The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK

Kernville, California
$700 avg/night
Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 5

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

Welcome to The Lookout House - Your Private River Waterfront Retreat

Look out over the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-story house situated in an amazing setting directly on the wild & scenic Kern River.

Home Layout:

Primary bedroom with a Queen bed and attached full Bathroom with walk-in shower. 2nd bedroom has a Queen bed with a full guest Bathroom with a bathtub/shower directly across the hallway. Both upstairs bedrooms lead out onto a beautiful mountain/river view balcony. Well-stocked full Kitchen with new full appliances. Ready for chef meals! Full Laundry off Kitchen. Dining table area seating for 8 with river/mountain views. Living room with a rugged stone wood-burning fireplace and TV. Interior staircase connects the floors. A door separates the floors if privacy is needed. Downstairs has its own wood-burning fireplace lounge with classic audio entertainment and games/puzzles. Downstairs has a cozy Queen sofa bed. Downstairs room has its own outdoor access through a sliding glass door.

Home Features:

Unobstructed and commanding views of the riverscape and rugged mountains beyond from every room. Each upstairs bathroom looks out to a private, lush plant atrium. We use local wood on the walls and local river stone on the fireplaces. Our home was designed to bring elements of the landscape into the space for a peaceful, natural experience. Your private escape provides comfortable, thoughtfully designed spaces and modern conveniences - curated in a rustic modern style with vintage artwork, favorite books/games, record player and cozy furniture with plenty of room for family and friends.

Property Layout and River Access:

Gated driveway with room for 2 cars and ample street parking. Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2 from driveway always available. The entire property is fenced from front to backyard with lockable gates. Past the backyard fence is a quaint, historical river water canal that is crossed by a short footbridge with security handrails. After the bridge crossing is the river's edge concrete patio with lounge chairs & a picnic table. This patio area has a metal handrail only, no fence. There's a natural boulder path with a handrail down to the river water. You must be sure-footed to access the water. There is a very nice swimming area at the house depending on the season & weather - please ask us about what to expect during your stay :) Outside you'll find native plant-filled terraces, sitting areas, hammock and mature shade trees. Large patio and riverfront setting invites you to enjoy a BBQ or picnic lunch, or simply lounge on the deck. Enjoy the river going by.

What We Provide:

Inside Amenities
Bedding (linens, blankets, pillows) Bath Towels Hand Soap/Shower Gel/Shampoo/Conditioner Hairdryer Iron and Board Graco Pack 'n Play with Fitted Sheet Standalone Folding Highchair Crib with Mattress & Fitted Sheet (only with prior request) Robes Travel Blackout Curtains Bluetooth Portable Speaker Board Games/Puzzles/Cards Curated Reading Library Record Player with record selection Firewood for sale (seasonal)

Kitchen Amenities
Locally Roasted Ground Coffee and Coffee Pods Drip Coffee Machine with filter Keurig Machine and French Press Bagged Teas/Creamer Pods/Sweeteners Paper Towels/Napkins Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Detergent/Dishwashing Pods Dishes/Silverware/Drinkware/Knives All Pots/Pans/Kitchen Accessories Glassware - Beer/Wine/Bubbly Toaster Oven/Blender/Coffee Grinder/Kettle Olive Oil/Salt & Pepper/Basic Spices Foil/Wraps Filtered Water

Outside Amenities
Electric Vehicle Charger Level 2 in Driveway (for fee) Propane Weber BBQ Grill and Tools (propane provided) Beach: Towels, 2 Chairs, Umbrella, Sand Toys 2 Float Tubes, 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (seasonal and liability waiver required) Small Selection of Life Jackets - adult & child Binoculars, Backpack, Maps 2 Snow Sleds (seasonal and liability waiver required)

Location/Town:

The streets are wide, in very good condition & calm. No need for 4-wheel drive. The river is in the backyard so that's the sound you'll hear most of! It's a fun neighborhood to walk your dog to downtown Kernville. Kernville a vintage-y, quirky Old West town that feels like you've gone back in time. Many restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacy, post office, shops, sports outfitters, fishing shops & local brewery are right in town. You can bring it all with you or buy it here - the choice is yours! Bicycles are fun in Kernville. Many options for road or trail running. Some very nice trailheads/hikes are close to town with a short drive. It's a perfect basecamp for exploring the southern Sierras.

Things To Do:

1 mile to Downtown Kernville, walk there in 15 minutes. You can get your morning coffee and have a look around. Go for a run or nature walk to Bull Run Creek at nearby Whiskey Flat Trail 1 mile from house. Visit the Giant Redwoods at Trail of 100 Giants (closed in winter). A 45 minute picturesque drive upriver. Stroll in the Kern Audubon Preserve. Mountain bike Cannell Trail or Whiskey Flat Trail. Fly fish the North Fork of the Kern for famous wild trout. Or trout fish right in your backyard! Try a kayak lesson, a white water rafting trip, take an intro climbing lesson. Kids can have some fun at Riverside Park in downtown Kernville where there's a nice playground & children's river beach. Visit the free Kern Valley Museum or the Nuui Cunni Native American Cultural Center. The beautiful view from Johnsondale Bridge is a short drive upriver. Go out to the award-winning Kern River Brewery for a special brew. Catch the stunning view & good meals at Ewing's Restaurant. Pop into the Saloon or Sportsman's Bar for a nightcap & a chat with the locals. When you're ready for bed, you'll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rushing river!

If you'd like More Space: we also rent this entire house which includes a Downstairs Suite with a private entrance, queen bedroom, living room, kitchenette/dining, and another full bathroom as the listing: The Big View House. However you choose to rent this house, you'll be the only guests in the house & on the property. Please contact us for this upgrade :)

POLICIES:
1. Guest max for nightly rate is 5. Extra guest is $50 per night per guest up to 1 extra guest max.
2. Guest MUST review and accept the Rental Agreement and Contact Form that'll be emailed after booking.
3. No fireworks/outdoor fires are allowed (propane BBQ and indoor fireplace are OK)
4. No events, parties, photoshoots without prior Owner approval. We have a Nest camera pointed at the street entry to ensure only registered Guests are on the property.
5. Two well-behaved and house trained dogs will be considered for pre-approval. Please tell us about your pet. $60 pet fee per stay will apply.

*PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS when booking:
1. What brings you to the area
2. What is the # of adults and # of children of any age in your group
3. Are you bringing a pet (Yes or No) If yes - please let us know breed, age, weight for pre-approval.
:) Thanks!

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Cross-country Skiing And Snowboarding Nearby
  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Service Animals Exempt From Fees Welcoming Dogs Only
  • BEACH

    On The Beach
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided Sofa Bed
  • GENERAL

    Bulk Dispenser For Toiletries Double-glazed Windows Humane Treatment Of Captive Wild Animals Reusable Coffee/tea Filters Unit Size: 1700 Sq Ft (158 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Microwave Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Near Laundromat Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Car Recommended Electric Car Charging Station On Site Onsite Parking Wheelchair-accessible Parking Available
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi, With Speed Of 250+ Mbps (good For 3–5 People Or Up To 10 Devices)
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Fenced Yard Firepit Garden
  • POOL/SPA

    Massages
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Eco-friendly Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English French Spanish
  • THINGS TO DO

    Fitness Center Fitness Facilities Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Jet Skiing Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Power Boating Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Sledding Nearby Snow Sports Gear Swimming Nearby Water Sports Equipment Water Tubing Nearby Windsurfing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Music Library Stereo Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Dinnerware Children's Toys Highchair Travel Crib
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In A Village In The Mountains Near A Hospital On The River On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    1 On-site Accessible Parking Spaces Handrails In Stairways Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Note From Host: No Smoking Or Vaping In Or Near The House. Smoke-free Property Stair-free Path To Entrance Tile Flooring In Public Areas Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only Well-lit Path To Entrance Wheelchair-accessible Parking

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 5

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Garrett

    Submitted Apr 27, 2026

    Stayed Apr 24, 2026

    Property is beautiful. Kitchen has everything you need to cook meals. Very clean home. Grill for outdoor cooking

  • Karen S.

    Submitted Apr 23, 2026

    Stayed Apr 19, 2026

    I have traveled around the world and this vacation home was in my backyard. Attention to detail was 5 star and even though we came up here to off road we spent more time at the house than on the trails. Couldn’t get enough of the patio on the river. If you want to transport yourself to another realm then book yourself a stay at the Kern River House.

  • Matt G.

    Submitted Apr 10, 2026

    Stayed Apr 6, 2026

    We had an excellent stay at the Kern River house. The property was incredibly clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully put together. Everything felt fresh and comfortable from the moment we walked in.The setting is just as impressive with beautiful views right along the river, peaceful surroundings, and a perfect place to relax or unwind after a day outdoors. You can tell the owners take pride in keeping the home in top condition.Overall, it was a great experience. Clean, comfortable, and in a beautiful location, exactly what you want in a getaway. We would absolutely stay here again.

  • Tatyana Y.

    Submitted Aug 1, 2025

    Stayed Jul 16, 2025

    We loved our stay at Keen River House! The house itself is beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and equipped with everything we needed. It’s a two-story house with lots of space for relaxing, with two kitchens, comfy bedrooms, and great energy and atmosphere. The outdoors is a garden comprised of native trees and plants, several places to relax and observe nature, a barbecue grill and a table, and a couple of fishing spots by the river below. The river flow is quite strong at the location, but there are a couple of spots where one can safely get into the water. We really enjoyed our stay, the river, observing animals, and checking out the town and the nearby river banks. Thank you so much!

  • Tim R.

    Submitted Jul 30, 2024

    Stayed Jul 25, 2024

    Great property

  • Karen B.

    Submitted Nov 9, 2023

    Stayed Oct 16, 2023

    One of the most beautiful we’ve stayed in, really showcases the mighty Kern river and the glorious backdrop that is the Kern River Valley. You have everything you need, the decor is very cool with a 40’s cabin/Mid Century Modern feel and hosts are so gracious. I would highly recommend The Kern River House!

  • Laura S.

    Submitted Oct 25, 2023

    Stayed Oct 22, 2023

    Absolutely lovely, we had a great time

  • Lorie G.

    Submitted Sep 17, 2023

    Stayed Sep 12, 2023

    What a beautiful well-appointed house in an amazing location!! The many windows and sliding doors brought the spectacular outdoors indoors. We loved sitting on the downstairs deck watching rafters navigate the rapids. Listening to the river flow at night lulled us to sleep. The hosts are gracious and good communicators. This was our second time at the Lookout House and we will return.

  • Amee D.

    Submitted Sep 3, 2023

    Stayed Aug 24, 2023

    Awesome stay

  • Chris M.

    Submitted Aug 1, 2023

    Stayed Jul 27, 2023

    This place has it all! Perfect location on the river. Great communication with owners! We hope to rent this place again in the future!!

  • Margie G.

    Submitted Jul 26, 2023

    Stayed Jul 12, 2023

    Wow… This place has got an incredible view with large windows overlooking the mighty Kern River. There were many places to sit outside to Enjoy what the area has to offer. Since the water level was high this year, it was nice to be able to cool off in the canal that ran through the property. It was a great vacation for us and our dog.

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$735+
View details