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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

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer

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.













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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$125 pet fee per visit
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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.
View more Holiday homes in McHenryOpens in a new window
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
  • ‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Casselman Bakery and Café - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪UNO Pizzeria & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Perkins American Food Co. - ‬5 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

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

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

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

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

Austin M.

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

Good vacation

It was easy to check in and checkout. No problems and the place was clean. Thanks for the good experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh K.

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

Breath of fresh air

Great space for our gang. 6 adults, 2 kids, and 3 medium sized dogs stayed nicely. Great place to escape to for some R&R. Close enough to everything but still far enough away from the touristy crowds.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Megan P.

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

Wonderful Place

Wonderful location secluded on the trees. Multiple beds to accommodate guests. The communication was the best we’ve experienced, and it had all of the necessary amenities which we appreciated immensely. And the porch was beautiful! Thank you, Patty and Lane, for an amazing weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dee C.

Cozy retreat

Absolutely loved my visit! This was my second trip to Writers Refuge and I couldn’t be happier. The house is so warm and cozy. Has everything you need as well as beautiful views out the many sliding glass doors. Hot tub really hits the spot after skiing all day. And the owner was so nice and responsive. Can’t wait to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

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

Brothers Reunion

My brothers and I convened for our annual reunion this year in Deep Creek and found this rental that met all our needs. We enjoyed time in the hot tub, on the deck cooking and hanging out in the shade of the surrounding trees. The house was the right size for us and was close to all the Deep Creek offerings. Dealing with the owner was a breeze and we had no problems during our stay. This is a great house for smaller groups.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Suzette G.

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

Cute house very close to Wisp Resort

We really enjoyed our stay at this property. The owners of the property were great and allowed us to check in early. Plus there was a bottle of wine and box of cookies when we arrived. It was very welcoming. It was also very close to Wisp which was super convenient. The house itself needs a little updating and minor repairs and it wasn't super clean...potato chips under ottoman in basement. Other then that we had a great weekend and thought it was a cute house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Matthew B.

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

Beautiful home!

Was a great experience and the host was fantastic. The downside was the hot tub did not work all weekend (which the host refunded a night due to) and the lights in the house had dead bugs inside the glass casing around the light. Overall 4/5 stay and would recommend (especially since these issues are easy to fix)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Susanne T., Delaware

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

Cozy cabin in a great location

We loved our stay at this cabin. Plenty of space for our family of 4. Very secluded yet just a 5-10 minute drive to restaurants, shopping and some hiking. The quiet calm was just what we needed and the hot tub was great. I loved the sound of the stream/small waterfall behind the cabin. So relaxing. The upstairs beds were very comfortable and we had no issues with the Wi-Fi. For it being a pet frendly home ther was no smell of dog. We brought out lab along and he
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Rebecca M.

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

Air Conditioning

Overall our stay was amazing!! This house is prefect! The only thing we had trouble with was the air conditioning. I'm not sure it was on & we couldn't find the thermostat but it isn't to hot we were fine with the fans provided. I would definitely stay at this property again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Erika L.

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

Great house

House was overall perfect for my family of 10. We enjoyed the deck space and the hot tub. Only complaint was the amount of dead bugs and massive flies in the basement. The house was clean but could use a deep clean to get rid of dead bugs in light fixtures. Basement window was broken which allowed massive flies into the down stairs rooms. However overall we had a great stay and enjoyed the house immensely.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John T.

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

Woodland Hideaway

This cozy house was tucked into the woods—very quiet and private, but it was less than 5 minutes from town! The best of both worlds. There were 7 of us staying at the house for a family reunion on Deep Creek Lake. The Writer’s Refuge was a perfect place to return to after busy days on the lake. We used the kitchen for breakfast and to pack lunches. It had everything we needed to cook, even spices. The bedrooms, were warm, but we kept a fan in front of the living room air conditioner to circulate the air. All rooms had small fans. We loved the high beamed ceilings in the bedrooms. The downstairs was a great place to gather and watch tv. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W.

