Whispering Pines | Amazing Views | Family Fun
Guest rating: 4.7 / 5
Overview
Whispering Pines is a private vacation home set among treetops in the mountains of California, named for the sound of the breeze moving through the surrounding pine trees. The property centers on a large, newly remodeled kitchen and open-concept gathering area with a fireplace, designed for friends and family to cook and relax together. Two decks -- an upper and lower level -- frame sweeping views of the ridge and mountains that shift color throughout the day.
Rooms & Sleeping Spaces
Sleeping quarters are spread across multiple rooms, including a bunk bed room with its own TV and a downstairs Master Suite with a king bed, Smart TV, and full bathroom for added privacy. A crib is available for traveling families with infants. Beds are described as comfortable and the home overall as spacious, quiet, and suited to unwinding.
Amenities & Recreation
The home includes a full kitchen with oven, stove, and microwave, a washer, ironing board, and cable and Smart TVs, plus free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. A dedicated game room/second living area offers a full-length wooden shuffleboard table, a large Smart TV, and an oversized reading chair by a second fireplace. Outdoor living is emphasized with a patio, balcony, outdoor grill (BBQ provided, though propane is not refilled by the host), and heating for cooler mountain evenings.
Location & Surroundings
The property sits near Lake Arrowhead, a private lake where guests have trail access for hiking, swimming, and fishing, though lake passes are not guaranteed as they depend on individual lake-adjacent owners. A local bus stop at Willow Creek Rd & Hwy 173 is just over 500 meters away, while several airports -- SBD International (about 20 km), Ontario International (about 45 km), Palm Springs International (about 80 km), and John Wayne (about 91 km) -- provide regional air access for longer trips.
Policies & Practical Notes
Whispering Pines is pet-friendly and smoke-free, with a Happy Paws program donating a portion of pet fees to local animal shelters and offering fee discounts for guests with approved non-shedding dog breeds. An extra guest fee of $12 per person per night applies after two guests, and a minimum age of 25 applies to bookings, though families with children are welcome. Stays of 28 nights or longer require inquiry rather than instant booking and carry separate deposit and cleaning-fee terms.
Best for
Whispering Pines suits families and groups of friends looking for a self-catered mountain retreat, thanks to its full kitchen, multiple sleeping areas, crib, and game room with shuffleboard. It also appeals to remote workers, since the lower deck is described as ideal for working amid the mountain scenery alongside free Wi-Fi. Pet owners are well accommodated too, with pet-friendly policies and a shelter-support program built into the stay.
Travel tips
Bring your own propane tank if you plan to grill on arrival day, since the host does not refill propane and local stores may be closed or sold out, especially around holidays. A bus stop at Willow Creek Rd & Hwy 173 is within walking distance for local transit, but the nearest major airports (SBD International at roughly 20 km) are a drive away, so renting a car is advisable. If you hope to access Lake Arrowhead for swimming or fishing, note that lake pass availability varies by owner, so trail access is the more reliable option.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the mountain and treetop views from the decks, the spaciousness and cleanliness of the home, and the fully equipped kitchen and game room with shuffleboard and board games for entertainment. Reliable, fast-working heating was highlighted as a standout compared to other mountain rentals in the area. Some friction was noted around a malfunctioning door lock battery, which the host resolved quickly, and one reviewer felt the standard pet fee was on the higher side, even while appreciating the discounted pet promotion.
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