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 bedrooms, a darling 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! There is one (1) designated parking space for guests on the right side of the upper driveway. The parking space provides easy loading/unloading access to the A-frame, as the short hardscape pathway to the front door is well maintained. The CMR's vintage 60s A-frame is designed to function 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 be initiated by moving aside the easy chair and pulling out the piano bench. 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. 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 with Calphalon cookware. The natural stone-tiled bathroom is downstairs adjacent to the pantry next to the kitchen. The rear door in the kitchen leads to a medium-sized enclosed deck overlooking the forested backyard. The living room couch can sleep an additional guest using their own bedding. 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). There is one (1) designated parking spot for the guests located on the right side the upper driveway (closest to the A-frame). The guest party is limited to one (1) vehicle. 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. There are many outdoor exercise options within short walking distance of the CMR - please see the map in "Gym" photos. During the snow season, guests may borrow sleds stored on the front porch. The neighborhood sledding hill is found by taking a short walk up Cascade Road and scrambling 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, with closest access beside the "Sierra Lakes County Water District" building on Bales Road, about an 8-minute walk from the CMR. From June to October, the CMR's 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 bar, 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. From late April to the beginning of ski season, the vast Royal Gorge trail network surrounding Serene Lakes is open 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, and 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 3 miles. Best to reach out for help from host by Airbnb messaging. If host or co-host is present at adjacent apartment, guests may reach out to host directly. Steven took over hosting in March 2023 after his son Brooks founded the CMR in December 2022. The CMR is family owned and operated. Serene Lakes is an architecturally diverse neighborhood of cabins and vacation homes located in a secluded national park-like setting within a easy and scenic (especially via Old 40) 14-mile drive to Truckee for groceries, specialty shopping, or fine dining. Set up high around 7,000 ft elevation in a tranquil alpine forest, this is your base camp for year-round outdoorsy fun. Winter brings the skiing to your spacious front yard - Soda Springs (1.2 mi), Sugar Bowl (4 mi), Donner Ski Ranch (4.5 mi), Boreal (6 mi), and Royal Gorge XC (walking distance). When frozen in winter, the Serene Lakes offer opportunities for snowshoeing, XC skiing, and dog play. From May to November, the vast Royal Gorge trail system surrounding Serene Lakes brings hiking, mountain biking, and long dog walks right into the CMR's backyard. These trails are landscaped with stunning wildflower meadows, shady pines, and expansive vistas of the Sierra crest and "The Royal Gorge" of the American River. From late spring to fall, the Serene Lakes warm up like a giant swimming pool with canoeing, kayaking, and light sailing - like you're back in summer camp! If you're seeking a bypass from Tahoe or Yosemite crowds, noise, and traffic jams, Serene Lakes is your hidden gem of a mountain retreat!!! If you're looking for a tranquil alternative to Tahoe/Truckee mayhem, consider a Serene Lakes and Donner Summit area experience that's less of a drive from the west! If you need a quick re-stock of your provisions or a quality no-fuss meal out, the Soda Springs Store is on your way only two miles from the CMR. Parking is limited in Serene Lakes, particularly in the winter. The CMR sets you up with a worry-free parking place to explore this alpine playground. The neighborhood is extremely walk, run, bike, and dog-friendly (just scoop the poop). During the snow season, you can walk down to the Bales Road access to the north side of Lake Serena for an extended dog walk or snowshoeing outing. For XC skiing, the Summit Station at Royal Gorge is a walkable distance from the CMR. From May to November, you may extend your hiking, running, mountain biking, or dog walking adventures to the massive Royal Gorge trail system via trailheads within easy walking distance from CMR. Bring or borrow a watercraft (canoe, kayak, or sit-on-top) from CMR to paddle around the lakes, or jump in and go swimming in the south lake from the Lot 1 beach available to CMR guests. Join the locals in doing these varied overland and aquatic activities! Parking: There is one (1) parking space available for guests on the right side of the driveway. No street parking is allowed, so please consider before booking that only one (1) guest vehicle is permissible for stays at the CMR. WiFI/Phones: WiFi is provided by both cable (Optimum) or satellite (Starlink) services. Cell phone service can be spotty - often better outside to the north on Cascade or Pahatsi Roads. Guests may consider enabling WiFi calling. A VOIP phone is available for emergency or local calls. Winter Season Recreation: Snow sleds are available for play on the local sledding hill nearby at the intersection of Acorn and Cascade; please walk to the sledding hill because street parking is prohibited during the winter season (Nov 1 - May 1). Summer Season Recreation: The central location of the CMR is convenient for embarking on outdoor activities (hiking, biking, boating, dog-walking), yet is very quiet and peaceful because Cascade Road has little car traffic. A canoe and two kayaks are available for launch into the Serene Lakes during summer and early fall. Long Term Rental - If you are interesting in renting the CMR for 30 days or more at a discount, please make an inquiry so we can work out important details.