This authentic log home, constructed in the early 1990s, is stunningly located on the edge of a cliff in the mountain residential community of Wilderness Ranch, just 24 miles northeast of Boise off of Highway 21 on the way to historic Idaho City. The house has almost 1,500 sq. feet of deck on three sides that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside dotted with Ponderosa pines and populated by a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and fox.
The cabin features a cathedral great room incorporating a fully outfitted retro kitchen, a six-person dining room table, a large kitchen island that can seat four, and a living room with a wood-burning fireplace (which you are free to use, but you must bring your own firewood). Two sets of glass French doors open to the deck. Also on the main floor is a full bathroom with a double vanity, shower and jetted tub (not a hot tub!), all original to the house; a master bedroom with a queen bed and glass sliding-door access to the deck; and a second bedroom with one queen bed and one twin. Please note, however, that there is currently no accessible clothes washer or dryer.
From the main floor, a log stairway leads to a large loft, which features another full bath (shower only), a full-size bed and full-size sofa bed. You'll also find there a collection of several hundred movie videos and DVDs for your viewing pleasure on a flat screen TV! Because the loft has log railings with large gaps that present falling hazards, this area is not suitable for unsupervised small children.
Wilderness Ranch has privately maintained dirt roads and the road leading to the cabin is narrow and steep in some places. While a two-wheel drive vehicle is fine for accessing the cabin most of the year, you must have a four-wheel drive vehicle with studded snow tires and/or chains during the months when there is likely to be significant snow on the mountain (November through March). There can be significant climatic differences between Boise and Wilderness Ranch. Even when there is no snow on the ground in Boise, the roads at the ranch can be snow covered and icy. Also during periods of heavy rain (spring and fall), the roads can become muddy and difficult to transverse. No refunds will be given for poor road conditions or inclement weather.
Please note that as an authentic log cabin, with exposed log interior walls, in a wilderness area, there more issues with dust and insects than a regular house. In the fall (September/October) when the temperatures drop, we have challenges with wasps trying to get into the cabin, notwithstanding that we employ an exterminator. So if the sight of a wasp or insect in the house would bother you, this is not the vacation rental for you!
Be aware that cell phone coverage at the ranch (and on the way from Boise) is spotty or not available at all. However, the house does have a landline phone.
Please note the map may show Bogus Basin ski area as close-by, but those roads are not open in winter. To get to Bogus Basin, you need to drive into Boise and then back out. Trip takes about 90 minutes.
Final note: Pets and domestic animals of any kind are not allowed anywhere on the property, inside or outside the house. Violation of this rule will subject you to immediate removal, forfeiture of your security deposit and additional charges.
