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Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage

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Exterior
Entrance to the property which encompasses over three wooded acres
Acres of privacy among hundreds of pines. Plenty of open space to rejuvenate.
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 16

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Snow Summit
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • The Village
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Big Bear Visitor Center
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Big Bear, CA (RBF)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

downstairs bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

upstairs bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage

5 bedroom estate (four bedrooms, four bathrooms in main house), full laundry room with new LG washer and dryer; one bedroom in adjacent bunkhouse with private bath), full size pool table, river rock fireplace, piano, 22-jet outdoor spa, picnic tables, dual barbeques, hammocks, basketball, badminton, volleyball, ping pong, horseshoes, darts, hiking, seasonal stream, adjacent to nature preserve/eagle habitat, prime location near local ski resorts and lake for boating, fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, etc.

Property manager

susan d huskey

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
Must obtain owner's permission/details required
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
With prior approval, except no cats
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
In-person check-in is required by the city. House and property will be evaluated by owner after departure. Ask owner for details.
All bookings must be discussed with the owner booking is considered complete. Covid cleaning practices are currently in place.
Good neighbor policy must be signed, cleaning fees if house and property is not left in same condition as check in other than normal cleaning.

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
Note from host: Must obtain owner's permission/details required
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number VRR-2024-1010

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Big Bear Lake

Located in Fox Farm, a neighbourhood in Big Bear Lake, this holiday home is in the mountains and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve and Big Bear Lake, while Community Arts Theater Society and Big Bear Solar Observatory are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Big Bear Lake, CA

What's nearby

  • Snow Summit - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • The Village - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Big Bear Visitor Center - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Big Bear Marina - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain - 6 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • San Bernardino, CA (SBD-San Bernardino Intl.) - 73 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Maggio's Pizza - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Carl's Jr. - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Family friendly retreat, private forested acreage located?

Located in Fox Farm, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Lakeview Shopping Center and Interlaken Shopping Center. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve and Big Bear Lake are also within 1 mile (2 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. 33 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 37 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vicki D.

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

Our family vacation

The communication with Susan and Ken was great. Ken met us at their beautiful property and gave us a tour and instructions. We are a family of 8 adults and 7 grandchildren, (grandparents, adult children and spouses, teenage, elementary age and 2 year old grand children), and everyone loved the property. We had snow and the kids (and adults) loved playing and walking around the property. Our own big playground. They played hide and seek, played on the playhouse deck, tried snow boarding, sledding. 15 year old loved the jacuzzi. There were 15 of us and we initially were going to put 4 in the bunk house but were having fun being together and were able to arrange for all of us to sleep in the big house. We took our own games but there are plenty of games and the pool table was a huge hit with everyone. Although there are flat screen TVs everywhere we never once in 4 days turned any of them on. We have stayed at quite a few different homes in Big Bear and this property is by far the best as far as outside activities and large property. The inside has everything that you could possibly need, one big living area that fit us all very nicely. We only left one time to find some bigger snow hills for the teenagers to use their snowboards, did not even go to the snow skiing area. We hope to return to Starvation Flats. Thank you Susan and Ken.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

beth b.

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

We had a wonderful time at the ranch

We wanted a chance for a white Christmas getaway with our kids and six grandkids (1 to 13), so we reserved this VRBO early in the year. Alas, we caught a dry couple of weeks and had no snow. This place was great for our group. The kids played outside with the toys they got and the many diversions on the property - ping pong, hot tub, giant tree swing, and more. It's a vast, secluded property ... no helicopter parenting is required. There is also plenty of space indoors, with several smart TVs (and excellent WiFi). The 4' wide fireplace is massive and keeps it cozy. The layout is fantastic for large groups, with a kitchen open to the family room opening into the billiards table. Apparently, there are a lot of municipal regulations on VRBO, and the host must meet us at check-in to review them. A screaming baby and raucous 3, 6, and 8-year-olds notwithstanding, we're a pretty quiet bunch, so the 10 PM curfew wasn't a problem. The kitchen table expands to seat 10, and it still feels spacious. There's a window nook where the littles sat for meals. When we needed something, the hosts responded quickly via text with detailed answers. (Refilling the hot tub, clarifying the checkout procedures, etc.) They went above and beyond to make our family mountain Christmas memorable. Friendly people with their grandkids, whom they regularly entertain on the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

MICHELLE H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

No need to go anywhere else

Susan and Ken’s property provided everything we could have asked for. The kids enjoyed sledding and spending time outside. The adults loved the fact that we could watch them from the dining room :) our time spent here was definitely a good time! Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reem H.

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

Best place to stay in Big Bear

We have stayed at many great properties in Big Bear and this one is simply the best. The owners are so kind, helpful and attentive and the cabin is well appointed, spacious and comfortable. The property is a dream for kids and teens with lots of open space, a bunk house, an outdoor hot tub, and lots of forest and a creek to explore. Thank you Susan and Ken for all your help and advice and kindness to share your lovely home with us. We will definitely be back. Reem Harwell and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hector D., United States

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

Christmas Holiday 2022

I want to take a minute to thank both Susan and Ken Huskey. My family of 16 stayed on their beautiful cabin over the Christmas weekend. The place is kept clean and organized. Whenever I needed something or had a question, I just had to text Ken and he was there to assist. Our experience was really nice and will be booking again! This place is is about family and defiantly highly recommended. Thanks again Susan and Ken!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Enedina C.

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

Everything was great, except for…

The unnecessary comments that were made about my Latino father. My father happened to arrived in the middle of our tour of the cabin. He then introduced himself and that is when the owner went on to say that he’d be “checking his pockets for silver wear before he left” because he looked “sketchy.” Aside from that, property was as described.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda W.

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

Great Winter Get Away

We had a wonderful multi-family stay at Ken and Susan's beautiful home and property. These hosts were so gracious, helpful, and everything we needed for a great stay. Highly recommend this rental and will surely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra M.

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

Cannot wait to come back!

From start to finish, Susan and Ken were amazing. Courteous and thorough, and great communication. The property is a dream and our friends, family, and children all felt right at home. We made some amazing memories and will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

2/10 Terrible

Allison E.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Stay here if you want to be watched

I get that the owners need to protect their property from bad renters, but that shouldn't mean this behavior is acceptable. When answering emails the owner will be condescending and passive aggressive. If you try to clarify anything that is unclear about the listing, he will be rude. At check-in the owner threatened to sue us if we didn't follow the rules, so be ready for that. We did have the max amount of vehicles per the lease but were for charged excessive wear and tear to A GRAVEL DRIVEWAY! We cooked on the BBQ provided, which was filthy and smoked more than the smoker, and were charged a cleaning fee for that as well. We came inside at 10PM, we kept quiet with no loud music or outside shenanigans after 10PM, we cleaned the place well before leaving and for all of that it will cost us an extra $600. So, definitely stay here if you want to be watched by the 10+ cameras on property, watched by the neighbors, and watched by the property manager for anything they might be able to nickel and dime you over. You will feel uneasy the whole time you are here. You will be treated as if you are a bad renters prior to even setting foot on property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Quan N.

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

Starvation Flats Ranch

We had a fantastic time at this location! Lots to do in the house, outside the house and in the surrounding area! Very close to the ski slopes and grocery stores. Fully stocked linens and kitchen cabinet. Ample seating for 13+. Kids loved the outside swing (adults took a ride too)! Badminton was fun for the kids. Great host! Beautiful house! Temperature controlled. Clean. Spacious interior. Lots of window views. Loved that the downstairs room could sleep 5. The 5th room is a bunkhouse that can sleep 4 and has its own bathroom. WiFi and internet for the TV in the main room. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

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

Great quiet get away

We had a great time, the owners were very nice, they were able to provide everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ed E.

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

Winter wonderland ranch

When we arrived Ken the owner was there to greet and show us around the ranch we found it to be a sprawling ranch with a bunkhouse and about as private as you can get this is a place you don’t even have to leave to go play in the snow there are games and everything you will need to make memories of a lifetime . It’s snowed very heavily why we where there that made it even more beautiful . on our last day Ken got there early with a snowblower and made a road for us to get out he’s an awesome guy there just aren’t any people like him anymore So a big thank you to Ken and Susan huskey looking forward to coming back
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ian W.

