2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!
Relax, recover and unwind at Writers' Refuge, a beautiful secluded and modern mountain chalet. This is a spectacular opportunity to enjoy all that Deep Creek Lake has to offer.
Whether skiing in the winter, boating in the summer or admiring the changing colors in Autumn, Writers' Refuge at Deep Creek Lake has something for the whole family to enjoy. High-speed Internet access is included and provides an excellent opportunity to take an extended vacation and catch up on work, if necessary. (desk and computer monitor included in downstairs bedroom) Well behaved pets are always welcome. Our beloved yellow lab spent 14 years hiking with us around DCL--we cherish the memories and understand that four-legged family members are just as important as the rest of our family members. We now have two new labs, Ama and Lucky, that have joined our family and are loving the wonderful hiking trails in the area.
This beautiful three-story chalet has 4 bedrooms: Bedroom 1 on the main floor (queen) with sliding glass doors to the back deck and connected door to main bath; Bedroom 2 on top floor (queen); Bedroom 3 on top floor (full); Bedroom 4 on lower level (2 twins and 1 single trundle/total for twins) with sliding glass door to backyard; Two bathrooms--one on main floor and one on top floor. The upstairs bathroom has a tub, the main floor bathroom has shower and tub.
The house is located 2 miles from Deep Creek Lake and 1.5 miles from the WISP Ski Resort entrance. It is fully furnished inside and out with lots of quilts and very cozy furnishings. We now include linens and quilts with each bed and include a set of towels for each guest.
Enjoy the view overlooking the woods from the deck, relax in front of the wood-burning stove or gaze at the stars from the outdoor hot tub. Grill out and relax on the large back deck overlooking the woods. The chalet is just minutes away from beautiful state parks, including: Deep Creek Lake Park, Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor.
Guests of Writers' Refuge have complimentary access to Deep Creek Fitness...enjoy your workout!
High-speed WIFI access is included. We recently over-stocked the kitchen with new pottery dishes, pots/pans, glass and barware. We upgraded the appliances a couple of years ago with all stainless steel appliances, new gas stove added in 2020 and we upgraded the washer/dryer with stainless steel as well.
In the summer we have a window Air Conditioning unit on the main floor and we've added circulating fans in each of the bedrooms. And we recently completed a refresh of the house: new paint in each room, new light fixtures throughout and a kitchen refresh as well as an extended driveway/pad area and upgraded walkway/decking in the front of the house.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $125 pet fee, per visit.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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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
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
About the area
McHenry
Located in McHenry, this holiday home is in the mountains. Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Deep Creek Lake and Fork Run Recreation Area. Funland and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Deep Creek Lake State Park - 13 min drive - 13.2 km
Blackwater Falls State Park - 60 min drive - 75.4 km
Getting around
Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Burger King - 6 min drive
Wispers Mountainside Bar - 6 min drive
Casselman Bakery and Café - 12 min drive
Mountain State Brewing Co. - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! on 16 May 2026 start from AU$381, 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 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Fork Run Recreation Area and Wisp Resort. Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area and Adventure Sports Center International are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very nice cabin for a relaxing and enjoyable stay! The host was very helpful and the home was clean, organized, and welcoming! I would definitely rent this home again!
Timothy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2025
Thank you for the review! I'm so glad you had a good stay. Please come back to visit -- Writers Refuge is beautiful in every season.
A charming house perfect for a family getaway. Convenient location and dog friendly!
Melinda L.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2025
Thank you for the review, Mindy! Our two puppers are part of our family -- it's one of the reasons we are dog friendly! Come back to visit soon -- DCL is beautiful in every season.
Property was clean, quiet, and all around a great place. A great place for a weekend stay with lot to do nearby.
Richard L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2023
Hi Richard, thanks very much for the review. I'm so glad everyone had a great weekend retreat. Writers Refuge is a great place to escape the summer heat! Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season! -Patty
The house was cozy and welcoming. The location was amazing. The hosts were responsive and helpful. We stayed with another family and there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves!
Meagan L.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2025
Thanks for your review, Meagan. I'm so glad you all had a nice winter getaway! Come visit us in the summer. DCL is beautiful in every season.
Wonderful location and beautifully decorated. Family was a big fan of the hot tub and proximity to Wisp!
Amy M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 2023
Thank you for the review, Amy. I'm so happy you all had a good trip. I, too, am a big fan of the hot tub. I absolutely love sitting under the stars, especially after a day of skiing at WISP! Come back to visit. DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Location, location, location! This unit has not only location, but also great communication at a very reasonable price. We were thankful to stay here for the weekend.
Joe B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Feb 2023
Thanks so much for the review, Joe. I'm so glad you all had a good weekend. Come back to visit! Snow and skiing at WISP is great, and the summer is beautiful as well! --Patty
We really linke the cabin. Very confortable and very well equipped.
We had a wonderful time!
Juan Carlos P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2024
Hi Juan Carlos, thanks very much for the review. I'm so glad you all had a good time. Please come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! --Patty and Lane
Long weekend stay to enjoy mountains and lake activities. Beautiful rustic mountain home with plenty of space and privacy. Patty made trip and check-in process very easy. She provided great tips for activities nearby as well!
Chris M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2024
Thanks so much for the review, Chris! I am so glad you all had a nice visit -- Please come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season! -- Patty
We loved visiting the green area around Derp Creek Lake and taking the grandchildren to local activities!
Cathy J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2022
Hi Cathy, I'm so happy to hear you had a nice visit. I agree, it's always so nice to get out of the city heat and head to the mountains in the summer. Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful every season! --Patty
thanks for the review, Cheryl. So glad you were able to enjoy time with your family. I'm so happy you got some snow--I'm sure the skiing was excellent! Best, Patty
We stayed at this rental with 2 families (4 adults and 4 kids). There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy their stay. The basement was a great ‘hang out’ space for the kids. We enjoyed playing games in the evenings at the kitchen table. Loved the privacy in the woods but also proximity to restaurants and activities.
BETHANY M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2025
thank you for the review, Bethany. I'm so glad you all had a good trip to DCL. We love the privacy and the hang out space in the basement as well. Come back to visit -- DCL is beautiful in every season!
Wonderful property was everything we were hoping for. The location was great – very near to all the conveniences of town, but yet feeling very isolated and private. Communication was excellent.
David T.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2022
Hi David, thank you so much for the review. I agree, the secluded feeling, yet proximity to town and the lake is very convenient. Come back to visit soon! DCL is beautiful in every season. --Patty
Everything was perfect! Very easy to communicate with Patty. Close to many of the attractions. The cabin was very cute and had everything you could need. Would stay again!
Jess R.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2022
Thanks for the great review, Jess! I'm so glad you all had a peaceful getaway. Please come back to visit, DCL is gorgeous in every season. --Patty
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jared G.
13 Mar 2018
Weekend Getaway
We had a great time during our stay! The hot tub was relaxing after a day of hiking. Great location. Would recommend 4 wheel drive if the weather gets bad. Hope to be back!!
Jared G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
thanks for your review, Jared. Yes, there is nothing like sitting under the stars in the hot tub after a day of skiing. I agree, four wheel drive is important for the area when the weather gets bad. Hope you're able to visit again this winter.
About the host
Hosted by Patty Brown and Lane Cooper
We are a family of writers and communicators based in Washington DC. Mom and Dad have been journalists since the late eighties...and there is a good chance that our son will follow in the family business. Writing is what we love to do. But it is also a deadline-intensive line of business. So every chance we get, we head for Deep Creek Lake and Writers' Refuge.
Why they chose this property
It is a chalet-style house and we fell in love with it the minute we drove up the driveway. It was off the beaten path while still being convenient to all the best the area has to offer. You are five minutes away form the the lake and the slopes. Or you can just curl up with a book in bed...or on the deck...and get lost in the rustic surroundings.
What makes this property unique
The chalet is completely surrounded by the woods...away from all distractions. The views are gorgeous...especially at night...from the hot tub when you lean your head back on a starry night.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests