Entire home
Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.
Photo gallery for Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Sleeps 8 223.0 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Idyllwild, CA
- San Jacinto Mountains1 min walk
- Idyllwild Nature Center8 min walk
- Idyllwild Park17 min walk
- Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)66 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1- Master Suite
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2-Downstairs Guest room
2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed
Bedroom 3- Upstairs
1 King Bed
Bedroom 4- Upstairs
1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds
Other ;Seasonal Outdoor bed and queen air mattress
1 Queen Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.
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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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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
Child friendly, not "child proof"
Events
No events allowed
Only with owners permission/additional requirement
Pets
No pets allowed
Although we love pets, no exceptions can be made.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
This is a non-smoking house.
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
Note from host: Only with owners permission/additional requirement
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number RVC-0259
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Idyllwild
Located in Idyllwild, this holiday home is in a rural area. McCallum Adobe and Forever Marilyn are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Cameron Center Shopping Center and Plaza de las Flores Shopping Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Idyllwild Nature Center and Camelot Park Family Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Idyllwild, CA
What's nearby
- San Jacinto Mountains - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Mount San Jacinto State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Idyllwild Nature Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- Idyllwild Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
- Morongo Casino - 39 min drive - 48.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Mountain Center Cafe - 7 min drive
- Idyllwild Brewpub - 11 min walk
- Idyllwild Village Market, Deli & Pizzeria - 7 min walk
- Peaks Restaurant
- Alpaca Coffee & Tea - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Ida

Lucky for me, my parents moved our family to Idyllwild and into this house when I was a child. I was lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity to grow up in this amazing town. I grew up writing poetry on the deck with only moonlight to illuminate the page, climbing rocks, building snowmen and having many snowball fights with my brother and sister. There were many 'White Chirstimas' mornings and Thanksgiving day hikes. My family still gathers at the house to share laughter, love and tales of life's experiences. It is a place we will always call home and I am excited to share it with you.
Why they chose this property
This home was built in 1945, by Lou Britton and has since been owned by the Famous Mystery Author, Erle Stanley Gardner, whose ownership created a local nickname of "The Mystery Lodge." I try to create that same sense of awe upon your arrival that I felt as a child walking through the giant wood door and looking up onto the sky high knotty pine ceilings! Wow!
What makes this property unique
Full of history! The Lodge is only a 5-7 minute walk to the centre of Idyllwild's restaurants, shopping, music, and art galleries. The homeowner's family has vacationed and lived in Idyllwild for over 56 years and is committed to providing you and your family with personal service to optimize your stay with us.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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