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Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite

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The Heartstone House is a custom built mountain retreat 8 miles from Yosemite.
It is one of the closest privately owned homes to Yosemite National Park.
And is situated along the designated Wild and Scenic Merced River.
You will have access to some of the most beautiful river stretches imaginable.
Wildflowers blanket the river canyon March-April.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
El Portal, CA
  • El Portal Market
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Yosemite Valley
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite

Heartstone House is a two bed two bath custom built mountain retreat located just 8 miles from the western gate of Yosemite National Park. The house is situated above the Merced River with access to some of the finest river stretches imaginable.

Heartstone House is a perfect launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts to explore all the Yosemite Valley and Merced River Canyon have to offer, and for artists, dreamers and spiritualists to reset, reflect and create. The home is situated in a rural neighborhood where wildlife abounds, where the beauty of the outside world and the comfort of the interior are in harmony, and the song of the Merced River fills the soundscape. Situated at a friendly elevation of 1,500 feet, the house is surrounded by mixed oak and conifer woodlands.

There are two bedrooms, each appointed with luxe linens and duvets, and two en suite bathrooms in the house, as well as a futon sofa bed on the mezzanine and basic gym equipment in the screened-in porch. The space is well suited for a group of friends, two couples, or a small family.

The kitchen is well equipped with enthusiastic home cooks in mind, including full-size appliances and a counter-height bar that connects with the living and dining rooms.

During your stay, the house will be your private oasis. An additional home studio is located on the property and inhabited by a quiet, respectful long term tenant. Feel free to explore the yard within the fenced areas. Also make sure to enjoy the incredible night sky views from the porch during your stay!

Property manager

Allison Deglomine
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym
Outdoor space

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Exterior

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, (291 reviews)
Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No 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 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

About the area

El Portal

Located in El Portal, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley. El Portal Market and Yosemite Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
El Portal, CA

What's nearby

  • El Portal Market - 11 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance - 16 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Yosemite Valley - 19 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Tunnel View - 30 min drive - 25.9 km
  • El Capitan - 43 min drive - 35.7 km

Getting around

  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The River Restaurant & Lounge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Parkside Pizza - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Canyon Bar & Grill - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Cedar House Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Little Bear Pizza - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Delightful Home and Property Minutes from Yosemite located?

Situated on a river, this holiday home is steps from Sierra National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Yosemite National Park and El Portal Market. Merced River and Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

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. 17 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Teresa v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely time
Very nicely provisioned, clean and quiet
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it
We were all very comfortable staying here. It’s just as advertised. Had everything we needed. Great location to visit Yosemite. Loved all of the outdoor sitting areas! We would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gateway to Yosemite Valley
Great location to the park. House is well maintained and stocked with all essentials.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daren G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yosemite
Wonderful property. On quiet road close to river with spots to jump in. Plenty of space with sound of river to calm your nerves. Fantastic jumping off point to enjoy Yosemite park.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Pleasant home near Yosemite
Very well kept 2 bed 2 bath home. I saw deer in the yard one night and several different birds. Very comfortable and clean. Enjoyed my stay. The only negative is the hair pin driveway to get to the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clint R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Property
Everything about this property was as advertised or better. One of the more thoroughly equipped VRBO properties I have stayed at. Very well located to the entrance of Yosemite and peaceful and relaxing. Would book this again with pleasure.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and location
We loved our stay in this house, and the location is ideal, both for access to Yosemite and for just hanging out and enjoying the immediate and gorgeous area—with the rushing water of the Merced River providing soothing sounds all the while. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home and setting
The house was comfortable, well stocked and in a gorgeous setting. It is super convenient to the Yosemite entrance as well. There is only a small grocery store nearby, so bring your supplies as there aren't many dining options. The kitchen was well stocked and pleasure to be in. We felt at home and would definitely recommend for those wanting to spend their days in the park and come back to a beautiful luxury setting that is relatively close by. Wonderful host, great communication, would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
The location worked well for a wedding we attended down the road and visiting Yosemite
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Yosemite House!
We loved our stay in this beautiful house and property close to Yosemite! The house is clean, comfortable, and as described. The beds are very comfortable, and the kitchen is well equipped and great for cooking, which worked well because there are not many restaurants close by! We would absolutely return to this house for our next trip to Yosemite!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jillian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends forever
A group of friends who’ve known each other for 40 + years gathered from CT & Australia to celebrate a big birthday. On the wish list of the honoree was Yosemite! The perfect base to explore from & relax at the end of unseasonably hot days.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cecile d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gem of a property near Yosemite
Heartstone is a gem of a property very near the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite. Home was immaculately clean and the kitchen was well-stocked with appliances, cooking supplies and herbs for cooking. Our family of four was very comfortable here and enjoyed the woodstove oven as well dining al fresco and walking to the very nearby Merced River. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay at Heartstone
Very unique property in El portal. The house was very clean and well supplied. I was happy to have coffee provisions for the next morning. The drive to the property is a bit of a challenge with some switchbacks and one-way bridges. Overall, very nice The only thing I wasn’t prepared for is somebody is living on the property in the back building which I wasn’t aware of at the time of booking.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful!
We had such an amazing and comfortable stay-there was plenty of room for our family of 4 to spread out and relax. The landscaping was beautifully designed, we spent our evenings eating dinner on the back deck watching the hummingbirds and quails. The kitchen was well supplied and the outdoor grill was perfect for meals. We appreciated the mini library that included local interest books and the super comfortable beds. We were only 15 min from the entrance to Yosemite and the owners were very helpful with the pre-trip planning info about the reservation system, closest grocery stores and restaurants. Thank you for sharing your home with us!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible location for a vacation at Yosemite!!! What a beautiful home!
Perfect vacation location for our family of 4. I did a lot of research on Yosemite and we wanted a peaceful location away from the crowds. We stayed at this property in El Portal during mid July when we knew the park would be busy. This home is just amazing. So peaceful and relaxing. We could sit outside and enjoy the sound of the Merced river below and see bats, quails and deer. Everything was perfect. Air conditioning, cozy beds, relaxing common areas. Great communication with the host and information about the area. This was an outstanding choice for our stay! So happy we found this property and thank you so much for letting us use your beautiful home! Such an easy way to enjoy Yosemite!! Everything was perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
N Fitton
A really lovely 3 days spent in the Yossemite area.The accommodation was amazing!Kitchen excellent.Can't fault anything about the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Yosemite
Perfect place to stay. Short distance to Yosemite entrance. Very clean and comfortable. Kitchen was amazing. Bedrooms were extremely comfortable. No doubt would stay there again if in this area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Allison Deglomine

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

As one of the closest private homes to Yosemite National Park, The Heartstone House is located 8 miles from the western entrance gate to the park. You will follow the very river that flows past the Heartstone, through the deep gorge of the Merced River canyon and into the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley. The property is in El Portal, just off Highway 140, the easiest to drive and most accessible all-season road into Yosemite National Park.

The majesty of Yosemite National Park are a mere 8 miles away, making the Heartstone House the perfect staging ground for your days in the park. But the property itself is also a destination. There is excellent road biking right from the house on a traffic free road for about 30 minutes of round-trip riding. In a short walk on a dirt path, you will find yourself delighting in perfect swimming holes for a day on the river. The Merced River is designated as Wild and Scenic and it lives up to its name. Deep green pools to cool and refresh, warm sculpted granite rocks to lounge and play on, it is a merciful and delightful body of water. And if you just want to sit and soak in the peace of the mountains, The Heartstone House will provide stillness and quietude.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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