Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12
~25 Minutes from Durango | Sleeps 12 • Hot Tub & Game Room
Welcome to Words & Wonder Cottage, a whimsical retreat in the pines. Families can play in the game room, soak under the stars in the private hot tub, or gather for cozy movie nights. Cook in the fully stocked kitchen, stream with fast Wi-Fi, and rest easy with space for 12. Every corner sparks imagination—perfect for kids and adult dreamers alike. Share your adventure when booking and we may unlock a little discount magic!
Nestled in the quiet mountain town of Bayfield, Colorado (ONLY 25 minutes from Durango), our cottage is more than just a place to stay — it’s a setting for your next chapter.
Families gather here. Friends reunite here. Children discover wonder here. And you? You get to press pause, breathe deep, and enjoy it all.
* Space for Everyone | Sleeps 12
Our cottage was designed for big groups who want to be together, but not on top of each other.
Inside you’ll find:
Master Suite – King bed, ensuite bath, and closet space (with high chair & Pack ’n Play tucked inside).
Queen Bedroom – Cozy and restful with fresh linens, fluffy pillows, and plenty of light.
Triple Bunk Room / Kid’s Haven – Perfect for cousins, siblings, or late-night storytelling.
Double Twin Bed Trundle Harry Potter Room – Whether Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Ravenclaw, there’s space for all.
Two Living Rooms – One upstairs and one down, both with plush sofas that double as flex sleeping spaces when extra beds are needed. Perfect for movie marathons or curling up with a book.
Game Room – A whimsical escape with board games, a Pac-Man arcade machine, a sofa & Roku TV with streaming apps, and playful themed touches—great for kids and adults alike.
Flex Spaces – Every sofa can transform into a comfy bed, ensuring everyone has a place to dream.
Whether you’re here for a reunion, family holiday, or getaway with friends, there’s room for all to gather, play, and rest.
* A Kitchen That Brings People Together
At the heart of Words & Wonder is a fully stocked kitchen, ready for everything from pancake breakfasts to a Thanksgiving family feast.
* Full stove, oven, and microwave. * Pots, pans, baking dishes, and serving platters. * Nespresso coffee maker, toaster, and all the essentials. * Kid-friendly dishes — smaller plates, bowls, and cups, so even little ones feel at home.
Gather in the dining space, linger over coffee, share stories, and make meals part of your adventure.
* Play & Laughter in the Game Room
Rain or shine, our game room is a favorite for all ages:
Pacman arcade game for friendly competition.
Board games & puzzles, with shelves labeled so you know which are best for kids vs. older guests.
A cozy, laughter-filled space where phones get put down and connection takes center stage.
* Soak Under the Stars | Hot Tub Magic
Step outside and let the outdoor hot tub melt your stress away. In summer, listen to the crickets sing. In winter, steam rises into crisp mountain air while snowflakes drift around you. At night, gaze up — this is stargazing like you’ve never experienced.
* Cozy Corners & Modern Comforts
Living Room: Large TV with streaming apps, comfy seating for movie marathons, and a guest book on the TV stand full of insider tips, stories, and local secrets.
Wi-Fi: Strong enough for streaming, work calls, and keeping kids entertained.
Laundry: Washer and dryer ready for long stays or messy adventures.
Every corner has been touched with thoughtfulness — so you can relax into comfort.
* Thoughtful Family Touches
Traveling with kids? We’ve been there — which is why the cottage is stocked with extras so you don’t have to overpack:
High chair, Pack ’n Play, spat mat (master closet).
Kid-friendly dishes in the pantry.
Books, puzzles, and games throughout the house.
Safety details like outlet covers and child-locked sliding glass doors.
Little travelers get their own bit of magic here, so you can breathe easier.
* Bring the Whole Family | Pet-Friendly
Your pets are welcome too! Just ask that paws stay off couches and beds, and please scoop up any “yard gifts” before you leave.
Morning coffee on the porch, starry nights in the hot tub, or just breathing in mountain air — the outdoors here feels like an extension of the cottage itself.
* Adventure Awaits | The Perfect Location
Words & Wonder Cottage is tucked in peaceful Bayfield, but close enough to adventure when you’re ready:
Vallecito Lake (13 min): Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing in summer; ice fishing and snowshoeing in winter.
Pine River Trailhead (15 min): Gentle riverside hikes year-round, with wildflowers in summer and sparkling snow in winter.
Durango (25 min): Historic downtown, breweries, restaurants, shopping, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Mesa Verde National Park (1 hr 15 min): Ancient cliff dwellings and jaw-dropping history.
Purgatory Ski Resort (55 min): Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain adventures.
