Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!

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Entire home

Beautiful views whilst dining, reading or relaxing

The granite bar is a perfect place to relax and visit.

Sunset view towards Yosemite. The sunrise is even more fabulous.

Well stocked kitchen with granite counter tops.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available

Washer

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Explore the area

Midpines, CA

Merced River Recreation Area
13 min drive
Briceburg Information Center
14 min drive
Mariposa County Visitor Center
17 min drive
Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
24 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen

Dining

Living area

Exterior

About this property

California has cowboys, beaches and surfing, skiing, hiking and shopping all rolled into one beautiful state. Seeing Yosemite when you vacation in California is a must. For this vacation, expand your mind and enjoy a true California experience by staying in a straw bale home. Unlike those of big bad wolf fame, modern straw bale homes are warm and comfortable. They provide a unique place to rest your soul (and feet) after a day of discovering Yosemite.

Our newly constructed Yosemite Straw Bale vacation home is a wonder. While the straw bales provide incredible R-50 insulation, we are using passive solar heating for preheating our radiant floor heating system with an instantaneous hot water heater as a backup system. Our photovoltaic grid panels are naturally creating clean energy from the sun. We tested these techniques on our own home and perfected them in this vacation rental for your enjoyment. Made to feel like your private second home, design touches include a social kitchen with a granite slab bar height counter, finished dyed concrete floors, and cozy radiant floor heating. Sitting hilltop at 3000 feet elevation (914m), the house includes a private deck perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views. We are also honored to share with you, eight fine art prints by renowned Sierra photographer Howard Weamer.

The gates of Yosemite are a mere 35 minutes away* on a drive that follows the wild and scenic Merced River. (*Your drive may take longer as you stop to put your feet in the river or photograph the wildflowers along the way.)

Check out our profile below, and look at the calendar for booking availability. Call or email to hear more and make arrangements. We look forward to hearing from you.

Keywords: Straw Bale, Home, Yosemite, Yosemite Area, Mariposa , Midpines, Hilltop

Property manager

Kathleen Pfeffer

Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Front of Yosemite Country Cottage; parking on left.

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Strict no pet policy

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Strict non smoking policy

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, plus eco-friendly cleaning products

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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Midpines

Located in Midpines, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Merced River Recreation Area and Butterfly Creek Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Windows on the World Books and Art and California State Mining and Mineral Museum. El Portal Market and Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Midpines, CA

What's nearby

Merced River Recreation Area - 13 min drive
Mariposa County Visitor Center - 17 min drive
Mariposa Museum and History Center - 18 min drive
Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail - 20 min drive
Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch - 21 min drive

Getting around

Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

‪1850 Restaurant - ‬18 min drive
‪Happy Burger Diner - ‬18 min drive
‪Miners Roadhouse 140 - ‬18 min drive
‪Moonbow Coffee - ‬18 min drive
‪June Bug Cafe - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lovely Straw Bale Home with Views of the Yosemite High Sierra! located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Sierra National Forest, Merced River and Merced River Recreation Area. Briceburg Information Center and Mariposa County Visitor Center are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Adam W.

18 Sept 2024

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

Beautiful stay near Yosemite

We loved the 2 nights we spent here and wished we had been able to stay longer. A lovely quiet location, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and wildlife all around. Super convenient for our day in Yosemite as part of our West Coast USA trip. Highly recommended.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Spencer S.

9 Sept 2024

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

A great stay

We loved our time at this home in Midpines and Yosemite. The home is clean and pretty, and the view is wonderful. We strongly recommend it.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Kristi M.

15 Aug 2024

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

Great location for Yosemite

Property manager was fantastic and went above and beyond to help make our vacation go smoothly. The house was comfortable and well appointed. Being from the upper midwest, the evaporative cooling ("swamp fan") was a new experience. Not the same cool as traditional AC, but it was definitely cooler inside than the 100 degrees outside. This was a great location for Yosemite and also doable when we decided to take in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks as well. Would recommend this home to others.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

sebo t.

14 Aug 2024

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

Great experience

We had a great experience at our stay. The house looked great and beautiful decoration. Very clean and organized . I highly recommend to rent this house for your stay. I will definitely come back again. Thank you for your great service.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John S.

10 Aug 2024

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

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chihee K.

31 July 2024

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

eileen f.

26 July 2024

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

Beautiful setting

Other than an issue with a leaky faucet (which the owner was working to repair) i think this was the nicest setting of the three houses we used on this visit. The swamp cooler, although unusual served to keep the house cool when needed. The view was wonderful and the sounds of wildlife were pleasant. About an hour drive from Yosemite but the drive itself was along the river znd quite beautiful. I had difficulty adjusting shower temperature to the temperature i wanted but it was a minor blip in an otherwise very pleasant stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

LeAnne D.

23 July 2024

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

Yosemite 2024

It was just perfect for our Yosemite visit.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin P.

16 July 2024

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

Relaxing Retreat

10/10! Beautiful home, beautiful property, about 35 minutes to Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance, and an hour and five minutes to the Yosemite Valley visitors center. Wildlife viewing and start gazing from the home's deck and beautiful sunsets. Very private, quiet, and peaceful. Totally lived up to the great reviews! Grateful for our time here

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mikael K.

2 July 2024

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

Perfect

The perfect place to stay for our visit at Yosemite area.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn B.

26 June 2024

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

Yosemite visit

Enjoyed the straw bale house open feeling. Felt like Italy with cool concrete floors, wooden cupboards and granite counter tops. Clean open bedrooms!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

24 June 2024

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

Sorry but sweet

We literally only showered and slept at the house, but it was a terrific touchdown spot for our 2 days in Yosemite. Super clean and well appointed. Would definitely choose again for two couples traveling together - perfect setup! Woke to 2 families of baby quail under our window the first morning!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

16 June 2024

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

A superb stay

We met out Canadian family here for a week where we created happy memories. The scenery is breathtaking and we all loved coming back from the crowds of Yosemite Valley to this quiet and tranquil retreat, sitting in the deck with a glass of wine. Everything was perfect, we wished we’d stayed for longer! We are in most nights as the views cannot be matched by any restaurant, the pioneer market in Mariposa is a good place to collect some provisions. One day we’d love to return to this idyllic place.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice

16 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol D.

23 May 2024

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

Awesome House

This house is so beautifully appointed and so comfortable. The views from the porch are so pretty. Kathleen (host) was gracious and easy to communicate with.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph D.

18 May 2024

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

Peaceful with Beautiful views

Beautifully designed and decorated house. Everything was thoughtfully done. About 45 minute drive along Merced River to the Yosemite Gate. Host was vey attentive and helpful.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rita J.

16 May 2024

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

Great house for two couples.

Wonderful house and location. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harald W.

2 May 2024

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

Wonderful

Wonderful place, very quiet, stunning views, close to Yosemite. We were very happy for having the opportunity to spend a few days at this fantastic house. Very supportive hosts, everything simply perfect!

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

18 Dec 2023

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

Cozy home for a winter trip

My family had a fantastic stay here for their trip to visit us.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

25 Oct 2023

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

Straw house near Yosemite

We had a great trip to Yosemite while staying in Midpines. Directions provided were very helpful. House was located in a peaceful neighborhood and close to Mariposa. The house was well equipped. Went there with my wife and two adult children. We all enjoyed our visit.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon N.

20 Oct 2023

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

Yosemite Base Camp

Very good communication with the host. The home was well kept and clean. Beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Would book again today if our family was heading west.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim W.

18 Oct 2023

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

Perfect location!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Straw Bale house! We were amazed to see that it truly is a straw bale home, so cool! The communication the owners provide is fantastic! Quick to answer any question. The location is great to either head into the Arch Rock Entrance or drive south to the Maiposa Grove entrance to see the Sequioa’s.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane Z., San Jose, CA

17 Sept 2023

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

Clean and comfortable

Lovely place. Clean and comfortable. Great location. My family enjoy the stay! Thank you Kathleen!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reagan H.

24 Aug 2023

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

Top rental home, hosts, and location

We stayed here for three nights while visiting Yosemite, and we couldn't have picked a better place. The cleanliness was top notch, and the location was beautiful, quiet, and serene. There was a storm caused by a very rare hurricane, and Alex stopped by to make sure that we had everything needed for the unusual weather. The storm gave us time to enjoy the many books provided around the home. The location was perfect for driving to both Yosemite and the nearby town of Mariposa. We loved our stay!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dale H.

12 Aug 2023

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

Great location

Property was clean and spacious. Covenant to Yosemite and easy to find. Had a great stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kathleen Pfeffer

Kathleen and Alex moved to Midpines sixteen years ago to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and spend as much time in Yosemite as possible. Kathleen is an Architectural Designer and specializes in Straw Bale Home design. She is also very busy raising twin boys. Alex is a trained Engineer and teaches mathematics at the local public school.

Why they chose this property

We chose to build a vacation rental on our thirteen acre hill top to allow family, friends and vacationers the opportunity to enjoy Yosemite and its surroundings.