10/10 Excellent
Tess
7 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Tess
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Apartment
Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
Photo gallery for Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 561.3 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Truckee, CA
- Donner Lake1 min walk
- Sugar Bowl Resort21 min drive
- Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area23 min drive
- Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe)16 min drive
Rooms & beds
0 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Great Room
1 Single Bed
Great Room
1 Double Futon
Great Room Alcove
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom with forest facing shower-enclosure window
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
About this property
Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
Two-storey "woodsy" Guest House, located at the quieter backside of Donner Lake, which is across the street.
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nightly cost + Vrbo fee + cleaning/pet fee + security (refundable) + (11% Hotel TAX (until 31 Nites) = none)
************
Two of the property lines are National Forest. There is wildlife. Unattended off-leash small pets maybe eaten (not happened yet, but it could). Hiking in the forest = educate yourself about how to handle a bear encounter.
**************
We have a Level2 EV charging port in the garage, and guests need to compute and pay extra for its usage. I have been told that to fully charge an EV, does cost something (not as much as gas or diesel, but the expense is there... you know your vehicle and please be fair).
***************
The lakeview is framed by majestic pine trees and open peek views of the water can be enjoyed from the entrance walkway deck (which has patio chairs).
The first-storey is a large mudroom (during winter the radiant heated tile floor is great for helping to dry out snow gear) and a small airlock area for access to the covered DogRun and side yard. The GuestHouse is built at the rear of MainHouse (private/no shared walls). New construction, lofted pine ceilings, luxury comforts. Two vehicle parking. Maybe share garage and tandem park if you have more than one vehicle. Usually, one vehicle Garage usage when it's driveway snowplow time. SLEEPING = queen bed, double futon sofa and camp cot with 4" foam mattress (for 3rd bed/child). BYO sleeping bag/pillow = 3rd bed/child FREE.
***********,*
LONGER STAY discounted rental rates available for Fall/Winter/Spring. Inquire to unblock dates and get pricing.
*************
Concerned NOT SAFE = babies old enough to crawl and little ones through early pre-school, etc. Because:
1) top of stairs ungated
2) faux "franklin stove" gas heater gets hot to touch
3) Cleaning supplies beneath sink and also next to toilet
DETAILS
"California is prone to wildfires" .... Please note we do not move, cancel or provide refunds for poor air quality, as the wind direction is beyond our control.
********
nightly cost + Vrbo fee + cleaning/pet fee + security (refundable) + (11% Hotel TAX (until 31 Nites) = none)
************
Two of the property lines are National Forest. There is wildlife. Unattended off-leash small pets maybe eaten (not happened yet, but it could). Hiking in the forest = educate yourself about how to handle a bear encounter.
**************
We have a Level2 EV charging port in the garage, and guests need to compute and pay extra for its usage. I have been told that to fully charge an EV, does cost something (not as much as gas or diesel, but the expense is there... you know your vehicle and please be fair).
***************
The lakeview is framed by majestic pine trees and open peek views of the water can be enjoyed from the entrance walkway deck (which has patio chairs).
The first-storey is a large mudroom (during winter the radiant heated tile floor is great for helping to dry out snow gear) and a small airlock area for access to the covered DogRun and side yard. The GuestHouse is built at the rear of MainHouse (private/no shared walls). New construction, lofted pine ceilings, luxury comforts. Two vehicle parking. Maybe share garage and tandem park if you have more than one vehicle. Usually, one vehicle Garage usage when it's driveway snowplow time. SLEEPING = queen bed, double futon sofa and camp cot with 4" foam mattress (for 3rd bed/child). BYO sleeping bag/pillow = 3rd bed/child FREE.
***********,*
LONGER STAY discounted rental rates available for Fall/Winter/Spring. Inquire to unblock dates and get pricing.
*************
Concerned NOT SAFE = babies old enough to crawl and little ones through early pre-school, etc. Because:
1) top of stairs ungated
2) faux "franklin stove" gas heater gets hot to touch
3) Cleaning supplies beneath sink and also next to toilet
DETAILS
"California is prone to wildfires" .... Please note we do not move, cancel or provide refunds for poor air quality, as the wind direction is beyond our control.
