Located in Forest Lakes, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of sights such as Lake SImpatico Trailhead and Los Pinos River. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a dining area.
Lake SImpatico Trailhead - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
Los Pinos River - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles
Bayfield Town Hall - 10 min drive - 8.5 miles
Eagle Park - 10 min drive - 8.5 miles
Vallecito Lake - 12 min drive - 9.0 miles
Getting around
Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 36 min drive
Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Mini Merc Store - 17 min drive
Wells Liquor - 13 min drive
Coffee Merchant - 12 min drive
Lone Wolf Bar & Grill - 18 min drive
San Juan Images - 23 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12
~25 Minutes from Durango | Sleeps 12 • Hot Tub & Game Room
Welcome to Words & Wonder Cottage, a whimsical retreat in the pines. Families can play in the game room, soak under the stars in the private hot tub, or gather for cozy movie nights. Cook in the fully stocked kitchen, stream with fast Wi-Fi, and rest easy with space for 12. Every corner sparks imagination—perfect for kids and adult dreamers alike. Share your adventure when booking and we may unlock a little discount magic!
Nestled in the quiet mountain town of Bayfield, Colorado (ONLY 25 minutes from Durango), our cottage is more than just a place to stay — it’s a setting for your next chapter.
Families gather here. Friends reunite here. Children discover wonder here. And you? You get to press pause, breathe deep, and enjoy it all.
* Space for Everyone | Sleeps 12
Our cottage was designed for big groups who want to be together, but not on top of each other.
Inside you’ll find:
Master Suite – King bed, ensuite bath, and closet space (with high chair & Pack ’n Play tucked inside).
Queen Bedroom – Cozy and restful with fresh linens, fluffy pillows, and plenty of light.
Triple Bunk Room / Kid’s Haven – Perfect for cousins, siblings, or late-night storytelling.
Double Twin Bed Trundle Harry Potter Room – Whether Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Ravenclaw, there’s space for all.
Two Living Rooms – One upstairs and one down, both with plush sofas that double as flex sleeping spaces when extra beds are needed. Perfect for movie marathons or curling up with a book.
Game Room – A whimsical escape with board games, a Pac-Man arcade machine, a sofa & Roku TV with streaming apps, and playful themed touches—great for kids and adults alike.
Flex Spaces – Every sofa can transform into a comfy bed, ensuring everyone has a place to dream.
Whether you’re here for a reunion, family holiday, or getaway with friends, there’s room for all to gather, play, and rest.
* A Kitchen That Brings People Together
At the heart of Words & Wonder is a fully stocked kitchen, ready for everything from pancake breakfasts to a Thanksgiving family feast.
* Full stove, oven, and microwave. * Pots, pans, baking dishes, and serving platters. * Nespresso coffee maker, toaster, and all the essentials. * Kid-friendly dishes — smaller plates, bowls, and cups, so even little ones feel at home.
Gather in the dining space, linger over coffee, share stories, and make meals part of your adventure.
* Play & Laughter in the Game Room
Rain or shine, our game room is a favorite for all ages:
Pacman arcade game for friendly competition.
Board games & puzzles, with shelves labeled so you know which are best for kids vs. older guests.
A cozy, laughter-filled space where phones get put down and connection takes center stage.
* Soak Under the Stars | Hot Tub Magic
Step outside and let the outdoor hot tub melt your stress away. In summer, listen to the crickets sing. In winter, steam rises into crisp mountain air while snowflakes drift around you. At night, gaze up — this is stargazing like you’ve never experienced.
* Cozy Corners & Modern Comforts
Living Room: Large TV with streaming apps, comfy seating for movie marathons, and a guest book on the TV stand full of insider tips, stories, and local secrets.
Wi-Fi: Strong enough for streaming, work calls, and keeping kids entertained.
Laundry: Washer and dryer ready for long stays or messy adventures.
Every corner has been touched with thoughtfulness — so you can relax into comfort.
* Thoughtful Family Touches
Traveling with kids? We’ve been there — which is why the cottage is stocked with extras so you don’t have to overpack:
High chair, Pack ’n Play, spat mat (master closet).
Kid-friendly dishes in the pantry.
Books, puzzles, and games throughout the house.
Safety details like outlet covers and child-locked sliding glass doors.
Little travelers get their own bit of magic here, so you can breathe easier.
* Bring the Whole Family | Pet-Friendly
Your pets are welcome too! Just ask that paws stay off couches and beds, and please scoop up any “yard gifts” before you leave.
Morning coffee on the porch, starry nights in the hot tub, or just breathing in mountain air — the outdoors here feels like an extension of the cottage itself.
* Adventure Awaits | The Perfect Location
Words & Wonder Cottage is tucked in peaceful Bayfield, but close enough to adventure when you’re ready:
Vallecito Lake (13 min): Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing in summer; ice fishing and snowshoeing in winter.
Pine River Trailhead (15 min): Gentle riverside hikes year-round, with wildflowers in summer and sparkling snow in winter.
Durango (25 min): Historic downtown, breweries, restaurants, shopping, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Mesa Verde National Park (1 hr 15 min): Ancient cliff dwellings and jaw-dropping history.
Purgatory Ski Resort (55 min): Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain adventures.
This is your Basecamp for wonder — quiet when you want it, adventure when you need it.
* Why Guests Fall in Love Here
This is a place where kids giggle in the game room, friends toast in the hot tub, pets nap by the fire, and families share meals they’ll never forget. Every stay writes its own story here — and we’d love for you to add yours.
Your Invitation
Tell us about you and your adventure — who’s coming, what calls you here. Sometimes, when the story feels just right, we unlock a little discount magic just for you.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2.5 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker. Housekeeping is available on request.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Gravel flooring in public areas
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the mountains
Near a hospital
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours 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)
Fire extinguisher
General
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Bed sheets changed on request
Composting
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 2,700 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
SUMMER: Set AC units to 75. WINTER: ACs should be off, Wall Thermostats set to 70, Pellet Stoves OFF
Please return all books & games (make sure you have all the pieces), be sure the stove/oven are off, and tidy up any pet hair or droppings
Close the hot tub cover & set to 95
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
2 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 30
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in Forest Lakes, close to Vallecito Lake, Lemon Reservoir, and Lake SImpatico Trailhead. Los Pinos River is also within a driving distance of 1.7 mi.
How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
As of Mar 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 on Apr 13, 2026 start from $430, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Will I be able to park at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
Yes, there is a garage.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What do couples enjoy most about Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO), which is 26 mi away (41 minutes by car). Another top airport is Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park), which is located 25.1 mi away (43-minute drive).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
No, there aren't any house with balconies at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12.
Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
10 - Excellent
3
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
4 - Poor
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer K.
Mar 29, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely property with thoughtful details! Would stay again!
Jennifer K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Kelly R.
Dec 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Host was very welcoming and property was amazing.
Kelly R.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Terry G.
Sep 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely loved the house! Lots of little areas inside and out to explore. The hosts were amazing, very responsive.