock, hammock, and jaw-dropping views of the water. Whether you’re here to explore Lake St. George State Park, tan on the lake, or visit the coastal towns, this home is a perfect northeast retreat!”
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Fahi Pond Retreat
Location: Embden, Maine
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $120
“A four-season home made mostly from reclaimed materials, offers a rustic feel, yet provides modern conveniences. On our private wooded lot with 367 feet of water frontage on serene Fahi Pond, you can come to get away from it all, sit back and relax, reduce stress & find your zen. Or, if it’s outdoor adventure you prefer, start with touring the pond on our kayaks, while listening for the loons and watching for a deer out for a stroll.”
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Rainy Lake Retreat
“Close to great resort restaurants, fishing holes, and downtown International Falls. Home also has a private harbor for your boat!”
Location: International Falls, Minnesota
Sleeps: 9
Price Per Night: $500
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The Retreat at Shiloh
Location: Cape Fair, Missouri
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $211
“Welcome home to The Retreat at Shiloh! 1,000 feet of Table Rock Lake shoreline, private 6.25 acres, breathtaking views and wildlife. Adventures await along the many wooded trails and calm waters of Table Rock, Flat Creek and Dry Creek. Swim, fish, kayak or just relax and enjoy the peace and quite. Make a camp fire & tasty s’more treats, fire up the charcoal grill, conquer the kids game room, cozy up to the wood burning fireplace or unwind with your favorite movie. NEW 200 ft kids’ zipline!”
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Caddo Lakehouse
Location: Karnack, Texas
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $152
“The lake house is clean and quaint and perfect for a couple; small family or two couples. [It] features all the amenities for a weekend or week-long stay. Longer stays are available for longer term needs of our guests.
Water access is directly behind the house on our pier. We also have two paddle boards and two kayaks that may be used by guests at no additional charge.”
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Flathead Lake Cabin
Location: Rollins, Montana
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $150
“Modern, two bedroom cabin on west shore of Flathead Lake located 25 miles north of Polson and 25 miles south of Kalispell. Includes beautiful lawn area with pavilion/gazebo, private dock with cleats for your boat or a rental, private beach with amazing fire pit. Sleeps four to six with one queen bed in master bedroom, and one double bed and a set of bunk beds in second bedroom. Large private yard with creek bordering, so you can listen from front deck or master bedroom window.”
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Pocono Mountain Lakeside Cottage
Location: Greentown, Pennsylvania
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $200
“There is a fireplace, a fire pit, three decks and plenty of outdoor space. The whole cottage has been updated and the cedar wood floors just refinished. A very unique floor to say the least, please see the pictures!! There is a gas grill and picnic table on the back porch. The two front porches have seating areas. Transient boat slips are available right across the street at Light House Marina as well as rentals for every kind of water sport. There is a public beach a short drive north on Rt 507. Not in a community with a bunch of ridiculous rules!!!”
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Intimate Lakeside Maine Cottage
Location: Lincolnville, Maine
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $375
“Spend a week, spend 2 weeks, spend the month in a little piece of heaven on earth at The McLellan Cottage on Norton’s Pond, connected to Megunticook Lake in Lincolnville Maine, 10 minutes from the idyllic and charmed Camden, Maine.”
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Lakefront A-Frame Cottage
Location: Whitehall, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $300
“Beautiful two bedroom and loft bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and large open basement. A-frame style home on a small, quiet lake in upstate New York in the town of Hampton/Whitehall(not on Lake George), 5 miles from the Vermont border, 33 miles from Lake George village, with a screened in porch and a large deck. Grill provided.”
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Hudson Valley Lakefront Cottage
Location: Putnam Valley, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $350
“Beautiful, secluded cottage on pristine Lake Oscawana with breathtaking views throughout. Escape the city and enjoy the fresh country air! Extra-large great room, cathedral ceilings, loft bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, fireplace, and a wall of double-height windows with spectacular lake views. Central AC and heat. Hardwood floors, private large deck, and BBQ. Private dock (shared w with owner) nestled in a cove where you can swim, fish, or paddleboard. Only 1 hour from NYC. Hiking trails nearby.”
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Waterfront Door County Lake House
Location: Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $360
“Beautiful Door County lake house in Egg Harbor with breathtaking sunset views, private beach and boat launch, close to excellent restaurants and dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Great year-round getaway for couples and families alike!!!”
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Seattle Bellevue Waterfront Log Cabin For Two
Location: Medina, Washington
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $274
“Your serene waterfront sanctuary is practically within walking distance of downtown Bellevue and within 10 miles of both Redmond and Seattle. You’re also less than a mile from the nearest bus stop as well as Meydenbauer Bay Park, where you can rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. View the glimmering Bellevue skyline reflecting off the water at night, and then soak in the beautiful sunrise — all from your luxurious queen-sized bed.”
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Newly Built Lake Adirondack Rustic Chalet
Location: Indian Lake, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $390
“Relax in a private brand new construction rustic lake house finished in 2018. Enjoy kayaking, tubing, fishing, or swimming in Adirondack Lake, few minute walk to town for dinner, drinks, entertainment. It is 20 minutes from Gore Mountain, many hiking trails, 15 minutes from the Adirondack Museum.”
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Tiny Cabin On Lake
Location: Vineyard, Utah
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $61
“Tiny home lodging on the lake at Lindon Marina with spectacular views of lake and mountains. Renters of this new unit can access our entire marina and there are available rentals: canoes, rowboats, kayaks, small sailboats Lake shore walking and biking trails, picnic tables and sand beaches.
Just minutes from downtown Orem/Provo and surrounding communities.”
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River Haven Cabin
Location: Elkton, Virginia
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $215
“Get away from the big city and enjoy your days away here! Shenandoah National Park only 20 minutes away! This cabin is nestled right on the banks of the beautiful Shenandoah River with a spectacular year-round view. The 1000-plus square foot deck overlooks the Shenandoah River as well as your own 35-foot long private boat dock. You can enjoy using the canoe, or maybe fishing at the dock. This is the perfect getaway for your pleasure and relaxation at a great price.”
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1940s Original Vintage Cabin ON The Lake
Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $185
“A 1940s original vintage cabin that is still standing among the more prestigious homes in the Boulder Bay area. The best location on the lake, one of the oldest cabins, and an energy will be there that can feed your soul, mind and heart. It’s rustic, primitive, clean and cozy. It’s small and cute and fun and fresh pine air fragrant. It’s in the mountains so no animals left outside unsupervised and be careful around the dock though the water is shallow. How long has it been since you fished?”
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Gorgeous Garrison Lake House Near NYC
Location: Garrison, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $607
“Tranquility and relaxation await at this beautiful lakefront home located just an hour from NYC. This is the perfect escape for those who want to feel like they are a world away, but may not want to drive for hours to get there.”
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Mountain Lake House Getaway
Location: Jefferson City, Tennessee
Sleeps: 16+
Price Per Night: $445
“The house is situated on a quiet wooded lot that can view the slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains while overlooking Cherokee Lake. It has so many spaces across three stories, with many large common rooms and porches, and is perfect for groups.”
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Ivy Lane Lake House
Location: Crosslake, Minnesota
Sleeps: 16+
Price Per Night: $446
“Ivy Lane is a place for friends and family to gather and make memories while enjoying the many amenities the area has to offer. Ivy Lane is situated on the Whitefish chain which is part of a 14 chain of lakes in the Brainerd Lakes area. The Whitefish chain is known for boating, water sports, fishing, and its many scenic views. There are many restaurants as well as nearby golfing, shopping, ATV, snowmobiling, and bike trails. There are endless activities to be enjoyed year-round.”
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Romantic Private Home for that Awesome Vacation
Location: Grahamsville, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $174
“The perfect spot to experience the country! The perfect launching point for area skiing, hiking, and climbing! The private 1,500-square-foot home with a 672-square-foot deck overlooking 30+ acres with a lake and awesome country setting. House has a private entrance. A very romantic spot that is perfectly located in the Catskill Mountains for awesome day trips and having cookouts. Full kitchen and dining room — perfect for every occasion!”
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Schooner Lake Vacation Rentals
Location: Glennallen, Alaska
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $150
“Constructed in the fall of 2014, this lakefront property rental is located in the small community of Nelchina on Schooner Lake (approximately 45 miles from Glennallen). Offering spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and private access to a lake full of wildlife.”
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Indian Lake Cabin
Location: Indian Lake, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $200
“Beautiful cabin situated in the heart of the Adirondacks. Access to Indian Lake with kayaks available for your use. Breathtaking fall foliage. Multiple hiking trails nearby, close to Adirondack Museum. All of our guests have visited again! Sleeps four adults, or two adults and up to four children.”
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Luxury Lakehouse on Snow Lake
Location: Fremont, Indiana
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $425
“Lovely home (3,300 square feet of living space) on Snow Lake. Perfect for your summer or winter family vacation. It will sleep 16 in beds and one crib. We have two and a half baths. It is beautifully decorated and furnished with everything you need for a fun getaway. Fully equipped upper-end kitchen and outdoor gas grill. We have games, puzzles, books, children's toys, sound system, internet, WIFI, TV, and DVDs for your indoor entertainment.”
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A Georgia Lake House Getaway
Location: Conyers, Georgia
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $337
“Are you looking for the chance to unwind, getaway, and enjoy some peace and quiet? This stunning tree-lined lakefront home comfortably sleeps 14 people and has tons of amenities to make this a one-of-a-kind experience!
Perfect place to fish, swim, and relax! A luxurious, high-end rental atmosphere with its touch of homey-ness. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The time to relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this lake house is only a click away!”
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Gossamer Lake Boat House
Location: Mountain Dale, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $600
“90 minutes from NYC. Private lake. Rustic and elegant home sleeps five with all the comforts you need for a serene, peaceful getaway.”
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North Carolina Lake House with Breathtaking Views
Location: Murphy, North Carolina
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $195
“Our five-bedroom, three-bath lake house takes you away from society and the bustle of city life. With an authentic ’70s flair, wrap-around deck, and lake access (depending on lake water level), a peaceful respite awaits you, your family, and your friends.”
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Berkshires Waterfront Lakehouse
"Fully furnished, totally remodeled (completed in February 2016) lakefront home set on a peninsula at a cove where a trout stream enters the lake. An incredible amount of wildlife, especially all types of birds. The home has sunny views everywhere."
Location: Lanesborough, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $262
The Catskill Mountains Nest
Location: Lake Hill, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $499
“The Nest is a perfect getaway for families and couples looking to enjoy the Catskill Mountains all seasons of the year. Our kid-friendly four-bedroom, the one-story house sits in the heart of Catskill Park, just between Woodstock and Phoenicia, NY. On 2.25 acres, it is also complete with plenty of on-property amenities: a chef's kitchen, a gas grill, a charcoal grill, a fire pit, two fireplaces (pellet and gas), and plenty of board games for good family fun.”
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Exclusive Pewaukee Lake House Rental
"Beautiful lakefront vacation home. Recently updated for the perfect relaxing getaway. The home features everything you need (towels, dishes, silverware, etc..) just bring the family and enjoy! four bedrooms with the following: two queen beds, four twin beds, three trundle beds, and one pull-out couch. Plenty of room to fit eight to 13 comfortably. Gorgeous lake views at every window and deck! Enjoy all Pewaukee Lake has to offer with this exclusive 2,112-square-foot lake rental.
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Sleeps: 13
Price Per Night: $499
Four-Season Lake House with Fireplace & Private Dock
“Welcome to Lake Mattawa! Our charming house on the lake offers beautiful views from the elevated deck, as well as a private dock to jump right into the clear water. In cooler weather, enjoy a fire in the fieldstone fireplace. The house is close to all that Western Massachusetts has to offer during all four seasons — hiking, fishing, skiing, antiquing, and more. 30 minutes from Amherst and Greenfield; 45 from Keene, NH and Brattleboro, VT; 60 from Springfield and Worcester, and 90 from Providence and Boston.”
Location: Orange, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $95
Private Renovated Catskills Home
"Renovated country home in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, close to skiing, hiking, and swimming. Conveniently located to Colgate Lake, Kaaterskill Falls, Hudson, Phoenicia, Tannersville, Hunter, Windham, and more! The house is newly renovated with a large fenced in yard, washer and dryer, fire pit, and hot tub."
Location: Jewett, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $297
Beautiful Lake House With Pontoon Boat Available
Location: Wedowee, Alabama
Sleeps: 11
Price Per Night: $185
“The ‘Bearfoot Lodge’ is a beautifully decorated, completely furnished Lakefront home, ready for you and your family to enjoy a memorable vacation. Tucked in the trees on a lovely shady cove, with your own dock and boat!”
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BEAUTIFUL Lake House on Lake Pocotopaug
"Enjoy a relaxing vacation in a beautiful, updated lakefront home on Lake Pocotopaug. Summer: grilling out, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding with family and friends. A lakeside marina offers party boat rides & kayak rentals. Wakeboarding/Ski lessons can also be arranged. Wintertime relaxation by the cozy fireplace, games, and ice skating when the lake freezes over. Projector Screen, Games, Books, AC, Heat, Outdoor Grill, and a working fireplace."
Location: East Hampton, Connecticut
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $400
Awesome Lake House in Averill Park, NY
"Our lake house is on Glass Lake in Averill Park, NY. In case you want to venture off, it is close to Saratoga (race season!); the Berkshires, MA; Albany, NY; and Vermont. You'll love our place because of its location right on Glass Lake. Incredibly private with the spacious property. Our lake house is great for families with kids and couples and is completely dog friendly and handicap accessible. It is great for any season (leaves, skiing, fishing, swimming). Kayaks, row boat.....and the lake!!"
Location: Averill Park, New York
Sleeps: 12
Price Per Night: $443
Log Cabin at Greenwood Lake
Location: Greenwood Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
“Our chestnut log cabin was built in the 1930s. The views of the lake from the hot tub are great. Roast marshmallows around the fire pit on the deck or play games with the family in the main room. We are close to family-friendly skiing and tubing. A great getaway only an hour from Manhattan!”
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Secluded Cabin on Stunning 25-Acre Private Lake!
"Our beautiful lakefront cabin offers stunning views from the large deck high above the water. Enjoy 3.6 acres of private land and over 200 feet of lakefront property. Canoe and rowboat included."
Location: Long Eddy, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $150
Conesus Lake House Rental "Bella Vita"
"Lake life is indeed a 'beautiful life!' A serene house right on the lake with great views and all amenities. Off West Lake Road on a quiet road. Three bedrooms that can sleep six comfortably. Minutes from SUNY Geneseo, Letchworth, Finger Lakes, and more!"
Location: Geneseo, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $125
Waterfront Cabin on a Quiet Lake
"Private log cabin just steps from your personal dock on the quiet, tree-lined Brookhaven Lake. Queen-size bed in the upstairs loft, queen-size bed in the lower lever, and full-size daybed on the three-season porch."
Location: West Brookfield, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $150
Heavenly Waterfront Cottage with Views to Die For!
"The Cottage at Long Pond is a modern, up-to-date 1,585-square-foot home beautifully sited on 3/4 acres with 385 feet of direct waterfront offering unspoiled views. The water is deep on one boundary but also offers a sandy beach & dock. Kayaks and Canoe available when appropriate, snowshoe or cross country ski on a lake or ski Sunapee. We offer a main level master bedroom suite, living area with fireplace, and eat-in kitchen. Close to many fun things to do. Search Vimeo for The Cottage at Long Pond for video."
Location: Lempster, New Hampshire
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $225
Clear Lake Resort Log Cabin
Location: West Branch, Michigan
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $105
“Our lakefront log cabin is one of our smaller vacation rentals featuring a large deck overlooking the lake. One large room with a kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom with shower, and three separate beds. Our modern lakefront log cabin comes with all of the amenities you would expect, including a fully equipped kitchen, linens, dishes, pots, pans, microwave, high-speed internet, satellite HDTV, and more!”
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Cozy Cabin on Scenic Loon Lake
Location: Loon Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
“Cozy cabin, full bedroom with queen bed, and a living room with a comfortable pull-out couch. Full bathroom with shower and a kitchen. Private tennis court. Rackets and balls available for your use. Private sandy beach on a beautiful three-mile-long spring-fed lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Two kayaks, a canoe, and a paddleboard available for our guests. Two mountain bikes are also available. Hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, wireless internet, pool, and ping pong tables avail. Hear the loons calling from the cabin and see the milky way and shooting stars at night. Pets allowed. 40-minute drive to Lake Placid.”
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Entire Cabin Away From It All in the Smokies
Location: Tallassee, Tennessee
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $125
“Hosts Ben and Jeanne invite you to their beautifully designed log cabin in the Smokies. Set on 25 private acres, the cabin offers solitude and an unsurpassed view over Chilhowee Lake (the southern border of the national park), the western peaks of the national park, and the entrance to the #1 bike and sports-car destination in the US — the ‘Tail of the Dragon.’”
Check availability herePHOTO: COURTESY OF AIRBNB.
5-Star Vacation Lake House
"Beautiful Waterfront Lake House in Lake of the Woods just over a one-hour drive from D.C. near Fredericksburg Virginia (between Washington, D.C., and Richmond), on a private lake with 24-hour security situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Perfect retreat/vacation."
Location: Locust Grove, Virginia
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $500
Lake Campbell Lake House
"Come and live at the lake for the weekend! Five-bedroom home to accommodate all your needs! Only 10-15 miles from Brookings, SD!"
Location: Brookings, South Dakota
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $225
Waterfront Lake Okeechobee Cottage with Great Views!
"A sunny lakefront retreats await you at this one-bedroom, one-bathroom vacation rental cottage in Pahokee. With accommodations for four guests, the space is ideal for couples or small families! Nestled along the shores of Lake Okeechobee, this property is the ultimate Sunshine State destination for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Troll for fish in the bass-infested waters, rent a boat for a sunset cruise, or lounge with a cocktail on the home's porch."
Location: Pahokee, Florida
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $145
Road Trip A-Frame Cabin in Lake Arrowhead
"Road Trip Cabin is a little a-frame quietly nestled among the trees within walking distance to the Lake Arrowhead Village. Guests can enjoy our cozy shelter with large windows letting in plenty of natural light, a large kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and deck with a cedar hot tub and a slight lake view. Perfect for a calming retreat in the mountains. Lake pass included."
Location: Lake Arrowhead, California
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $158
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