Property manager
HazelMarie Manfra
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Have a question?
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9.8 out of 10, (194 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Gate at stair landing is not for human children.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
No unaccompanied pets.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a deadlock
About the area
Truckee
Located in Truckee, this apartment is in the mountains and on a river. Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Donner Lake. KidZone Museum and Olympic Valley Park are also worth visiting.
Truckee, CA
What's nearby
- Donner Lake - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
- Donner Memorial State Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
- Sugar Bowl - 20 min drive - 10.5 km
- Sugar Bowl Resort - 21 min drive - 10.6 km
- Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area - 23 min drive - 19.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 11 min drive
- Starbucks - 11 min drive
- Wild Cherries Coffee House - 11 min drive
- Panda Express - 11 min drive
- Tacos Jalisco - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kristina S.
21 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a gem!
Kristina S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jean W.
13 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Getaway
Jean W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katherine S.
6 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute place
Katherine S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mandana D. F.
30 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very sweet host
Mandana D. F.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kathy D.
12 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Donner Retreat
Kathy D.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Stephen Kathleen B.
15 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean Friendly too!
Stephen Kathleen B.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mark F.
14 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome.
Mark F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
joseph L.
9 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome location with super amenities
joseph L.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
27 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Warm, welcoming, wonderful!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dakota B.
19 Apr 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect mountain get-away
Dakota B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michelle F.
8 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, beautiful home!
Michelle F.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Christian B.
18 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was an beautiful, fully equipped home in a terrific location.
Christian B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
About the host
Hosted by HazelMarie Manfra
married for 40 years
retired Registered Nurse
three adult sons
retired Registered Nurse
three adult sons
Why they chose this property
We purchased the land in 2015 and found that the first 20 ft. had been owned by Placer County for 50+ years and no one knew why... and it required an agenda item on a County Commissioners Meeting to buy it back from them before we could build... this was a surprise, and a big worry, which we were happy & relieved about when we "jumped the hurtle".
Construction started in 2017 and finished summer of 2019. All the significant quantity of boulders and rocks laid against that Eastside canyon wall came from when the foundation was excavated... and it's a good thing, because the slope definitely needed the additional erosion control.
The backside of Donner Lake retains its snow fall... Come March this past year (2021) there was at least 6 ft. of snow-pack; it had stayed for months alongside South Shore Dr. Whereas, at the other side of the lake, the snow which accumulated next to the roadway, kept to about 18-inches deep.
We are hoping this long-term forest snowpack adjoining our cabin home and the firebreaks that follow the railroad tracks as they cross Donner Pass (which runs directly above the cabin) will help to protect us from Forest Fire. AND, DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET AND ONE HOME-SITE DEEP, IS THE LAKE'S SHORELINE.
The Eastside Property line adjoins Tahoe National Forest and a "Topal" map shows us being against the Eastside of a canyon called "Lakeview". The opposite side of this canyon wall has its access protected by a tall cliff which follows paved South Shore Dr. and a steep drop from an adjoining dirt forest road (also called South Shore). These barriers shelter the area from humans. There is a path (WEBSITE PICS) directly behind our cabin which leads straight-up to where our East canyon wall levels and intersects a path running West to East into this quiet untouched area. From here, one can walk Northwards along the canyon wall top and see up-high views looking down on the lake.
I ALWAYS TAKE BEAR SPRAY WITH ME WHEN HIKING INTO THIS AREA.
Construction started in 2017 and finished summer of 2019. All the significant quantity of boulders and rocks laid against that Eastside canyon wall came from when the foundation was excavated... and it's a good thing, because the slope definitely needed the additional erosion control.
The backside of Donner Lake retains its snow fall... Come March this past year (2021) there was at least 6 ft. of snow-pack; it had stayed for months alongside South Shore Dr. Whereas, at the other side of the lake, the snow which accumulated next to the roadway, kept to about 18-inches deep.
We are hoping this long-term forest snowpack adjoining our cabin home and the firebreaks that follow the railroad tracks as they cross Donner Pass (which runs directly above the cabin) will help to protect us from Forest Fire. AND, DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET AND ONE HOME-SITE DEEP, IS THE LAKE'S SHORELINE.
The Eastside Property line adjoins Tahoe National Forest and a "Topal" map shows us being against the Eastside of a canyon called "Lakeview". The opposite side of this canyon wall has its access protected by a tall cliff which follows paved South Shore Dr. and a steep drop from an adjoining dirt forest road (also called South Shore). These barriers shelter the area from humans. There is a path (WEBSITE PICS) directly behind our cabin which leads straight-up to where our East canyon wall levels and intersects a path running West to East into this quiet untouched area. From here, one can walk Northwards along the canyon wall top and see up-high views looking down on the lake.
I ALWAYS TAKE BEAR SPRAY WITH ME WHEN HIKING INTO THIS AREA.
What makes this property unique
Below is something which I had clipped from a website article about the unique weather pattern Truckee/Donner Lake has:
"These factors contribute to Truckee’s consistently lower temperatures during spring and fall seasons when the area records the bulk of its “coldest in the nation” readings. High pressure tends to dominate West Coast weather during the summer and autumn months. This large semi-stationary air mass forces vigorous cold fronts to track far to the north, providing California with a sunny, dry climate. The air pressing down on the Sierra Nevada during these dry summer months contains very little moisture. Without much humidity in the air, there is nothing to trap and hold the sun’s heat. As soon as the sun sets, temperatures plummet. The same principle applies to deserts, known for scorching heat during the day followed by frigid nights. This high pressure cell also fosters calm, windless evenings in the Sierra, which inhibits atmospheric mixing. Without breezes to stir up the night air, the dense cooler air settles to the ground with warmer air above. This nocturnal inversion, known as such because air aloft is normally colder than at the surface, keeps Truckee’s average minimal summer temperatures hovering in the upper thirties. In addition, Truckee’s typical cloud-free evening sky allow accumulated daytime heat to escape rapidly back into the atmosphere, a dynamic known as radiational cooling. Another component that contributes to extreme temperature fluctuations is distance from any large body of water. Oceans and large lakes, like Tahoe, heat up and cool off slowly, while land surfaces gain and lose heat much more rapidly. Truckee’s afternoon temperatures are usually much higher than those recorded near Lake Tahoe, but at night plunge quickly, and are often 10 to 15 degrees colder by sunrise."
"These factors contribute to Truckee’s consistently lower temperatures during spring and fall seasons when the area records the bulk of its “coldest in the nation” readings. High pressure tends to dominate West Coast weather during the summer and autumn months. This large semi-stationary air mass forces vigorous cold fronts to track far to the north, providing California with a sunny, dry climate. The air pressing down on the Sierra Nevada during these dry summer months contains very little moisture. Without much humidity in the air, there is nothing to trap and hold the sun’s heat. As soon as the sun sets, temperatures plummet. The same principle applies to deserts, known for scorching heat during the day followed by frigid nights. This high pressure cell also fosters calm, windless evenings in the Sierra, which inhibits atmospheric mixing. Without breezes to stir up the night air, the dense cooler air settles to the ground with warmer air above. This nocturnal inversion, known as such because air aloft is normally colder than at the surface, keeps Truckee’s average minimal summer temperatures hovering in the upper thirties. In addition, Truckee’s typical cloud-free evening sky allow accumulated daytime heat to escape rapidly back into the atmosphere, a dynamic known as radiational cooling. Another component that contributes to extreme temperature fluctuations is distance from any large body of water. Oceans and large lakes, like Tahoe, heat up and cool off slowly, while land surfaces gain and lose heat much more rapidly. Truckee’s afternoon temperatures are usually much higher than those recorded near Lake Tahoe, but at night plunge quickly, and are often 10 to 15 degrees colder by sunrise."
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