Summary:
Brought to you by Forest Lakes Lodging! Perfect for small families or a nostalgic couple’s retreat, "The Hideaway" offers a cozy escape into the cool pines of the Rim Country. Unplug and reconnect with a retro Pacman arcade machine, a relaxing backyard hammock, and a warm indoor fireplace. This is your basecamp for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the quiet of the forest.
The Space:
✨ Top Amenities
• Retro Gaming: A full-size Pacman Arcade machine for hours of family fun.
• Outdoor Chill Zone: Features a dedicated hammock for afternoon naps, a gas BBQ, and a fire pit for evening stargazing.
• Cozy Comfort: Indoor gas fireplace, Smart TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
🏠 Inside the Home
• Living Room: A snug, knotty-pine living area featuring a comfortable sofa, a gas fireplace for winter nights, and our signature arcade game.
• Kitchen: A compact but capable kitchen with an electric stove, oven, microwave, and full-size fridge. We provide a Keurig coffee maker, toaster, and basic cookware for cabin meals.
• Sleeping Arrangements (Strict Bed Count):
Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): One Queen Bed with soft linens.
Bedroom 2 (Upstairs Loft): Two Single Beds (Twin size) – ideal for kids or friends.
Note on Capacity: While the listing allows up to 5 guests, we only have dedicated beds for 4. The 5th guest would need to be a small child on the sofa or use a guest-provided air mattress/sleeping bag.
• Bathroom: One full bathroom located on the main floor with a bathtub/shower combination.
⚠️ Honest Expectations (Please Read Before Booking) To ensure a 5-star experience, we want to be transparent about the quirks of cabin life:
• Hot Water Capacity: The cabin is equipped with a modest water heater. It provides plenty of hot water for dishwashing and a shower, but we strictly recommend spacing out showers by 20–30 minutes to allow the tank to reheat. Consecutive long showers will result in cold water for the last person!
• The Stairs: The staircase to the upstairs twin room is steep (classic A-frame style). It may be difficult for guests with mobility issues or very young children.
• Forest Environment: We are located deep in the National Forest. While we maintain strict pest control and cleaning protocols, you are in the wilderness. You may see spiders, ants, or local wildlife on the property. Please keep all food tightly sealed and clean up crumbs immediately to avoid attracting forest friends.
• Stocking Up: We recommend doing your shopping for any specific items you’d need before heading up! We are happy to provide a starter kit of essentials to get you settled, but for longer stays, we suggest bringing your preferred toiletries and cooking ingredients to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Guest Access:
You will have private access to the entire cabin via a secure keyless entry system. A unique door code will be sent to you prior to arrival for self-check-in after 3:00 PM. Parking is free and available directly in front of the cabin.
The Neighborhood:
The cabin is located on Bills Loop in the peaceful Forest Lakes Estates community. Sitting at 7,600 feet elevation on the Mogollon Rim, the area is significantly cooler than the desert valleys. The neighborhood is quiet, dark-sky friendly (bring your telescope!), and filled with tall Ponderosa pines.
Getting Around:
• Lakes: A quick 5-minute drive to Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake for trout fishing and kayaking.
• Adventure: Direct access to forest service roads for hiking and off-roading.
• Snow Play: Close to winter sledding areas and a day-trip distance to Sunrise Ski Resort.
• Shopping: The local General Store has basics, but major grocery runs should be done in Heber-Overgaard (20 mins) or Payson (30 mins).
Other Things to Note:
• Winter Travel: Winter storms are common from November to March. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, and carrying tire chains may be required by law during storms.
• Pet Policy: We love dogs! Non-service dogs are welcome for an additional fee; please contact us for details prior to booking. We kindly ask that you bring your own pet blankets/beds to cover any furniture where your dog may lay.
• Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit is required to cover potential damages. Please contact us to confirm the specific amount; it is fully refundable provided the property is left in good condition.
Interaction with Guests:
I respect your privacy and offer self-check-in, so you can arrive and relax without interruption. However, I am fully available via the app to answer questions, recommend local trails, or assist with any issues that arise during your stay.
