The Writer's Cabin in Lake Arrowhead Woods

Summary:

A nearly hundred-year-old cabin in the woods above Lake Arrowhead, built for slowing down. This is the kind of place where the forest is the point: pines in every direction. Two levels of original mountain character, with a loft that looks down over the main room. The lake and Orchard Bay are a 5 minute walk downhill, and the ALA trail is just waiting you at the door. Come to read, to write, to do gloriously little. Here, the stillness is the destination. We look forward to welcoming you.



The Space:

The cabin runs over two levels. The main floor has a bedroom with a queen, and upstairs an open loft bedroom, also a queen, looks down over the living room, so the cabin sleeps four. There is one full bathroom with a walk-in shower. The kitchen is fully equipped and built around a Viking gas range and oven, with a small snacking area. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the living room. You'll also have high-speed wifi, smart TVs, a Bose Bluetooth sound system, heating throughout, and a window air conditioning unit in the loft bedroom. Cotton linens and bathroom essentials come standard, and a shelf of board and card games waits for the evenings. There is no central air, bbq, or laundry available for guests.



Guest Access:

The entire cabin is yours, both levels and the grounds around it. The front entrance sits at the top of a staircase with a silver railing.



The Neighborhood:

Lake Arrowhead is a small alpine town wrapped in California's San Bernardino National Forest, and the cabin sits in the quiet of it. Orchard Bay is a short walk downhill from the cabin for time by the water, when you will find a trail for a grounding activity near the water. Lake Arrowhead Village is a short drive for shops and lakefront dinners, and it's where you catch the Arrowhead Queen for the classic tour of the lake and the grand houses along its shore. When you want a proper meal out, Stone Creek Bistro over in Blue Jay is the area's standout, and the Saddleback Grill keeps the old alpine-lodge tradition. For coffee, Mountain Coffee Co pours from a golden Airstream up in Cedar Glen.



Getting Around:

A vehicle is recommended for exploring Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding mountain communities.



The driveway is gravel and moderately steep. During winter months or snowy conditions, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is recommended but not necessary.



For those who enjoy walking, the cabin is just a short stroll from Orchard Bay and the ALA Trail. The trail winds around the lake and can be followed all the way to Lake Arrowhead Village, offering one of the area's most scenic walks.



If you plan to use the ALA Trail, please remember to bring the ALA access card provided with the cabin. Some of the trailheads are gated and require the card for entry.



Whether you're heading into the Village for coffee, exploring the shoreline, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk beneath the pines, the cabin is perfectly situated to experience the best of Lake Arrowhead.



Other Things to Note:

* If we don't have a same day check-out, we are happy to accomodate an early check-in!

*The cabin is a shoes-off home, all guests will be asked to remove their shows while inside the cabin.

*The cabin is nearly a hundred years old, and much of its character is original, so windows, doors, and fixtures ask for a gentle hand. The House Manual explains anything that isn't obvious.

*If you use the wood-burning fireplace, firewood is the guest's to supply.

*The cabin sits in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, so deer, squirrels, birds, raccoons, and the occasional bear are part of the scenery, and you may hear a small visitor cross the roof now and then.

*Being a historic home, the cabin has its own sounds; the wood floors creak a little as the place settles with the temperature.

*The loft sits above the living room and downstairs bedroom, so footsteps carry below. A little awareness at night goes a long way, especially near the loft's air conditioning unit.

*The downstairs bedroom has no air conditioning, though the mountain air through an open window usually does the job. The loft has a window unit for warmer days.

*There's no laundry, barbecue, or central air on site.

*Before arrival, guests complete a quick online check-in form that includes the Terms & Conditions. To protect guests and the cabin, we may ask for identity verification and a card kept on file.

*In winter, the mountain gets real snow. Roads may require chains during storms, and the driveway can be tricky to climb, so four-wheel or all-wheel drive with proper tires is recommended but not absolutely necessary. When conditions turn heavy, parking near the base and walking up is the safe call, and it's worth checking the forecast and road conditions before you head up.



Interaction with Guests:

Sarāy is hosted by Leo, on hand for anything you need and happy to leave you to the quiet otherwise. Because the cabin is historic, a House Manual walks you through its original features, the windows, the fireplace, and the older details that ask for a gentle hand, before you use them. Optional housekeeping can be arranged in advance or during your stay.