This summer, our group of 16 stayed at the Starvation Flats Ranch for the second time. It's always a pleasure to deal with Susan, the owner of the ranch. She makes you feel like family and greets you upon arrival to quickly fill you in on the home, then leaves you to enjoy your private, peaceful stay. We will go back again next summer, as the home is everything you'd want in a Big Bear vacation rental at a VERY reasonable price. It's very close to town, but also in the forest, where you feel like you are on a nature retreat due to the extremely large property and picturesque setting.
There are many things to do outdoors, such as corn hole (we had a tournament), horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, etc. I especially like the little outdoor seating groups, benches, hammocks, oversized-swing, vintage wagon, etc. The neighborhood is extremely quiet and you can mostly hear songbirds during the day and owls at night. Most of the time, it is silent outside. So much quieter than home!
Inside, the home is very well-kept, with plenty of seating (large couches and rocking chairs), more beds than you'll need, and entertainment for a large group, including flat screen TVs and a nice pool table next to a beautiful window seat. The home is much more spacious than it appears in the VRBO photos. All 16 of us could be in the living room at one time without any crowding. And for your convenience, every closet is filled with items you might need, such as extra bedding, towels, games, books, cards, videos, kitchenware, cooking utensils, silverware, condiments, spices and much, much more. Everything in the kitchen works extremely well, including the oversized professional stove and oven. It bakes four trays of enchiladas at once with room to spare. We made our meals for 16 in the house (but there are restaurants nearby), and we always had EVERY item we needed, even colanders and tongs, spatulas, utensils and supplies that many rentals overlook. Easy cooking!
At night, the large property is great for the kids to play flashlight hide and seek without entering the properties nearby. That was the main night activity this past trip, even though we have BIG kids now (junior high and high school). Great place for getting kids off their cell phones, although there is WIFI too, if you want it.
Don't forget to visit the lake and take a hike on the nearby trail. What a fun and relaxing vacation rental! You'll want to stay more nights than you book!