Forget beige rental cabins, Whimsy Homes is a color-drenched retreat in the Arnold pines, with a cedar hot tub that steams under the stars year-round and two full bathrooms so nobody's waiting in line. Inside: record player, VHS movies, retro fun decor around every corner. Coffee lovers get three ways to brew: espresso, drip, + pour-over. Plus, a free pass to Calaveras Big Trees State Park and access to private lake + pool. Bring the kids, dogs, or friends for a mountain escape like no other.
The space
THE SPACE
Our cabin sleeps up to 9 and includes:
- 2 cozy bedrooms, each with a queen bed
- Loft with a bunk bed (twin over double) + a queen sleeper sofa
- 2 full bathrooms - no morning lineup
- A large deck under the pines
- A cedar hot tub, open year-round
- Over 50 trees on the property so the outside air is always Cedarwood-scented
Enjoy Burrow furniture inside and out, organic Nolah mattresses, and a large dining table that doubles as a work-from-the-mountains setup.
MODERN COMFORTS & ESSENTIALS
-Fast WiFi at 800 Mbps with multiple routers for wifi at all areas of cabin, more than double what most cabins in the area offer, great for streaming or remote work
-Washer/dryer available for guest use
-Dishwasher
-Hairdryer and curling rods
-Bedside charging stations with USB, USB-C, and standard plug options
-Eco-friendly cleaning supplies and bath products
STAY COOL, STAY COZY
- 2 window AC units plus 2 standing AC units for summer
- 2 Dyson heating/cooling fans, so you can dial in exact comfort any time of year
- A gas fireplace for cozy winter nights
- Whatever the season, this cabin is built to keep you comfortable
ENTERTAINMENT
- Roku TV with Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, and all your other major streaming apps
- A retro video game console, VHS movies and DVDs for something a little more nostalgic
- Record player stocked with albums that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for your own Spotify
- Board games and toys for rainy days or slow mornings
COFFEE, THREE WAYS
Coffee lovers get options: an espresso machine, a drip coffee maker, and a pour-over setup, so mornings in the mountains start exactly how you like them.
We also have a kettle for tea drinkers.
A KITCHEN GUESTS ACTUALLY COOK IN
We love to cook, and it shows. The kitchen comes stocked with:
- Kana Dutch ovens + plenty of pans
- Blender
- Rice cooker
- Toaster
- Full set of cookware, utensils, and bakeware
- Pizza pan
- Pantry staples: coffee, olive oil, spices, and more
Whether you're making a full family dinner or just toasting bagels before a hike, this kitchen is built to actually cook in, not just microwave in.
FAMILY AND DOG-FRIENDLY CABIN
We love hosting families and pups at Whimsy Homes! As a family and pet-friendly cabin in Arnold, we provide:
For the kids:
- Guava travel crib
- High chair
- A box with kids' books
- Kid-friendly dishes
- Safety gate
- The upper deck can be closed off with a gate, so little ones (and pups) can enjoy the outdoors without wandering
For the dog:
- Dog blanket, treats, and water bowl
- The same gated upper deck also keeps four-legged family members safely contained
For everyone:
- Toys, board games, books, and tarot cards for rainy days or slow mornings
We're a dog-friendly cabin in California (pet fee applies; no cats). Bring your whole crew - this family-friendly mountain Airbnb has space for everyone.
HOLIDAY MAGIC (DECEMBER STAYS)
Visiting in December? Our cabin gets a colorful makeover with a pink Christmas tree, because a whimsical cabin deserves a whimsical holiday.
LOCATION AND OUTDOOR FUN IN CALAVERAS
Whimsy Homes is located in Arnold, the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Ready for mountain adventures? Here's what's nearby:
- 4 minutes to the grocery store
- 7 minutes to White Pines Lake (free, public lake)
- 3 minutes to Fly-In Acres (private lake)
- 5 minutes to Blue Lake Springs private pool and rec center
- 10 minutes to Calaveras Big Trees State Park (free entry with our CA Poppy Pass)
- 15 minutes to downtown Murphys for wineries and local eats
- 35 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort
- Endless hiking, caves, and caverns to explore, plus swimming, fishing, and bird watching
- 5 minutes to downtown Arnold for Hinterhaus, Posterity Ciderworks, Bisto and more
Explore Natural Bridges, alpine lakes for kayaking or SUP, or hike through towering redwoods. In winter, enjoy skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing, or stay cozy with a hot drink in the Nordic-style cedar hot tub.
We also provide:
- Fun floaties for lake days, with a pump
- 2 sleds for snow play
- Horseshoe toss
Guest access
- Full access to the entire cabin and all outdoor living spaces including private cedar hot tub, upper deck, lower deck, and outdoor dining and lounge areas
- Driveway parking for 3-4 cars (no street parking in the neighborhood)
- EV charger on-site (bring your own 50-amp adapter and cord)
- Free public access to White Pines Lake, 5 minutes away
- Access to Fly-In Acres Lake and the Blue Lake Springs Rec Center pool, both a few minutes from the cabin (fees may apply depending on season)
Other things to note
- Dogs welcome with a pet fee (no cats)
- No parties, no fireworks please
- Only guests on the booking are allowed
- Sleeper sofa made up for groups of 7+, or upon request
- Hot tub cleaned and serviced every Wednesday (tech won't enter the home)
❄️ WINTER TRAVEL INFO
We're at 4,000 feet elevation, with snow in the winter (levels vary by year).
- 4WD or chains may be needed in snow
- Driveway is flat and plowed; we provide shovels and salt
- Our provider is PG&E, and during wildfire season or extreme winter weather, power may go out for a few hours beyond our control. Since our fireplace runs on propane, heat isn't affected. We also have a gas stovetop, pour-over coffee, lanterns, books, and plenty of games. Xfinity service can be affected too. Refunds aren't given for power outages, WiFi outages, or weather.
📶 CONNECTING
- Verizon works great; AT&T can be weaker
- Strong WiFi throughout the house (800 Mbps)
📸 PHOTOSHOOTS, MEDIA & INFLUENCERS
We welcome media and influencers to use the space for photos and content. Brands or production companies looking to use the space commercially should message us for approval first.
Follow our adventures: @whimsy_homes — we can't wait to host you in our colorful mountain cabin!
