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CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan

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Welcome to the Chesa Madrisa!
Swiss-Alpine inspired architectural design with covered walkway & two car garage
main entry - protected from snow & connected to the garage
double sided fireplace with seating areas on both sides
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 10288.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Shared communal pool
  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Dorrington, CA
  • Place, Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Black Oak Casino
  • Place, Ironstone Amphitheatre
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Additional Beds for Kids

2 Child Beds

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan

SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS - BIG TREES VILLAGE


The Chesa Madrisa is a beautiful vacation home nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Big Trees Village in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, and resides at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. Featuring 3 bedrooms & 3.5 bathrooms, this Swiss inspired mountain home was custom built and can welcome 6 adult guests + 4 children.

This home has been well-run as a vacation rental for over 10 years with an experienced host and a high attention to detail to ensure that your vacation is memorable for all the right reasons.

The Chesa Madrisa is a great escape – fresh air & quiet solitude, with easy access to fun activities. The neighborhood of Big Trees Village borders Calaveras Big Trees State Park, just north of the town of Arnold, and approximately halfway between Bear Valley Ski Resort & the town of Murphys.

The Chesa Madrisa comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests (6 ADULTS MAX).


The Chesa Madrisa is the ideal getaway for travelers who are looking for a vacation home that meets a higher standard... Our home is available for short, mid, or long term stays. Monthly rates vary based on availability & season. Please reach out for additional information.

PREMIUM FEATURES
●3 bedrooms each with KING size bed & plush mattress topper

●3 bedrooms each have private attached full bathroom

●Siemens VersiCharge LVL 2 Universal Electric Vehicle Charger (Teslas - bring adapter)

●Amazing kitchen gear, from silverware to Vitamix - it's all there!

●Bed linens & plush towels (Cozy Earth sheets in primary bedrooms)

●Curbside trash & recycling

●Central AC with dual zones (on very hot summer days the larger & open main level cools to around 75-80 degrees, while the lower level bedrooms stay nice & cool)

●Wifi & 2 Smart TVs & a 3rd Roku TV in a bedroom

●Landline with free long distance (cell service very spotty up here, though Verizon is good)

●2 car garage with fairly level driveway & plow service in winter months

●Kids Toy Closet filled with games & activities (literally filled - 20 board games, puzzles, Legos, Brio train set, Lincoln Logs, play kitchen, dollhouse, pop up castle, arts & crafts)

●Large kitchen enables plenty of room to unpack your groceries & cook

●Power outage from storm or PGE? Built-in automatic generator for whole home

●Full size toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap) + basket of extras just in case anything was forgotten

●Kitchen & all 4 bathrooms feature Williams-Sonoma hand soaps & lotion sets

●All paper products are provided (and not the cheap stuff!) - no more running to the grocery to buy toilet paper on your vacation

●Wifi enabled thermostat so the home will be heated upon arrival in cool weather

●Dusk-to-dawn exterior lights so you don’t have to fumble with a lock box in the dark

●Wifi enabled security system so the alarm will be off prior to arrival

●Outdoor cameras to see screen shots of current weather - especially handy in winter months.

●Golden Poppy Pass for entry to Big Trees State Park

●Sno-Park Pass for access to local winter trails for sledding and snowshoeing etc



KITCHEN - A CHEF'S DREAM!

●KitchenAid double wall oven

●Vitamix blender

●Breville mini oven

●Breville microwave

●Set of Le Creuset ceramic bakeware

●Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee & Espresso Maker

●Keurig

●Mr Coffee

●Le Creuset french press

●Le Creuset tea kettle

●Williams-Sonoma pots & pans

●Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker

●KitchenAid standing mixer

●KitchenAid Double Belgian Waffle Maker

●All-Clad 7qt Slow Cooker

●Black+Decker electric griddle

●Williams-Sonoma wok

●Williams-Sonoma cooking utensils

●Crate & Barrel dishware - Aspen collection



LAYOUT

The Chesa Madrisa opens to an inviting sitting area with tall windows and double-sided gas fireplace. This main level of the home features a half-bathroom, mudroom for ski gear, and a well-appointed kitchen overlooking the main living area & oversized sectional couch. The kitchen opens to the dining area with a table for six, which can be enlarged to accommodate ten guests. The dining area overlooks a TV area with patio access including Weber propane tank grill and outdoor patio table & chairs.

The entry has a flight of stairs down to the lower level, where the three bedroom suites are located & large hallway with "kids zone" for entertainment. Each bedroom has a king size bed and its own full-bath attached. The 1st bedroom also has a set of twin bunk beds for children (two additional twin size cots are available).


Many families have enjoyed multi-generational vacations at the Chesa Madrisa with grandparents in the far bedroom with a walk in shower, parents in the middle bedroom, and children all bunking up together in the 1st bedroom. The Chesa Madrisa does not accommodate more than 6 adult guests. There are 2 additional twin-size folding beds for children (guests #9 & #10).


The Chesa Madrisa has a two-car garage for guests, and a covered footbridge with steps leading from the garage to the main entry. The driveway is not steep, and in the winter snow season it is plowed with each fresh snowfall. There’s no better place to hunker down during an exciting snowstorm!



●Bedroom #1 - king bed & 1 set of twin bunks with attached full bathroom

●Bedroom #2 - king bed & attached full bathroom & Roku TV

●Bedroom #3 - king bed & attached full bathroom (walk-in shower)


FAMILY FRIENDLY

The lower level of the Chesa Madrisa has a "Kid Zone" featuring a fun red couch, TV area, and a closet full of toys, games, puzzles, and crafts. The garage has a mini-ping-pong table that can be set up anywhere a guest chooses. The closet in the 1st bedroom has a Baby Bjorn Portable Crib, Little Einstein Exersaucer, Baby Bjorn Babysitter, diaper changing pad to place on dresser, Cloud B Twilight Ladybug for bedtimes, bath toys, step stool, and red dinosaur humidifier. The dining room pantry has a high chair-booster combo seat for infants & toddlers.



FAQ

● The Chesa Madrisa has two exterior video cameras

● Primary Guest's email address is automatically added to quarterly newsletter & may unsubscribe at any time

● The Chesa Madrisa comfortably sleeps a maximum of 6 adults (& up to 4 kids with two in cots)

● Weekly curbside trash pickup & curbside recycling every 2 weeks

●The Chesa Madrisa is equipped with a generator in case of power loss during winter storm

●No RV parking

●Dogs are welcome - we bring ours! Recent flea treatment required - 2 dox maximum - $100 fee one dog/$150 two dogs


RESERVATIONS

All guests are required to pay a non-refundable 50% Reservation Payment, digitally sign contract & text/email photo ID within 24 hours of booking or same day if reservation is within 2 weeks. Large groups may be required to have refundable security deposit in addition to standard non-refundable Property Damage Protection insurance.



CHESA MADRISA LLC is a California limited liability company & this rental is managed by Hillary Gibson, Family Property Manager.



**Please note VRBO's AI sometimes overrides owner input information and photo titles. The most accurate details are in this listing description (notably we do not have 4 bedrooms and photos of Big Trees State Park are not on our property as VRBO indicates)** Any text under this line has been added by VRBO's AI and may not be accurate.

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Exterior
SNOWPLOW SERVICE INCLUDED FOR THE 2025-2026 WINTER SEASON!
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  • Kitchen
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (161 reviews)
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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
Twin bunks & portable cots for kids. Toy closet!
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Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
1st dog/$100 & 2nd dog/$50
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking/vaping anywhere on the property.
Guests will receive a detailed contract upon booking & need to e-sign within 1 day of booking, or same day if booking is less than 2 weeks away.
ID required for Primary Guest booking & paying for reservation.
There is NO SMOKING anywhere on the property including no smoking outside due to high wildfire risk.

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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Property Registration Number 224

About the area

Arnold

Located in Arnold, this holiday home is in the mountains. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and Murphys Creek Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Whale Rock and Chief William Fuller Monument. Travelling with kids? Consider Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in ArnoldOpens in a new window
Map
Dorrington, CA

What's nearby

  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Ironstone Amphitheatre - 37 min drive - 35.0 km
  • Moaning Caverns Adventure Park - 44 min drive - 42.8 km
  • Lake Alpine - 52 min drive - 46.1 km
  • Bear Valley Ski - 52 min drive - 46.0 km

Getting around

  • Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 142 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bistro Espresso - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Lube Room Saloon - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Heart & Soul Country Kitchen - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Giant Burger - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan pet-friendly?

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

How much does it cost to stay at CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan?

As of 10 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan on 23 June 2026 start from NZ$678, 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 CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is CHESA MADRISA - Swiss Chalet with 3 king suites, EV charger + open floor plan located?

This family-friendly Arnold holiday home is located in the mountains, 1 mi (1.6 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. White Pines Lake and Sierra Nevada Logging Museum 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. 52 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was superb! Cleanliness of house. Stocked necessities, extra of everything you need. Host’s immediate communication was so appreciated and helpful for anything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ramon s L.

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

Outter arnold

Great space, had everything to cook and dine with.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joaquim N.

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

5 stars

5 stars all around. We’ve already booked another stay here and can’t wait to get back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

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

Really wonderful house in the woods

We planned a family get together with 8 people and our dogs. We absolutely loved this house. The manager was very responsive and we had no issues with anything while we were there.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shirley S.

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

THE VERY BEST!

This home was above and beyond all expectations. The house was very clean and had more amenities than you could imagine. The location was quiet, yet close to accessing all the wonderful things to do in the area. My family definitely would love to come back and enjoy this beautiful home again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca K.

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

Spectacular rental!

We had an amazing time! The house has everything you can need, and more! I love how all the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. It was perfect for our two families, each of the couples got a room with a King size bed, and the 4 kids shared the ones with the King and the bunk beds. The community pool was also really nice. I highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory S.

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

The best!

Wonderful experience. Property is very roomy and elegant but still has a cabin feel to it. The three bedrooms are fantastic! Thus priority is close to everything. We especially liked it’s location to the trail that led to Calaveras Big Trees. The toy closet was a special treat and property manager is second to none.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

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

Beautiful home in Dorrington

Our family of 2 parents, 2 grandparents, and 3 kids loved staying in this beautiful home for the holidays! The kitchen and supplies were spectacular and were perfect for baking cakes and other holiday fare. The view from the kitchen and living area was spectacular with nearly floor to ceiling windows and a sweeping view of tall pines and redwoods. The beds, bedding, and bathrooms downstairs were all very nice, with plenty of space for everyone. The dog run was ideal for our dog to get outside even during a snowy stretch of weather. We skied 2 days at Bear Valley which was a short trip up the hill from this lovely home. We hope to return to Chesa Madrisa some day!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tatyana M.

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

Beautiful, spotless, comfortable A+++

This house is everything and more! Just like every review wrote, the house is spectacular. It’s very big and every room has a suite bathroom. The house is well cleaned and maintained. It has everything you can think off. If a hot tub was added, it would be perfect. We loved our stay and everyone was wowed by the house. We had a group of 3 families with young children. It was a lot of fun with all the games downstairs. The host is very responsive, some rules are strict but understandable. Best house we stayed in a while.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jordie h.

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

Best VRBO find to date!

Chesa Madrisa is the best VRBO I have ever stayed in. The house was stocked with every single thing you could possibly think of - from extra toiletries to baby toys. From the moment I rented this place, Hillary made everything a total breeze, she was a pleasure to work with, gave us all the information we could have needed in a timely manner and even helped when we left a pillow behind. (Didn't realize we absolutely didn't need it!). We all agreed we would go back in a heartbeat. A great, central location!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Dawn M.

We love Chesa Madrisa!

We stayed at Chesa Madrisa for an extended Presidents' Day weekend and wished we could have stayed longer. As we drove up, my 7-year old exclaimed, "Wow, I love it!" A sentiment that was repeated by each of us many times during our stay. The house was beautiful, the woodsy view spectacular, the kids games and toys ample, the kitchen was better equipped than my own, and the comforts were many. With all the open floor space for running around, our dog loved it even more than we did! What's more, the quiet location was a great jumping off point to many fun adventures (caverns, wine tasting, old mining towns, ski resorts, etc). I enjoyed working with Hillary who made us feel like VIP guests. We can't wait to go back for some more R&R time at Chesa Madrisa and give it our highest recommendation.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Dylan E.

Excellent Mountain Home

We stayed at Chesa Madrisa for my wife's Birthday. The house has everything you need for a great getaway. All bedrooms are spacious. The main floor is open and great for entertaining. The kitchen is stocked with all the essentials plus more. We enjoyed using the BBQ grill. The views are amazing. Most all of the windows face the trees. You don't realize that you are in a neighborhood. Our 4 year old daughter called the place "the tree house". The toys and games are perfect for kids. The location is ideal for visiting Big Trees State Park, wine tasting in Murphys and/or skiing at Bear Valley Ski Area. Accommodating for families or a group of friends. Owners are very responsive. It's like staying at your friend's place. We definitely plan on staying here in the future.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

craig m.

******Wonderful********

Ill start off by saying that the property manager Hillary was great to deal with. She was very prompt with returning all emails and was extremely polite when we talked on the phone. Once we confirmed our booking we were sent a small packet with directions, Key location, emergency contacts etc. which was very helpful. Ok on to the Cabin. It is located in a quiet neighborhood but the way the house is situated you feel like you are more secluded. When you walk in the house you are immediately struck with how nice everything is, not what you normally see in a rental. The entire house was very clean and well stocked. We had 4 children with us and they had enough toys and games to keep them happy the entire weekend. The bedrooms are spacious even with king size beds and it was very conveniant that each bedroom had its own large bathroom. The kithcen was fully stocked with anything your home would have minus the food. I can't say enough good things about our stay at Chesa Madrisa, we hadn't even left yet and we were already planning our return trip. Do yourself and your family a favor and spend the week or weekend here. You won't be disappointed.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cody W.

Big Trees getaway weekend

I recently stayed at the Chesa Madrisa with two other couples. It was the perfect location for a great weekend get away in the big pines!! The house is new, modern, clean and beautiful. We wanted for nothing. There were three King bed suites with private baths that made it perfect for 3 couples. Each room was elegantly arranged and extremely comfortable. The common areas were large enough for everyone to sit and visit, the deck was cool in the evening and inviting. The kitchen had everything you could imagine. Very nicely stocked. The owner communicated with me very quickly and effectively. Gave me advise when I asked and was available for suggestions. There was a bottle of wine on the counter when we arrived with a simple welcome card. Nice touch. There is a trending creep with VRBO owners to charge for linen, towels, toiletries and such items. This house has it all included and in find quality. My compliments to the owner/manager of this VRBO home and I ask that you maintain this standard. It adds to the whole experience. If you are planning a stay in the Big Trees, Murphy, or Columbia area, I'd give a hard look at the Madrisa! It is a very comfortable stay... Highly recommended.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy h.

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

Swiss chalet in Arnold

Gorgeous Swiss style chalet just minutes from Big Trees Calaveras. Hilary's was great to work with and her place is a hidden gem. We loved the classic touches such as the cow bell and old school X county skis. I appreciated the kid friendly accommodations incl PakNPlay/high chair/baby gate and my kids loved playing with all the toys. There was a sled in the garage. Tons to do and large kitchen for any chef. We enjoyed fondue and Raclette and our dogs loved running in the back yard and walking around the neighborhood. Close to Bear Valley and Moaning Caverns and town of Arnold
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren K.

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

Winter Wonderland

My family and I absolutely loved our stay at Chesa Madrisa during the Christmas holiday. The beautiful floor to ceiling windows in the living room allowed us to watch the snowfall and be completely immersed in the snowy forest. Hilary (the host) is absolutely amazing. She is kind, friendly, and goes out of her way to provide any information needed. I felt she went above and beyond as a host. But my favorite thing about the house was a completely well-equipped kitchen so we could feel at home cooking holiday meals. This is something I have found to be a rare thing with rentals. Would 100% rent this house again! Loved our stay here. I miss it already :)
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martine L.

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

Great family trip

Thanks for another great stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Britton C.

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

Incredible property

Top of the line rental for this area. Hillary is an extremely attentive host. Beautiful home with wonderful details and reading material! Our vacation was perfect.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marsha A.

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

Sharing Good Times

Beautiful cabin, Great time had by all. As close to being perfect as you can possibly get. Thank You, Marsha Agudo
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aniruddha K.

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

Amazing zen heaven in the middle of the woods

Chesa Madrisa is an amazing property just a couple of hours from the hustle-bustle of the Bay Area. The house is so very well designed and has spaces for relaxation, and leisure very well created. The sprawling house is fully stocked with all the things required to throw a gala feast and the tree views from the large windows are soothing. Hillary does a great job of thinking ahead of all the things a big family can need, from beach towels, to extra fans to first aid kits. The bedrooms are cozy and inviting. The kids' play area was a hit with the kids and the adults alike. There is a lot of thought put together in designing those spaces and ambiance. The home is tucked away in the woods, close to some really nice walking trails, and a quick drive from Arnold and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. We enjoyed our time in the home, so did the kids and the dog :) . Will come back to visit in winter.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

The B.

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

Excellent location. Close to Big Trees State Park.

Such a lovely mountain getaway. The house accommodated our family of 9 in a comfortable setting. The home was nicely updated and fully stocked with every item you could possibly need. We enjoyed our weekend stay and will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

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

Fantastic Stay

Chesa Madrisa was perfect for a family getaway in the snow. Hillary provided everything we needed, and was super responsive to all of our questions about the house and the area. We'll return next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martine L.

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

Such a great spot

My family really enjoyed our stay near Arnold. The house was beautiful and there was so much to do. It was a great break for both kids and adults.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

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

Beautiful house!

Beautiful house! The location is great, and family friendly with toys, games, etc. Very well-stocked kitchen. Property manager was very responsive. Hope to stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evelien V.

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

Mountain Cabin Perfection!

We absolutely loved our stay at Chesa Madrisa! The house is comfortable, inviting, and well-stocked. The location is great - close to Big Trees, a short drive to stores, and an easy jumping off point to the slopes (about 30 minutes). We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

About the host

Hosted by Hillary Gibson - Chesa Madrisa Family Property Manager

Host profile image
I'm Hillary Gibson, and I am the Family Property Manager of the Chesa Madrisa, LLC - this is our family vacation home, built by my grandparents in 2001. I live in Lake Oswego, just outside of Portland, Oregon with my husband, son, and pup. I am readily available to guests via email, text, or phone & I have a great team on the ground in Big Trees if needed.

HISTORY
Lawrence & Luana Wilsey built this home in 2001. The home’s design was inspired by Swiss ski chalets that the Wilseys had grown fond of during their travels. The name “Chesa” means home, and “Madrisa” was the Wilseys’ favorite ski run in Switzerland, from Klosters to Davos.

The Wilsey family has deep roots in the Sierra Nevada region. The original owner’s father was a leader in the logging industry in nearby White Pines, Big Trees, and Angel’s Camp. The town of Wilseyville, also up in the Sierras, was named after the original owner’s father.

Be sure to admire the vintage wooden Norwegian skis hanging in the stairway that were retired by the original owner decades ago after amazing runs in Norway, Switzerland, and Colorado.

Why they chose this property

Big Trees Village is an ideal location for a relaxing home base at the Chesa Madrisa while you explore the Sierra Nevada mountains. Fresh air & quiet solitude, with easy access to fun activities in Big Trees State Park, Bear Valley, Murphys & Angels Camp.

Avoid the crowds of Tahoe and enjoy relaxation just a 3-4 hour drive from the Bay Area, and just over 2 hours from the Sacramento airport.

Year round the nearby town of Murphys is the perfect destination for guests who enjoy one of a kind shops, nice restaurants, and wine tasting. This historical mining town in the Sierra Nevada foothills is now well known for excellent wineries and its charming Main Street lined with boutiques. Pack a picnic, or grab a sandwich from Aria or Alchemy in Murphys, and then head to the picnic tables by the creek and let the kids enjoy the playground and water. There’s even a bocce court! The 1st Saturday every October is the annual Calaveras Grape Stomp & the Annual Gold Rush Street Faire. In March, Murphys Irish Day features a parade and entertainment all along Main Street.

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES
●Big Trees State Park - Giant Sequoias, Beaver Creek, Sour Grass Bridge
●Bear Valley Ski Resort - Downhill alpine skiing & expansive groomed cross-country skiing trails
●Lake Alpine - Summer water sports such as swimming, stand-up-paddle boarding, & kayaking
●Murphys - Irish Day (March), Calaveras Grape Stomp & Street Faire (October), Day of the Dead (November)
●Angels Camp - Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (May), Mark Twain Wild West Fest (October)
●Stanislaus River - fly fishing
●Mercer Caverns
●Columbia State Historic Park
●Union & Utica Reservoirs
●White Pines Lake – summer swimming next to town of Arnold
●Arnold Rim Trail - hiking
●Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
●Big Trees Village Recreation Center - summer swimming pool

What makes this property unique

This is our well loved family vacation home, and not a generic investment rental property. If you're looking for a home that values quality over quantity, then you are in the right place. Our goal is not to get "heads in beds" - we want families who appreciate the extra amenities and will enjoy our home as if it were their own special retreat.

As a frequent guest of vacation homes with my husband & young son, I have tried to outfit the Chesa Madrisa with every item I've ever found to be lacking in other homes - nothing has been overlooked here!

The Chesa Madrisa is one of the few vacation rentals in the area that has premium features such as nice linens & towels, as well as top of the line cooking gadgets. This home is amazing in all seasons with a wide variety of outdoor activities & we also loan out Golden Poppy Pass & SnoPark pass.

Guests love the Chesa Madrisa layout because all three bedrooms have their own private bathroom, and the rest of the home has plenty of room to spread out and relax.

Got kids?
I've yet to stay at another vacation home outfitted with so many toys to keep the younger crew busy while the adults can relax. Legos, Brio trains, arts & crafts, dollhouse, play kitchen, board games galore....

Tired of Departure Chore Lists?
We pretty much just ask you to start the dishwasher before heading out. If you use extra blankets or beach towels then those need to be laundered, but our cleaners will launder all of the bed sheets, duvet covers, and bath towels. 100% of our cleaning fee goes to our cleaners. Enjoy the final morning of your vacation!

Don't like surprises?
Our home is well taken care of and we do routine preventive maintenance. In the past few years all of the following have been replaced: double oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, AC, generator, furnace & water heater. We try really hard to have everything in tip top shape for our guests to enjoy & relax.

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