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

Home away from home

We loved staying at Fox Farm! We received a warm welcome from the owners, and it feels like home the moment you set foot inside. There was never a need for us to leave with so many activities available on the property. We made some good memories here and would definitely visit again!

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

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

Winter wonderland getaway!

What a wonderful treat this property was with so much space to explore, enjoy and appreciate. The home was definitely set up to accommodate a lot of people for a big family/friend gathering, but could have also comfortably accommodate a smaller group with the way the rooms were set up with additional bedding options available if needed. Great home, incredible property and wonderful hosts! Everyone loved our time enjoying this incredible property! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jeff C.

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

Beautiful, spacious property perfect for a retreat or getaway

Susan and Ken's family ranch is a beautiful gem of a property to have a nice small gathering with family or friends. It has a warm, welcoming feel and really gives you a feeling of natural wilderness while still being right near the town center of Big Bear Lake. Susan and Ken were easy to communicate with and the amenities provided were top notch. My group had an amazing time staying there while on getaway from city living and would highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Maureen R.

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

One of our best getaways

We loved this property. Susan and Ken were super nice and easy to work with. The house felt like coming to visit your grandmas house it was so warm and inviting. My three year old was obsessed with the bears everywhere and my older kids absolutely loved the outside space. Many badminton tournaments were played and the swing was a huge hit. We already are thinking about when we can go back. This place is a total gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

kathie L.

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

Lovely Ranch in the mountains

The "Ranch" Everything you ever needed was right at your fingertips. Our family had a great time. Plenty of room for all. The out doors surrounding the property is awesome. And all the amenities they offer. Thank you to the Huskey's family we will be back...

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

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

Husband's 40th Birthday retreat

We invited three other families to join us and we all had such a lovely experience. The property is very spacious and accommodating for shared groups. The kitchen was large enough for us all to eat together and play board games. The kids spent the whole time in the jacuzzi, playing pool, or exploring the outdoors. It's a very safe and secluded location and close enough to easily drive to town. Everything was explained to us upon check-in and we had no problems with anything. The window seat was the favorite spot--it was so cozy. I definitely recommend this property for large families or groups.

10/10 Excellent

janice a.

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

Great house for large group and the property is amazing!

Our family of 13 stayed here and there was plenty of room for everyone. Kitchen is great and has everything you need for cooking. The pool table was put to good use when we weren’t outside enjoying the amazing property playing in the snow. Many areas right on the property for sledding so that made it great not having to drive anywhere to find a sledding hill and place to park. Hiked up the hill and the view of the ski slopes is beautiful. Owners are great with communication! Definitely will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rodolfo C.

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

Great experience

From the very beginning the owners were in great communication. Because of this we were able to match my family's needs and expectations with what they were able to provide. Our arrival was met with a light hearted tour of the property and checking in was as simple as it could get. The property itself is gorgeous with more things to offer than the kids could take advantage of. It offers a balance of seclusion and proximity to all the things Big Bear has to offer. Blocks away from groceries and restaurants, minutes away from both ski resorts. Yet when you're on the property it feels like you have the whole mountain to yourselves. We would definitely look forward to booking again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

TAMAR M.

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

Family fun for 4 families

We had 9 adults and 7 kids 17 to 12 years old. So much to do and enjoy. Everyone had a bed and slept comfortably. Kitchen was amazing. Short walk to the lake and village is about 5 minutes down the road. We enjoyed our stay relaxed, laughed and had a fun family time. Thank you Ken and Susan! Highly recommend!

10/10 Excellent

Alessandra D., Long Beach

Beautiful Place. Can't wait to return.

Our group had a great time in your ranch. The house is pretty, cozy and it is a perfect size for us. The ranch is amazing with a lot of nature and peace around there. Ken, the owner, is very friendly and flexible. We can’t wait to staying there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Outstanding and Perfect Retreat for entire family or vacation group.

