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Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views

Photo gallery for Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views

Front entrance
Front Deck view
Great light in the living room
Wood Fire Sauna with a view!
Gate entrance to home.  Window on right is sauna.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Idaho Springs, CO
  • Clear Creek
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Phoenix Gold Mine
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Broomfield, CO (BJC-Rocky Mountain Metropolitan)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2nd Floor

1 Queen Bed

2nd Floor

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

Loft

1 Single Bed

Main Floor Owners Suite

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

2nd Floor Full bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Floor bath

Bathtub · Toilet

Owners Full bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views

Escape to Mountain Liv'n, a stunning modern 100% solar-powered off-grid home nestled on a historic mountainside in the center of everything! We are situated on the top of a 1981 mining claim ridge with views of the Continental Divide while you are doing dishes and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a wrap-around deck with breathtaking panoramic views outside. Three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, with an open floor plan inside, and separate wood burning sauna and yoga/mediation space.

We are just 2 miles from I-70 and under 3 miles to downtown Idaho Springs. 1 hr to Denver Airport, 30min to Red Rock Amphitheater, 30-60min from amazing ski/snowboarding resorts!

The first floor features a modern kitchen, an open dining room and living room area with a wood-burning stove. There’s more than enough seating in this space for you and your guests to enjoy the views from the wall of large south and westward facing windows. There is a large storage closet under the stairs for outdoor gear, ski equipment and coats. The owner suite is located on the first floor with ensuite bathroom, and walk in closet. The main floor also has an additional common half bathroom with brand new full washer and dryer (detergent provided).

The second floor features two large, tastefully decorated bedrooms. Between the two rooms, you’ll find a loft with a comfortable couch and a surround sound ROKU television. There’s a full bathroom located on this level, as well.

Bedroom Breakdown:
The owner suite is located on the first floor. It features a large bathroom with a two person tiled shower with bench, two large windows facing south and east and a king sized bed and a large walk in closet with dresser. Enjoy a small but growing selection of novels and books. There’s also a flat screen ROKU television.

The second bedroom features a plush queen bed, a large east-facing window with woodland and mountain views, a large sectional couch (that can convert to a 4th bed) and a built in dresser for clothing storage. This bedroom has a wall mounted tv with an Amazon Fire stick for you to log into your account after a long day of being outdoors. Please note, the closet is locked in this bedroom, but there is plenty of space for clothing storage within the room. This bedroom has a large vaulted ceiling.

The third bedroom features a comfortable queen sized bed with plush bedding, a spacious closet for clothing storage, a large west-facing window with mountain views is featured here, as well. This bedroom also has a large vaulted ceiling, with dedicated electric adjustable height work desk and extra monitor.

Bathrooms:
1 half bathroom on the first floor
1 full bathroom with large granite tile shower in the owner suite
1 full bathroom with shower/tub on the second floor.
Bathrooms are equipped with towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, septic friendly premium toilet paper, and facial tissue.

About solar living: We rely on the energy of the sun to heat and power the home. While it’s different than on-the-grid living, it’s surprisingly simple to maintain and enjoy. There are a few things to be aware of, but it won’t greatly impact your stay. In the winter months, guests may want to light a fire in the wood stove at night, but during the day you’ll stay toasty warm thanks to great insulation and radiant floor heating. The dishwasher and washer/dryer should only run during daylight hours in order to maximize energy. Please note that the use of space heaters and high wattage appliances cannot be used. We do supply some high wattage appliances like a small microwave and hair dryer but we ask you keep these items unplugged when not in use and your mindful not to use the large appliances all at one time. Laptop computers and the like, are a-okay, but you won’t want to use these once you see this view. That's about it. If the house does not have enough solar power, a back-up generator will automatically turn on to help power the home. This house has been a short-term rental for over a decade ten and there has never been an issue! Pretty easy!

The water, stove, and radiant floor heating runs on propane. You will have more than enough hot water for showers each day. We do have septic and for how much we love our Charmin, our septic tank does not. No worries, we do supply the cushionier septic safe toilet paper but PLEASE nothing else down the toilet.

Everything is within reach here at Mountain Liv'n. Here are a few ideas of what to do while you're here. You'll find a guest book with more options upon your arrival.
•Denver is a beautiful 40 minutes drive down I-70.
•Skiing and snow adventuring: Vail Resort is one hour ten minutes away, Breckenridge is one hour away, Loveland (Fantastic and affordable! Where the locals ski) is a short 25-30 minute drive, and Winter Park is just 30 minutes away.
•Echo Lake on Mount Evans is a beautiful 25 minute drive where you and your group can hike and take-in the beautiful mountain setting in the summer or ice skate and sled in the winter.
•Take a river or lake fishing trip just a few minutes from the house.
•Enjoy mountain bike trail riding or running from your front door.
•Try-out a white water rafting trip down clear creek in the town of Idaho Springs – a quick ten minute drive from the home or a 20 minute mountain bike ride from the house.
•The home is located between Idaho Springs and Georgetown - two interesting towns with roots in the mining industry with many attractions and things to explore.
•Need a rest from all of that adventuring? Spend a day at Indian Hot Springs or one of the many hot springs nearby.
•Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is 30 minutes away.
-Explore the amazing Breweries, Cidery, restaurants, shops, waterfall and walking paths in downtown Idaho Springs, under 3 miles down the hill.

Ski and outdoor adventuring gear can be rented in town. Cheap lift tickets are also available.

I've been told by the locals, no one has air conditioning, therefore our house does not either. At 8500ft elevation, no air condition is needed. Summer days are normally in the 70s with cool night and a great breeze being on a ridge. When we bought the home we were worried but we do not have humidity, little to no bugs, and simply opening windows if needed is natures air conditioning.

Last but not least, we HIGHLY recommend renting an all-wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicle for the months of October through May. Historically, we have received our largest snowstorms in March and April. Our home sits just 2 miles from the city of Idaho Springs but it is 1000 feet of elevation gain, so there are some steep climbs, it's part of mountain liv'n. Most of the 2m road leading to the home is unpaved and up a bit of a grade. The final 0.5 mile ascent to the house is single car and also steep - even in the summer months, so please consider this when planning your trip.

We love to help, feel free to reach out!

Property manager

Sheri & Tim Marnell
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Gym
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids are welcome but know it is not child proof
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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
Oct-May, may be mud/snow, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle. Our driveway is steep, gravel and narrow one lane. It's worth it when you see this view!
Living Off- grid - when not using please turn off lights and unplug appliances, run dishwasher and washer/dryer during the day. That’s it, pretty cool
We encourage you to get out and explore. The property is steep and rocky. Use caution or if you have children. Please do not climb on the tree fort.

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
This property uses solar energy
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

Idaho Springs

Located in Idaho Springs, this holiday home is in the mountains. Underhill Museum and Argo Gold Mill and Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Clear Creek. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Idaho Springs, CO

What's nearby

  • Clear Creek - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Phoenix Gold Mine - 11 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Monarch Casino Black Hawk - 27 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Ameristar Casino Black Hawk - 27 min drive - 25.4 km
  • Echo Mountain Park - 30 min drive - 16.6 km

Getting around

  • Winter Park Ski Resort Amtrak Station - 47 min drive
  • Broomfield, CO (BJC-Rocky Mountain Metropolitan) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪White Buffalo Grille - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Beau Jo's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Golden Gates Casino - ‬27 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mountain Liv’n Modern 100% Off-grid Home with Amazing Views located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Underhill Museum and within 6 miles (10 km) of Argo Gold Mill and Museum and Steve Canyon Statue. Clear Creek and Phoenix Gold Mine are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John K.

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

Great Mountain Escape

This mountain home is exactly what we needed! It is located only about 40 minutes from Denver but completely off the grid. There are stunning views in all directions. The house is solar powered and we had no issues with staying warm on the winter nights. Idaho Springs is close by for food and excursions but we ended up staying the whole time at the house. The sauna was a nice touch, especially in the winter. Just an FYI, it took nearly 2 hours to heat in the winter so just plan ahead. The last part of the hill is hard to drive up in the snow, even with 4-wheel drive. However, the roads do get plowed, and once plowed it is not as issue. The owners of this home are very good with communication, and always responded within minutes. We will definitely be back in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cesar G.

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

First time at the Mountains

Just as listed very clean, everything works and hope i can take my family again. Will definitely be looking for this cabin again. If i had to say one thing that just would make me a bit uncomfortable was those 20 yards or so as soon as you leave the gate or driveway and you start going down hill but only when it snowed when the road was clean or dry it wasn't a problem at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole L.

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

Perfect refreshment

Nothing like waking up to magical Mountain Views- wonderful place, attentive host
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Mountain ❤️!

Beautiful high mountain cabin with ALL the trimmings! Comfortable and well appointed cabin. Great for family and friends to explore the area or just sit back & enjoy the view with a good book! The drive up can be harrowing — 4 wheel drive IS a good idea!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Peaceful

Great view and accommodations! We will stay again soon. Unmatched location... so peaceful and relaxing!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karl N.

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

Mountain Liv’n

Everything about our stay was awesome. The cabin and views were breathtaking. My wife loved the decor. And the communication with the owners was very detailed, clear and incredibly helpful. It was the perfect place for our family to relax and finish our road trip. The place was perfect!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad W.

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

Great Experience

Very clean, incredible views, would stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

anthony l.

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

Mountain house

Loved the home. Clean excellent condition. Nicely laid out. Great kitchen. Expect a tough climb on a scary narrow one lane road to it, though. Amazing views!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Mountain LivN

The house is beautiful and stocked with everything needed. If your looking for serene seclusion, this is it! Gorgeous mountains surround you with a front deck view that can’t be beat. The host was very responsive to every request.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike J.

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

Lovely place in the mountains!

This is a great get-a-way! A beautiful home high atop a mountain range. So very well equipped with all that you'd need for any length of stay. Our family had a wonderful time!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

sarah h.

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

Wonderful all around!

The house has so many great ways to relax. The views melt your soul. The sauna & outdoor fire pit was really nice. We felt like we were at our own private spa resort. Warning, if you have plans to do anything else you may instantly have zero motivation to leave ;) If for some chance you do convince yourself to explore then there is so much to see nearby. We went skiing at Keystone and explored both Idaho Springs & Georgetown. Great food and breweries in both of these small adorable towns. Would love to come back next time and see so many other things on my list but likely I would still just want to sit and enjoy this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

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

Amazing Views

This property had it all! The views were breath taking. The house was very clean and cozy, we felt right at home during our stay. I would definitely recommend. We had an incredible time.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chase W.

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

Beautiful View

Was a nice short stay, very accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

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

Really incredible experience

My wife and I found this place and opted to give it a shot. It was an incredible experience. The house has incredible views and is situated in such a perfect location for viewing of the entire landscape. The sauna was a little tricky to operate as it is wood-fired, and can be time-consuming initially. We didn’t really go out in town as we opted to prepare our own meals at the location. Everything involving this experience; to include correspondence with the owner(s), was a seamless process. No fluff involved. We would absolutely recommend this again and we intend to return as well. Zero qualms.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trisha y.

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

Beautiful location

We loved our stay at Mountain Liv'n. There is an awesome view out every window of the home. The view of the mountains from the deck were as good as being in a national park. We had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon L.

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

Beautiful

Great house in a beautiful and peaceful location. I wish we would have been able to stay longer.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Seaneen C.

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

All the best Colorado has to offer!

Our stay was more than expected! We needed nothing while staying here. The location was perfect: mornings with coffee, evenings with a glass of wine - exceptional views all day long! A great location for hiking, fishing, exploring and music at Red Rocks! An oasis in the heart of everything! We couldn't have wished for more! Thank you so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

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

Siblings get away

. The house is well set up for three couples. Kitchen is very well stocked. Good location for day trips in the area. Loved the sauna.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl D.

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

Amazing mountain home

We absolutely LOVED our stay at Mountain Liv'n! The house is spacious (and well stocked) with the most incredible views! Plenty of room for our entire group with lots of places to socialize. And close enough to Idaho Springs to take advantage of everything the town has to offer. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

jennifer s.

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

Picture Perfect

The house and property were absolutely beautiful! Sheri was excellent with communication both before and during our trip. Take heed to the listing's recommendation about a 4WD vehicle and arriving in daylight. It is a very steep climb and eventually gets to a 1 lane road. But once you are up there, it is amazing! I only wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kortney B.

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

Home away from home

Incredible home. Close to everything! We traveled with our 1 year old and 16 year old and everything felt perfect. Whether s’mores over the fire pit, light yoga in the sauna (or casual conversation in the hidden tree fort) this place has it all. Extremely responsive host! They made us feel right at home. The wrap around porch boasts jaw dropping views. Would recommend this place to anybody! Close to I-70 but feels a world away from any stresses of big city life. 10/10! We will be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

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

Quiet and Relaxing

This cabin is beautiful. I loved the location. It is close to town but is isolated. The cabin is new and clean. I enjoyed the rocking in the chairs on the porch and enjoying the view.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sheri & Tim Marnell

Host profile image
We love to travel! Tim grew up in Tucson, AZ and Sheri in Camarillo, CA. However, we have both been living in Wisconsin since we were teenagers. We have family spread across the U.S. that we love to visit. We also enjoy camping and exploring all of our wonderful National Parks. We have been blessed with 4 amazing children that are growing too quick! Colorado is such a special space and Idaho Springs even more! We would love to share our 2nd home with you. . .the views here are breathtaking!

Why they chose this property

We have several family members in Colorado and enjoy coming here to ski/snowboard. Our oldest son has chosen to attend college and play football in the area so we will be here a lot and decided to invest in this beautiful property and share it! It makes us SO happy when we hear how much our guests love Mountain Liv'n as much as much as we do!

What makes this property unique

This house is unique because it is 100% off grid but you would hardly ever know it! Being good stewards to the earth has always been important to us so owning this property makes it even more special! We also LOVE the sauna, yoga/meditation space and just can not get enough of the 300 degree views that you can enjoy from the sauna, outdoor gas fireplace or any window inside!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests