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Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court

Photo gallery for Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court

Notice the paved road for easy access.  The door is unlocked for you, come on in
Ohhh - how the sun warms up the house even in winter snows
Remember tether ball - a good challenge for toddlers to adults - hit that ball
Oh, how we love the mountains.  We are close to town, but feel so secluded.
Our home borders 1000's of acres of National Forest.  A short hike and - Oh, what beauty.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Crystola, CO
  • Garden of the Gods
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • US Air Force Academy
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Pikes Peak
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Colorado Springs, CO (COS)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Convertible bed(s)

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court

This spacious residence has easy, paved road access, yet it is secluded in the mountains where you bask in clean air and brilliant winter sun.

The backyard forms your own private park. You can relax while your children are engrossed with the safety and excitement of their own secluded space. The large log playground provides swings for tiny tots to adults. Its log structure forms a balance bridge, fireman's pole, a sliding board, climbing tires. Enjoy "King of the Log" on a nearby balance beam. You can play basketball on the concrete court or put up the adjustable net and grab the equipment for playing pickle ball, volleyball, or badminton. We try to keep a tether ball supplied, however, the local bears try to eat it. National Forests and a Woodland Park land preserve border the property
These provide hundreds of acres of picturesque hiking. A treasure map leads the adventurous through the mountains to an old gold mine. There are hammocks, , lawn chairs, a gas grill, and a soothing waterfall feature during summer. We are located in the beauty of Ute Pass.

Relaxation is enriched with our spacious spa / game room. There you can soak in our hot tub - where you can cheer on your energetic friends as they compete in air hockey, foosball, or play ping pong,

Since your vacation is a time for rest, we splurged on the bedding. Memory-foam on the mattresses provides form-fitting support. Sleep in the unique, theme-decorated bedrooms - each is an imagination experience.

'King’s Crown' room has a king-sized bed. 'Country Garden' has two queen size beds. 'Grandma’s Attic' has two twins, one of which is an adjustable bed that can be positioned for special sleeping needs. 'Wilderness Trail' has two twin beds. 'Mountain Adventure' has two twin mattresses inside a large tent. Finally, the upstairs balcony has a full-size hide-a-bed.

The house is especially designed to be environmentally friendly. Sun rays flood the house with toasty warmth during the winter, and in the summer the house is naturally cooled. Woodland Park's motto is 'City Above the Clouds,.' It boasts an average of 300 sunny days per year, more than San Diego, CA or Miami Beach, FL.

In the summer the 8500 foot elevation means pleasant days and cool nights. Another benefit of our high elevation, is that recent studies show that those on diets can quickly lose weight and keep it off for weeks afterwards by spending time at higher altitudes. And what great training for athletes when their bodies acclimatize to the high elevation.

Our expansive solar windows take advantage of the sun and clean mountain air. Through them you look on to your private yard. There is no central heating system, so on those occasional winter days when the sun is hidden, you set individual heaters in the rooms or better yet, your family will gather around your glowing fire in the wood stove. 'Roughing it' never felt so good.

The home is well stocked with an extra-large french door refrigerator/freezer with an ice maker and a constantly replenished cold water pitcher. Both are serviced with filtered water. We have. glass-top electric stove, dishwasher, drip coffee maker, large stainless steel cooking pans, a crock pot, hand mixer, blender, toaster, microwave and MUCH MORE - Plus we have on hand a selection of spices. There is baby equipment: an umbrella stroller,a high chair, a porta-crib, backpack baby carrier, stair guards.

We, the owners/managers live nearby so are immediately available to provide for your every need.


Keywords: Eco friendly, solar heat, on-site recreation, large house, borders National Forest

Property manager

Karen Magistrelli

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We are designed for families with children
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Approval required for special events
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Pets are to be kept on the main floor.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Careless smoking can be a criminal offense
Please tell us about yourselves, what brings you to the area, and how many people are coming to stay.
Marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but it is absolutely forbidden at our home.
We reserve the right to NOT finalize the booking if you're not in keeping with our rule regarding Parties and Events.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Approval required for special events
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Green Mountain Falls

Located in Cascade-Chipita Park, a neighbourhood in Green Mountain Falls, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway and Glen Eyrie Castle are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cave of the Winds and Garden of the Gods. Travelling with kids? Consider Team Telecycle, or check out an event or a game at Clune Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Crystola, CO

What's nearby

  • Garden of the Gods - 24 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Cave of the Winds - 24 min drive - 18.3 km
  • Glen Eyrie Castle - 29 min drive - 25.2 km
  • US Air Force Academy - 43 min drive - 37.6 km
  • Pikes Peak - 43 min drive - 37.6 km

Getting around

  • Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rustic retreat -So much fun - log playground, hot tub, concrete game court located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Team Telecycle, Shining Mountain Golf Club, and Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. North Pole Colorado and Rainbow Falls are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 115 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 135 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Richard H.

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

Our stay was fantastic plenty of things to do fun had by all

Beautiful place to stay
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh A.

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

Perfect for a Family Reunion Full of Mountain Memories!

We had a wonderful family reunion, including 7 kids from toddlers to teens. The property is perfect for a large group with outdoor space, playground, and ball court (pickleball with a mountain view!)Inside the house is spacious and has a lot of charm. The owner shared the amazing story of how their family built it.This is a rustic property with some quirks, the water pressure dips if the dishwasher is running and sound can travel to the bedrooms facing the main space. We worked around it easily by hanging in the game room at night and our toddler slept perfectly in the back room. We found space heaters and fans in each room, and there was a wood stove with plenty of firewood. When we arrived it was snowy, and when we left it was sunny and warm, we stayed comfortable the whole time.The kitchen was well stocked, with big pots and pans plus an outdoor grill that made it easy to cook all of our meals at the house. Expect wildlife in the mountains, we saw deer and the kids threw snowballs at a woodpecker who liked to wake us up.There's tons to do within 10-30 mins. We loved the nearby towns, the zoo, multiple challenging and kid-friendly hikes.The owner was kind and welcoming and went out of her way to accommodate our special needs, which we really appreciate. It’s clear she genuinely wants her guests to enjoy their time and make great memories.If you're looking for an epic, spacious, family-friendly spot, this is the place! Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave H.

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

Great place for kids

We had two family’s stay here with 10 kids total! It was a blast. No need for heating or cooling. Perfect weather and room for kids to run.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie M.

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

Family Reunion

Size of property was perfect for our family needs. Kids loved the games/sports equipment provided.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kayla T.

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

Great Location

There are many things to do within a 15-20 minute drive from the property. A quick walk up the trail into the national forest gives you a great view of Pikes Peak. The property itself offers a stocked kitchen and a great outdoor space.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elvie D.

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

Family vacation

Great
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

2/10 Terrible

Sandy J.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Sad - Home needs major updating

I’m really sad to leave this review because I had high hopes for this place and I never want to hurt anybody’s business but I feel this property needs some major updates.Issues while a family of 13 stayed here - Mold in showerRugs smelt like mildew Mold in front closetBeds are extremely uncomfortable Rat poop in kitchen drawers Unusable knives would not cut any of our meats Holes under kitchen sink where animals could crawl inBroke griddle which was the only non-stick pan(Reached out to owner no response so we bought one) Worst cooking pans and appliances extremely oldNo access to treehouseno tetherball it was broke Pool ques for pool table not even usable and glasses in pockets to catch ballsNo tv’s set up And court for basketball not usable This house is big but needs some major updates! The last couple of days my family was there we all started having migraines and horrible breathing issues! I feel the property needs to have the black mold checked out that’s in this house and updated!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel Michael M.

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

Lots of fun

Overall it was great. Only real down side was there wasn't any gas in the grill when we tried to use it so we had to use the oven/stove instead.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christi N.

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

Fresh and Easy

The grandchildren loved all the games inside and out. Everything we wanted to do was only about a half hour away from the house. There was two trails right by the house that husband walked every morning.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

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

Great place for a large group

Our group ranged from age less than one year, to 70s - and this was a great spot for us all.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

daniel m.

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

Great LOCATION!

Overall everything was awesome ! Would recommend some updates to some areas but we all enjoyed it 100% 👍
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto R.

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

Sun mountain retreat

This place is a home, has everything you need to enjoy your stay from mountain view,
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amelia G., Austin

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

First family vacation

it was a perfect stay for our first big family vacation. My kids loved everything about the house.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

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

Great Location

Location worked well for multiple different outings. Wifi issue but host was immediately dealing with the problem. Beautiful view.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Kris P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great place

Stay was great. Only issue- wish we knew ahead of time there was no washer and dryer available
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

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

Loved our stay!

This was perfect for us! Each kid, big kid and old folks had something to do! Within driving distance of everything we wanted to do. We loved having some of the essentials already there which was a major bonus! Thank you for allowing us to stay and we cannot wait to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pedram G.

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

Family reunion

There were plenty of outside play ground to keep the kids entertained and there was an indoor game room for kids and adults to play.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Martin S.

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

Mountain fun!

Great place for a large active family! We all enjoyed the game room and the pickle ball count every afternoon. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Troy H., Mt. Vernon, Indiana

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

Family vacation

There were 14 in our group and there was plenty of room. The house was perfect, and the kids had a blast in the treehouse. It was central to everyplace we wanted to go. We saw deer, a raccoon and bears. Fun!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Cindy L.

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

Family fun

Plenty of activities for all. Nice to go on hikes just out the back door. Disappointed in the cleanliness.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Betty F.

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

Perfect!

We had a great time! The photos of house were right on. Karen was so helpful and kind. She provided everything for us. It was snowing when we arrived and there was a roaring fire going and the sleds were pulled out for us to use. The house and property provided lots of space for the grandchildren to play. We made so many wonderful memories!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laurell O.

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

Long weekend getaway

Wonderful home away from home. The kids loved the outdoor play equipment, even in the snow! Karen had sleds set out when we arrived and there were a few extra boots/coats in case someone didn’t have one. Lots of cooking supplies in the kitchen. Great for cooking meals at home instead of eating out. The kids loved reading about the history of Crystola and we spent half a day hiking in the mountains looking for the cave on the treasure map they had (that went along with the history). Plenty of space for a large family - lots of comfortable beds. The kids loved the tent bedroom! Great winter getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber P.

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

Very Family & Dog Friendly

Our kids thought this house was amazing. They are aged 2, 5, 8 & 10 and all enjoyed both the outdoor space and game room. (I personally enjoyed the hot tub - it was clean and really warm for the cool mountain weather.) The kids also had fun with the theme based bedrooms with the tent room being the favorite. The house is well-loved and well-used , so we were comfortable having small children running around along with our dog. Overall, a very family friendly and relaxing place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pedro M.

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

Perfect family mountain home

This home was a perfect multi family vacation rental for us. Great for all ages. The kids loved the swing set. This beautiful home is nesting in the mountains with easy access to their local Walmart/Safeway nearby. Don’t forget to take your own shopping bags or pay for bags every time you go to the store. We ended up with 25 Walmart bags in seven days. Lol Best Colorado trip ever. We all enjoyed ourselves very much. Thank you for sharing your home!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

leslie d.

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

The perfect balance of cabin getaway and comfortable family home!

We had a wonderful spring break getaway with friends and family. The house was PERFECT for our group with 6 kids between 5-10 years old. Everything in the home was clean, comfortable, had everything we needed and nothing we didn't. We had the perfect mix of snow and warm sunny days this week so we enjoyed every feature of the home and property, especially the hiking trails right out the front door. The location was easily accessible and so close to so many attractions. One issue with water the first day was resolved within an hour. Thank you for sharing this treasure of a home.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

About the host

Hosted by Karen Magistrelli

Host profile image
We, Bob and Karen Magistrelli, built Sun Mountain Retreat for our family home. God carried us through the unknowns of construction - working miracles all along the way. We designed the home for kids - where they could be safe and have fun. We raised our seven children and numerous foster children here Years later we moved nearby to a home where we now take in men coming out of prison. We help the men start life over after years of isolation from society. Our income from Sun Mountain helps to provide for the needs of these men.

Why they chose this property

When our family home, now Sun Mountain Retreat, was no longer needed by the family, we could not bear to sell it, despite multiple buyer requests. We love this area and we love our family home. Our children are grown and settling in the immediate area. Making Sun Mountain a vacation home has involved all our children. Running it has been a great joy to us as we see our guests enjoying our home as much as we did.

What makes this property unique

Our most unique offering is the wide range of fun family activities right at our home - from a private backyard park to a large indoor recreation room and hot tub. Our home is central to a wide range of activities. Guests can enjoy the city offerings of beautiful Colorado Springs and can also be challenged with the outdoor activities of the mountains that surround us. Our home was designed to conserve our limited natural resources - as a 'green' home our guests can know they are part of needful conservation.

Languages:

English