Entire home·Private host

Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.

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Photo gallery for Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.

Interior
Property grounds
Pool
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, WiFi
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Idyllwild, CA
  • San Jacinto Mountains
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Idyllwild Nature Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Idyllwild Park
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)
    ‪66 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire place to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.

Come experience a bit of history! Commonly referred to as The Mystery Lodge. This was once a summer writing home to famous author, Erle Stanley Gardner, Author of the world renowned Perry Mason mystery series! Built in 1945 originally as a hunting lodge and summer home. Knotty Pine everywhere! Custom milled in Idyllwild in the 40's.

The Mystery Lodge is a Hillside getaway with altitude one of 3 houses on over 3 acres! You can also book The Dome next door (VRBO# 653847) if you have a large group.

There is a binder with some information on my favorite hikes and an Adventure parking pass for you to use during your stay.

Come stay with us for your Idyllwild experience. Pungent pine trees, mountain views, cocktails on the deck. Walk to art galleries, enjoy creekside hikes, gaze at star filled skies while you enjoy our four bedroom, three bathroom home. The knotty pine interior offers a full kitchen, great room with cathedral ceilings, a primary suite with a private deck featuring a seasonal four poster outdoor bed (Summer only; June, July & August. Dependent on weather and only set up on request), outdoor lounge area with views of Tahquitz, and large hot tub/ jacuzzi.

Just relax or choose from a menu of personalized services. We offer private chef service, rock climbing trips and hikes, yoga, spa treatments and executive retreats. We will customize your experience to ensure you get to enjoy all that is unique about our southern California mountain town. All services at an additional charge and are based on availability. Must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Rustic, well loved home has a primary suite with a grand king size bed, ceiling fan, sitting room, outdoor deck and ensuite bathroom.

Downstairs bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed, ceiling fan, and guest bathroom with a custom slate shower.

Upstairs has two bedrooms with a jack and jill shared bathroom (remodeled custom tile shower/floor). One bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed and the other room has a king size bed. Both rooms have custom entry doors.

*Please let me know if you would like either set of twins converted into a king bed at the time of booking.

Great room offers a large wood burning fireplace, full wet bar, TV, stereo, and high speed WIFI. We have numerous board games and puzzles, some DVD's and a library of books to enjoy during your stay.

Dining area in full service kitchen seats eight and provides everything you need for the ultimate dinner party with friends and family.

Outside there is plenty of outdoor furniture for relaxing on the deck or dining al fresco on the outdoor dining table that seats 6.
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from San Jacinto Mountains. You'll find features like breakfast (surcharge), a hot tub, and laundry facilities. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 3 bathrooms in the vacation home.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and 3 bathrooms
  • Breakfast is offered for a fee
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Steps from San Jacinto Mountains and Mount San Jacinto State Park
This vacation home offers its guests a hot tub, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: This is a non-smoking house.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 2,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Please bring your slippers, we ask that you not wear shoes inside the house on the carpeted areas. It helps keep the everything clean for guests.
BB guns, Pellet guns and firearms not allowed on property. No commercial use or filming on property without owner's written permission. Thank you!
No smoking and no pets (even service animals) due to medical conditions.

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: Although we love pets, no exceptions can be made.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Child friendly, not "child proof"

Events

No events allowed
Only with owners permission/additional requirement

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This is a non-smoking house.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Only with owners permission/additional requirement
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
Property Registration Number RVC-0259

Property is also known as

Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town
Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town