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

Escape to an eco-friendly hilltop haven surrounded by nature’s beauty. Relax on your private deck as you soak up serene views.

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

Miscellaneous
Interior
Outdoor dining
Dining
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

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

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

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

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Ski

  • Snowboarding and cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Kitchen island

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Memory foam mattress
  • Day bed
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Music library
  • Games
  • Video library
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Strict non smoking policy

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Recycling
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 173 reviews
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: Strict no pet policy

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
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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

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

About the neighborhood

Map
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
  • Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch - 21 min drive
  • Lake McClure Bagby Recreation Area - 41 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!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

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

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 9 mi (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 mi (20 km).

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 250 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 250 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 250 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 250 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 250 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rita J.

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

Sara A.

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved our stay at the straw bale house! Highlights included gorgeous sunsets, spotting a bobcat from the back porch, a deer eating breakfast outside the window, and evenings on the deck under the stars. The home was clean and just as described on the listing. Very unique! It took us about 45 minutes to get to Yosemite, which worked out great. We’d recommend to others who are looking for a peaceful setting in the Yosemite area.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

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

Harald W.

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

Sarah C.

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

Carol D.

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.

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

Dale H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Jane Z., San Jose, CA

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

Adam O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome location!
Awesome views! Seemed like it was made for two traveling couples. Really enjoyed the layout and scenery. May have to come back some day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon N.

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

Scott H., Poynette, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique Setting and House
What a fun and unique house. Quality of the house and furnishings exceptional. Excellent access to Yosemite and Mariposa. Beautiful sunsets and wildlife in the area as well. Thank you for a lovely and memorable stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome Home in a Stunning Setting
We loved our stay in the Strawbale Vacation Home. It is extremely well kept, a beautiful property, and a convenient location to the Yosemite main entrance. The owner was extremely helpful with our planning and a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
In for a wedding
Everything was great
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim W.

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

Rafeena A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location to visit Yosemite - would book again
Staying here was a treat. The owner was responsive via the site and phone in answering our questions about the property and Yosemite. The neighborhood is nice and quiet and easy to get to Yosemite. The place itself was perfect. The kitchen had all of the non-food items one needs, the living room was our go to spot to crash and watch tv after a long day. I would book here again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good location
This home was a good location for our vacation to Yosemite. It had everything we needed, and the owner communicated well. There were some ants, but that is to be expected with a home located in this area, it was not a big problem. I would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christoph G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, beautiful & peaceful!
Wonderful property in a peaceful part of the country. Highest regards for the property owners who were excellent communicators and were most kind and considerate hosts, going above and beyond what is expected to make our stay comfortable and pleasant. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reagan H.

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
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Trina H., Gilbert

All the comforts of home!
What a treasure and so convenient to Yosemite. Exceeded all of our expectations, well stocked and up to date. Perfect place to return to after a day of exploring. Great restaurants and shops in maraposa, just 15-20 drive. We would love to return to this house and explore more of this beautiful part of our country. Thank you Kathleen!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kenson W.

Peace in the midst of green landscape.
The house was carefully designed and was surrounded by a nice green view. The decorations brought some nice touch to the character of the house. We enjoyed the several paintings around the house. The living room was spacious and all the amenities were perfect to make our stay as comfortable as our home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2017

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic home !
We are 2 couples who stayed here for 4 nights while visiting Yosemite. We loved every single thing about this home. It was exactly as pictured. The kitchen was super well stocked. Beds very comfy. The owners have truly thought of everything. The gas grill was handy to eat in 2 of the nights. We also liked having the option of Netflix avail. We sure enjoyed the deck overlooking the mountains. Just a wonderful property !
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carla W.

Lovely home
My parents and I loved our two nights at this spacious property. It has a good location to get to various parts of Yosemite. We cooked both nights and found it had everything we needed. As a Brit who lives in the US, the sight of an electric kettle in the kitchen was most welcome! My only recommendation would be to bring your own pillows if you like them to be firm. I’ll definitely recommend this house to anyone I know traveling in the area and hope to stay here again myself in the future. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Greg H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything we had hoped for
We retired in early March of '20 and had reserved the Strawbale House for later that spring. When Covid happened Kathleen gladly refunded our $. We rebooked for '21 and the stay was everything we needed. Solitude, close to Yosemite, stars, wildlife, did I mention solitude. Two Roomy masters, soft comfy sheets wonderful bathrooms. Entire home very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021