Entire home

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home

Lakefront holiday home with fitness centre and Hot tub

Photo gallery for Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home

Southeast view of outside of house
View from street showing east side
Property grounds
Entry access control and doorbell
Kitchen view from balcony door

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8334.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Oakland, MD
  • Place, Deep Creek Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Wisp Resort
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Deep Creek Lake State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Lake level Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Lake level Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Main level Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Main level Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Lake level bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Main level Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Main level powder room

Towels provided · Toilet

Private Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home

Update October 2025 - We installed a "six person" hot tub just outside the door to the lower yard. It's just a few steps from the house to the tub. We also installed hardscape and turf in that same yard (between lake buffer zone and house). This provides a fenced yard for kids and pets. We have also been adding details to the interior that should make things more comfortable. This includes getting the fireplace operational for winter and adding furniture in strategic places. Later this month we will complete the driveway paving.


Re-building of Sunny Escape:
After 20 years of ownership of this 1940's former fishing cabin, we have decided to tear down the old home and rebuild on the same lot. We expect to make it available for vacation rental around September 2024, unless we are very lucky with demolition, construction, and provisioning. We hope that all of our former guests who have been so loyal and admiring for so many years will also be patrons of the new home.

The story of Sunny Escape started in the late 1930s when Deep Creek Lake construction began as part of the the New Deal electrification program. However, the lake has always been a treasured getaway with it's natural shoreline, many coves, fishing, and relaxed atmosphere. Originally, just a one room stone cabin, it was added to in the late 1950s and turned into a year round lakefront home. However, it took many remodeling and sometimes the quality of these were not always as great as we would like. This has lead to maintenance problems, pests, and high heating bills. We finally decided, after several expensive renovations of our own to cut our loses and build a "better" Sunny Escape.

For those who admired the original stone interior and exterior stone work and the wormy chestnut wood paneling, we realize those were hallmarks of the original building and we are taking as many steps as we can to retain and preserve these elements. We have stripped the chestnut panels and have contracted with a woodsmith to clean and prepare that lumber for reuse.

The headlines about the new house is that it is designed according to "passive house" standards, that will reduce heating and air conditioning cost, while providing fresh air throughout the house year round. We have also designed it to be friendly for short term stays in ways that we have learned from your feedback over our ownership. This includes plenty of common space, four bedrooms, generous parking, and easy moving in and out.

There will be four bedroom in the new house, two on the second floor and two on the first. Persons who have difficulties with stairs will have an easy time living entirely on the upper (street level) door, where the kitchen, dining, and great room provide plenty of space for gathering and relaxing with spectacular views of the lake.

As always, we will have the dock with swim platform, easy access to the lake, fire pit, and hot tub. We will also continue to allow well behaved dogs and will ensure that pet hair is removed between visits for those whom are sensitive.

Layout:
Great Room - Gas Fireplace, Lake View, TV, Table Seats 6
Balcony/deck - Located on second floor, covered, with furniture for relaxing and a dining table and chairs.
Kitchen - adjoining great room with eat-at island, plenty of food storage, dishwasher, ovens, induction range, and plenty of gadgets, dishes, and cooking gear.
Bedrooms 1 - Street level with Queen size bed
Bedroom 2 - Street level with King size bed - shared bath with tub and shower
Bedroom 3 - lake level with private bath with shower
Bedroom 4 - lake level shared full bath

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
There is an unfenced dock area.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
There are local noise ordinances.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Up to two dogs only.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not inside property

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
If you bring a pet, we expect you to clean up and dispose of any pet waste and clean rugs and furniture of any pet hair. There is a vacuum cleaner available for guest use.
The combination washer-dryer on the street level is a technology wonder, but requires diligent cleaning of the lint filter. Please do this after each load of laundry.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
All other outdoor furniture must be returned to the fenced yard prior to leaving. The exception are the benches at the fire pit.
All interior furniture must be returned to the location it was in at the start of the rental. Bed linens should stay in the room they were found in.
Balcony furniture should not be removed from the balcony.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8
Note from host: There are local noise ordinances.
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 first aid kit
Property Registration Number Parcel ID: 18032554

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Oakland

Located in Oakland, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Garrett County Historical Museum and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Club. Travelling with kids? Consider Funland, or check out an event or a game at Adventure Sports Center International. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oakland, MD

What's nearby

  • Deep Creek Lake - 1 min drive - 1.4 km
  • Wisp Resort - 6 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Swallow Falls State Park - 13 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Blackwater Falls State Park - 54 min drive - 71.9 km

Getting around

  • Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Casselman Bakery and Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Perkins American Food Co. - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era for a well loved lake front home located?

This family-friendly Oakland holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Deep Creek Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Funland and Wisp Resort. Deep Creek Lake State Park and Lodestone Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 184 out of 195 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 195 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 195 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 195 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 195 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bryce A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location is ideal and the house was amazing. Communication with Mike could not have been better, we will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mrs. A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 4th time staying at Sunny Escape but our first in version 2.0. The remodel is stunning and spacious. We are always impressed with the cleanliness and comfort. We were a bit disappointed with the loss of the hot tub but had an amazing time regardless.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property

The home was clean and everything was brand new. Although the house wasnt finished, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Laura J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great view of the lake

Nice location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

I’ve been here a few times and I would go back again. Michael has always been prompt to answer any questions I’ve had. The house was clean, well stocked and all rooms are big for relaxing. Accurate description of the property on VRBO. But of course it’s also great because of the lake front, nearby restaurants, groceries and adventures. Thank you Michael for sharing your home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

This property was very cozy and relaxing. There was an abundance of games and puzzles to use. The TV has any channel you could think of, in addition to streaming apps. The view was the best part as you wake up and have your morning coffee. The neighborhood was super quiet and peaceful. The hot tub was a fun addition to use before the NFL games came on. Only minor negative was the creaking of the wood boards in the master bedroom that started as soon as we wanted to go to bed. But it stopped after 5-10 minutes but we could not find where the noise was coming from. Overall would definitely come back next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

William P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Again

As former residents and now still frequent visitors to DCL, we know the area and we’ve rented several places. Sunny Escape is the best!! The house is deceptively wonderful - a little drab on the outside but comfortable, roomy and so beautifully maintained on the inside. Mike is the host and he is part of what is so exceptional. He is quick to respond from initial steps to renting the place throughout the entire stay. He is also resourceful and genuinely works to address anything that comes up. The place is beautifully stocked as well - with kitchen appliances but also kitchen supplies. You feel at home. I regret the house will not be available in the fall - as he is apparently taking almost a year to update and renovate.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunny Escape has always been our favorite Deep Creek rental, even before the recent renovation. The location is ideal in being quiet water front off the main drag but still close to restaurants and grocery stores. Mike is a superb host who is available and helpful and who equips the house with all you need in terms of how the fully modern kitchen has the spices and utensils you probably rely on at home. The renovation puts Sunny Escape over the top. It is beautiful and has an exquisite panoramic view of the lake from the living room and kitchen and deck. The house now has more than doubled in size with 4 good size bedrooms and a family room and game room downstairs. The wifi is excellent. There are two huge televisions and it even has a carport terminal for chargine electic vehicles. Wonderful and the fishing is good.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent stay at Mike’s lake house. The photos don’t do the home justice. It’s such a beautiful spot to leaf peep and enjoy lake activities. The home was clean, spacious and fun for all. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful newly constructed home with all the bells and whistles. Perfect location. Close to everything but off the beaten path. Excellent accessibility to main living level from covered parking. Gentle slope to fire pit and dock with easy launching of kayaks. Pet friendly deck and yard.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with convenient access to the lake. Loved the deck and the lower outside area. Home was comfortable and neat.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

joseph h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our group found the house to be clean, comfortable, and located right on the lake with a dock. We would certainly book the property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunny Escape 2 is an amazing property on Deep Creek Lake! We truly enjoyed our week on the lake and the property had everything we could ask for! The owner was always extremely responsive and able to handle of our needs and answer our questions! We can't wait to return next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an absolute gem! My family just returned from a fabulous week at Sunny Escape (2). Mom, Dad, 14yo, 11yo. This home is very special. The owner cares deeply about this property and its footprint in the world - and that shows in the way the home is built, maintained, advertised, stocked, presented, to the way he communicates with guests. Thoughtful touches everywhere. Highly recommend.Some additional positives / details that might also be interesting to you:Location is fantastic for views and accessing main hubs for activities, food, supplies (by car).Location is busy with boat traffic, particularly during the sunniest summer weekend days :) You can people watch AND relax - best of both worlds.We successfully swam and launched kayaks as well as a paddleboard often - we felt most comfortable paddling and exploring out on the water early morning and evening.The road is lovely and walkable.Beds and linens are gloriously comfortable.Home is well supplied with amenities, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, games, etc.Additional local activity highlights for us: hiking (Swallow Falls, in particular), dining (venture to Pawn Run, Brewery and the Beast, Firewater, Lakeside Creamery), and s’mores making (Arrowhead has everything you need).Enjoy!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don't wait, BOOK NOW! It WILL sell out next year.We booked with Michael in January for a trip in early July with the hopes that the renovations would be complete. Unfortunately, they were not. Michael reached out with an update and photos, and said that they would do everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Upon reviewing the photos, we decided to keep our reservation. Let me tell you that they went above and beyond for us. Upon arrival, we were surprised at what a great location it is and how beautiful the house was. The pictures do not do it justice. The view from the deck is absolutely beautiful! The fenced-in area is great for dogs and a toddler pool, and the lower yard is also the perfect size for kids and a dog. The passive temperature control allowed us to leave the door open just enough for the doggos to go in and out and do their thing. This is by far the most dog-friendly place we've stayed at. They even had a waste bin outside for the doggie bags. :)Just an FYI - it is a highly travelled area for boats, but it is still safe to swim. Our 10 y.o. niece was in the water EVERY day.We have already booked for next year and cannot wait!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First time to Deep Creek, MD had a fun time boating & hanging out with family. Sunny Escape is a beautiful property with everything to make our stay comfortable. It is spacious, loved the covered balcony overlooking the lake. Host is great. We would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

