Summary:
The Birch Tree Mountain Bungalow is a family retreat in the historic town of Dunsmuir, California – and your gateway to Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
This bungalow from the 1920s is cozy at every turn, from our living room with a potbelly stove to a bedroom and sunroom that feel like home. Unwind among poufs and pillows in the sunroom or head out back where our garden yard awaits you. Eat in the sunshine here, and talk all night under the country stars.
The Space:
MOUNT SHASTA LOCATION
The Birch Tree Mountain Bungalow is located in Dunsmuir, a historic railroad town tucked away in the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California. Crystal clear lakes and magical waterfalls are near while Mt. Shasta Ski Park is only 16 miles away. In addition, we are 6 miles to Castle Crags State Park where you can hike among otherworldly spires of granite – and also fish, rock climb and ride horses. The quaint town of Mount Shasta is also just 9 miles north.
And there’s plenty to explore right by our home. Walk to the Sacramento River to catch wild rainbow trout – and even go fly fishing. Or stroll to the heart of charming Dunsmuir in 10 minutes. Here, you’ll find buildings from the early 1900s and a bevy of restaurants. Some of our favorites include Yaks on the 5 which has artisan burgers and famous sticky buns; Cafe Maddalena for romantic dinners with South European-inspired cuisine; and the Pizza Factory for delicious pizzas and calzones. And our spring-fed drinking water? It’s legendary. No filter needed!
GARDEN BACKYARD
Our backyard is a garden oasis where you can feel the spirit of Mount Shasta. Filled with blooms and lush vines, it has two patios for your family to enjoy. Sip coffee by the sliding glass doors, and listen to the river that gently flows just beyond the fence. A dining patio further out in the yard is where you can eat meals beneath the shade of an umbrella. Feeling like an afternoon cookout? Fire up our BBQ grill and bring out some beers. And at night, hang out for hours among the hanging lights and sparkly stars above.
On the side of the house, you’ll also find a secret little spot with a bistro table and two chairs. This is a lovely place for reflection and quiet time.
LIVING & DINING AREA
Our living room is just the place to relax after days exploring the wild beauty of the region. You’ll find lots of natural light in here – and woodsy decor rooted in rich velvets and soft leathers. Curl up on the green velvet sofa for a movie, or tell stories among the glow of our potbelly stove from the 1920s. Other touches include leather chairs in a mid-century style and an accent wall with forest owl wallpaper.
The dining area is open to the living room, making it effortless to interact between the two. Brass pendant lights above set a nice mood while a boho rug and more forest owl wallpaper continue the woodland theme. Enjoy home-cooked meals at our wooden table which seats eight guests. And after dinner, settle in for a family game night with cards, Scrabble, Jenga, Bye, Felicia! and much more.
KITCHEN
Our kitchen invites you to hang out and cook together, just like at home. It is white and bright, with sunlight streaming in during the day. You’ll have all the appliances, cookware and dishware you will need. Plus lots of counter space and a butcher block cart.
We also provide cooking spices and a coffee & tea bar with all the works: Think a coffee pot, French press, coffee grinder, Bialetti Moka espresso maker, electric kettle, creamer, sugar, tea bags and coffee beans from the local Northbound Coffee Roasters.
SUNROOM
Head into the sunroom to read, journal or simply daydream in several sun-filled nooks. Kick back on benches and poufs with toss pillows and throws. And our rattan cocoon chair is always a great idea.
BEDROOM & SLEEPER SOFA
Our bedroom is perfect for a post-adventure nap or good night’s sleep. The room has windows and nature or wildlife artwork, plus bedside tables with lamps, toss pillows and a Pendleton-style blanket. The master bedroom also has a chair and sliding glass doors that open to the backyard. We also have a couch in the living room that can be made up, as well as a pull-out ottoman in the sunroom.
✿ Bedroom 1 – Queen bed (master), sliding glass doors open to the backyard
In addition, the sunroom doubles as an extra bedroom – a bench folds out into a twin bed with a memory foam mattress. It’s comfy!
FULL BATHROOM
Our bathroom has plenty of space and amenities for everyone. There is an updated vanity and lots of open shelving. And a shower with a soaking tub, so you can bliss out with a bath when the mood strikes. To make your stay even more comfortable, we provide these amenities: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, lotion, cotton swabs, and balls.
KEY AMENITIES
✿ Walking distance to downtown & the Sacramento River
✿ Keyless entry
✿ Fenced backyard with garden
✿ Two patios
✿ Outdoor seating & dining areas
✿ BBQ grill
✿ Plastic sleds
✿ Potbelly stove fireplace
✿ Firestarter & wood pellets
✿ Card & board games
✿ Fully-equipped kitchen
✿ Coffee & tea bar (fully stocked)
✿ Sunroom
✿ Bath toiletries
✿ High-speed Wi-Fi
✿ Smart TV
✿ Washer/dryer with detergent & dryer balls
✿ AC window units, electric wall heaters & kerosene heater
✿ Parking on premises
* See the amenities section with icons for a full list
Guest Access:
You have private access to the Birch Tree Mountain Bungalow and all amenities during your stay. You can access our home at any time with our secure, keyless entry. This is a three-bedroom home, but we offer just one bedroom for your stay at a discounted price. The back two bedrooms will be locked during your stay, but you can still access all other areas including the laundry room, sunroom, and the back garden space.
The Neighborhood:
Dunsmuir is such a charming and friendly town that is very unique. You are within walking distance to downtown with local shops, brewery, hardwood store, coffee stand, cafe, performing arts center with live music, art museum, and the Sacramento River.
Getting Around:
Car is the best way to get around Dunsmuir and the surrounding area. However, if you are a train traveler, take the Amtrak and walk to restaurants, entertainment, and local waterfalls
Other Things to Note:
WELCOME GUIDEBOOK
A few days before your stay, you will receive an email that includes a link to our welcome guidebook. It contains all the house information you’ll need, as well as recommendations for dining, activities, and adventures. In addition, a printed version will be in the house during your stay.
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Check-in is after 4:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am.
PARKING
Our driveway can fit up to two cars. Please park in the driveway on days when snow falls so our street can be plowed and you don’t get snowed in.
AC & HEAT
There are AC window units in the living room and all bedrooms. The bedrooms also have electric wall heaters while the living room has a kerosene heater. During the colder months, our bungalow stays quite toasty!
TRAINS
As a historic railway town, Dunsmuir has trains that pass through 4-5 times a day. The earliest train comes around 9:00 am while the last one comes during the night. While you may faintly hear a train while inside the house, they are not disruptive to most people. Please reach out if you have any questions – I’m happy to help.
PETS
We’re happy to host your furry friends. We can accept up to two dogs or cats for a nominal $15 fee per day. All pets must be house-trained.
QUIET HOURS
Thank you for observing our quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. This ensures the peace of the neighborhood and our standing as courteous neighbors.
TRASH DAY
As our trash day is on Thursdays, an employee usually comes to the house on Wednesday evenings to roll our outside trash bins to the street. The bins are then returned near the front porch on Thursdays. One less thing for you to worry about!
GUEST LIMIT
Our bungalow can accommodate up to four guests in total. To minimize wear and tear on our home, outside guests are not allowed. There are two other bedrooms available if you end up wanting an additional bedroom. The bedrooms are typically locked when rented as a one-bedroom but can be accessed if you pay for additional bedrooms. No one will access the extra bedrooms during your stay. They will stay locked and empty if you don't add them to your reservation.
Interaction with Guests:
You will get into the house with a code for the front door lock. We are always available for questions, concerns, help with finding local recommendations, and any emergencies. It is our hope that you enjoy your stay and have a memorable experience staying in our home.
