Entire home

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

Photo gallery for Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

Lake facing side of exterior
lake view from deck
dock
fire pit between house and lake
House and yard from dock
Reviews
10

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8269.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
    Hot tubHot tub
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Gym
    GymGym
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Oakland, MD
  • Popular LocationDeep Creek Lake15 min walk
  • Popular LocationWisp Resort9 min drive
  • Popular LocationDeep Creek Lake State Park10 min drive
  • AirportMorgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal)50 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Lake level Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Lake level Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Upper Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Upper level Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Private Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Upper level powder room

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild

Update - May 29, 2024. Unfortunately, we are still behind schedule due to availability of trades workers, especially HVAC. Since HVAC installation precedes electrical and plumbing, we are blocked on all three. I've posted pictures of the house as it is and we are also waiting on roofers and for some custom timber roof trusses for over the balcony to be delivered. At this point we are going to block rentals through Sept as we don't believe we will be ready for guests before October. Sorry for those hoping for late summer retreat.

Re-building of Sunny Escape:
After 20 years of ownership of this 1940's former fishing cabin, we have decided to tear down the old home and rebuild on the same lot. We expect to make it available for vacation rental around September 2024, unless we are very lucky with demolition, construction, and provisioning. We hope that all of our former guests who have been so loyal and admiring for so many years will also be patrons of the new home.

The story of Sunny Escape started in the late 1930s when Deep Creek Lake construction began as part of the the New Deal electrification program. However, the lake has always been a treasured getaway with it's natural shoreline, many coves, fishing, and relaxed atmosphere. Originally, just a one room stone cabin, it was added to in the late 1950s and turned into a year round lakefront home. However, it took many remodeling and sometimes the quality of these were not always as great as we would like. This has lead to maintenance problems, pests, and high heating bills. We finally decided, after several expensive renovations of our own to cut our loses and build a "better" Sunny Escape.

For those who admired the original stone interior and exterior stone work and the wormy chestnut wood paneling, we realize those were hallmarks of the original building and we are taking as many steps as we can to retain and preserve these elements. We have stripped the chestnut panels and have contracted with a woodsmith to clean and prepare that lumber for reuse.

The headlines about the new house is that it is designed according to "passive house" standards, that will reduce heating and air conditioning cost, while providing fresh air throughout the house year round. We have also designed it to be friendly for short term stays in ways that we have learned from your feedback over our ownership. This includes plenty of common space, four bedrooms, generous parking, and easy moving in and out.

There will be four bedroom in the new house, two on the second floor and two on the first. Persons who have difficulties with stairs will have an easy time living entirely on the upper (street level) door, where the kitchen, dining, and great room provide plenty of space for gathering and relaxing with spectacular views of the lake.

As always, we will have the dock with swim platform, easy access to the lake, fire pit, and hot tub. We will also continue to allow well behaved dogs and will ensure that pet hair is removed between visits for those whom are sensitive.

Layout:
Great Room - Gas Fireplace, Lake View, TV, Table Seats 6
Balcony/deck - Located on second floor, covered, with furniture for relaxing and dining.
Kitchen - adjoining great room with eat-at island, plenty of food storage, dishwasher, ovens, induction range, and plenty of gadgets, dishes, and cooking gear.
Bedrooms 1 & 2 - street level - shared bath with tub and shower
Bedroom 3 - lake level - with private en suite bath with shower
Bedroom 4 - lake level - shared full bath
(we are trying to provide at least two king size beds, one queen size, and one with twin full size beds.
share this listing:
https://bit.ly/SunnyEscapeDCL

Property manager

Michael Matyas

Languages

English

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
There is an unfenced dock area.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
There are local noise ordinances.

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Up to two dogs only.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not inside property
All outdoor furniture must be returned to the deck prior to leaving. The exception are the benches at the fire pit.
To avoid cloudy water in hot tub, shower off lotions and sunscreen before using.
All interior furniture must be returned to the location it was in at the start of the rental. Bed linens should stay in the room they were found in.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8
Note from host: There are local noise ordinances.
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
Property Registration Number Parcel ID: 18032554

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Oakland

Located in Oakland, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake and Deep Creek Lake State Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Wisp Resort. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oakland, MD

What's nearby

  • Deep Creek Lake - 15 min walk
  • Wisp Resort - 9 min drive
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park - 10 min drive
  • Lodestone Golf Club - 11 min drive
  • Swallow Falls State Park - 14 min drive

Getting around

  • Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Arrowhead Market - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Deep Creek Yacht Club Turkey Neck - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Moonshadow - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Brenda's Pizzeria - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sunny Escape 2 - A new era - check this page for status updates as we rebuild located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Deep Creek Lake and within 6 miles (10 km) of Deep Creek Lake State Park and Funland. Wisp Resort and Adventure Sports Center International 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. 172 out of 183 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 183 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 183 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 183 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 183 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JEROME Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Still great place after numerous trips. Enjoy the location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunny escape
Can't wait to go back
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin B., Annapolis, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always a wonderful stay!
This was our 3rd or 4th stay at Sunny Escape and it was like coming home. The best property we’ve rented since beginning our annual trips in 2016. We’ll miss this house as it transforms into a new one in the coming year. Looking forward to its transformation. Thanks again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
I’ve been here a few times and I would go back again. Michael has always been prompt to answer any questions I’ve had. The house was clean, well stocked and all rooms are big for relaxing. Accurate description of the property on VRBO. But of course it’s also great because of the lake front, nearby restaurants, groceries and adventures. Thank you Michael for sharing your home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always a great stay at Sunny Escape.
We have been staying here a few years now. We are never dissatisfied.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dani G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Little Getaway
I booked this property last minute after travel plans changed and we had to stay more local. I hadn’t been to Deep Creek for about 5 years and wanted to take the kiddos. The property was literally perfect. Waterfront, with enough flatness at the start of the dock that the kids could navigate their way in easily into the water (for reference I traveled with 3 boys ages 5, 6, and 7). It is a busier part of the lake and the boys LOVED that sometimes there were waves. They called it the wave pool. The house itself quite literally had everything you would need. Games galore, every kitchen item including storage containers for leftovers which is something I seldom find and really appreciated. It was clean, it was plenty of space for the 5 of us. Could’ve easily invited a few more. I absolutely loved the sheets in the king room. So soft I even found the tag to see the brand. The proximity to everything else you’d ever want like pizza, the grocery store, rentals and most importantly, ice cream, was perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing and would totally book again! Bringing the pup next time!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Great place and location. Exactly what we were looking for. Everything was super easy, communication was great.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

SHANE R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family weekend
Really enjoyed our stay at this house. Great location, lots of ammenties, clean house. We brought our boat just a short drive to the launch but very easy to navigate back to the home. Would definitely stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

William P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Again
As former residents and now still frequent visitors to DCL, we know the area and we’ve rented several places. Sunny Escape is the best!! The house is deceptively wonderful - a little drab on the outside but comfortable, roomy and so beautifully maintained on the inside. Mike is the host and he is part of what is so exceptional. He is quick to respond from initial steps to renting the place throughout the entire stay. He is also resourceful and genuinely works to address anything that comes up. The place is beautifully stocked as well - with kitchen appliances but also kitchen supplies. You feel at home. I regret the house will not be available in the fall - as he is apparently taking almost a year to update and renovate.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything you need
Excellent location and everything was thought out for guests. Everyone loved this place.. can't go wrong staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
My family has been going to Deep Creek for the last 27 yrs at least once a yr if not two times a yr. We have always rented a place so we have stayed in a lot of different houses. We really enjoyed this house from the fenced in yard for our little dog to the easy indoor fire place that has a timer so just set it and forget it. One of the best things this house has is labels every where from the remotes on the tv's to the Kitchen which was GREAT. I like to cook so I am always tinkering making Appetizers and such and I am always pulling draws open trying to find things but not here thanks to the labels. The Kitchen is also nicely equipped with everything you will need even plastic wrap , foil etc which is crazy awesome and three coffee makers that's crazy. You are mere steps from the lake and there is a railing on the steps going to the dock again a great idea that we have never seen at other rentals. Overall this is one of the best places to stay that has a lot to offer from the lake to the great amenities in the house. Now the cons if they are really cons, a door to the gated yard for the pets straight from inside the house definitely not necessary and last thing at night from the last bedroom with two beds you can hear a loud tapping sound periodically in the same pattern all night. Great place will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L., Pittsburgh, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best house ever!
This house, which will be rebuilt in September, 2023, has been a refuge for us and our two dogs. It’s extremely comfortable from the beds to the accoutrements to the stocked kitchen to the beautiful views and gas fireplace.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Perfect place for a quick getaway. Hot tub was awesome and being rightg on the lake was great. Kids loved it. Quick drives to activities for the family!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Kristen T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent getaway for dog owners
We stayed for a long weekend with our two dogs. Unfortunately the weather was not good, but the house was well equipped with everything we needed. The dog yard made things much easier and the views are spectacular.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
DCL
Great place, excellent view of the lake from the great room, and it had everything we needed. Loved the fenced in area for our dog.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Positive we had a great time. Weather was cold and rainy so we stayed warm and cozy inside and watched the NCAA Basketball tournament.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Laura J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Great view of the lake
Nice location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Molly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great stay with lots of amenities
We had a relaxing off season weekend here. The house was clean and well stocked. We had everything we needed and more for a long weekend. We appreciated the attention to detail with things being labeled throughout the house and the FAST internet. The dog area is a nice touch along with the electirc vehicle charger. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway!
The perfect weekend getaway! There was ample space for the family, lots of board games, clean, and it was a very convenient location. Beautiful inside and out. Quick responses from owner when we had questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Getaway
This property was very cozy and relaxing. There was an abundance of games and puzzles to use. The TV has any channel you could think of, in addition to streaming apps. The view was the best part as you wake up and have your morning coffee. The neighborhood was super quiet and peaceful. The hot tub was a fun addition to use before the NFL games came on. Only minor negative was the creaking of the wood boards in the master bedroom that started as soon as we wanted to go to bed. But it stopped after 5-10 minutes but we could not find where the noise was coming from. Overall would definitely come back next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extraordinary and beyond
I slept the best I’ve slept in months here. The house itself has everything you need, labeled and extremely organized. The owner was incredible and we are so thankful for that. The home was warm, cozy, inviting and more. The views were impeccable. It was close to everything. It was quiet and serene. I could keep going.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great stay!
This was an excellent rental with so many nice touches. House was super clean. Good quality, clean linens in every bedroom with extras available. Large kitchen was well equipped with everything you need and the drawers and cabinets are even labeled to help you find what you’re looking for! There is a huge shelf full of games and baskets of DVDs. Super cozy with a beautiful view of the lake. My only complaint is that at least one of the bedrooms has a slatted door instead of solid door which allows sound to easily travel through. Other than that, love this place and hope to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Little Piece of Heaven!
5 Star Property! 5 Star Host!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sid S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house with scenic lake view
Beautiful, cozy house with scenic view of the lake, perfect for a getaway. Close to shops, restaurants, ski slopes, etc.The owner/manager was very helpful and responded to the questions promptly. We loved our stay and look forward to going there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tom S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Long Weekend at Cozy Cabin
As always, excellent owner that caters to your needs, clean comfortable and cozy cabin that never disappoints. We used the hot tub, fire pit and the great fenced dog park for our two dogs. We have been staying at this cabin for almost 20 or more years. There is a reason for that, everything is great!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michael Matyas

Host profile image
Our family has been coming to Deep Creek lake since 2001 and it is a second home for us. We enjoy the slower pace and many outdoor attractions such as boating, fishing, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, wake boarding, or just going for a walk in the woods. We live in Arlington, Virginia and come here whenever we are able.

Why they chose this property

This location is convenient to attractions and a half mile from the main Rt 319 road. The current house was built shortly after the lake was filled in the late 40's due to the location and commands one of the best views around. It is also easy to get to and easy to get to grocery stores, coffee, and activities.

What makes this property unique

We are rebuilding with an eye for comfort and affordable luxury. The new house will be quiet, comfortable, and convenient year round. It will be the first certified "passive house" on Deep Creek Lake and as such provides a unique perspective on the future of sustainable architecture and low carbon living.

Languages:

English
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