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

Mountain Getaway

The house was lovely. It was close to everything and yet totally secluded. It was perfect. We got snow on the last day and it was absolutely beautiful (and a bonus that they have plow service that showed up timely and we had no issues at all getting out). The house was quaint and perfect for us. The description says 4 twin beds in the downstairs bedroom and there are only 3, which worked out fine for us, but just wanted to mention in case anyone else needed that bed for their stay. The owners were great at immediately communicating a response to any question we had. I noticed someone commented on the wifi, but it worked perfectly for us during our stay. I would definitely recommend this home and would love to return one day. Thank you for sharing your home with us (and for the bottle of wine you left for us at check in)!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amber R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cozy house has plenty of space for a group to stretch out and enjoy. The deck was beautiful - it was really peaceful in the mornings out there. The kitchen was equipped with plenty of bowls, plates, glasses and more. A full fridge / freezer, dishwasher and microwave made things super easy since we had two toddlers in tow for our trip.There is no central air - so keep that in mind for summer months. Our stay was in August and it got pretty hot and uncomfortable during nighttime in each bedroom. There were some standing fans but they didn't do much. The bedding on the beds was warm (beautiful! but warm) but we made the best of it. The upstairs bathroom has only a tub (we didn't use) but the main bathroom downstairs has a shower. The family room on the bottom level was lovely for having a movie night with the kids. The carpet was comfy too. There's a little bit of a smell downstairs - couldn't figure out what it was. All in all, the house was really great honestly. Perfect location for getting to attractions around Deep Creek Lake. The turn off to get to the house is easily missed so pay attention to your GPS - the road is marked weird. I had to double back the first time we drove in.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jacqueline K.

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

Rustic

Unfortunately it rained the whole weekend so the property was very dark due to all the trees. There is only one window air conditioning unit in the main sitting area. That caused a musty odor due to the rainy weather. The downstairs dehumidifier was working but there was still a strong musty odor in the basement. The fans in the bedrooms are not enough to keep you cool for sleeping. The furniture in the sitting area was old and worn and the carpet was dirty. It was difficult to have a baby who likes to crawl on the carpet. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes, pots/pans, etc. However, the gas stove top needed cleaning as well as inside the fridge. We appreciated the early check in and late check out although we didn’t take advantage of the offer. Also, need to bring your own shampoo and body wash soap, as well as extra toilet paper. We did not use the hot tub during our stay. The property location is excellent to everything in the Deep Creek area. We appreciated the recommendations from Patty and were able to enjoy the many breweries and restaurants in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neal H.

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

peace & quiet in relative summer cool in mountains

There are few things better than sitting in a hot tub outside just after twilight, looking at the stars, when it's comfortably cool. Especially in July in the mountains, away from the heat of DC and the racket of the city fireworks. Just sat in it for 45 minutes each evening, letting the toxicity of the news and life just melt away.The setting is beautiful, with a lovely deck at leaf level. I loved eating meals at the table and reading on one of the small sofas, with just the birds. At night, with the fans turned off and the sliding doors open, I could hear the bullfrogs (Jeremiah, maybe :-)? croaking away in the neighbor's pond a few hundred feet away.The cabin is only about 5 minutes from Wisp, and 15 minutes or so from some restaurants and shopping. It's quite close to Swallow Falls State Park, one of Maryland's best.The kitchen is very well equipped, but oddly, no spices or condiments. I wasn't doing any cooking other than leftovers, but something more than just a salt grinder would have been helpful.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

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

Shannon D.

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

We loved This Charming Cabin!

The cabin was both cozy and spacious enough for everyone to spread out and relax separately. It is also in the quiet woods (with excellent star gazing because of so little light pollution) yet super close to everything you want to go do in the Deep Creek area. The owners were super responsive and helpful. Very easy and pleasant communication all the way around. The overall cleanliness was great, especially for a cabin in the woods where you know mud is easily tracked inside. The floors were clean, linens well kept, bathrooms and surfaces very clean throughout the house. We all agreed we would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 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

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