Quaint yet sophisticated, our cabin is located on the West shore of gorgeous Donner Lake. Our 3-bedroom + loft home features a bright, updated kitchen, a full bath, a private backyard, and is close to tons of fun outdoor activities. We love furry friends and welcome one dog during your stay.
Recently redecorated, our home boasts stylish interior furnishings, including a farmhouse-style dining table, comfortable living room couch and chairs, cozy beds and bedding, and new kitchen appliances.
Guests have access to: - The backyard with a BBQ and fire pit - The front yard with a cute picnic table and hammock - The porch, perfect for relaxing underneath the pines
Home Highlights: - Pet-friendly: bring your pup! - Open concept living area with new furniture - Three outdoor areas for complete outdoor living - Minutes from the beach - Heating and air-conditioning - 48” TV in the living room - Close to hiking, biking, skiing, and historic Donner Summit Bridge - Fully equipped kitchen - 3 comfortable bedrooms accommodating up to 7 guests
Walk into this charming cottage and find a bright, open living, dining, and kitchen area that leads straight out to the private backyard, where you'll find a BBQ for afternoon cookouts and a fire pit for summer nights. The first bedroom with a queen-sized bed, access to the backyard, Biddeford blankets, AC, and more is on this level, along with a full bathroom and laundry room.
Upstairs, you'll find the master bedroom with a comfortable king-sized bed, another bedroom with a twin and a full, and an open loft with two twin beds.
Downstairs, enjoy a cozy porch with two rocking chairs and a front yard with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
During your stay, you will have access to our washer/dryer, WiFi, and room for three parked cars.
One lesson we've learned about the great outdoors is the frequent requirement to wipe down the deck furniture. Despite our efforts to maintain the utmost cleanliness for your convenience, it seems that nature is working against us. You may need to wipe down the outdoor table, chairs, and any other outdoor seating. The dust and pollen accumulates within a matter of hours.
Come enjoy the best of mountain lake living at Donner Lake Cottage!
*Note: Our neighbor is undergoing a remodel and they are doing their best to be respectful and gracious to all guests.*
*Furnishings and amenities will be furnished as described whenever possible. In the event that an item is damaged/broken/lost the owner will restock as soon as possible. All items in description/pictures are not guaranteed.*
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet hours are between 9pm - 8am. STR county rules must be followed at all times.
Guests must sign a rental agreement and submit contact information to confirm their booking (for local compliance laws).
We ask that the person booking the home is the primary guest staying in the home and is at least 25 years of age.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 001682
Frequently asked questions
Is Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit?
As of 26 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit on 24 May 2026 start from AU$456, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit located?
Located in Donner Lake Woods, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tahoe National Forest and Donner Lake. Donner Memorial State Park and West End Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location around Donner Lake - great dog walks and private (little but fun) dog beach. Love the towel bins - both bath and beach - plentiful, clean, fresh and rolled!Lots of sleeping options - only one (pretty spacious) bathroom Very responsive Host!
So close to beach and great amenities! Will definitely be back
Lindsay G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thanks Linsday! I look forward to hosting you again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julie
29 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The home was very comfortable with lots of room for everyone. It had all of the amenities you need for a great vacation. The backyard is great to bbq and have a cozy outdoor fire. The neighborhood is great to walk in and it is walking distance to the beach and a delicious ice cream place. We had an excellent vacation here.
This place is even better than the photos. I love the décor, private yard, location, so clean and well maintained. And a great location! I highly recommend and we will definitely be back.
jory a.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Hi Jory! So happy you felt at home and enjoyed your stay. We look forward to having you back again soon. 😊
This is our second time renting this cabin and we are already planning our next visit.
It is charming, well maintained, great location and the owners are wonderful to deal with. We love the location, fire place and backyard.
Can’t wait to go again!
jory a.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Hi Jory! You and your family are some of our favorite guests. So so happy you enjoyed your stay and honored that you are already planning your next trip. Thank you for taking care of the cottage as if it were your own home. We look forward to hosting you again soon. 😊 -Cat
We had the best stay at the Donner Lake cottage. So well decorated, cozy, the softest sheets and so close to the lake. It was a perfect stay for our family of 4! Thanks again!
Sarah L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
We are so glad you love the home as much as we do Sarah! And we agree....those sheets are so cozy it makes it hard to get out of bed sometimes! Looking forward to hosting you again soon. Thanks Sarah!
This cabin is incredibly clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is friendly and very fun to walk around. We brought our dog with us on the trip and the cabin was perfectly set up to accommodate pets.
Amanda E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
So glad you loved the home and the neighborhood Amanda! Hope you and the pup can come back and stay with us again soon.
Comfortable & well equipped with everything to make your stay relaxing & carefree. Great set up for hanging out in the yard with nice lighting & Bbq. We will definitely plan to stay here again!
MaryAnn P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay MaryAnn! It was a pleasure hosting you and we look forward to having you back again soon.
This is our third visit and we always have an amazing time. Great cottage, well maintained, easy and great communication with the owners. The location and enclosed yard makes it the perfect spot for us. We will be back again soon!
jory a.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
We are so appreciative that you choose our home again and again! We love having you Jory and will look forward to next time.
We continue to rent this cabin and enjoy every visit. The owner is amazing and so responsive and kind.
The property is well maintained and has an amazing backyard and a perfect location.
We are already talking about our next visit. Love this place!
We had a wonderful Christmas with the family! 10 minutes to downtown Truckee and Sugar Bowl. I highly recommend!
Paula A.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Thank you so much for the review! We are so happy to hear you were able to enjoy our home with your family for the holidays, and had time to enjoy some of the surrounding amenities. You're welcome back anytime!
Wonderful place, would stay there again. Well stocked kitchen for pots, pans, cooking. No other kitchen supplies ie spices, sugar, condiments bring whatever you need with,.
Mary K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Thank you Mary for the great review! Hope to see you the next time you come up to Tahoe!
Our family of 4 + dog had a wonderful stay at Caternia's cottage. It was very clean and well stocked, and we had plenty of room. Having stayed in a lot of rentals over the years, I appreciated the quality of the items- thick fluffy towels, a well stocked kitchen, and even a cordless vacuum for quick clean-ups. Overall a wonderful stay and we would definitely return!
This cabin is darling. Furnished impeccably & immaculately clean. The whole thing has a loving touch that is hard to miss.
We had everything we needed to enjoy our family vacation to the fullest. Cat & her management team are extremely helpful and accommodating. I hope to stay here again and again.
Tracy G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Tracy you are the sweetest! We are so glad you loved the home as much as we do. Come back and stay again and again!
This house has everything you need for your stay. The fenced backyard was perfect for the dogs. We also met so many friendly neighbors on our walks. The location is great for access to many trails and we also enjoyed time on the public piers along the lake! So much fun! Will return.
Michelle M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Great to hear both you and your pups were able to enjoy the home, the lake and the trails! Always awesome to hear when people have a wonderful stay with us. Thank you!
This cottage is so great! Very clean, looks just like the pictures, and very comfortable and cozy for six of us! Although it is small on the outside, the inside has the perfect amount of space. The fenced in yard was perfect for the dogs and the fire pit and BBQ did not go to waste! Cat was incredibly helpful and communicative before, during and after the trip. Would definitely stay here again.
Mackenize M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Hi Mackenzie,
So happy you loved the cottage and it was perfect for your trip! I hope you made some great memories. We look forward to hosting you again soon! 😊
Cat
House was exactly what we expected. Walkable to the West End of the Lake. Perfect for toddlers (ages 3 and 2….we know we bring the danger lol) Host replies super quick. We will be back next Summer!
cory p.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Sept 2024
Thank you for staying with us Cory! Can't wait to host you again!
How awesome? I was sitting at the table next to a giant window when.... Shock and awe... a mama bear and three cubs passed between this and the neighbor's property, but for the window, they were 5 feet away at 6:30 AM. How cool is that? That's old Tahoe cool.
W Scott K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
So cool you caught a glimpse of the locals :) Thank you for sharing!
Loved the cabin. The weather was unseasonably cold, made me wish there was a hot tub, otherwise we loved it.
Erin V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
So glad you loved the cabin Erin! And yes, you did come during a weirdly cold time but we hope you were able to have some fun adventures nonetheless. Come back and stay with us again soon!
As others said, this place was so cozy and lovely! I was looking for a place where I could stay for a few days to get some work done without distractions, and this place worked out great! I felt super safe even though I was alone with friendly neighbors close by. And I loved it so much I also can’t wait to come back with family and friends!
Katie W.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2023
Hi Katie,
So happy you loved your time at the cottage and that it could be a safe haven for you for a few days to get some work done. We look forward to hosting you, your family/friends and your pup again soon! -Cat
About the host
Hosted by Caterina & the Tahoe Cohost team
Hi I’m Caterina, but most people call me Cat!
Here are some fun facts about me:
- I was born and raised in Sonoma County but my favorite place on earth is Donner Lake - I have been coming here ever since I can remember. - My favorite activities as a kid at the lake were trying to catch crawdads (with hot dogs) and minnows. - I bought my house through friends and without even thinking said “YES!” when they asked - the welcoming community here is unparalleled to anything I have previously experienced. - I re-vamped my house to be a home-away-from home sanctuary for anyone who visits. - My dream is to raise my future children coming up to Truckee and Donner Lake. - I am a fair weather skier so I mostly snowshoe in the Winter. - I love hiking and taking long walks in the Summer….and visiting Little Truckee Ice Cream after. - I love attempting to cook and bake. - I have a lab named Harley who is crazy but an absolute love bug.
Why they chose this property
This is one of the cutest lake cottages you ever did see! While small, it is private and has tons of outdoor space, perfect for all of your al fresco dining, grilling, and relaxing. The home is perfectly styled with brand new furniture and appliances. This cute little cottage is the perfect place for a family or a small group of friends any time of year. We are walking distance to the lake, minutes from some gorgeous hikes, and just a short drive to multiple world-class ski resorts.
What makes this property unique
Donner Lake is the BEST neighborhood. We love that when you stay here you literally don't have to drive anywhere if you don't want to. The beach is walking distance, if you want to go out there is a Pub in walking distance (as well as Little Truckee Ice Cream) and you can hang out the rest of the time at the house if you want (BBQ, lounge, etc.). You can also take long walks and access many hiking trails close to the area.
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
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