Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
Writer's Mountain Retreat - Idyllwild-PineCove, California
1/33
  All Photos

Writer's Mountain Retreat

2-8 Keys 4 Bedrooms 7 Guests 3 BathsView Amenities

Description

Writer's Mountain Retreat

Stay in an architectural sanctuary just five miles from Idyllwild center, yet still with that remote and free feel. An open-plan loft-style interior awaits, complete with fireplace and built-ins to perfectly capture the surrounding mountain and pond views with a deck that extends out into the incredible nature. There are vaulted wooden ceilings that highlight the warm, welcoming kitchen. Solar panels make this stay eco-friendly well.

This unique home was designed and built by the mid-century master architect Robert Skinner as his personal retreat in 1981. Built-in a park-like setting on more than 7 private acres in the San Jacinto mountains and adjacent to the San Bernadino National Forest, the home is less than an hour from Palm Springs and just two hours from either Los Angeles or San Diego, making for easy access.

Situated on the last of a rare chain of small spring-fed mountain lakes ten minutes from Idyllwild, the setting exudes peace and serenity on a pond teeming with local wildlife. (Please note that the pond depth is seasonal).

This extraordinary home is the perfect getaway for a writer, artist, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who loves the outdoors! Designed to be sustainable, the 2,800 square foot home runs entirely on solar power and draws water from its two dedicated private wells. So, this is a stay you can feel great about from an environmentally friendly aspect.

The kitchen has new appliances and the entire house has been professionally decorated with period-appropriate and incredibly unique and lovely furnishings.

The large living room houses another fireplace, flat-screen TV, and a beautiful collection of mid-century and modern furniture and enjoys breathtaking views of the seasonal pond and surrounding mountain-scape.

With an effect that blurs the distinction between where the indoor space ends and the outdoors begin, ten-foot-high glass windows and doors run the entire length of the home and overlook the pond and the mountains beyond. The two floors are seamlessly integrated in a loft-like design.

Skylights in both upstairs bedrooms let in the sun and the moon, providing much natural light. A fantastic den/study has a deep, wrap-around drafting desk perfect for writing or making art. The den/study has a custom floating lighting system that turns work from a chore to a delight.

The master bedroom has a new large flat-screen TV, DVD player, queen-sized bed, built-in closet, a wood fireplace, and its own private deck. The master bath has full-length mirrors, a shower, and a gorgeous soaking tub under the skylight. The second upstairs bedroom has a queen bed and skylight and is completely private.

In addition to the two bedrooms upstairs, there is a family suite of two bedrooms and a full bath on the first floor, making two connected but distinct sleeping areas for privacy -- perfect for two couples to share the house, or for children to have their own space.

Many built-ins designed by the architect allow maximum storage while letting the amazing variety of wood details fill the house with color and elegance.

The house is a study in the use of warm wood tones: The floors are white oak, the walls are yellow cedar, the ceilings are heart-redwood and the built-in furniture is teak.


Show MoreLess


Own a Luxury Second Home?

Exchange your unused time and get access to this and other exclusive homes.

Get Started Here



Property Amenities

Pets Welcome Upon Approval | Not Handicap Accessible

Entertainment
40"+ TV
DVD Player
Multiple TVs
Satellite/Cable TV
Streaming Service(s)
Facilities
Dedicated Work Space
Office
Location features
Waterfront
Other
Air Conditioning
Coffee Maker
Crib
EV Charging Station
Fireplace
High Speed Internet
Washer & Dryer
Wireless Internet
Outdoor
Kayak(s)
Outdoor Grill



Property Details

Size

Private Residence with 2 levels
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2800 square feet, 261 square meters

Bedrooms

King, Queen, Queen, and Full
7 guests maximum

Nearest airport

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Ontario International Airport (ONT)
40 Minutes by Car from PSP, 60 minutes by car from ONT

Property View

Look onto our private pond from the enormous deck or watch the stars through the three skylights.

Additional Fees

N/A

Activities of Interest

  • Arts
  • Equestrian
  • Fish
  • Golf
  • Hike
  • Shopping
  • Watersports
  • Wine Country
  • Mountain Climbing and Mountaineering
  • Live music and art shows in town
  • Antiquing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountain biking and road biking

Places of Interest

  • Drive down to Palm Springs and the Lower-Desert towns for world-class golf and resort activities.
  • A 10-minute walk up the road leads to the McCall Park trailhead.
  • Take a stroll outside on the walking path and take in eagles, hawks, herons, egrets, and regular visits from two favorite families of ducks and mallards.
  • Mt San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness
  • Middle Ridge Winery




Reviews

Jessica P.

October 2023

Great house needs maintenance/cleaning

This is a fantastic home in a peaceful setting and we had a great time, however the house needed some maintenance and a deeper cleaning that made us feel less comfortable, to name a few of the following issues: - They were spider-nets in pretty much all corners - Windows were very dirty - Shower head upstairs appeared clogged and no much water was coming out, - Cabinets/drawers/closets seem unorganized and full of random things - We had to buy a new pan because they were all burned/old except the cast iron. David, the owner was very accommodating and responsive and let us bring our doodle. Once they take care of all these things, this will be a 5 star house, it just needs a little love. ”

Debe L.

November 2020

writer`s mountain retreat Mountain Center, Ca.

The reason for our stay was to visit my aunt in Idyllwild, Ca. We landed in Palm Springs, Ca. and rented a car to go over the mountain to Mountain, Center. Being flat landers from Louisiana, the trip over the mountain and the surprise snow storm was quite an experience. D.J. Paul was a most available and sincerely concerned owner!! The large home is a symphony of wood interiors. Very attractive. We enjoyed the ever changing pond and it`s wildlife. Another big unexpected surprise was I became engaged to marry my beloved with the blessings of my aunt.”