Entire home

2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!

Holiday home with kitchen, 8-minute walk to Wisp Resort

Photo gallery for 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!

cozy and welcoming living room
Summer scene from back porch and back of house
.summer on the back deck
wall of windows to bring the outside in
Beautiful autumn view from hot tub

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
McHenry, MD
  • Place, Fork Run Recreation Area
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Wisp Resort
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Deep Creek Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Morgantown, WV (MGW-Morgantown Municipal)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Single Beds

pull out twin bed in downstairs family room

1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!

Relax, recover and unwind at Writers' Refuge, a beautiful secluded and modern mountain chalet. This is a spectacular opportunity to enjoy all that Deep Creek Lake has to offer.

Whether skiing in the winter, boating in the summer or admiring the changing colors in Autumn, Writers' Refuge at Deep Creek Lake has something for the whole family to enjoy. High-speed Internet access is included and provides an excellent opportunity to take an extended vacation and catch up on work, if necessary. (desk and computer monitor included in downstairs bedroom) Well behaved pets are always welcome. Our beloved yellow lab spent 14 years hiking with us around DCL--we cherish the memories and understand that four-legged family members are just as important as the rest of our family members. We now have two new labs, Ama and Lucky, that have joined our family and are loving the wonderful hiking trails in the area.

This beautiful three-story chalet has 4 bedrooms: Bedroom 1 on the main floor (queen) with sliding glass doors to the back deck and connected door to main bath; Bedroom 2 on top floor (queen); Bedroom 3 on top floor (full); Bedroom 4 on lower level (2 twins and 1 single trundle/total for twins) with sliding glass door to backyard; Two bathrooms--one on main floor and one on top floor. The upstairs bathroom has a tub, the main floor bathroom has shower and tub.

The house is located 2 miles from Deep Creek Lake and 1.5 miles from the WISP Ski Resort entrance. It is fully furnished inside and out with lots of quilts and very cozy furnishings. We now include linens and quilts with each bed and include a set of towels for each guest.

Enjoy the view overlooking the woods from the deck, relax in front of the wood-burning stove or gaze at the stars from the outdoor hot tub. Grill out and relax on the large back deck overlooking the woods. The chalet is just minutes away from beautiful state parks, including: Deep Creek Lake Park, Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor.

Guests of Writers' Refuge have complimentary access to Deep Creek Fitness...enjoy your workout!

High-speed WIFI access is included. We recently over-stocked the kitchen with new pottery dishes, pots/pans, glass and barware. We upgraded the appliances a couple of years ago with all stainless steel appliances, new gas stove added in 2020 and we upgraded the washer/dryer with stainless steel as well.

In the summer we have a window Air Conditioning unit on the main floor and we've added circulating fans in each of the bedrooms. And we recently completed a refresh of the house: new paint in each room, new light fixtures throughout and a kitchen refresh as well as an extended driveway/pad area and upgraded walkway/decking in the front of the house.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a $125 pet fee, per visit.













Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$125 pet fee per visit
default

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 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

McHenry

Located in McHenry, this holiday home is in the mountains. Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Deep Creek Lake and Fork Run Recreation Area. Funland and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
McHenry, MD

What's nearby

  • Fork Run Recreation Area - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Wisp Resort - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Deep Creek Lake - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Deep Creek Lake State Park - 13 min drive - 13.2 km
  • West Virginia University - 52 min drive - 86.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Casselman Bakery and Café - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Perkins American Food Co. - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 2 mi from WISP & lake, outdoor hot tub, wood burning stove, luv DOGS! located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Fork Run Recreation Area and Wisp Resort. Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area and Adventure Sports Center International are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 127 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 153 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Meghan W. B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent communication with the owner. Well equipped kitchen. Perfect vibe for a cozy cabin weekend away!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice cabin for a relaxing and enjoyable stay! The host was very helpful and the home was clean, organized, and welcoming! I would definitely rent this home again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber C.

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

Great destination for Family Gathering

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here; would highly recommend! Hosts were wonderful and great activities nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda L.

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

Quiet cabin in the woods

A charming house perfect for a family getaway. Convenient location and dog friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Great stay!

We had a wonderful stay in this lovely house!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Meagan L.

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

Winter getaway

The house was cozy and welcoming. The location was amazing. The hosts were responsive and helpful. We stayed with another family and there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

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

Wonderful repeat visit

This was our second time staying here and loved it yet again! Highly recommend for couples and smaller groups :-)
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sean G., Frisco, TX

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

Great place to stay

We enjoyed the cabin, good location, nice hot tub. Make sure to bring your own towels and sheets.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Richard L., Portage PA

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

Weekend stay

Property was clean, quiet, and all around a great place. A great place for a weekend stay with lot to do nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mallory C.

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

Amazing place

Everything was just perfect at this property! Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

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

Great house in a great location

Our stay was exactly what we hoped for. It is a nice little house away from the busy areas of Deep Creek.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

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

Winter Escape

Wonderful location and beautifully decorated. Family was a big fan of the hot tub and proximity to Wisp!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy r.

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

Wonderful Thanksgiving weekend

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving in this cozy property off the beaten path!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

BETHANY M.

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

Cozy Cabin in Deep Creek

We stayed at this rental with 2 families (4 adults and 4 kids). There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy their stay. The basement was a great ‘hang out’ space for the kids. We enjoyed playing games in the evenings at the kitchen table. Loved the privacy in the woods but also proximity to restaurants and activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria K.

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

Family relaxing

The place was very comfortable, clean, and exactly as described.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe B., Annapolis, MD

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

Great Place!

Location, location, location! This unit has not only location, but also great communication at a very reasonable price. We were thankful to stay here for the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

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

Mountain & Deep Creek Lake Escape

Long weekend stay to enjoy mountains and lake activities. Beautiful rustic mountain home with plenty of space and privacy. Patty made trip and check-in process very easy. She provided great tips for activities nearby as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Dan S.

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

Deep Creek House

We enjoyed!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Juan Carlos P.

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

NIce place

We really linke the cabin. Very confortable and very well equipped. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy J.

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

Cool Leafy Retreat

We loved visiting the green area around Derp Creek Lake and taking the grandchildren to local activities!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl G., Grove city,ohio

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

Pretty location and view

Enjoyed our late family Christmas together
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

David T.

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

Very relaxing, comfortable hideaway

Wonderful property was everything we were hoping for. The location was great – very near to all the conveniences of town, but yet feeling very isolated and private. Communication was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jess R.

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

Cute cabin

Everything was perfect! Very easy to communicate with Patty. Close to many of the attractions. The cabin was very cute and had everything you could need. Would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jared G.

Weekend Getaway

We had a great time during our stay! The hot tub was relaxing after a day of hiking. Great location. Would recommend 4 wheel drive if the weather gets bad. Hope to be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Larry B.

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

Great weekend

We planned a big gathering to attend the PSU-WVU football game. This place worked out very well. I was joined by my wife, son, parents, sister & her hubby and my best friend & his son. We had a great weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Patty Brown and Lane Cooper

Host profile image
We are a family of writers and communicators based in Washington DC. Mom and Dad have been journalists since the late eighties...and there is a good chance that our son will follow in the family business. Writing is what we love to do. But it is also a deadline-intensive line of business. So every chance we get, we head for Deep Creek Lake and Writers' Refuge.

Why they chose this property

It is a chalet-style house and we fell in love with it the minute we drove up the driveway. It was off the beaten path while still being convenient to all the best the area has to offer. You are five minutes away form the the lake and the slopes. Or you can just curl up with a book in bed...or on the deck...and get lost in the rustic surroundings.

What makes this property unique

The chalet is completely surrounded by the woods...away from all distractions. The views are gorgeous...especially at night...from the hot tub when you lean your head back on a starry night.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback