This vacation home places you next to Clear Lake and within a 10-minute drive of Austin Park. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch - 17 min drive - 10.4 miles
Mount Konocti - 74 min drive - 30.7 miles
Getting around
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 89 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 13 min drive
Starbucks - 12 min drive
Taco Bell - 10 min drive
Main St Bar & Grill - 8 min drive
Catfish Coffeehouse - 9 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.
Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets
Featured as one of the top 10 properties in “Only in Your State” online magazine for Northern California! Year around fun and relaxation at this luxury lakefront designer retreat. 4 bedrooms/3baths with two master suites, pool, spa, game room, dock, pier, non-motorized water sports, gourmet kitchen with professional style appliances including a built-in coffee system. Gather around the gorgeous large stone island to cook your meal with family and friends. Or hang out be the pool and grill outside. Fishing (including guided fishing tours)/boating/kayaking/paddle boarding/swimming/hiking/wine tasting/bird watching. Leave the world behind! Set on the shores of Clearlake, Ca, Smiling Otter Retreat, boasts 3300 sqft space, featuring a plethora of choices for indoor and outdoor living and entertainment. Come and connect with nature in a comfort of luxury. Numerous species of birds, otters, deer, racoons, and Lucy, the skunk, can be spotted right outside the house. Gorgeous panoramic views of the lake and Mt Konocti from inside of the house, the two spacious decks and all the outdoor areas. Multiple indoor and outdoor dining and conversation areas. Whole house water filter/softener, BBQ gas grill, gas firepit (extra propane tanks are by the grill), hot outdoor shower, indoor Sonos surround sound system (operated with a tablet). Outdoor speakers are not permitted as per the City of Clearlake, since the sound carries super far on the lake. The pier, dock, boat lift and swimming platform remodel is finally finished and it's gorgeous out there. The boat lift is suited for a boat of 5000 lbs or less. The swimming platform is hand cranked. Clearlake in general, but, most importantly, the location of the property on the lake is known for incredible fishing. Often you can spot fishermen fishing right around the property. But, for you, no boat is needed as you can just fish from our comfortable partly shaded dock or the long pier. Relaxing Adirondack chairs and fish cleaning sink are provided for your convenience. In the summer, float in the refreshing pool or the lake. In the winter, soak and unwind in the large hot tub watching the sun setting behind majestic Mt Konocti. Game room activities include shuffleboard, pool/ping pong/air hockey table, toys for the little ones and board games (those are in the cabinets of the library). Fully equipped chef kitchen is all set up for cooking and entertaining. Two large supermarkets are 13 minutes away and a small convenience store 9 minutes from the house. We provide two refrigerators for your groceries, one in the kitchen (with two ice makers), and the other one upstairs in the laundry room. Door Dash has limited restaurant delivery options and Safeway supermarket delivers. Numerous local wineries provide picturesque views and some of the best wines in the area. Water sports equipment provided: 4 paddle boards, one single kayak, one double kayak, kayak moving trolley, life vests of different sizes, and pool towels. USE WATERSPORTS AT YOUR OWN RISK! The weather can be unpredictable on the lake and can change within 15 minutes time frame with wind and large waves. If you are caught in this weather out on the lake, we recommend hugging the shores to come back to the house or exit the lake if necessary and ALWAYS wear a life vest. There is a small community boat launch area two houses to the left. Redbud Park in Clearlake (15 min away) has large boat launching areas. You can rent a boat/jet skis/lily pad at Clearlake Powersport Rentals in town, 15 minutes away from the house. The water in the cove to the left of the property does not get as choppy and, on windy days, you may want to go there to enjoy your motorized water sports. Please call ahead to make reservations. If you are looking for a large lake beach, Austin Park Beach and Playground is 12 minutes away. When the weather warms up, it is common to spot lake bugs. They look like mosquitoes, but larger, the amazing thing is though that they don't bite. Also, later in the summer, it is not uncommon to see green algae swimming by (that’s what feeds the lake life), but, it quickly disappears when the wind picks up.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a balcony. 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 private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace.
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
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Composting
Double-glazed windows
Electric car charging station
Recycling
Solar energy
Unit size: 3,300 square feet
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
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 welcomes pets
Dogs and cats only
4 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Note from host: I
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy
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
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 solar energy.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Clearlake, just steps from Clear Lake. Austin Park is also within a driving distance of 4.3 mi.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
Yes, there is electric car charging available.
Is there a spa at this vacation home?
Spa services at the vacation home include massages.
Is this vacation home associated with 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 are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
Is Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets good for couples?
This lakeside vacation home offers many amenities for couples such as a private pool, a fireplace, and access to a chef.
Does Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets have a hot tub?
Yes, this vacation home has a spa tub.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets?
Yes, every accommodation at Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain or water views.
Smiling Otter Retreat! Large Lakefront Luxury House.Pool.Spa.Game Room.Pets 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. 6 out of 6 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 6 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
4 - Poor
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Lj C.
Dec 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving 2024
The property was just as promised - everything worked. So clean and well appointed. We had a great time.
Lj C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karlene J.
Sep 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeds Expectations
We highly recommend this luxurious property. It is exceptionally and thoughtfully well appointed. You truly do not need to bring anything beyond clothing and groceries. The beautiful house and grounds are tranquil and the owner, Maria, was very responsive and pleasant to communicate with. We would definitely choose this Clearlake vacation rental again.
Karlene J.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jul 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Place for a family
This property is beautiful and laid out in a way that allows a family to spread out and also be together. They thought of everything when it comes to comfort, supplies, entertainment etc. We have a family of 10 and it was perfect for us. Children had a room of their own and lots of toys and games for their entertainment. The bedrooms and bathrooms had everything we needed with respect to storage and amenities. The dining room table sat all ten of us comfortably. The game room was fun for everyone. The outdoor living room & outdoor shower were a great place for a little peace while looking out over the beautiful view. The dock area was wonderful for another peaceful place to read and look at the scenery. The kayaks were a fun bonus! The fishing was great. We would unreservedly recommend this property. It is worth every penny! Thank you Maria for being so responsive and informative. You can tell she really cares about her guests and their comfort.
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rosemarie C.
Jul 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Hidden Gem
To say we were blown away is an understatement. We saw this listing on VRBO & loved the presentation of this property. When we arrived, it was as we expected and more. The views are spectacular and when sitting on the deck, it feels as though you are over the water. We all set up our rooms which were extremely clean and beautifully decorated & bathrooms stocked with accessories for showering. We were blown away with the kitchen and when it says, gourmet in the description, it definitely is. There must have been every appliance you can think of there. The added touches of coffee, seasonings, oil, foil/saran wrap was wonderful. Maria didn't leave anything out. We enjoyed cooking in this kitchen and just hanging out around the large counter. We were a party of 10 plus our dogs & we never felt like we were on top of each other. Very spacious. The library of books & games delightful. The pool & outside area was great as well. The best VRBO we have booked. Maria was always available for questions. A great hostess.
Rosemarie C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jul 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lake Side
Gorgeous. Amenities were amazing. The house was very accommodating. From the game room to the towels to the coffee bars to the fully equipped kitchen, we were amazed. We are experienced time share people and have never been in a facility so well stocked. The dock was great for the many hours of fishing, especially for the children. The only disappointment was the algae bloom in the lake. While we did use the paddle boards and kayaks, it was not safe nor appealing for swimming.
Verified traveler
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chad M.
Mar 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lake trip
It was our first time visiting Clearlake and what a hidden gem it is! The house is very large, accommodated my parents and our 4 kids nicely. The location is so quiet and peaceful with amazing views of the lake and the mountain across from the inside and outside of the house. We saw numerous species of birds and an otter swimming by in the morning. Maria set up the house with everything we needed to be comfortable away from home. My Mom loved making meals in the specious kitchen, and the built-in coffee system was just an icing on the cake. Kids had a blast in the game room. We would love to return to Smiling Otter Retreat again in the future!