JEROME Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Still great place after numerous trips. Enjoy the location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sunny escape

Can't wait to go back
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin B., Annapolis, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a wonderful stay!

This was our 3rd or 4th stay at Sunny Escape and it was like coming home. The best property we’ve rented since beginning our annual trips in 2016. We’ll miss this house as it transforms into a new one in the coming year. Looking forward to its transformation. Thanks again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a great stay at Sunny Escape.

We have been staying here a few years now. We are never dissatisfied.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dani G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Little Getaway

I booked this property last minute after travel plans changed and we had to stay more local. I hadn’t been to Deep Creek for about 5 years and wanted to take the kiddos. The property was literally perfect. Waterfront, with enough flatness at the start of the dock that the kids could navigate their way in easily into the water (for reference I traveled with 3 boys ages 5, 6, and 7). It is a busier part of the lake and the boys LOVED that sometimes there were waves. They called it the wave pool. The house itself quite literally had everything you would need. Games galore, every kitchen item including storage containers for leftovers which is something I seldom find and really appreciated. It was clean, it was plenty of space for the 5 of us. Could’ve easily invited a few more. I absolutely loved the sheets in the king room. So soft I even found the tag to see the brand. The proximity to everything else you’d ever want like pizza, the grocery store, rentals and most importantly, ice cream, was perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing and would totally book again! Bringing the pup next time!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place and location. Exactly what we were looking for. Everything was super easy, communication was great.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

SHANE R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family weekend

Really enjoyed our stay at this house. Great location, lots of ammenties, clean house. We brought our boat just a short drive to the launch but very easy to navigate back to the home. Would definitely stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need

Excellent location and everything was thought out for guests. Everyone loved this place.. can't go wrong staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

My family has been going to Deep Creek for the last 27 yrs at least once a yr if not two times a yr. We have always rented a place so we have stayed in a lot of different houses. We really enjoyed this house from the fenced in yard for our little dog to the easy indoor fire place that has a timer so just set it and forget it. One of the best things this house has is labels every where from the remotes on the tv's to the Kitchen which was GREAT. I like to cook so I am always tinkering making Appetizers and such and I am always pulling draws open trying to find things but not here thanks to the labels. The Kitchen is also nicely equipped with everything you will need even plastic wrap , foil etc which is crazy awesome and three coffee makers that's crazy. You are mere steps from the lake and there is a railing on the steps going to the dock again a great idea that we have never seen at other rentals. Overall this is one of the best places to stay that has a lot to offer from the lake to the great amenities in the house. Now the cons if they are really cons, a door to the gated yard for the pets straight from inside the house definitely not necessary and last thing at night from the last bedroom with two beds you can hear a loud tapping sound periodically in the same pattern all night. Great place will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Michael Matyas

Host profile image
Our family has been coming to Deep Creek lake since 2001 and it is a second home for us. We enjoy the slower pace and many outdoor attractions such as boating, fishing, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, wake boarding, or just going for a walk in the woods. We live in Arlington, Virginia and come here whenever we are able.

Why they chose this property

This location is convenient to attractions and a half mile from the main Rt 319 road. The current house was built shortly after the lake was filled in the late 40's due to the location and commands one of the best views around. It is also easy to get to and easy to get to grocery stores, coffee, and activities.

What makes this property unique

We rebuilt with an eye for comfort and affordable luxury. The new house is quiet, comfortable, and convenient year round. It will be the first "passive house" on Deep Creek Lake and as such provides a unique perspective on the future of sustainable architecture and low carbon living.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests