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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6260 sq m

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Pet-friendly

Washer

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Explore the area

Nevada City, CA

Tahoe National Forest Headquarters5 min drive
Nevada Theatre6 min drive
Scotts Flat Lake21 min drive
Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)87 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful house & property

Andrea H.

Jan 18, 2024

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Completely Private Retreat Six Minutes from Town

NOTE: Nevada City is not known for good Internet. Ours is excellent. Rocky Top is a beautiful gated estate property consisting of eight acres of forested splendor. Just six minutes from town and yet no other homes are visible from the property. The views are of distant mountains, magnificent trees and wild life. It is a retreat you may find hard to leave other than to enjoy the restaurants, shopping and nightlife of magical Nevada City just down one gentle road.

The 2800 sq.ft. home is designed in Tahoe lodge style. The large mountain view terrace has a hot tub nestled in giant boulders. The forest and mountain view deck is enormous. You can hike for 1/2 hour and never leave the property.

At Rocky Top you will be reminded of a favorite setting in France or Italy. The views, the flora and the animal life are very similar to the lower Alps. The magnificent swimming ponds of the Yuba river are only 15 minutes down the road. Lake Tahoe is an easy and beautiful hour and fifteen minute drive away.

Rocky Top is not your typical rental. This is our home and we make it available for others to enjoy when we are gone. We have a home in Mexico and we spend a good deal of time visiting friends and family around the county during the summer months.

You will find the things that one would expect in a real home including a full spice cabinet, all appliances large and small and many items that you will not need to bring or shop for. (There is even a VitaMix!)

All the amenities you could hope for are included. The home has high speed w-fi and cellular data at the home is LTE (4G). Both the media room and the great room are equipped with large HDTVs and a nice collection of DVDs. The gardener will show up every Wednesday to keep things looking good. On longer stays maid service will be provided once every two weeks. If one of you plays the guitar there will be one for your use. We want you to enjoy Rocky Top as your own. We think you will love it. Please scroll down page to just below 'View Calendar' for a link to our slideshow.

We accept credit cards, PayPal and cashier's checks. There is a $150 cleaning fee and a security deposit required. Some dogs allowed by advance arrangement only.

Keywords: Lodge,private,gated,sunny,hiking trails,naturist

Property manager

Kevin Shipman

Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Subject to approval. No heavy shedding dogs.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Nevada City

Located in Nevada City, this holiday home is in the mountains. Tahoe National Forest Headquarters and South Yuba River State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.

Nevada City, CA

What's nearby

Tahoe National Forest Headquarters - 5 min drive
Nevada Theatre - 6 min drive
Nevada City Firehouse No. 2 - 7 min drive
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum - 9 min drive
Scotts Flat Lake - 21 min drive

Getting around

Colfax Station - 28 min drive
Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 87 min drive

Restaurants

‪Northridge Of Nevada City - ‬6 min drive
‪The Willo - ‬8 min drive
‪Three Forks Bakery & Brewing - ‬6 min drive
‪Treats - ‬6 min drive
‪Jernigan's Tap House & Grill - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Completely Private Retreat Six Minutes from Town pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Completely Private Retreat Six Minutes from Town?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Completely Private Retreat Six Minutes from Town?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Completely Private Retreat Six Minutes from Town located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Tahoe National Forest Headquarters, Historic Firehouse No. 1 Museum and Off Broadstreet Theatre. Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and Nevada Theatre are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Marshall S.

29 May 2024

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

Beautiful home

The owner was very helpful and responsive. We would not think twice about staying again.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea H.

18 Jan 2024

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

Xmas

Wonderful house & property

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dianna G.

28 Dec 2023

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

Lovely Family Getaway

Our family of 6 had a wonderful 2 nights with our golden retriever in this great wooded home. We explored Grass Valley and Nevada City and explored the Empire Mine State Park. The home is well equipped and comfortable. It was so awesome having our dog with us. She loved Running around the property. If you bring your dog, be sure to check them for ticks. That was our only concern. One thing is that the drains are slow in the sink upstairs and in the bathtub downstairs but that’s an easy fix. Thank you for a great family getaway!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joyce P.

28 Apr 2023

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

Beautiful Home

The house is lovely in a very quiet peaceful area. It's a good location for exploring the many lakes and waterfalls in the area. Would highly recommend.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn C.

16 Dec 2022

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

Beautiful, peaceful, and wildlife

This house was gorgeous! My girlfriend and I took my 63 year old mom and 90 year old grandmother to the Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. This house was the cherry on top! It was perfect! Nestled in the mountains, this property was so peaceful, and was even decorated for Christmas! We all loved looking out for wildlife throughout our stay. We saw a ton of deer, coyotes and even four bob cats! It was amazing. The house was so clean, and had everything we needed. I will cherish this trip forever. Kevin, the owner was so nice and was available for any questions or concerns we had- even though we had none! Best trip ever! Would love to come back soon!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maggie P.

1 Dec 2022

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

One of the best EVER!

This cabin that resembles a Tahoe cabin in the middle of Nevada City back country is absolutely one of a kind. The amenities inside of the house like eye masks for the sunlight in the morning, or the use of condiments, or leftover items in the house. There was plenty of shampoo, conditioner, and bath needs. The beds were absolutely amazing, the Soundsystem was pristine, and the decor made lounging around in front of the fireplace Amazing. The peace and quiet outside near the hot tub was unsurpassable. I will definitely be renting this again for my anniversary, and whoever cleans this place does the best job I’ve ever seen in the world.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeff p.

25 Nov 2022

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

Thanksgiving to remember

This was our first Vrbo experience and we are already planning our next trip ( back to the same house). House was everything that was promised and then some, we all feel so relaxed after spending a few days in the peaceful environment…. House was very clean , we are a very musical family and we could tell the owners were also, thanks for allowing us to stay at your home and the only regret we have is we didn’t stay a extra day!!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

4 Nov 2022

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

Rocky Top Retreat

Great house—terrific design, furnishings and craftsmanship. Great property—beautiful pine forest, away from it all. Charming location—nearby Nevada City in the Fall, just magical.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill K.

14 Oct 2022

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

Peaceful Stay

We loved our at Rocky Top! It was everything we were looking for - a peaceful getaway close to restaurants and beautiful hikes. The home is so beautiful and clean. We'd definitely want to stay again. Thanks for being a great host, Kevin.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam F.

10 Oct 2022

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

Peaceful retreat

Great property just outside of town but feels a world away. Close to downtown Nevada City and Grass Valley-lots to explore locally. Private, secure, and peaceful.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L., Honolulu, USA

6 Oct 2022

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

Wonderful Family Vacation Home

We truly enjoyed this wonderful family vacation home. It was perfect for relaxing in secluded serenity. We took short daily walks with our Corgi dog along the private forest trails surrounding the home. Thanks for the suggestion to hike down to the Yuba River at Hoyt’s Crossing. Jumping off the rocks into the crystal clear blue river pools made for one of our most memorable family experiences!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Albert S., Texas

20 July 2022

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

Amazing Solitude and Views

The property was exactly as described online, but candidly it would be impossibly to adequately describe how amazing the views and solitude are. Home has a great layout, master bedroom was incredible, and views from inside the house are simply perfect. Outdoor seating and views are also amazing. We will definitely stay at this home when we visit Nevada City again.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kurt W.

1 July 2022

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

Extraordinary, spacious, secluded retreat

Rocky Top offers a beautiful natural setting, with a beautiful custom home. The architecture, decor, furnishings, and landscaping are all first rate. We had a wonderful stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Renette S.

23 June 2022

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

Lovely property

We enjoyed our stay at Rocky Top, beautiful home in quiet secluded location, but not too far from Nevada City/Grass Valley. Every convenience you could possibly need is provided.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janice H.

7 June 2022

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

Great place, great host!

This is a really beautiful property, and very well taken care of. It really has everything you need. Kevin was unbelievably responsive. Three couples stayed, and had plenty of room for everything!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandi N.

11 Nov 2021

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

Another Fantastic Weekend at Rocky Top!

This was my third time renting Rocky Top, and another memorable time was had at this beautiful Nevada City retreat. I previously rented the property for a milestone birthday celebration to try it out as “home base” for my son’s wedding a year later at the Empire Mine Historic State Park in Grass Valley, and we stayed again for four nights then and made incredible memories cooking dinners and brunch for family and friends, hanging out in the hot tub, and just enjoying this gorgeous property and it’s setting. This time, I organized a gals gathering for 5 friends to celebrate a friend’s milestone birthday. They LOVED Rocky Top, and it’s proximity to both Nevada City and Grass Valley too. We had dinner on Friday night at Lola’s in the National Hotel in NC and it was terrific. (We had hoped to head to Golden Era Lounge just up the street first (go there for amazing craft cocktails and local really good jazz, blues, and other genre) but we were running late after a visit to our friend’s newly acquired undeveloped property on the Yuba River) and headed to the NC Farmer’s Market early Saturday morning, which was incredible. The fresh produce, fish, meats, breads, local honey and homemade crafts truly would rival any Farmer’s Market. We bought the fixings for a delicious gourmet dinner that night. Saturday was shopping in NC and Sunday in Grass Valley. It was great fun in both spots, but GV shopping spots are plentiful and diverse. As for Rocky Top itself, the hosts are fabulous. Always accommodating and kind, and their home is the perfect getaway for friend and family. The kitchen is well stocked, the beds are nice and the patio and vistas are incredible. We took a 3-mile-plus-long walk around the property and neighborhood. All very serene. I highly commend Rocky Top. Memories are made here. Thank you Kevin for another memorable weekend!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Megan G.

10 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Communication

Perfect!!

I have stayed in many, many vacation rentals but this is definitely in the top 5. Absolutely beautiful, serene, comfortable, clean.....didn't want to leave!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dede B., Granite Bay, California

28 Aug 2021

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

Fabulous, Wonderful, Exceptional

6 of us enjoyed our stay at Rocky Top so very much! This is definitely the best VPRO home we've ever rented. The kitchen was fully stocked. It had everything you can think of! Besides being spotless and as pictured, the owner is obviously a collector of fine art. Rocky Top is a showcase of good taste, the decorations and color of the insides are wonderful. We spent most of our waking hours outside on the boulder inspired patio. We playing music and games but most important we connected and strengthen our friendships. I don't remember stairs being mentioned in the home description but there are stairs going up to the huge master suite. This may be a concern if someone has mobility issues. Kevin was quick to respond to our questions. We'd love to come back again. Thanks Kevin for creating such a wonderful creative enviroment for us to enjoy.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

John H.

7 Aug 2021

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

2 day stay

The rental worked out very well for us. We did not spend a lot of time in the house as we had other obligations. The beds were very comfortable. We brought a small port-a-crib for the infant. House was well maintained and beautiful. The kitchen was well equipped -- we used only for breakfast. The only improvement we might suggest is in regards to lighting for reading. There were no bedside lights in the bedrooms. Some brighter lamps in the main room would also be helpful.. AC worked well. Thanks much for your hospitality.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pearl C., Salt Lake City, USA

21 July 2021

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

Peaceful and Perfect

The house was exactly as advertised. The beds were comfortable, the space was clean, and the patio a wonderful spot to drink your morning coffee. The owner sent a welcome letter, which I missed in my original booking, so we had an issue getting in, but it was my fault. He responded to my call immediately and resent the letter so we could access the property within minutes. Cell service is spotty through the town and driving to the home, but there is very fast wifi at the house. We would for sure stay here again!!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leland P.

15 July 2021

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

Beautiful home on private property

A short drive to Nevada City but well worth it for the privacy and seclusion on a wonderfully managed property. We had a perfect long weekend here, great indoor and outdoor dining options. We'll be back!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

deborah t.

13 June 2021

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

Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

We have experienced alot of vacation rentals over the years as we prefer them over hotels, and this property has to be one of the absolute best!. The description and photos in the listing perfectly describe the property but actually being there in a beautifully appointed home surrounded by your own personal forest takes it to another level. Kevin and Jeanne are the consummate hosts and have left no stone unturned in creating a very well appointed home so that guests want for nothing. We enjoyed every minute - cooking in the well stocked kitchen, relaxing on the patio soaking up nature, enjoying the hot tub - the list goes on and on. We realized there are no window coverings - none needed as the property is gated, on. large acreage and surrounded by beautiful tall trees so your views out any window are stunning. We hated to leave but will definitely return!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Marie g.

17 May 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway

Very comfortable and spacious, in a beautiful setting!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

11 May 2021

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

A Perfect Nevada City Getaway!

My girlfriends and I recently had the pleasure of staying at Kevin and Jeanne's Nevada City retreat and all I can saw is "Wow"! The home itself is stunning with plenty of room for everyone. The beds were very comfortable, the kitchen had everything you would need and there were even extra touches like eye masks on every nightstand. Best of all though were the views! It truly is a mountain retreat and we thoroughly enjoyed sitting out on the decks taking in the beautiful sights. I also want to give Kevin a huge shout out as I had to interrupt his weekend not once, but twice, and he could not have been more accommodating and gracious. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway with family/friends, then look no further!!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan J.

7 May 2021

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

Spacious Beauty in the Foothills

We had a wonderful time during our 3-day stay in this beautifully maintained property. Large, clean home with a layout for both gathering together and individual moments of quiet time. Everything we needed and more: big, beautiful well stocked kitchen, a spacious, comfortable upstairs master suite, with soaking tub, dressing area, sofa, desk and window seat, 2 downstairs bedrooms with a private shared porch, bathroom, laundry room, large living room and dining area and a comfy, tv/movie viewing room. The outdoor area with a grill and hot tub, includes walking paths, lined with tress and flora, lush lawn, lovely vistas, and so much more! Our only complaint is that we did not book a longer stay. We are already planning our next visit, as soon as we can coordinate dates. Excellent communication, every step of the way, with the property host, Kevin - thank you.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Kevin Shipman

We are retired professionals who travel a great deal and have a second home in Mexico. Jeanne was an educator for 32 years and Kevin was a real estate broker for 25 years. We think that travel is one of the great gifts we give ourselves and we know that Rocky Top will be a memorable destination for our guests.

Why they chose this property

We looked for five years to find our dream property. We had lived in Incline Village at Lake Tahoe so we were not easy to please. The property had to be 'magical' and the home would have to be in a comfortable lodge style. That took some doing but a year later we had the house the way we had hoped and more. As much as we love Rocky Top, we love sharing it just as much. We hope you will feel the same way.