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Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

Photo gallery for Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

Serene Outdoor Deck
Deck ready for Happy Hour
Outdoor dining
Nano Doors open to view on three sides of the living space!
Living area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 467.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Grass Valley, CA
  • Rollins Lake
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Nevada County Fairgrounds
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Auburn, CA (AUN-Auburn Municipal)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home

This is not a vacation home that we built as much as it is an experience that we created. Please read our guest reviews!

As seen in Sunset and Dwell Magazines, the Lotus Lake House is a completely 'green' exclusive home designed by the award-winning architect Michelle Kaufmann. Its sleek & modern with accordian-style glass walls that completely open to the deck and views of the lake. Lots of windows and cool welcoming tones. We are completely off-grid and have been awarded 'Build it Green' and 'Keep the Sierra Green' certification.

We're situated on 7 acres of private forested property. We cleared just enough trees to have fabulous views of Rollins Lake or instead of just gazing, hike the private trail from the deck to the lake and hop in the canoe we provide guests. With the glass 'Nano' walls open to the outdoors - indoor and outdoor living is blended. No neighbors or other structures in sight! Just the Sierra Mountains, trees, deep blue water, deer, owls, raptors and the ocassional honking geese.

Whether you are on the deck sipping coffee and watching the beautiful sunrise over the mountains, reading, sipping a drink at sunset or star gazing at night, the experience is magical.

Our home is ideally suited for a romantic get-away, or for a couple of good friends or close family members who just need a retreat from the stresses of daily life. Sit on the deck and enjoy the water activity during the summer, swim in the lake or come off season when it's absolutely still. Ideal for writer/artist retreat. Only earth-friendly products are used so it's perfect for people with chemical sensitivities.


For those who want to support the environment while staying in an exclusive and unique property, you can't ask for more. You'll feel like you are in a treehouse. As one of our guests said, 'if you need to relearn how to breathe, this place will teach you'!
Come experience off-the-grid living in luxury!

The Lotus Lake House was the showcase home at the 2007 West Coast Green Show in San Francisco.

Please read our guest comments as they describe the experience better than we ever could!!


Keywords: ecofriendly,contemporary,unique,lakefront,romantic,pet-friendly,luxury,secluded,private, boating,close to downtown Grass Valley & Nevada City, green, eco, dog friendly (25$ per dog )lake, forest, cabin, unique,

Property manager

Tod duBois
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Grass Valley

Located in Grass Valley, this holiday home is in the mountains and on a lake. Bourn House and Bourn Cottage are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Montoliva Vineyard & Winery and Grass Valley Brewing. Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce and Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grass Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Rollins Lake - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park - 15 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Center For The Arts - 16 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Nevada County Fairgrounds - 18 min drive - 17.4 km
  • Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery - 19 min drive - 16.1 km

Getting around

  • Colfax Station - 12 min drive
  • Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dine n Dash Pub & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Trailblazer Craft Pizza & Brews - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded 'Green' Award-Winning Contemporary Lakefront Home located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Rollins Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Montoliva Vineyard & Winery. Sierra Vista Community Center and Colfax Area Heritage Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 151 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 151 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 151 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 151 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 151 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Denise W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it

Beautiful serene location and house
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

We loved our stay! So secluded, quiet and relaxing, but close to Grass Valley, Nevada City and all kinds of outdoor fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake house

We loved everything about our stay here! The area gorgeous and the home is incredible! We were very comfortable even through a brutal heatwave (105 degrees!!) The path to the lake is beautiful and well maintained. You could tell how much thought and care was given to this sweet home!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S., Roseville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome lake views

What a wonderful stay at the lotus Lakehouse. Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

forrest d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Three day get away

Relaxing very beautiful place
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful private house in the trees

There is nothing to not like about the Lotus house. It’s in a gorgeous location seemingly perched in the trees. It is quite stylish without being in your face about it. It is very clean and the Tod is very responsive to questions. Rent it. You won’t be sorry.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous privacy and Gorgeous Scenery

It is an intimate romantic place just perfect for a couple. We will go back again and again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Donald

If you’re looking for peace and quiet this is for you. This green prefab is very secluded. It is starting to show its age though. Music system is set up for docking an old style iPod. Deck is at the point it will need to replaced soon. Unfortunately, currently the lake is about 20 feet low making access from the home difficult at best.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Views and Solitude

Spring snow and cold weather didn't detour us from enjoying the wonderful home. Fabulous windows and deck. Everything clean and in place. On a private road and not likely to have other people coming by.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful scnenery

Loved the quiet surroundings. Rained the whole time but was still fabulous watching the rain through the big windows.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katelin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakefront home

The property was beautiful, not to far from the city of Colfax or Grass valley but far enough for some peace and quiet. The walk down to the water was pleasant, not to far and not a steep walk. Overall a great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway Experience

There was a black Bear in the garbage cans.And a Mountain Loin on the deck at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded and great view

We spent Christmas Eve and Day here and really enjoyed the solitude. Nice home with a great deck and view of Rollins Lake. I would suggest a binder for guests with possible hikes in the area, helpful hints for using the home, and if guests bring dogs, a note about ticks and poison oak in the area. Overall, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Teresa E., Reno, NV

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice, quiet place to relax

Only downside that had nothing to do with the property itself was that when we got home our dogs had ticks. We pulled close to 2 doz so we probably won't visit that area again. The place though was quite beautiful and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Arthur R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain/Lake Getaway

We had a great time at Lotus Lake house. The house is unique and very well taken care of. Fully stocked with everything you could possibly want or need. Tod, the owner, was very responsive to any questions we had. We would definitely stay there again. Suggestions would be to replace the queen size bed with a king size, as the room is large enough. Also, shades would be an asset in the front of the house to block the sun .
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

An off the grid getaway

We truly enjoyed our time at Lotus Lake house. We chose this listing because of the lovely photos depicting the deck looking out over the lake and it did not disappoint. We ate breakfast and lunch on the deck each day, and my husband especially enjoyed having his morning coffee out on the deck. We also took our dog with us and that made us feel right at home. The dog run is big and full of great places for dogs to curl up for a nap. Lotus Lake house is new, beautiful and well maintained, and Barrie was super. We relaxed and had lots of down time, just what we needed.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lele Diamond &., San Francisco Bay Area, CA

We didn't want to leave ...

As lovers of modern architecture and conscious living, we were thrilled to find the Lotus Lake House and it did not disappoint. The location is beautiful, the amenities are top notch and being off the grid provided a much needed break from the outside world. We spent our days lounging on the decks (in the most comfortable outdoor furniture we've ever sat in), swimming in the lake, and eating dinner under the stars. The Nano walls were awesome and brought the outdoors in. The owners, Barri and Tod, were also very welcoming and communicative; we were told to call them if we needed anything and had their phone numbers and contact information. Our time at the Lotus Lake House went way too fast and we're already making plans to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Pat C., Windsor, California

Private and Peaceful Getaway

"We stayed at the gorgeous Lotus Lake house in March and found this home to be perfect for our needs. This is one of a dozen or VRBO homes we have rented over the years and this one hits the top of the list for all the things we look for in a rental home. Lotus Lake house offers complete privacy, yet is minutes to anything you might need. We found we didn't need much, so we ventured out only to househunt which was the main purpose of this trip. Hosts Barrie and Tod have created a stellar environment in which to relax and rest - they anticipate their guests every need in terms of comfort and convenience. It was so easy to settle in and make this place ours for the time we were there. Furnishings are top notch with many extra touches you don't often find in a rental home. Barrie created a binder with valuable information on everything and anything you'll need to know, see or do during your stay. You won't be disappointed staying at this tranquil and lovely sanctuary."
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Helen T., Morro Bay, California

A real gem for a getaway!

This is an extraordinary property, with stunning views. We spent 3 nights, and enjoyed every minute. The location is relaxing, peaceful, and (for the most part) quiet. Yes, there were motorboats on the lake, but since we were there on weekdays, it wasn't a big issue as most of the boats were only out around dinner time, after people got home from work. The house is amazing, with every convenience imaginable; it was hard to believe that we were "off grid", we lacked for nothing. Every morning I would open up the sliding glass doors, and let nature inside! Sitting out on the deck, overlooking the lake, was amazing. The house was clean, and the kitchen well stocked. The peacefulness of the setting was incomparable; we hope to return in the future. For those looking for tourist activities in the area, try the Empire Mine State Park (a well preserved gold mine, with great history, and well narrated tours), and the South Yuba River State Park (for hikes, awesome views of the river, and great swimming holes on a hot day).
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Susanne W., Bend, Oregon

Nice house - Buyer beware

The information on the website does not adequately inform the renter about what's involved with operating this house. It is not until you arrive, and get access to the "house book", that the most important information needed to make an informed decision about renting this property is made available to you. In short, what we did not know: 1. access to the internet-a 20 minute drive from the house to Safeway/Starbucks. We emailed the owner about this and his response was that a poll had been taken and it was decided that there would be no internet. We did not know about this poll. It was not listed on the web page. We also had no TV/Satelitte. 2. heating the house and having hot water-a few small solar panels plus a generator were supposed to provide heat/hot water...both woefully inadequate to provide either one. The backup plan in the "house book" was to use layers of clothing and lots of blankets. At midnight, no heat...at 7 am, no heat..., at noon when we left the property...no heat. An informed decision about renting this house cannot be made without the information included in the "house book".
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Julian V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay but please heed the advice re:ticks

This was such a cool property. So peaceful and beautiful. Partner and I came here to get away - loved the views, fresh air, starry skies. We were really looking forward to using the canoe in the lake. On the walk down to the lake there’s a really cool path except for one thing. TICKS. We’re used to having to pull ticks off of our dog after hiking, usually just one or two. Not here though, when we got to the bottom of the path there were no less than 20 ticks on my dog. I had to pull them all off not to mention a few on me, and then carry my dog back up the hill which sucked. The thing is, someone else mentioned this in the reviews and I really wish I heeded their advice. I don’t think it’s fair to ding the property because we encountered the same exact problem when we hiked Malakoff Diggins, it’s really just a grass valley thing, but please if you love your dog do not hike down to the lake. Ok now that that’s out of the way, the rest of the stay was so wonderful. When we couldn’t find the cushions for the outdoor furniture we messaged Tod who resolved the problem quickly and was very communicative. Even though it got down to 39 outside at night it was very comfortable inside. During the day being able to open all the doors was really cool. Oh one more thing that is in no way the fault of the property but there are some annoying wakeboarders who blast really loud basically strip club music during the day on Saturday. Not exactly super peaceful, but overall loved our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Constance B.

WOULD NOT STAY AGAIN - TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE- LISTING INFO INACCURATE

*Featherbed topper was not there & the mattress is like sleeping on a slab of concrete. *Could not figure out how to covert the sofa into a bed (broken?); Narrower than a twin bed. Listing states 1 bed plus 2 converting sofas. There is 1 bed & 1 sofa. The oven did not work. *Called housekeeper & handyman. They did call us back during our stay however neither knew how to convert sofa or whereabouts of featherbed. Was told oven is broken & had been reported to owner by previous guest. Handyman offered to come take a look, but we declined as it was late & we only needed the oven for dinner that night. *My daughter ended up using a dirty, leaking air mattress we found outside our 2nd night as the narrow sofa was too uncomfortable. Had to hike down to lake to get a working air pump, batteries dead in one at house. No ice maker, listing says there is. Refrigerater is very small. *Grill wouldn't heat higher than 250. *Does not sleep 4 as listed. *Generator ran each night starting 10pm. *Too hard to carry canoe down steep terrain. *Noise from speedboats started at dawn ended around 10-11pm. *Never got a call back from Tod in response to my voicemail on check in day regarding the sleeping issues. After my return home he said I needed to notify him of special arrangements prior to our rental (how to convert the sofa isn't a special request IMO, nor is a working oven). The home is not as private as we had expected as other reviewers have mentioned. Plan to take some time to read the book so you know how everything works. If there are only two of you, and you make sure the mattress topper is there, you don't mind some noise and perhaps a broken oven, then the place could work for you. The property is also for sale at the current time.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Collin C.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mathias L., Davis, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

Everything was beautiful, and in a scenic secluded environment but with everything you need a short drive away. Thanks to the host for facilitating such a great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

CYNTHIA V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Beautiful!!!

So peaceful, comfortable and the scenery is amazing!! I wish we could have stayed longer. We're going to try to rent in the spring time. Thank you so much!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tod duBois

Host profile image
We are very interested in doing our part to protect our planet and the environment. A refuge from the corporate world in Silicon Valley where I held demanding jobs we enjoyed building my lakeside dream eco-friendly vacation home in the middle of a forest overlooking beautiful Rollins Lake. Tod designed the off-grid system himself, it's amazing! This is my home and when it's not rented we delight in escaping the Bay Area for the beauty and simplicity of its zen-like qualities.

Why they chose this property

I love the Sierras and a number of years ago bought 8 acres in the forest overlooking Rollins Lake with the intent of building a low carbon-footprint vacation home that would be all about the views. Although our home is private & secluded I liked that you are within 5 minutes of wineries, 15 minutes to the quaint artist town of Nevada City, 12 minutes to the historic Gold Rush town of Grass Valley, hiking, exploring the gold mines, and organic farms and only 45 minutes to Sugar Bowl Ski resort.

What makes this property unique

You will come away rejuvenated, even after just 2 days! As one of our guests wrote: 'If you need to learn how to breathe again, this place will teach you'. Most of our guests have plans to do lots of things and wind up not leaving the house! The seclusion, the tree-house feel, the lake views and access to the lake and a canoe make this a very special getaway for 2.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests