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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

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

Explore the area

Map
Grass Valley, CA
  • Rollins Lake
    9 min walk
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park
    15 min drive
  • Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery
    19 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

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

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 Stevens Trail Trailhead. 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
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park - 15 min drive
  • Center For The Arts - 16 min drive
  • Nevada County Fairgrounds - 18 min drive
  • Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery - 19 min drive

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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 123 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 150 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

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

Collin C.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Dale W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Piney woods
What a great place to stay. Every thing we needed was there. Loved the walking trails. Great host. Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kayse V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very quiet
Enjoyed the peace.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Bart B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice but needs TLC
The house and deck are great for relaxing but maintenance is a bit lacking. We really enjoyed hanging out on the deck and going green withe solar etc. But, lights under the counter in the kitchen didn't work, the TV had connection issues, water damage in the bath sink area etc
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Helicopters
All was great except the helicopters that started flying 100 yards away at 6:30am the first day, then eveyday we were there. They stopped flying the day we left. PG&E was removing equipment. Not a normal activity, but very unfortunate timing for a trip needing peace and quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tristan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Woodland Oasis
Lovely location, secluded but close to Nevada City/Grass Valley sites. Amazing decks and space. Private path down to the lake was a little tricky to descend but well worth it. Loved to paddle board and kayak. Would come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
At one with nature
This is an amazing place, location, location, location!!! You feel like you are in the tops of the trees over looking the forest and lake. It is completely green energy so you feel at peace with nature and can enjoy the little sounds. The Nana panoramic window/door walls make the space feel so much bigger than the actual square footage. So many more things to rave about, but you just habe to experience for yourself. We could not have asked for a better weekend!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Remote and peaceful
Enjoyed our stay. Trees and view were beautiful. Rain was a bit unexpected when we booked and it hampered some of what we had wanted to do outside. Was hoping for more hiking in the area. The house was well stocked and allowed us to escape which is what we wanted.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
peaceful retreat
this was fantastic and I will be doing it again. perfect sense of isolation to focus on some seminar work I needed to do as well as jazz compositions and study- everything comfortable and perfect for my duration of stay. Went to Grass valley on a very easy trip for dinner - so the feeling of isolation was there, but could go to a store in 10 min if needed. I will return again. I would say there were a couple of things that took away from the experience - the skiploader that was parked with some equipment as I arrived made the outside assthetic not so great and couldn't find cushions for the deck chairs - but everything was good to go and served a great purpose.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great two weeks…
The solitude of the home was exactly what we needed! We spent many hours sitting on the deck enjoying the lake views, listening to the turkeys and owls and making friends with a beautiful red fox. And when the weather doesn’t permit the views from inside the home are just as amazing. Tom was very responsive to any inquiry we had. Thank you for such a peaceful stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 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
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