Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage

We are so pleased that you enjoyed our mountain ranch. The acreage allows our guests to truly enjoy the forest and local wildlife. So glad that your children and grandchildren had such a lovely experience.

So pleased to meet you and your family and delighted that everyone enjoyed our mountain paradise. The open forest and numerous outdoor activities are not there by accident but because we raised our children at the ranch and designed it for family enjoyment. Since we have the last legal horse property in our neighborhood, please come back to see us when the corrals are full.

We are delighted that you and your friends had such an awesome stay at our family home ... that makes renting our property a joy to get feedback like yours! We, too, love the serenity and privacy of our little ranch nestled among the pine trees. Thanks for leaving our place in great shape and we'll look forward to seeing you again. Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow!

We are especially pleased that you liked natural wilderness feeling. That is precisely why we purchased the adjacent acreage. We wanted it to feel the way it did why we were young and first moved to the mountains. We've worked hard to preserve the innocence of a cabin in the woods and our sense of privacy. Looking forward to your return visit.

We were delighted to host you and your family and those very nice and polite teenage boys. As you pointed out, our property is perfect for family activities with all the wide open acreage and the privacy we all enjoy. We look forward to your return visit. Warmest regards, Susan and Ken

Thoroughly enjoyed meeting and hosting your amazing three-generation family, from your tiny baby to your loving dog, Ronnie, all first class. So glad you loved the acres of pine forest. This is why we bought the property for our own family over 30 years ago. Look forward to having you back.

Hector, Thank you for the 5-star review. As you said, the ranch is all about families. With four acres of forest for the kids to explore, to the tree swing, tree fort, horseshoes, ping pong, etc., there's lots of entertainment without having to leave the property. In addition, our setting offers complete privacy. Glad to hear you'll be returning. Happy New Year to you and your family, Ken and Susan

I had no idea your father was Latino, any more than you didn't know my grandmother was Latino. Race not relevant. We were just kidding around as nice people do. Nothing to do with race identification. My apologies if you were offended. That was not my intent. Best regards to your dad; nice guy.

Dr. Bednar, So glad you and your family enjoyed Starvation Flats Ranch. That was quite a lovely snowman the grandchildren built. We are so fortunate to have acquired the surrounding acreage which provides lots of privacy and room for sledding and such. Come back and stay sometime in the summer when we also have multiple outdoor activities such as lake fishing, water sports, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, etc. We'll look forward to hosting you and your family again soon.

Oh, how we love to hear such a glowing review from our guests! Thank you! Sounds like you made good use of the many acres of private forest surrounding our home. Our convenient location of walking to the lake, being close to the ski resorts and stores, all make it easy to relax. We love how generations of all ages each find their own way to enjoy their special respite. Looking forward to your return, Susan & Ken

Your review brought happy tears to our eyes since it is obvious that you enjoyed the property precisely as we have for some 30 years. Couldn't help but notice your multiple use of 'family' in your review. We designed this property for our family and others like yours to enjoy. Years ago we purchased the surrounding forest so our children and grandchildren would have a safe place to play and explore. It's really special having so much open forest with majestic pine trees and wildlife to experience. We love families with all their smiling faces and children erupting with laughter and joy. Incidentally, every year we try to make a significant improvement. Last year we installed two new barbeques/smoker and this week we are installing a new family friendly hot tub/spa. Lots of snow this season. Come to Starvation Flats Ranch and see for yourself why families return year after year. Ken and Susan, owners

A small portion of your security deposit was withheld due to the poor condition the house was left in ... as itemized in our email to you ... and photographed for verification. Your contract specified the house was to be left in a clean and tidy condition as it was upon your arrival, and it was not. As such, additional cleaning fees were incurred and charged against your deposit. As for the number of vehicles, you specified in your contract that 4 vehicles would be on the premises. Our property manager did a drive by and counted 2 additional vehicles ... which is clearly a red flag that we may be in violation of the city-imposed restrictions on the number of overnight guests ... which could lead to fines, guest eviction ... and even the loss of our license. However, because we took your word regarding the number of guests claimed, no further action was taken. The property manager also observed what appeared to be people smoking on the property which is not only a violation of our rental agreement and city required code of conduct, but also poses a serious threat to our property and that of our neighbors in this heavily forested mountain community. As such, you were called to verify that we were in compliance and there was no undue fire hazard present. We treat all of our guests with courtesy and respect ... which partially accounts for why some 90% of our guests are return visitors and in which we take a great deal of pride. Finally, you accused us of unfairly charging you extra tax beyond that required by the city. The city requires an 8% TOT tax and a 3% TBID tax for a total of 11% which is precisely what you were charged. Sorry you were disappointed; we were, too.

The children really seemed to enjoy all the games and vast forest to romp and play. A little snow also helped! Please do come back!

You have a lovely family and families are precisely what we designed our ranch property for. From acreage to run and play, to tree swings, and innumerable games, there's lots to do for young and old and your family made the most of the amenities. Santa's elves even brought fresh snow for the holidays! We look forward to your return.

Renter willfully and knowingly violated the terms and conditions of the rental agreement and violated city and state laws. Violations include but not limited to excessive number of guests and vehicles, both confirmed by property manager, neighbors, and verified by review of detailed and extensive security camera video footage. Specific contract details were discussed and confirmed through numerous exchanges of emails, text messages, and in-person check in, and clearly specified in the rental agreement. Behavior has consequences. The renter chose not to abide by the contract. 1/3 of renter's security deposit was forfeited due to contract violations. P.S. The driveway is asphalt.

We are delighted that all the children enjoyed our acres of trees and abundant activities. Our home and property are made for families just like yours. Lots to see, lots to do. We're still finding Easter eggs tucked in the forest. :)))) We look forward to your return to the ranch. Your children will love our beautiful Friesian horses.

Glad you all had a good time and enjoyed the beautiful snow around the property. Your igloo scored a perfect "10!"

"Not having to leave the property to enjoy the mountains and play" is a high compliment and exactly the way we structured the ranch. With over three feet of snow, It's a good thing you had your macho pickups. So glad the boys had such a wonderful time riding the sled run all the way to the stream!

So glad you enjoyed your stay at Starvation Flats Ranch in Big Bear Lake. We really loved hearing the stories about the horseshoe games, corn hole, and other fun activities on the property. Your family is amazing from your baby daughter to your senior members; everyone was a delight. Pleased to hear that you'll be coming back to visit Starvation Flats Ranch in the future.