Historic Author's Lodge- Hot Tub as Featured in San Diego Magazine Walk to town.

Idyllwild, California

$488 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights

Overview

Bed

Bath

Lodge

Property Type

Max Sleeps

2 nights

Min Stay

Description

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.

Features
Map
Rates & Availability
Review

Features

SPA

Massages
MORE

Beach Towels Books Games Music Library Note From Host: This Is A Non-smoking House. Smoke-free Property Stereo Video Library Chef Dryer Fireplace Iron/ironing Board
OUTDOOR

BBQ Grill(s) Outdoor Furniture
INTERNET

Available In All Rooms: WiFi Available In Some Public Areas: Internet Access
LANGS SPOKEN

English
THINGS TO DO

Boating Hot Tub Kayaking
ACCESSIBILITY

If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. This Property Does Not Have Elevators Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only
FOOD AND DRINK

Breakfast Available For A Fee Blender Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Dining Table Dishwasher Electric Kettle Ice Maker Kitchen Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Spices Stovetop
GUEST SERVICES

Housekeeping (on Request) Laundry Facilities
FAMILY FRIENDLY

Children's Books Children's Dinnerware Children's Games Children's Toys DVD Player Dining Table Highchair Kitchen Laundry Facilities Microwave Refrigerator Separate Living Room Travel Crib
ACTIVITIES NEARBY

Birdwatching Cross-country Skiing Cycling Fishing Fitness Center Access Golfing Health/beauty Spa Hiking/biking Trails Horse Riding Hunting Kayaking Motor Boating Mountain Biking Mountain Climbing Rock Climbing Sledding Swimming Wildlife And Game Walks
BEDROOM

Air Conditioning Bed Sheets Heating
BATHROOM

3 Bathrooms Bathtub Hair Dryer Shampoo Soap Toilet Paper Towels
ENTERTAINMENT

DVD Player Smart TV
OUTDOOR SPACE

Balcony

Check-in : 04:00 PM Check-out : 11:00 AM

No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed

Max occupancy : 8

Map

Rates & Availability

Review

Martha F.
Submitted Dec 21, 2025

Stayed Dec 19, 2025

Host was awesome and so many thoughtful things in the cabin! Highly recommended!
Lori L.
Submitted Dec 11, 2025

Stayed Dec 4, 2025

Ida was absolutely lovely and created a welcoming atmosphere. We’ve been visiting Idyllwild for over 30 years. The Writer’s Lodge jumped up to our number 1 favorite home away from home. Many thanks, Ida
Charles C.
Submitted Nov 30, 2025

Stayed Nov 13, 2025

Host was very attentive to needs, and provided plenty of useful information.
Mark S.
Submitted Aug 24, 2025

Stayed Aug 22, 2025

Absolutely amazing host amazing property. The cabin is gorgeous. I have nothing but the most incredible things to say about the experience the facility and the host.
Lance H.
Submitted Apr 25, 2025

Stayed Apr 18, 2025

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!
Brian G.
Submitted Feb 19, 2025

Stayed Feb 14, 2025

Ida the property manager was on top of it all. Place is beautiful, will be back. High marks
Mike M.
Submitted Jan 3, 2024

Stayed Dec 29, 2023

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
Ron D.
Submitted Oct 28, 2023

Stayed Oct 12, 2023

Very comfortable, homey location. Will definitely go back again.
Larissa D.
Submitted Jul 10, 2023

Stayed Jun 10, 2023

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.
Rick E.
Submitted Jul 5, 2021

Stayed Jul 2, 2021

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.