Starvation Flats Ranch is a wonderful venue for all families and groups to enjoy an absolutely terrific winter holiday. The main house and accompanying bunk house are very, very clean, well equipped and provided ALL requirements necessary to make this a most fun-filled and wonderful vacation. The vast property offered sledding, snow man building and ther outdoor activities including a large heated Hot-tub. Indoors there is excellent sleeping facilities, ample storage and closet space. Each bedroom is well decorated, cozy and comfortable. The kitchen is spacious and provides great dining room for everyone. Wood burning fireplace, super game room, pool table and a great slection of”games for all ages” are also provided. The Ranch is only a few minutes from ski slopes, tubing adventures, ample number of restaurants and grocery facilities. It is without ANY reservation we ecommend Starvation Flats Ranch for any large family or group that wants to experience a SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRIP. Dr. John andJoAnn Bednar Rancho Mirage, California
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brenda N., United States

Large, yet cozy, super-stocked Big Bear rental with BEAUTIFUL LAND!

This summer, our group of 16 stayed at the Starvation Flats Ranch for the second time. It's always a pleasure to deal with Susan, the owner of the ranch. She makes you feel like family and greets you upon arrival to quickly fill you in on the home, then leaves you to enjoy your private, peaceful stay. We will go back again next summer, as the home is everything you'd want in a Big Bear vacation rental at a VERY reasonable price. It's very close to town, but also in the forest, where you feel like you are on a nature retreat due to the extremely large property and picturesque setting. There are many things to do outdoors, such as corn hole (we had a tournament), horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, etc. I especially like the little outdoor seating groups, benches, hammocks, oversized-swing, vintage wagon, etc. The neighborhood is extremely quiet and you can mostly hear songbirds during the day and owls at night. Most of the time, it is silent outside. So much quieter than home! Inside, the home is very well-kept, with plenty of seating (large couches and rocking chairs), more beds than you'll need, and entertainment for a large group, including flat screen TVs and a nice pool table next to a beautiful window seat. The home is much more spacious than it appears in the VRBO photos. All 16 of us could be in the living room at one time without any crowding. And for your convenience, every closet is filled with items you might need, such as extra bedding, towels, games, books, cards, videos, kitchenware, cooking utensils, silverware, condiments, spices and much, much more. Everything in the kitchen works extremely well, including the oversized professional stove and oven. It bakes four trays of enchiladas at once with room to spare. We made our meals for 16 in the house (but there are restaurants nearby), and we always had EVERY item we needed, even colanders and tongs, spatulas, utensils and supplies that many rentals overlook. Easy cooking! At night, the large property is great for the kids to play flashlight hide and seek without entering the properties nearby. That was the main night activity this past trip, even though we have BIG kids now (junior high and high school). Great place for getting kids off their cell phones, although there is WIFI too, if you want it. Don't forget to visit the lake and take a hike on the nearby trail. What a fun and relaxing vacation rental! You'll want to stay more nights than you book!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

Amazing Location

The cabin is so cute and cozy. My family loved it. We had a 30% chance of snow but it ended up snowing all night. We woke up to a winter wonderland. We also saw a lot of wildlife in the evening bunnies, coyotes it was a lot of fun for the kiddos. The kitchen is fully equipped and we used the gas grill. There was a TV and DVD player but we hardly used it. We had a lot of fun using the board games and cards. Mr. and Mrs. Huskey were very welcoming and were available for us if we needed them. I will definitely be staying here with my family again. Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018

About the host

Hosted by susan d huskey

Host profile image
We fell in love with this setting and location 34 years ago and have created a family retreat with a long list of activities available right on the property. Starvation Flats Ranch was named during the gold mining days of the mid 1800's, historic to the area. There are still mine sites you can visit locally.

Why they chose this property

You won't find this open forested acreage and setting elsewhere this close to all the fun activities you come to the mountains to enjoy.

What makes this property unique

Picture perfect mountain setting, hundreds of majestic pines, lots of privacy and open acreage that is yours alone to enjoy! About a mile to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Ski Resorts and walking distance to the lake. You will feel like this is your own private retreat, yet close to many popular restaurants. Favorite activities on the property include horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, corn hole, hiking through the adjacent eagle habitat, sledding, or just nestling in one of the hammocks or watching the snow fall from the living room window seat. Huge river rock fireplace adds ambiance to this lovely home. Two balconies off each upstairs bedroom as well as plenty of ground floor deck to accommodate your group. Dual barbeques (infrared and smoker) make outdoor meals a real treat. After a day on the lake or at the ski resorts, relax in the outdoor spa while stargazing.

Languages:

English
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