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

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Interior
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, WiFi
Pool

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Breakfast available
  • Hot Tub
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

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

About the neighborhood

Idyllwild

This vacation home places you next to San Jacinto Mountains and Mount San Jacinto State Park. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
View more Lodges in IdyllwildOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • San Jacinto Mountains - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Mount San Jacinto State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Idyllwild Nature Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Idyllwild Park - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Lake Hemet - 16 min drive - 10.4 miles

Getting around

  • Palm Springs Station - 53 min drive
  • Palm Springs Intl. Airport (PSP) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mountain Center Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Idyllwild Brewpub - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Idyllwild Pizza Co. - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Red Kettle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Lumber Mill Bar & Grill - ‬7 min walk

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.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker. Housekeeping is available on request.

Property manager

Ida

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets
  • Note from host: Although we love pets, no exceptions can be made.

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Child friendly, not "child proof"

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
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 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: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Property Registration Number RVC-0259

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.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Note from host: Only with owners permission/additional requirement
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Idyllwild, just steps from San Jacinto Mountains and Mount San Jacinto State Park, and within a short walk of Idyllwild Nature Center. Idyllwild Park is within a walking distance of 0.8 mi.

Is parking available on site at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is a spa located at this vacation home?

Spa services at the vacation home include massages.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.?

This historic vacation home offers many amenities for couples, including a fireplace and access to a chef in each accommodation with some featuring fireplaces.

Are there hot tubs at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.?

Yes, this vacation home has a spa tub.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

This vacation home offers breakfast for a surcharge.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Palm Springs Intl. Airport (PSP), which is about 12.9 mi away. Another top airport is Bermuda Dunes, CA (UDD), which is around 25.5 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.?

Yes, every accommodation at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain views.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 106 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lance H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic getaway at the Mystery Lodge

This was the perfect spot for an Easter weekend getaway with the family in the mountains. The house exceeded our expectations and matched the description quite accurately. The house was very clean, which isn't always the case when you stay at unknown rentals. The space was more than enough for 6 adults. We especially loved the spa, the balcony views, the fireplace and the cool bar. The host, Ida, was very personable and super accommodating. Check-in was seamless.Thank you, Ida, for a wonderful weekend filled with great memories!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Stay

Ida the property manager was on top of it all. Place is beautiful, will be back. High marks
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness

New Years

Great location. Close to town. Loved the fully stocked kitchen and bar ware. Hot tub was great on the cold days. Ida was very responsive. Would definitely come back
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron D., California

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountain Cabin Ambience

Very comfortable, homey location. Will definitely go back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larissa D., Chula Vista

Liked: Cleanliness

Restorative Retreat

Grateful for Ida—she made our retreat at her home feel so restorative. She offered to help find a massage therapist for our group and provided information about the local restaurants, hiking trails etc. We spent the majority of the time in the great room and outside decks and it was lovely. The house is a short 5 min walk to the shopping and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rick E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountain get-away

We were there for our mother's 84th birthday. The home was roomy and well stocked. Ours was a summer visit with hot days. The owner purchased a portable a/c, this was very much appreciated. Upstairs bedrooms were warm, but the outside deck was a wonderful place to visit enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angela K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nostalgic home away from home!

This was one of the best values I’ve experienced in short term rentals. The cabin has everything you will need for a short or long term rental. Our host was very informative and responsive. Rustic charm and authenticity with a dose of comfort and thoughtful planning (including fresh cut flowers in every room and home made banana bread). I’m confident that if we had a need: she would’ve been able to point us in the right direction if she was unable to solve it herself. It really felt a home away from home. We hope to visit again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

KIRK W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Birthday Retreat with Family

We loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Heavenly Get Away

A very roomy place to spread out and relax. Furnished nicely in all the rooms. The kitchen fully equipped for cooking and entertaining. Our group just wanted to relax and not be on a schedule. A nice view of the mountains and surroundings.

10/10 Excellent

Christine V., San Clemente

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Family Get Away

We all had a great time at the Mystery Lodge. There was plenty of room for our family of 6 adults and 5 kiddos. I have never stayed in a rental house that was stocked so well. I literally felt like I was at home and had access to anything we needed. Ida prepares the house to be very welcoming, including fresh baked banana bread and fresh flowers everywhere AND the little gift certificates to the town candy store, which she left for the kids, were a huge hit! We would stay here again if we return to Idyllwild.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great time

Had a great family vacation
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marco M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very cozy.

Second time renting this house. Ida is awesome.

10/10 Excellent

Leslie B., Encinitas CA

Liked: Cleanliness

A perfect haven in the mountains

We have returned over and over to this wonderful property because it’s a historical treasure and the owner is stellar! Our memories are amazing! We shall return again absolutely!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Birthday celebration

Had a wonderful time with family and friends celebrating my birthday. Hot tub was so relaxing and the bar area was the bomb! Kitchen was big enough for several people to prepare food at the same time and very well stocked. Beds and linens very comfortable. Views were outstanding as well. Definitely would recommend this property for big group celebrations.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Trish M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful family getaway!

Our experience here was amazing! It was the perfect spot for two families and kids to getaway for the weekend. The spa was relaxing, the views from the deck beautiful and Ida was quick to respond to any questions I had!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sandra W., Mission Viejo, Ca

Liked: Cleanliness

Comfortable spacious home.

Very friendly owner. Quick walk to town. Idyllwild has lots of good restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sara V.

Fantastic getaway.

We enjoyed our stay at the Mystery Lodge. We had four kids and three adults and there was plenty of room for everyone. The bathrooms were well stocked and even included shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The living area was roomy allowing for game nights. The kitchen was great too with plenty of appliances, pots, pans and cookware. We especially loved the large table in whic everyone could eat together.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ersin S.

Great host, great house

Excellent cabin, good for 3-4 couples, walking distance to the town center. Will come again for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly K.

Our stay was fabulous - Ida is far and away the best host we've ever had!

Will definitely be back when the weather is warmer / less snowy.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Very kind and accommodating

This cabin was one of the most comfortable cabins we’ve ever stayed in in Idyllwild. Ida was very sweet and accommodating to our family and even set us up with a bottle of wine for the adults and gift card to the candy store for the kids. We had fresh orange juice daily and plenty of space to relax together. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

linda P.

Historic Authors' Lodge -The Mystery Lodge Idyllwild-Pine Cove

There were eight little individual loaves of banana bread and a bag of gourmet coffee beans waiting for us when we arrived. The cabin was so spacious, quaint, and rustic. Every surface was spotless including a huge variety of barware in the bar. From Champaign flutes to Moscow Mule copper mugs! The numbers of pots and pans and electrical appliances in the kitchen were more than I’ve ever seen before in a rental. Three kinds of coffee pots, a crock pot, electric kettle, .... even a cast iron skillet... haven’t used one of those in years! And enough dishes, coffee mugs and glassware for an army! The central heating was quiet and efficient. There was plenty of hot water even with six women showering! The water pressure was wonderful. The master bedroom/ bathroom was huge and so comfortable. The outdoor space was also very nice. The views from the deck were beautiful. The hot tub was hot and ready when we arrived. Terry loath robes for all six of us were provided! We saw so many stars come out at night while enjoying the hot tub. The location so close to town was great. There were so many seating options in the living room! We loved padding around in our slippers on the soft carpeting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Great family winter vacation

We stayed at this house with two young kids (ages 3 and 5) and three adults. Some kid friendly aspects of the house were that here were a bunch of board games, lots of children's plates and silverware, and twin beds. It was nice that most of the rooms are on one level so that we didn't have to go up and down stairs a lot. The house is very close to the town of Idyllwild, the Nature Center, and hiking.

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Everything We Needed!

The Mystery Lodge is located in a lovely secluded spot — yet a short walking distance from Idyllwild. The four bedrooms and large living room make it a great place for a large group. Ida, the owner, was wonderful. She responded to all of our questions (whether they were via text or email) within minutes. She also left several treats (including fresh-baked banana bread and wine) and made it easy to enjoy the perks of the home (like the hot tub and the fireplace). We would definitely stay with her again!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Lovely Idyllwild

We stayed in the Lodge over the Thanksgiving weekend with three small kids and 4 adults. Here are the pros and cons of our experience: Pros: The living room and the master bedroom are both very spacious. The kitchen is well-equipped and the outdoor hotub is a dream any time of day or evening for lovely relaxation amongst the mountains. The property is a quick walk into town and Ida goes out of her way to communicate with her guests about their arrival and making sure they experience a warm welcome. My kids ate the banana bread she baked every day and the flowers around the house along with the gift certificates for the candy store were very thoughtful touches. The absolute best part of the stay was our in-home massages with Tawny who Ida referred to us. If you have the time and the money to experience Tawny, I HIGHLY recommend it. She is a truly gifted healer with the most amazing energy and intuitive touch. It was one of the best massages of my life with a didgeridoo sound bath surprise at the end! Incredible. Cons: Although two of the bathrooms have been remodeled, the master bathroom has not been and needs a lot of updating. Most notably, the bathtub does not drain unless you are physically holding the drain lever down which gets tiresome after giving your small children baths each night. The master bed mattress is very soft and lumpy so if that's a problem for you I recommend sleeping on one of the twin beds which are firmer. The wifi was constantly going in and out of service in the middle of watching shows or movies. It seemed to be better at night and really unpredictable during the day. And lastly, we did have a mouse run across our friend's toes while he was using the middle restroom downstairs. Despite these minor annoyances, our overall experience was very positive. Ida is a very clear communicator and takes a lot of pride in sharing her family home with her guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ben S., Santa Monica

The perfect getaway

My friends and I (and our kids) spent a great weekend in the house. Ida is super-responsive and the house had everything we needed. We cooked all of our meals so it was a relief to see such a well stocked house. We had an easy walk into town (1/2 mile or less?) and enjoyed the view, scenery and a cozy great room with a fireplace. We will most certainly be revisiting this home again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018