The Lodge: Comfort&Hospitality AC/4bdrm/10 beds/beach

Escape the valley heat and come up to your peaceful mountain retreat! The Lodge sits at 7,000 ft. in beautiful Serene Lakes — two sparkling spring-fed lakes with a private sandy beach that’s all yours to enjoy. One of the very few homes here with air conditioning, this is the perfect cool and comfortable base for your summer getaway.

No crowds here — they all drive right past us on their way to Tahoe and Donner. You’ll have four bedrooms, three baths, and three floors so everyone gets their own space to relax and spread out. Grab the kayak, bikes, or beach chairs and head out — over 100 miles of trails start just one block away. It’s paradise for mountain bikers! Our lake water is cool and refreshing (nothing like the freezing Tahoe and Donner lakes). And yes — a s’mores kit will be waiting on the counter to welcome you the moment you walk in.

We’re located before the Donner Pass summit in Serene Lakes, the best-kept secret in the Tahoe National Forest. Tucked in a quiet little hollow behind Soda Springs, it stays peaceful and serene up here while Truckee and Donner (just 15 minutes down the hill) stay packed. Guests always tell us the community truly lives up to its name.

Mornings are magical on the expansive front deck with your coffee, or step out onto the sweet “Juliet deck” in the treetops off the upper king bedroom.

Days are made for the lake and the trails. You’ll have access to our owner’s private sandy beach, picnic, and swim area — just a short pedal or quick drive away. Take out the two-person Hobie kayak, set up the beach chairs, play volleyball on the sand courts, or enjoy bocce and horseshoes. Life jackets in every size from baby to XXL are ready to go. Bring the bikes (three adult + one kid’s 20”) and explore miles of marked hiking and mountain bike trails right from our door.

Evenings bring you back to the largest covered deck in Serene Lakes, complete with an outside table that seats 10. Stay cozy with the propane fire pit and wraps hanging just inside the door when the mountain air cools down. Fire up the Weber on the covered side porch, play corn hole on the other side, or head inside for foosball in the entry. The loft is stocked with board games, dominoes, puzzles, cards, and books for all ages.

One thing guests always notice and love: the wrap-around deck is elevated and only accessible from the main second floor, so little ones and dogs can roam freely and safely stay put.

Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with a newer range and Instant Pot — many families cook every meal of their stay here and love it. Relax in the front room with the 55” 4K streaming TV (YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV). There’s a washer and dryer downstairs, a large stone mudroom entrance, and reliable Starlink throughout for calls and Zooms.

Sleeping is thoughtfully spread across three floors for privacy and comfort. Main floor: king bedroom with adjustable mattress, three pillow types, and full bath just outside. Third floor: bunk room with 4 beds, a second king bedroom, and full bath with tub/shower. Downstairs: the fourth bedroom with a log daybed and trundle, a desk, and its own shower, sink, and water closet — perfect for teenagers wanting space or grandparents seeking extra privacy. Every bed has soft PrimaLoft comforters, with extra blankets in each room.

Dogs are welcome (we have three of our own!). There’s a pet door in the dining room for easy deck access and a dog cabinet in the entry stocked with bowls, towels, combs, and brushes. We simply ask that you not leave your pups unattended for extended periods. We’re also very toddler-friendly with two pack-n-plays, two high chairs, and gates to keep little ones safe from the stairs.

We love sending each guest a personal Welcome Letter with more details about five days before arrival. Self check-in is easy with the lockbox anytime after 4 PM. Inside you’ll find a comprehensive Guest Binder (with words and pictures) covering everything from the streaming TV and building fires to the deck fire pit, extra propane, kitchen map, emergency evacuation guide, and great local restaurant suggestions. A s’mores kit and a little handwritten note with sweets will be waiting on the counter. The kitchen is well-stocked with spices, olive oil, vinegar, a variety of teas, and sweeteners, plus plenty of pots, pans, serving trays, dishes, glasses, and cups.

We’re just two exits before Donner Summit — Sacramento is about 90 minutes away, Reno about 45. Truckee is 15 minutes down the hill with lots of restaurants and shopping, and Donner Memorial State Park & Museum is well worth a visit.

Check-out is usually 11:00 AM. The Guest Binder has all the details.

This is not a “party house” — it’s a warm family home in a quiet neighborhood. Come on up, relax in comfort, play a little, and make wonderful memories. You deserve it!