Family- and dog-friendly "Sweet Retreat" at 5000 feet on 1.3 acres with plush movie theater, pool & ping pong table. 8 minutes to the Stanislaus River (swimming holes!) and Big Trees Park. Summer: Bocce, Pickle Ball, and Frisbee/Disc Golf course are -a 2 minute walk through the 1 acre back yard. Remote feel yet minutes to groceries and restaurants. Summer pool privileges included until Labor Day. Near Arnold, In between Murphys and Bear Valley.
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The Big Trees Hideaway in Arnold, CA – Your Nature Getaway Awaits!
Arnold
The Big Trees Hideaway in Arnold, CA – Your Nature Getaway Awaits!
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number PM-0264
Property # 648719vb
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
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Arnold
Arnold is home to this holiday home. Whale Rock and Chief William Fuller Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Calaveras South Grove Nature Preserve. Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf are also worth visiting.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 6 min drive - 4.0 km
Arnold Rim Trail - 14 min drive - 12.6 km
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 17 min drive - 14.0 km
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum - 17 min drive - 15.1 km
White Pines Lake - 17 min drive - 15.1 km
Getting around
Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 149 min drive
Restaurants
Bistro Espresso - 13 min drive
The Lube Room Saloon - 4 min drive
Giant Burger - 12 min drive
El Vaquero - 12 min drive
Camp Connell General Store - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet! have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet!?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet! on 19 May 2026 start from AU$265, 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.
Is Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sweet Retreat: Theater, Pool/Ping-Pong, Quiet! located?
Situated in Arnold, this holiday home is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and White Pines Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Everything was wonderful from the moment we walked in. Very relaxing and kept up well. Host was very communicative when i reached out. Steep driveway was a bit challenging for me.
Truly a fantastic experience staying at Sweet Retreat. All my wife and I really wanted was a cozy fire and some fresh mountain air, but when I saw the private movie theater and full-sized pool table I couldn’t resist! Great communication from the owner, David, and a pretty easy drive to get there. We’ll be back!
Great amenities for the family and a dog. Close to skiing, restaurants and grocery stores. We love the pool table and theater room. Definitely coming back again
chris j.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 2025
Super nice and helpful guests I hope to host again soon.
Quaint cabin set amongst the trees, nice entertainment options, easy communication with property owner or host. Recommended for teens (we enjoyed the toys!)loved the
Nicole C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2025
Shoot! Looks like a portion of your review got chopped off! Thanks for compliments and hope to host you again this Summer!
This was our third stay at Sweet Retreat and it didn't disappoint. My son enjoys ping pong and the movie theatre, my daughter the outdoors and the warm spot by the gas fireplace (and outdoor campfire) all the while spending intentional family time together in a place that feels like our home away from home. We hit snow sledding only 20 minutes up the mountain. Thank you again, Sweet Retreat!
Sheila R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jan 2025
Thanks so much for your comments that are lovely to hear.
We absolutely loved our stay at Sweet Retreat! The cabin had so many bonus amenities that gave us cherished family memories- ping pong and pool competitions, family movie night in the home theatre, and tasty meals sitting around the dinner table. There was just enough snow to enjoy sledding and snow shoeing too. Any questions we had were quickly answered by the owner too.
Thank you, sweet retreat. We will be back to enjoy the summer season soon! What a great home away from home.
Be aware of the STEEP and I mean STEEP driveway!
Overall it was a nice stay, just wish the mice droppings would have been taken care of before our arrival! And yes, we did send the host a message and no we did not receive a single response!
We had loved staying for the winter so much that our family decided to try for a summer stay at Sweet Retreat. Despite my son getting sick on our first day and needing to quarantine in a room, I couldn't think of a better place to isolate. The rest of us were still able to enjoy the Pool within easy walking distance as well as Big Trees park so close by, and making Smore's in the campfire area and BBQing our food. Sweet Retreat has become a favorite family vacation spot and we can't wait to return!
The one thing I wish they had was a portable window A/C for both bedrooms or at least the master. We used the portable "swamp cooler" that was there and fans but it still got fairly warm indoors but not unbearable by any means.
Sheila R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ellen P.
23 Nov 2015
Beautiful property in the pines
Dorrington has been one of our favorite vacations spots for a number of years, and I can't believe it took us so long to find the Sweet Retreat. The house itself is beautiful, but the property is breathtaking, surrounded by 150 ft. pine trees. Sitting on any of the house's wraparound decks is like sitting in the middle of the forest, and there are beautiful views from inside the home as well. The kitchen is stocked with whatever you might need in the way of spices, oils, condiments, and even has a pantry filled with yummy snacks! It was hard to decide between spending our evenings in the movie theater ( a million movies to choose from, and the recliners are SO comfy!) or the game room, so ample time was spent in each. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is right up the road and not to be missed for its giant sequoias. Thank you, David, for your amazing property and hospitality. You'll be hearing from us again soon, and we'll definitely plan on a longer stay next time!
Ellen P.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Rebecca D.
3 Mar 2026
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in
The house is in a great location and good for families with kids.The downsides are 1. the driveway is really difficult to get in and out of 2. we did not receive check in instructions and found the water off when we arrived (the host did get back to us quickly when messaged) and 3. Overall cleanliness was poor. We all pay for cleaning, but I dont think this was being done in a manner consistent with other rentals.