This is your Basecamp for wonder — quiet when you want it, adventure when you need it.
* Why Guests Fall in Love Here
This is a place where kids giggle in the game room, friends toast in the hot tub, pets nap by the fire, and families share meals they’ll never forget. Every stay writes its own story here — and we’d love for you to add yours.
Your Invitation
Tell us about you and your adventure — who’s coming, what calls you here. Sometimes, when the story feels just right, we unlock a little discount magic just for you.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
SUMMER: Set AC units to 75. WINTER: ACs should be off, Wall Thermostats set to 70, Pellet Stoves OFF
Please return all books & games (make sure you have all the pieces), be sure the stove/oven are off, and tidy up any pet hair or droppings
Close the hot tub cover & set to 95
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4777840vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
This property uses 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
About the area
Bayfield
Located in Forest Lakes, a neighbourhood in Bayfield, this holiday home is in the mountains. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Chimney Rock National Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake SImpatico Trailhead and Los Pinos River. Travelling with kids? Consider Eagle Park and Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
Lavenia McCoy Public Library - 10 min drive - 13.2 km
Bayfield Town Hall - 11 min drive - 14.3 km
Vallecito Lake - 13 min drive - 14.1 km
Getting around
Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 36 min drive
Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Hong's Garden Chinese Restaurant - 13 min drive
Mini Merc Store - 17 min drive
Coffee Merchant - 12 min drive
Wells Liquor - 13 min drive
Haggards Black Dog Tavern - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 on 30 August 2026 start from NZ$706, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Whimsical House near Durango with AC + Hot Tub + Games - Sleeps 12 located?
This family-friendly Bayfield holiday home is located in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Lake SImpatico Trailhead and Los Pinos River. Eagle Park and North Oak Park 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.
Absolutely loved the house! Lots of little areas inside and out to explore. The hosts were amazing, very responsive.
Terry G.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 October 2025
They were such a dream to host and are the type of guests who remind you why you do this in the first place. An absolute joy and we would welcome you back anytime!!
We absolutely loved our stay at the Whimsical House! From the moment we arrived, we were charmed by its cozy, magical atmosphere. The home is incredibly spacious and perfect for large families, with plenty of comfortable beds and room for everyone to relax.One of the standout features was how well-stocked everything was. The kitchen had everything we needed—lots of pans, bakeware, and storage containers—and we especially appreciated the updated Nespresso machine. It made our mornings feel a little extra special.We also loved the hot tub and the daily wildlife sightings, which added such a peaceful, unique touch to our stay. Inside, the house was filled with books for readers of all ages, making it feel even more inviting and thoughtful.One of the most delightful surprises was the scavenger hunt included in the instruction manual—complete with a prize at the end! It truly captured the whimsical spirit of the home and made our experience even more memorable.Every room was filled with charm, wonder, and thoughtful details. This was such a special place to stay, and we will absolutely be back. Highly recommend for families looking for something unique, cozy, and full of personality!
Amy V.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
About the host
Hosted by Derek Jackson
We’re Derek and Brittany, and we’re so glad you found our place! We’re from Arizona, but we’ve fallen in love with Bayfield, Colorado—a small town tucked into the trees, where the air feels fresher, the nights quieter, and life slows down just enough for you to truly enjoy it. Our property here has become our retreat, and we’re excited to share it with you.
As a couple, we balance each other in a way that makes hosting feel natural. Brittany has a creative eye and a gift for making any space warm, cozy, and welcoming. Derek brings a love of technology, problem-solving, and numbers. Together, we’ve poured those strengths into creating a place where people can connect, recharge, and make lasting memories.
We’re happiest when we’re outdoors—hiking, exploring, or simply sitting by a firepit under the stars. At the same time, we love those little indoor joys: curling up with a good book, board game nights, or gathering around the table for a family meal. Those are the rhythms of our own life, and they’re what inspired how we designed our Bayfield property. From the shelves of books upstairs, to the game room with Pac-Man and Nintendo Switch, to the hot tub and picnic tables scattered across the four acres, we’ve tried to create a space where every guest can find their favorite way to relax.
Hosting has become something we truly enjoy because it allows us to share what we love with others. Every time a family settles in and tells us their kids didn’t want to leave, or a couple says they reconnected during their weekend here, it reminds us why we do this.
Whether you’re here to unwind in the hot tub after a day of adventure, challenge each other in the arcade, curl up with a novel in the upstairs nook, or sit outside and take in the fresh mountain air, our hope is that you feel right at home.
We can’t wait to host you and share our favorite piece of Colorado life, right here in the trees.