Welcome to our tranquil retreat, nestled on 5 sprawling acres with breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings! We're so excited for you to experience the magic of our home.
A Few Housekeeping Notes for a Smooth Stay:
To ensure everyone has a wonderful and respectful experience, please keep these guidelines in mind:
* No parties or events, please. Our home is designed for peaceful getaways, and we can only host the number of guests specified in your reservation.
* We love furry friends, but this isn't the right place for them, so no pets, please.
* For everyone's comfort and safety, smoking and open fires are strictly prohibited.
* Please remember you're staying in someone's home. We ask that you treat it with the same care and respect you would your own.
Embrace the Rural Charm (and Plan Accordingly!)
Our home is truly in the heart of the woods, offering a unique opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Here's what to expect:
* Wi-Fi is a bit rustic: We're in a beautiful, rural area, and our internet isn't always reliable. We're on a waiting list for an upgrade, but for now, expect spotty Wi-Fi and occasional outages. If strong, consistent internet is essential for your trip, please plan for alternatives. Cell phone reception is also hit and miss.
* Nature is your neighbor: Because we're nestled in the middle of the woods, you might encounter more insects than you're used to in a city. You might also spot local wildlife like marmots (they've been a bit mischievous this year!) or even a bear. Don't be surprised to see signs of their presence.
* Water pressure can vary: During peak summer times, our shared well can lead to lower water pressure. It's usually not an issue, but something to be aware of!
Winter Wonderland Considerations:
If you're visiting during the snowy season, be prepared for a true winter experience!
* Winter driving skills are a must: Expect ice, slush, deep snow, and the possibility of getting snowed in. You'll need inclement winter driving experience, snow tires, 4x4, and/or chains, and we recommend carrying sand.
* Plowing takes time: Our plow service is excellent but has many customers. During heavy or continuous snowfall, it can take a while for them to reach our property. There are no on-call services for snow plowing.
* Be ready to shovel: There's a shovel on the porch for your use. If the county plow leaves a snow berm at the end of the driveway, you should be prepared to shovel your way out. There's no on-call service for berm removal.
Your Neighbors & Quiet Enjoyment:
Our property includes an attached, separately rented studio with its own entrance.
* For ultimate privacy, you might consider renting the studio as well, if it's available.
* While we ask all guests to be mindful of noise, especially during quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM, please understand that people have different definitions of "too much noise." You may have neighbors in the studio during your stay.
Understanding Our Cancellation Policy:
We truly want your trip to be stress-free!
* Please review our cancellation policy carefully on the VRBO listing.
* We highly recommend considering travel insurance to protect your trip against unforeseen circumstances like smoky air, road closures, flight delays, or work issues. We cannot offer refunds outside of our stated cancellation guidelines.
* If you cancel within the cancellation period and choose not to purchase travel insurance, and we are able to rebook any portion of your dates, we will happily refund you for those rebooked nights.
Check-Out is Prompt at 10 AM:
To ensure our cleaners have enough time to prepare for our next guests, our 10 AM check-out time is firm. Departures after this time will incur a late check-out fee. We also cannot accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs due to our cleaning schedule.
Your Home Away From Home: Details & Amenities
Our spacious and welcoming home, built in the early 90s, offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. While it boasts a charming 90s vibe (aside from updated appliances!), it's not a brand-new, architecturally refined showpiece. It's a cherished home, and we ask you to treat it as such!
Sleeping & Living Areas:
* Three comfortable bedrooms: You'll find one queen bed and two king beds. One of the king bedrooms also has a queen sleeper sofa.
* Spacious "Loft" on the third floor: This fantastic area includes a queen bed, a double bed, and another queen sleeper sofa. It's also where you'll find the main TV (there's an additional TV in the King Master bedroom in the basement). Seating areas on this floor include a couch and a chaise lounge.
Kitchen & Dining:
Our well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to whip up delicious meals:
* Dishwasher, microwave, coffeemaker, tea kettle, baking dishes
* Gas oven and range
* Cutlery, dishes, and wine glasses
* A dining table that comfortably seats 8.
* There's also a landline phone located in this living area for your convenience.
A note for families with little ones: Please supervise children closely. Our home has standard electrical outlets, a balcony in the loft, and porches/railings with some height.
Please avoid rearranging furniture. It's tough on our cleaners to put everything back, so we'd appreciate it if you left things as they are.
Outdoor Living:
Step out onto the large deck off the dining area/kitchen to enjoy the fresh air!
* You'll find comfortable outdoor seating areas.
* A propane barbecue grill for your culinary adventures.
* A propane fire pit table (please note: the fire pit and outdoor furniture are stored away in the winter due to snow).
* A lovely lawn extends from the back deck, perfect for enjoying the views.
Local Delights & Endless Recreation:
You're in for a treat with our fantastic location!
* The delightful Mazama Store is just 1.5 miles down the road. It's not a full grocery store, but it's perfect for fresh produce, beer, wine, snacks, delicious grab-and-go items, and some dry goods.
* You'll find a couple of charming restaurants near the Mazama Store and about a dozen more options in Winthrop, just 20 minutes away.
Get ready for some "off the hook" recreation!
* Hiking and mountain biking trails are minutes from your doorstep.
* Explore nearby fishing spots, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming holes.
* The breathtaking North Cascades National Park is easily accessible via Highway 20 during the summer months.
Other Tidbits for a Stellar Stay!
Just a few more friendly pointers to help you have the best time ever at our place:
Winter Warriors, Listen Up!
If you're joining us in the snowy season, get ready for a true winter wonderland! Our local plow service is awesome, but they usually wait for at least 6 inches of fresh snow before rolling out (no special call-outs here!). So, please come prepared for winter driving conditions and the possibility of getting a little stuck – even with snow tires and AWD! There's a shovel on the porch if you need to clear a path or tackle a snow berm. Embrace the adventure, and winter driving experience is definitely a plus!
Our "Unplugged" Vibe (a.k.a. Wi-Fi & Cell Service)
Let's just say our Wi-Fi is consistently inconsistent – it's more of a gentle suggestion than a powerhouse. If super-fast, super-reliable internet is a must-have, Mazama might not be your tech hub. Sometimes, it takes a complete vacation day! Cell service can also be a bit of a hide-and-seek game, with some carriers having no signal at all. You might snag a better signal near the Mazama Store, but no guarantees! Many of us actually love this "less wired" lifestyle – it's part of the charm of getting away from it all!
Summer Smokes & Bear Buddies
* Wildfire Season: Just a heads-up, fires are a regular feature out West. In summer and fall, smoke from regional or Canadian fires can sometimes affect the air. Again, we highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip!
* Garbage & Our Beary Neighbors: We're in bear country, and they're quite the curious bunch when it comes to snacks! Please, all garbage must go into the cans in the garage – nowhere else outside. This keeps our bear friends safe and healthy, and prevents any uninvited guests from making a mess. Let's keep our wildlife wild!
A Few More Quick Notes:
* Balcony & Loft Safety: Just a gentle reminder to keep an eye on little ones (and big ones!) when enjoying the balconies on the lower/upper decks and the loft inside.
* Driveway Etiquette: Our driveway needs to stay clear for vehicles passing by, so please ensure it's always open for passage.
Ready to embrace the adventure?
We can't wait to host you!
