Entire home

Step back in time!

Photo gallery for Step back in time!

Property grounds
Exterior
Miscellaneous
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Step back in time!

Modeled after a hostel/tavern that sat at the top of the mountain for 200 years, the house is outfitted with a myriad of turn-of-the-century treats: parlor stove, bar, (electrified) oil lamps, clawfoot tub, hand-crank phone, even a player piano, but has all the modern conveniences. Situated in 120 acres of your own private forest, the home is secluded, very private, and yet only 2000 feet from the Appalachian Trail.

THE SPACE

Sit on a porch rocker, sipping a lager while you watch the wildlife saunter by. Soak your bones in a clawfoot tub while reading the latest L. Frank Baum. Jump into the ice-cold swimming hole. Fall asleep in a chaise lounge while warming your toes by the coal grate. Hike the green trail with the kids and dog to meet George F, the bear. Or hike the new adventure trails in the Hundred Acre Wood.

The house sleeps eight: a queen bed in the vast master bedroom, another in the middle room, and 4 twin-sized beds in bunkroom. There are bed linens and towels galore, enough for an army, so don’t bring your own. Soaps? They’re there. Forgot your toothbrush? Yup, there’s spares.

The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances and all the tools to satisfy the most discriminating foodie. The cupboard’s fully stocked with spices, flours, oils, and vinegars, and the fridge is stocked with all the condiments you want so you don’t have to worry about the little stuff. Is there coffee? Yes, both whole bean and ground. The small bar, a tribute to the home’s tavern origin, is never stocked out of respect for guests who may be in recovery; the Blue Mountain House is very much a BYOB establishment. Note: induction stoves, though super-efficient, only work with ferrous metals (steel, iron), so if you bring your favorite aluminum pot it will not work. However there are tons of high-quality ferrous pots, pans, dutch ovens, etc, etc onsite for you to use.

Planning a family feast? We got you. Open the flyleaves of console table and set it beside the oak dining room table (they’re the same size), gather all the extra chairs, and seat twelve. Break out the serving platters!

The home is heated and cooled by a state of the art HVAC system. In winter, feel free to make it extra cozy by firing up the parlor stove in the living room or the Victorian grate in the master bedroom. The water heater is on-demand, so go ahead and fill the tub. A full size washer and dryer await upstairs for your convenience.

OUTSIDE

The fire pit behind the house comes with a stack of firewood; please don’t bring your own so we can avoid invasive insects. And the fire pit doubles as a grill; see the house notebook for hints on cooking on an open flame.

The swimming hole behind the house is about 5 feet deep. It’s a bit mucky, but we’re working on it. A rope swing hangs from the far side. Be aware, the water is **cold**. Three inner tubes are supplied for summer delights. Because of its constant flow, it never freezes over in winter, so no ice skating. You’ll just have to settle for the toboggan in winter.

The two main hiking trails are marked. The green trail starts behind the garage. Follow it to meet George F. The red trail heads high off the green about halfway through. It leads to the “Gazebo in the Clouds.” Climb at your own risk (alas, your host’s fear of heights and a past unfortunate experience with a ladder prevents him from ever being able to climb it. Two rungs is as far as he’s ever gotten).

LOCATION

Blue Mountain House sits on the abandoned road that used to be the main route over the Blue Mountain between Berks and Schuylkill Counties. It’s about 2100 feet due south of the Appalachian Tail at the Fort Dietrich Snyder monument stone. The steepest part of the route from below is paved, but in winter, four wheel drive is a necessity, and will be required.

Cabela's is 12 miles away and Lancaster County 40 miles. The house is 164 miles from Washington, 130 from NYC, 92 from Philly. Gettysburg is 80 miles away, Knoebel's Amusement Resort is 30, and Hershey Park is 35. Both the Yeungling Brewery and Rausch Creek are 22 minutes away. Maps, guidebooks, and a custom notebook list the hundreds of other activities, adventures and amusements nearby.

What's provided? The house has a supplemental coal stove converted to propane at the stone fireplace in the living room and another in the master bedroom; a 43" flatscreen TV with basic cable, Dolby sound, blu-ray DVD player, all connected on the local wifi with high speed internet. There are plenty of board games and wondrous libraries for adults and kids.

The fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need: induction stove, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, with hand-crank bean grinder, crockpot, fridge, dishwasher (hooray!), cooking utensils, pots and pans, flatware, dishes, and glasses. I provide basic staples like ketchup, mustard, mayo, butter, sugar, flours, teas, olive oil, vinegar and spices so you don’t need to worry about the little stuff. And of course I include the ingredients for the must-use spaghetti ice cream press.

In the seat of the hall tree at the front door is a 3-ring binder of instructions on how to work all the home utilities (TV, cable, wifi, thermostats, trash), along with the 14-page list of local activities, and a map to the AT.

There are 2 main bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, and a bunk room that sleeps 4. Have an extended family? The companion "Cozy Appalachian Trail Cottage" and "Kittatinny Ridge Retreat" are just downhill. Book all 3 at a special rate.

When you come, bring a printed copy of the directions, a flashlight, and food; a tablet or laptop and cellphone. I provide all the bed and bath linens, household papers, and soaps; firewood and kindling. Do not bring your own firewood as it may house infestations of dangerous insects like the spotted lantern fly and emerald ash borer.

Because there are multiple deadly risks (you could get attacked by a bear, bitten by a snake, drown in the pond, fall from a tree, gas yourself with the parlor stove; oh, there's lots of good old-fashioned mortal dangers here), you will be required to sign a formal rental agreement and release before admittance.

Property manager

Mike Najarian

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Blender

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Porch or lanai
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Sledding nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 9:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 7:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite 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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Blue Mountain House
Step Back in Time! Bethel
Step Back in Time! Private vacation home
Step Back in Time! Private vacation home Bethel

About the neighborhood

Map
Bethel, PA

What's nearby

  • Ghost Town Gulch - 7 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Roadside America - 9 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Vraj Temple - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Koziar's Christmas Village - 15 min drive - 15.7 km
  • Yuengling Brewery and Museum - 22 min drive - 23.1 km

Getting around

  • Reading, PA (RDG-Reading Regional) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Friedensburg Country Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Lake Wynonah Lodge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Blue Mountain Family Restaurant - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Step back in time! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Step back in time!?

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM.

What time is check-out at Step back in time!?

Check-out is at 7:00 PM.

Where is Step back in time! located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is 2.5 mi (4 km) from Pat Garrett Amphitheater and within 6 mi (10 km) of Strausstown Lions Park and Golden Age Air Museum. Rehrersburg Lions Park and Fawn Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Step back in time! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 15 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 15 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

sarah h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible
Another absolutely incredible stay at BMH! Will absolutely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

PAUL R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tucked away paradise
Although it was a little challenging to find Mike called and directed us to this spectacular historic home. Perfect location for our off road trips to Rausch Creek, nestled far back off the main road and quiet, which provided ample time for rest before our next days excursion. Everything you see in the pictures is exactly as it is except in person is completely breathtaking. We will certainly attempt to stay here for all our future trips…
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rae H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home
We loved this place. Great for a family visit with our dogs. It's very well stocked and the price is reasonable for what a beautiful house and location. There is a little pond with very clear water that I would have cooled off in if I had gone in the summer. Amazing to have such early check in and late check out!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Long weekend away
Our family had a wonderful time staying at the Blue Mountain House! We went on hiking adventures, enjoyed sitting by the pond while our son played on the rope swing, and loved sitting on the front porch. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

sarah h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely magical
Our stay at BMH exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail both inside and out was incredible. The property is stunning, and the grounds paradise. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible location, incredible house.
Stayed here with friends and family for some adventures in the woods. Was blown away by how many magical details were placed throughout the house and the property. I have never had a place so completely exceed my expectations. The care taken to ensure ease of stay and enjoyment of the property was truly incredible. The land is beautiful and is surrounded by miles of forested State land you can hike to right out the front door. Would be a wonderful place to stay in every season. The home was elegant but warm and inviting. The kitchen was well equipped and perfect for cooking large meals. It felt like a gift to be able to stay at this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Family Weekend Ever!
We had a wonderful time at the Blue Mountain House! We hiked, spent time by the fire, enjoyed coffee on the front porch and so much more. This was exactly what our family needed and we can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect and peaceful
The listing doesn’t do it justice—the home is beautiful and has so many touches that make it incredibly special, antique doorknobs, dishes, lamps…all create such a special atmosphere. Loved the toys for the kids too. The pond, fire pit, trails, and all the surprises and books made it a perfect stay. The dogs loved it and felt right at home too. Only suggestion would be that a few folk song piano books would’ve been fun too, we enjoyed making some music on the player piano.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

Family getaway
We really enjoyed our stay here at the cabin. There were houses down towards the bottom of the hill, however it was pretty secluded. The cabin is absolutely beautiful. Mike was wonderful to work with. We were running low on firewood and he brought more right up. Great host. The only reasons why I rated cleanliness a 3 is because we had to clean up some dead bugs in the cabin and some spider webs (in the cabin and a lot on the ceiling of the porch (however we are in the woods so that would be a huge challenge to keep those things on the move). I had to clean the coffee maker and pot out. there were grounds and a small amount of coffee left in there. Overall a wonderful experience and beautiful cabin and grounds.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay!
We loved this house and the location. Everything was so clean and we really loves everything about it! We had a great time having campfires at night. The chairs on the porch and by the fire pit are so nice to sit and relax in. Thank you for a great week!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sophie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
Magical! We definitely enjoyed staying!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Albert E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Space on the Mountain
We were truly amazed at the home and property. So much to do and Mike includes a lot of information about the area and the home/property you are visiting. Form the welcome card, the hidden treasures within the house, swimmy hole and abundance of seclusion, you will not be disappointed. We will certainly be returning guests to this wonderful escape.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ron H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Blue Mountain House was breathtaking...every feature-the decor, kitchen appliances, Cabinet TV along with gorgeous wood flooring and walls throughout, made this cabin stand out above the rest in every way. The floral centerpiece and welcome card was just one of the many touches that warmed our hearts. The kitchen was stocked with state of the art cookware/dishes, a spaghetti icecream maker and all the ingredients for S'mores by the fire. The lake and stream along with chirping birds made our outdoor time an incredible experience. The peace and quiet of the wooded setting is all that we hoped for and more. This is one cabin getaway you will not want to miss. We will be returning soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Weekend on Blue Mountain
Mike is an awesome host. From booking to confirmation and pre-trip information he was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the little things that make the Blue Mountain region special. The house itself was beautiful and had ALL the amenities one would need to be totally comfortable. From every kitchen utensil and device needed to the ingredients to make s’mores on the firepit. I was pleasantly surprised opening the freezer finding a fresh half-gallon of vanilla ice cream that went splendidly with the apple crumb pie from Dietrichs farm market which he recommended. Bonus, there was also fresh coffee from a local roaster that was outstanding. If you are a hiker Blue Mt House is perfectly situated about 1/3 of a mile from the Appalachian Trail. We were able to knock out 18 miles without even getting in the car. Brady, our Black Lab was in his glory exploring the pond and falls which are right on the property. Be sure to hit the Green Trail to go see George the Bear. If you feel ambitious hit the Red Trail and check out the Gazebo in the Sky. Blue Mt. House is perfect for couples and families. We are already making plans to make a return trip in September. Thanks Mike !!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021