Entire home
Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.
Photo gallery for Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.





Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
- Parking available
- Dryer
- Washer
- Fireplace
- Breakfast available
Explore the area

Idyllwild, CA
- San Jacinto Mountains1 min walk
- Idyllwild Nature Center8 min walk
- Idyllwild Park17 min walk
- Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)66 min drive
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About the area
Idyllwild
Located in Idyllwild, this vacation home is in a rural location, within a 15-minute walk of San Jacinto Mountains and Mount San Jacinto State Park. .This family-friendly vacation home is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Idyllwild Nature Center and 0.8 mi (1.4 km) from Idyllwild Park.
What's nearby
- San Jacinto Mountains - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Mount San Jacinto State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Idyllwild Nature Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- Idyllwild Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
- Morongo Casino - 39 min drive - 48.9 km
Getting around
- Palm Springs Station - 53 min drive
- Palm Springs Intl. Airport (PSP) - 72 min drive
Restaurants
- Mountain Center Cafe - 7 min drive
- Peaks Restaurant
- Idyllwild Brewpub - 11 min walk
- Idyllwild Village Market, Deli & Pizzeria - 7 min walk
- Idyllwild Pizza Co. - 11 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire place to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.
Come experience a bit of history! Commonly referred to as The Mystery Lodge. This was once a summer writing home to famous author, Erle Stanley Gardner, Author of the world renowned Perry Mason mystery series! Built in 1945 originally as a hunting lodge and summer home. Knotty Pine everywhere! Custom milled in Idyllwild in the 40's.
The Mystery Lodge is a Hillside getaway with altitude one of 3 houses on over 3 acres! You can also book The Dome next door (VRBO# 653847) if you have a large group.
There is a binder with some information on my favorite hikes and an Adventure parking pass for you to use during your stay.
Come stay with us for your Idyllwild experience. Pungent pine trees, mountain views, cocktails on the deck. Walk to art galleries, enjoy creekside hikes, gaze at star filled skies while you enjoy our four bedroom, three bathroom home. The knotty pine interior offers a full kitchen, great room with cathedral ceilings, a primary suite with a private deck featuring a seasonal four poster outdoor bed (Summer only; June, July & August. Dependent on weather and only set up on request), outdoor lounge area with views of Tahquitz, and large hot tub/ jacuzzi.
Just relax or choose from a menu of personalized services. We offer private chef service, rock climbing trips and hikes, yoga, spa treatments and executive retreats. We will customize your experience to ensure you get to enjoy all that is unique about our southern California mountain town. All services at an additional charge and are based on availability. Must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Rustic, well loved home has a primary suite with a grand king size bed, ceiling fan, sitting room, outdoor deck and ensuite bathroom.
Downstairs bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed, ceiling fan, and guest bathroom with a custom slate shower.
Upstairs has two bedrooms with a jack and jill shared bathroom (remodeled custom tile shower/floor). One bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed and the other room has a king size bed. Both rooms have custom entry doors.
*Please let me know if you would like either set of twins converted into a king bed at the time of booking.
Great room offers a large wood burning fireplace, full wet bar, TV, stereo, and high speed WIFI. We have numerous board games and puzzles, some DVD's and a library of books to enjoy during your stay.
Dining area in full service kitchen seats eight and provides everything you need for the ultimate dinner party with friends and family.
Outside there is plenty of outdoor furniture for relaxing on the deck or dining al fresco on the outdoor dining table that seats 6.
The Mystery Lodge is a Hillside getaway with altitude one of 3 houses on over 3 acres! You can also book The Dome next door (VRBO# 653847) if you have a large group.
There is a binder with some information on my favorite hikes and an Adventure parking pass for you to use during your stay.
Come stay with us for your Idyllwild experience. Pungent pine trees, mountain views, cocktails on the deck. Walk to art galleries, enjoy creekside hikes, gaze at star filled skies while you enjoy our four bedroom, three bathroom home. The knotty pine interior offers a full kitchen, great room with cathedral ceilings, a primary suite with a private deck featuring a seasonal four poster outdoor bed (Summer only; June, July & August. Dependent on weather and only set up on request), outdoor lounge area with views of Tahquitz, and large hot tub/ jacuzzi.
Just relax or choose from a menu of personalized services. We offer private chef service, rock climbing trips and hikes, yoga, spa treatments and executive retreats. We will customize your experience to ensure you get to enjoy all that is unique about our southern California mountain town. All services at an additional charge and are based on availability. Must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Rustic, well loved home has a primary suite with a grand king size bed, ceiling fan, sitting room, outdoor deck and ensuite bathroom.
Downstairs bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed, ceiling fan, and guest bathroom with a custom slate shower.
Upstairs has two bedrooms with a jack and jill shared bathroom (remodeled custom tile shower/floor). One bedroom has two twin beds* that can be converted into a king bed and the other room has a king size bed. Both rooms have custom entry doors.
*Please let me know if you would like either set of twins converted into a king bed at the time of booking.
Great room offers a large wood burning fireplace, full wet bar, TV, stereo, and high speed WIFI. We have numerous board games and puzzles, some DVD's and a library of books to enjoy during your stay.
Dining area in full service kitchen seats eight and provides everything you need for the ultimate dinner party with friends and family.
Outside there is plenty of outdoor furniture for relaxing on the deck or dining al fresco on the outdoor dining table that seats 6.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a hot tub.
Breakfast is available for a fee.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Beach
- Beach towels
Ski
- Cross-country skiing nearby
Pool/Spa
- Hot tub
- Massage
Internet
- Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
- Car recommended
- Parking on site
Kitchen
- Blender
- Coffee grinder
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Dishwasher
- Electric kettle
- Hob
- Ice maker
- Microwave
- Oven
- Paper towels
- Refrigerator
- Spices
- Toaster
Dining
- Breakfast available for a fee
- Chef service
- Dining table
Bedrooms
- 4 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 3 bathrooms
- Bathtub
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Shower
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Towels provided
Living spaces
- Dining table
- Fireplace
- Living room
Entertainment
- Books
- DVD player
- Games
- Music library
- Smart TV
- Stereo
- Video library
Outdoor areas
- Balcony
- Barbecue grill
- Outdoor furniture
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine
Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
Pets
- No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoke-free property
- Note from host: This is a non-smoking house.
Services and conveniences
- Housekeeping (on request)
- Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
- In a rural location
- In a village
- Near a health/beauty spa
Things to do
- Boat
- Kayak
- Birdwatching nearby
- Fishing nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Horseback riding nearby
- Hunting nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Motor boating nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Mountain climbing nearby
- Rock climbing nearby
- Sledding nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Deadbolt lock
General
- Housekeeping (on request)
- Unit size: 2,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Note from host: Although we love pets, no exceptions can be made.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Child friendly, not "child proof"
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Only with owners permission/additional requirement
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number RVC-0259
We should mention
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town
Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town