The Chickaree Mountain Retreat is our lovingly cared for 1965 A-frame with the classic architecture we know and love. The A-frame features two upstairs queen bedrooms, a well equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room warmed by an inviting gas fireplace. Make lasting memories during any season with your family or friends. With the Serene Lakes and Royal Gorge trails only a few blocks away and five ski resorts within short driving distance, the CMR sets you up for an adventurous Sierra getaway!
PARKING
There is one (1) designated parking space for guests on the right side of the upper driveway (closest to the A-frame). The guest party is limited to one (1) vehicle.
The level parking space provides easy loading/unloading access to the A-frame front door via a short hardscape pathway. No traipsing through snowdrifts and lugging luggage up and down slippery staircases!
During and after snowstorms, the guests' vehicle should be parked as far forward and to-the-right as is practicable to facilitate snow removal on the driveway.
DOWNSTAIRS
The vintage 60s A-frame design functions as a space-efficient base camp in the montane forest setting of Serene Lakes. The downstairs living area is configured as one spacious room including the kitchen. The living room is arranged to view both the fireplace and the TV. Board games, puzzles, and books are available in the dresser behind the couch. Live piano performances may commence by moving aside the easy chair and pulling out the piano bench. The living room couch can sleep an additional guest using their own bedding.
UPSTAIRS
The original minimalist 60s stairwell connects the living room and bedroom areas (see photos for Living Room). The upstairs bedrooms have queen beds underneath vaulted ceilings paneled in natural pine. The door in the east bedroom leads to a balcony deck that makes a roof over the front porch. In summer/fall, the screen door can be used to let in the fresh mountain air.
KITCHEN/DINING
The round dining table provides comfortable seating space for four. The remodeled counterspace and cabinetry is set up for efficient meal prep. For 2024, the kitchen includes a new induction stove, range hood, and Calphalon cookware. The natural stone-tiled bathroom is downstairs adjacent to the pantry beside the kitchen. The rear door in the kitchen leads to a medium-sized deck overlooking the forested backyard. During summer/fall the deck includes a patio table with chairs and an outdoor cooking setup using an electric griddle.
OUTSIDE
The adjacent lower cabin is used by your host Steven and his family. Guests are welcome to wander outside on the perimeter of the A-frame, but please respect the privacy of our neighbors' properties.
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire A-frame, covered front entry and patio, rear deck, and front balcony (except during times of deep snow).
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
There are many outdoorsy adventure options within short walking distance of the CMR.
SNOW SEASON - Guests may borrow sleds stored on the front porch. The neighborhood sledding hill is accessed by a short walk up Cascade Road and a scramble up the snow bank to the left (west) of the intersection with Acorn Road (the first crossroad to the north). When frozen, guests may venture onto the frozen Serene Lakes, where closest access is at the "Sierra Lakes County Water District" building on Bales Road, about an 8-minute walk from the CMR. See map in the "Gym" photos.
LAKE AND BEACH - From June to mid-October, guests may access the neighborhood's "Lot 1" beach at the south end of Lake Dulzura (the southern Serene Lake), where swimming is allowed. The beach facility includes a grassy park area with picnic tables, snack shack, and courts for volleyball, bocce ball, and horseshoes. Unpowered watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and small sailboats may be launched at several access points to the Serene Lakes. The CMR's "Smilin' Dog Ranch" canoe is available to guests at the "Bales Road" boat launch facility on the north side of Lake Serena, about an 8-minute walk from the CMR. Our two kayaks (with 7319 Cascade stamped on them) are stationed at Lot 1. Please see map in the "Gym" photos.
TRAILS AND WALKS - From late April to the beginning of ski season, the vast Royal Gorge trail network surrounding Serene Lakes is freely accessible to the public for hiking, dog walking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. There are two trailheads with parking lots, one just south of Royal Gorge's "Summit Station" and another at "Hoelter Hall" toward the southern reach of Soda Springs Road. Several unmarked trailheads are short walks from the CMR: the southeast end of Cascade Road, east end of Tamarack Way, "The Meadow" adjacent to Soda Springs Rd, and the west ends of Acorn Road and Kilborn Drive. Looping around the Serene Lakes via the neighborhood streets makes for a nice long walk or mellow bike ride of about 2.5 to 3 miles. Three of our favorite walks are (1) "Dinosaur Ridge," (2) the loop around the lakes via the Switchback and Reindeer trails, and (3) Mariah Point. Please see maps in the "Gym" and "Office" photos.
MOUNTAIN BIKING - The Royal Gorge trail system effectively becomes a mountain biking paradise from June to November. Destinations to consider are Mariah Point, Sugar Bowl Resort, The Old 40 at Donner Ski Ranch, Mt Rowton, or Cascade Lake. The loop around the Serene Lakes via the Switchback and Reindeer trails is about 10km. A local favorite single track is to the east of Serene Lakes at the foot of Dinosaur Ridge.
Other things to note
PARKING
No street parking is allowed for short-term rentals in Placer County. Please consider before booking that parking is limited to only one (1) guest vehicle for short-term stays at the CMR. For long-term stays (30 days or more), street parking is permissible from May 2 to October 31.
PETS
Dogs only with pet fee. Please leash your dog(s) and scoop the poop. Please do not use the deck or balcony as place for your pets to relieve themselves.
