Entire home

Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals

Riverside holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals

Front of Yosemite Country Cottage; parking on left.
Enjoy your homecooked meal at the large dining table
Dining
Well supplied with pots/pans in the full amenity kitchen lit by solar tubes
Master bedroom offers Cal King oak sleigh bed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6120.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Mariposa County Visitor Center
  • Place, Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail
  • Place, Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch
  • Airport, Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

East Queen Room

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

West Queen

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Master Bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals

The managing owner of the Yosemite Country Cottage and Yosemite Lilac House has lived and worked in the Yosemite area for over 40 years. As a professional Driver/Guide in Yosemite, he will be happy to provide you with a special 'Place's to Go' Trip Planning Guide to get the most out of your visit upon booking a reservation. Rates are based on 2 people, there is an additional charge for each person per night. Please view all amenities provided. Please view all amenities provided. The owner will contact you by phone upon booking to answer any questions.

The Yosemite Country Cottage is a charming, custom built as a vacation home, designed with the traveler in mind. It is conveniently located in Midpines near Yosemite National Park in a private, quiet and secure location away from Highway 140. About 9 miles east of Mariposa and 18 miles to the Park boundary. Outside security cameras operational on the property 24/7.

Beautifully decorated and exceptionally clean, the Country Cottage has comfortable bedrooms (3) that sleep 4-6 all with country quilts, Berber carpeting and adjacent tiled bathrooms. The master bedroom has a Cal-King oak sleigh bed, clothes closet, ceiling fan, end tables with 3 way lamps. The Queen bedrooms (2) have ceiling fans/lights, clothes closets, and end table with a lamp.

The highlight of the Living room is a large rock wall with a gas fireplace for cozy evenings. The Living room furnishings including an entertainment center with a 55" smart TV for streaming movies or Internet TV. The fully furnished dining area next to the living room affords easy access to the kitchen. The large full amenity kitchen is fully equipped for the gourmet cook and includes all the conveniences for the vacationing cook. Please view all kitchen amenities provided. We will send information on the grocery store~ Pioneer Market~ in Mariposa, restaurants, etc....

Outside amenities include a propane gas barbecue. There is also a covered porch with a picnic table for outside meals and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. Night sky perfect for stargazing out in front of Cottage, depending on the Moon fullness!

The Yosemite Country Cottage is just the place for families and friends looking for comfort, convenience and charm. The open floor plan is ideal for socializing and relaxing. Sitting atop a hillside on 13 acres of private property, the Country Cottage offers privacy, quiet surroundings and fantastic views. Leave the crowds, traffic and noise behind. The Country Cottage is your ideal vacation home. Baby items (crib, baby bath, highchair, etc...) are available on request.

The Country Cottage is conveniently located near Yosemite National Park and offers a variety of activities for all seasons. There is easy access to two nearby park entrances, Arched Rock Entrance Station (about 23 mi.) along the Wild and Scenic Merced River Canyon. Or the South Entrance Station on Highway 41 on the way to the beautiful and majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias; definitely worth exploring!

The Historic Gold Town of Mariposa (9 miles away) with its quaint shops, restaurants, Wine Tasting from local Vineyards, great Beer Pubs, Mariposa County History Museum, California State Mineral Exhibit (located at the Fairgrounds), and Yosemite Climbing Museum are great to explore.
Additionally, great food (no reservation needed) 1 mile away from the Country Cottage at June Bug Cafe. Hot Tub/Spa and Massage service available at the Yosemite Bug with a reservation at yosemitebug dot com.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children and Infants are counted in total .
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Events

No events allowed
Only registered guest allowed at the Cottage.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We do not rent to smokers/vapers

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Close all windows to locked position. Turn off all ceiling fans. Put all towels used in laundry baskets.
Used "Clean up" towels from under Kitchen sink to be hung over utility sink top edge in laundry room.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Registered guests only at anytime. No Smoking or Vaping anywhere at anytime. Extra Cleaning Fee for stays 8 or more days.
Please all bed pillows, bed blankets, towels and couch/bench pillows or cushions must stay in the Cottage. Please use white laundry baskets provided.
To keep everything clean, please no food or drinks in beds. Additionally, please no sleeping on couch's / sofa's.

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
Note from host: Only registered guest allowed at the Cottage.
This property uses a grey water recycling system and 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 deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Midpines

Located in Midpines, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail and Pioneer Yosemite History Center are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Merced River Recreation Area and Butterfly Creek Winery. Travelling with kids? Consider Windows on the World Books and Art and California State Mining and Mineral Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Midpines, CA

What's nearby

  • Mariposa County Visitor Center - 10 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Mariposa County Courthouse - 11 min drive - 17.0 km
  • Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail - 11 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch - 12 min drive - 19.1 km
  • Lake McClure Bagby Recreation Area - 30 min drive - 43.1 km

Getting around

  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sticks Coffee - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪1850 Brewery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Happy Burger Diner - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Smokin Oak BBQ - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Yosemite Country Cottage~Private~Quiet~Star Gazing~Non-smokers/vapers~No animals located?

Located on a river, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Sierra National Forest, Merced River, and Merced River Recreation Area. Windows on the World Books and Art and Mariposa Museum and History Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 175 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 184 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at the Cottage. It was comfortable and just as listed. It had everything we needed to relax after long days at Yosemite. It is an hour drive to the park but it worked for us and felt good to be away from the park and relax in the evening.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home, richly appointed, modern and spacious. Property is nestled in the foothills off the western entrance to Yosemite and provided panoramic night views of the Milky Way. Very secluded off the main road and quiet. Charles was very informative about Yosemite having been an employee of the park for 40 years. His insights helped make our stay in the park even more enjoyable. We highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

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

Perfect homebase for Yosemite adventures

Loved our stay! Both the home and the owner are wonderful! You can't go wrong with this property!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

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

Yosemite visit

Such a nice, clean, quiet and comfortable spot to come back to at the end of the day after exploring Yosemite. Thanks for the great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin N.

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

CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN

We were so impressed with our 5 night stay at the Country Cottage. So close to the park entrance, fully equipped kitchen, VERY clean, and everything worked in the cottage. Would highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Rob

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Disliked: Amenities
A real top quality property. Only negative was it was easy to miss from the road
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

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

Sweet place for a Yosemite visit

Charles is one of the best hosts we come across and with a property that is just right across the board and convenient to the west Yosemite entrance. The care and effort Charles put in to make sure the stay was awesome was over the top. A must stay location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul m.

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

5 Star service

This property was immaculately clean and well taken care of. The owner is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve come across with regard to the Yosemite area and all that it provides. We couldn’t have been happier with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

ANGELA H.

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

Perfect spot!

Charles was a great host with a ton of info for exploring Yosemite. The house could not have been more clean and comfortable!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Addie H.

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

Beautiful and quiet

Off the beaten path but still close to anything you might need. Very clean house and quiet area. Beautiful views. Close to Yosemite. Charles is an excellent host and sent recommendations and useful info ahead of our stay. We would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rolayne S.

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

Awesome cottage

Wonderful home to stay in. Charles was very helpful with information both before and during the trip. The home was very quiet, well provided kitchen and laundry, rooms very nice. We enjoyed our time in Yosemite very much--we had incredible waterfalls and views of famous sites. We would stay in this home again--high compliments!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris T.

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

Peaceful Getaway

The cabin was very clean and furnished with all we needed. Appreciated having the kitchen and laundry. Charles was very helpful with suggestions about the park. Enjoyed sitting outside in the morning and after a day in the park.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

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

Short get away

Charles was great with lots of information for our short trip to Yosemite. Will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pat

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

Yosemite

Wonderful place to stay for are visit to Yosemite National Park . The Cottage was are home away from home . Well stock with all the essentials . Place was Clean and checking in and out was easy . Charles was a huge plethora of information that make you at ease , in visiting the surrounding area and Yosemite .We love the location and view of the cottage in the mountains . This Florida couple can't wait to return ! Thanks Charles
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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

Quiet cottage with easy access to Yosemite

Spending days in Yosemite is easy when using this rental cottage as a starting point. Rooms are large and master bedroom bed is very comfortable (did not use second bedroom). Having two bathrooms is always a big plus for us. Level parking makes loading and unloading easy too. Very clean, private, and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christa P.

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

Great cottage & Charles has thought of everything!

Very nice cottage near where the Merced forks north and south. We stayed there to do some photography. Hiked the famous wildflower spot Hites Cove. Not great this year with the drought and a late freeze for wildflowers. But Charles is really wonderful, very responsive, very helpful, and the cottage is nicely setup and equipped. Highly recommend for folks wanting to find a quiet place near the Merced.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charles L.

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

Home away from home, especially after long days at Yosemite.

Charles was very informative both regarding his lovely cottage and Yosemite. The cottage has an easy & comfortable floor plan. The kitchen is well stocked with quality dishes, pots & pans, glass ware etc. Also. a cooler to allow us to pack our food for the day at the park. The beds are very comfortable, and the master shower is spacious. This is one of the best vrbos we have leased, approx 1 hour from the main gate of Yosemite, with a very scenic drive there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Danielle R.

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

Excellent stay

Property was great for two couples. The house was clean, well maintained, quiet and had everything we needed to be comfortable after full days of hiking in Yosemite. The drive to Yosemite took us about 50 minutes and was beautiful. The Junebug Cafe is conveniently close with good food. Charles saved our vacation as he called us while we were boarding our plane to say the park was closing for a portion of our trip. He helped us flex our dates to avoid the park closure which also resulted a much better weather situation for us. Thankful that Charles cared about our trip and provided great advice regarding Yosemite. Would definitely stay at this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marisa H.

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

Coffee on the front porch — how lovely

One of the best properties we’ve ever stayed in on VRBO. Everything was so clean and well-prepared. What I liked was how the host left cupboard space open for our own food. Usually every bit of packing space is filled. Not at this cottage. We enjoyed the luxury of having coffee on the front porch in total silence and privacy. The good water pressure and the instant heat of the showers need to be mentioned too. Would definitely recommend. And would love to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

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

Perfect Yosemite stay

The house is big and spacious and spotless! Communication was above and beyond. I had endless questions about the park, and the owner patiently answered every question. He is an expert on the area and was invaluable, and was easily reached by text, phone, and email. I was very impressed by his knowledge and customer service. The home had everything we needed and was very comfortable. I especially enjoyed the master bed and shower. We had more than enough room. Everything is labeled and organized and efficient. The property is beautiful and serene. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Selena B., North Carolina

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

Clean, well appointed home

This is a very clean, well appointed home. Charles is particular about the home, such as no shoes, which I like! That used to be a rule in my home and got out of the habit. I have implemented it upon my return home - thanks Charles! It's very quite and peaceful. I would have loved to have more time on the porch to drink coffee and enjoy scenery/wildlife. Charles is a wealth of knowledge about Yosemite and other parts of California which is nice. Follow his instructions on how to get there. We didn't and the street is hard to see - by design. I'd stay here again in a heart beat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristine R., Scottsdale, Arizona

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

Exceptionally Clean, Convenient location

We reserved the Yosemite Country cottage for a quick two-night weekend visit to Yosemite. Charles contacted me shortly after the reservation was confirmed with more information about the cottage and the area. As a former Yosemite Park employee, he is a wealth of knowledge about the area. The cottage is about an hour from the Valley floor through a beautiful waterfall dotted pass. We didn't mind the drive. Charles sent over directions and check in information prior to our arrival and everything went smoothly. Quick note - access to the cottage is up a steep driveway. Our rental Altima struggled a bit with the ascent, but we prevailed. The cottage is exceptionally clean and exactly as pictured. The beds were comfortable, and the kitchen is adequately stocked with pots, pans, etc. There were pods for the dishwasher and washing machine, and coolers for day use. We brought provisions with us, as Charles recommended, and are glad we did. There's not much nearby except deer. Which we saw our first evening, to our delight. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to be able to return to Yosemite sometime soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was wonderful. It is close to the highway (but there is no noise) and the directions took use directly there with no confusion. Peace and quiet are the primary words for description. The couches and beds are comfortable. We had all we needed for meals in the kitchen. The primary bathroom was great, we both loved the large shower. The owner was very helpful with tips for visiting Yosemite NP. This was very helpful with timing on arrival to the park, and places to be and see. The house was spotless. We appreciated the labels on light switches and cabinets.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Master Algebra 1

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house not far from Yosemite.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John J.

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

Above and beyond what we expected.

Our stay at the Yosemite Country Cottage was nothing short of fantastic. Charles, the property manager, was a great host. He has the cottage in meticulous condition, well equipped with everything in it's proper place, and was a tremendous resource of knowledge of the area which helped us get the very most out of our trip to Yosemite. Thank you Charles!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Charles

Host profile image
Lived and worked in Yosemite/Midpines area for over 45 years. Love to share my knowledge about Yosemite with place's to go so you can make the most out of you time!

Why they chose this property

Great place to live while working for 40 years in Yosemite National Park. Quiet, private, and star gazing!

What makes this property unique

The best dark skies for incredible star gazing and Astrophotography!
We provide helpful visiting tips and a Trip Planning Guide "Place's to Go" to help you plan and make the most out of your vacation!
Private, quiet, non smoker/ non vaping/ no animals property and house. Secure location away from highway.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests