Your Yosemite basecamp · Oakhurst, California
A Mark Mills–designed mountain house on a private bluff, with floor-to-ceiling Sierra views, a hot tub terrace, and room for 14.
The best rate is right here
Same home, same host, same five-star stay. Booking here skips the platform service fees and puts you in touch with Amy from the first message.
The home
Stone Bluff Retreat sits on a private bluff above Oakhurst, at the southern gateway to Yosemite. The house was designed by architect Mark Mills, and every room is angled toward the light: soaring wood beams, a stone fireplace, and walls of glass that frame the Sierra Nevada from sunrise to sunset.
It's built for groups. Five bedrooms and four full bathrooms are split between the main house and a lower-level game room suite, so families can spread out and still meet at the 12-seat dining table. Outside there's a hot tub, a propane fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and grill, and a sand court for bocce and cornhole, all facing the mountains.
Yosemite's South Entrance is about 30 minutes away. Bass Lake is 20. Downtown Oakhurst's grocery stores and restaurants are under 3 miles.
The views
The house sits at the top of the bluff with nothing between you and the Sierra foothills. Guests mention it more than anything else: coffee on the terrace as the sun comes up over the ridges, then the sky going amber and violet from the other side of the property at night.
Hot tub terrace
The private hot tub sits on the stone terrace off the living room, facing an unobstructed Sierra panorama. It's the après-hike ritual for most groups: back from Yosemite by late afternoon, in the water by sunset, under string lights after dark.
Bocce court, disc golf & yard games
A long sand court runs right along the view, set up for bocce, cornhole and ladder golf, and there's a disc golf basket out on the lawn. Chairs and a high-top table sit at one end, and the lower-level game room is a few steps away when someone needs a rematch indoors.
Fire pit & outdoor dining
The terrace is set up for whole-group evenings: a large outdoor dining table, a gas grill, a lounge area, and Adirondack chairs circled around a propane fire pit. Bring s'mores. When the stars come out, there's very little light pollution up here.
The lower-level game room
On the lower level, the game room has two arcade machines, a big-screen TV, a curated board game collection, a kitchenette with its own dining table, a queen sleeper sofa, a king bedroom and a full bathroom. Teens and kids tend to claim it. Movie crowd upstairs, game crowd down below.
Inside the main house
New appliances, a big island with three stools, and everything you need to cook for 14: cookware, dishes, dishwasher pods and basic spices.
The expanding dining table seats 12, and three more stools at the island bring the whole group of 14 together for meals.
A wood-burning stone fireplace, a tucked-away reading corner, and a Victrola record player with a stack of vinyl.
Drip, Keurig, pour-over and an electric kettle, set up for slow mornings or an early start to the park.
Bedroom configuration
Five bedrooms and two queen sleeper sofas, split between the main level and the lower-level game room suite.
3 king · 1 queen · 2 twin XL
2 queen sleeper sofas
Sleeps 14
Main house
King bed + queen sleeper sofa
En-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and dual sinks, a dedicated desk, and sliding doors toward the view.
Main house
King bed
A calm, design-forward room with luxury linens and blackout curtains.
Main house
Queen bed
Its own en-suite bathroom with a tub and dual sinks, plus a desk for anyone who needs to check in on work.
Main house
2 twin XL beds
Great for kids, cousins or two friends. Twin XLs are long enough for adults.
Lower-level game room
King bed
Off the game room, with its own full bathroom and walk-in shower nearby. A little extra privacy.
Lower-level game room
Queen sleeper sofa
Pulls out for two more guests, next to the arcade games and kitchenette.
Gallery
Guest reviews
"We had 4 families & everyone had their private 'wing' with the cozy center area open to hang out, make a fire, cook dinner, play games, listen to music & enjoy the view from the top of the bluff… The towels were soft, the beds, pillows & couches were so comfortable (& we are picky about this stuff)."
"Our group ranging in age from grandparents to a toddler didn't want to leave! It was large enough that everyone had their own space if they needed quiet time, but still cozy that we could all spend time together as a family."
"We had an amazing stay at this property with our group of 12 people. The house was spacious, beautiful, and comfortably accommodated everyone… The host was amazing—very responsive, friendly, and easy to communicate with throughout our stay."
"Each morning was a treat, waking up to a thoughtfully equipped coffee and tea bar while watching the sun rise over the mountains… And just when you think it couldn't get better, the sunsets on the other side of the property are equally breathtaking."
"Everything about the house and the outdoor space was gorgeous. The views were incredible and we enjoyed sitting outside, BBQ'ing, roasting s'mores, hot tub and playing cornhole. The lower house was a plus for our teenagers."
"Best place to stay near Yosemite with your extended family! Spacious rooms, pristine kitchen, hot pool, fire place with spectacular view. Amy is very friendly and responsive host and she made us feel at home."
"A standout feature for us was the separate cabin, which worked out perfectly for the kids. It gave them their own space to hang out, play, and sleep, which made the stay even more enjoyable for everyone."
"There's such a beautiful sunrise view right outside the patio in the morning! We loved the huge kitchen island that was wonderful to gather around for breakfast… My friends were very happy with the coffee bar setup and hot tub!"
"Amy's home was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. She was easy to communicate with and a great host all around. The home is spacious, well-designed, and has amazing views of the surrounding mountains."
Things to do nearby
Oakhurst sits at the southern gateway to the Sierra Nevada. Hike in the park in the morning and be back in the hot tub by late afternoon. Drive times are approximate from the house.
About 1.5 hours
The classic first look at El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, then on to the Valley floor for meadows, waterfalls and the walk to Lower Yosemite Fall.
About 1.5 hours · seasonal road
A 3,200-foot drop to the Valley and the best straight-on view of Half Dome. Go for sunset when the road is open.
About 35 minutes
Just inside the South Entrance: hundreds of giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest trees on earth.
About 20 minutes
A pine-ringed mountain lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and fishing. Rent kayaks or a pontoon at Pines Marina, then grab lunch on the water at Ducey's.
In Yosemite Valley
Yosemite's signature waterfall hike: granite steps climb right beside Vernal Fall. Expect to get soaked in spring.
About 25 minutes · Fish Camp
Ride a historic steam logging train through the Sierra National Forest. A big hit with kids. Runs seasonally.
Sierra National Forest
A quiet grove of giant sequoias without the park crowds, with the Shadow of the Giants trail and a historic cabin. Lewis Creek and Deadwood trails are close by too.
Under 10 minutes
Grocery stores and gear shops for stocking up, plus dinner at Erna's Elderberry House (James Beard Award–nominated), South Gate Brewing or Plazuela's.
Waterfalls at full roar, wildflowers in the foothills, and quieter trails before summer crowds.
Bass Lake days, Glacier Point sunsets and high-country hikes. Book early for holiday weekends.
Warm days, crisp nights, golden oaks and easier park access. Prime hot tub weather.
Snow on the peaks and a fire in the fireplace. In February, catch the Horsetail Fall firefall glowing orange on El Capitan at sunset. Chains or 4WD may be required.
Your host
I'm a designer by trade, and Stone Bluff Retreat is the first home in Summit Spaces, my small hospitality company in California. I've set it up the way I'd want to find a place for my own family: beds and couches that are actually comfortable, a kitchen stocked for real cooking, and room for everyone to have their own corner.
I answer messages myself, usually within the hour, and I'm happy to help with anything from restaurant tips to Yosemite planning.
About 30 minutes. The house is roughly 19 miles from Yosemite's South Entrance on Highway 41. Mariposa Grove is just inside the entrance, and Yosemite Valley is about 1.5 hours from the house.
Up to 14 guests. There are 3 king beds, 1 queen bed, 2 twin XL beds and 2 queen sleeper sofas across five bedrooms and the game room lounge.
The main house has four bedrooms: a primary suite with a king bed, queen sleeper sofa and en-suite bath; a king bedroom; a queen bedroom with its own en-suite bath; and a bedroom with two twin XL beds. The lower level has a fifth bedroom with a king bed, plus a queen sleeper sofa in the game room. There are 4 full bathrooms, including two en-suites: one in the king primary suite and one in the queen bedroom.
Yes. A private hot tub sits on the terrace off the living room with an unobstructed view of the Sierra Nevada.
A sand court for bocce, cornhole and ladder golf, a disc golf basket, a propane fire pit with Adirondack seating, a large outdoor dining table, a gas grill, lounge seating and the hot tub.
Booking direct skips the platform service fees, so you pay less for the same home with the same host. You also deal with Amy directly for questions and special requests.
Yes. Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome for a fee of $75 per pet, per stay.
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and checkout is at 10:00 AM, with self check-in by smart lock. Early check-in or late checkout may be available for an added fee when the calendar allows. Just ask.
Stone Bluff Retreat uses a firm cancellation policy. Cancel at least 30 days before check-in for a full refund. Cancel 7 to 30 days before check-in for a 50% refund of the nightly rate. Cancellations less than 7 days before check-in are not refunded.
The outdoor fire pit runs on propane. Madera County doesn't allow open wood fires, bonfires or campfires at short-term rentals. Indoors, the living room has a wood-burning fireplace.
Yes. The lower-level game room has arcade games, board games and a big-screen TV, the twin XL room suits kids, and a pack 'n play and high chair are available. Recent guests have stayed with groups from grandparents to toddlers.
Yes. There's fast Wi-Fi throughout the house and desks in two of the bedrooms, plus two separate lounges so calls don't compete with the TV.
Yes. There's a Wallbox charger on site with a standard J1772 connector. Tesla drivers should bring their J1772 adapter.
The driveway fits up to 8 vehicles at no charge. Please keep cars on the paved surface and off the grass.
No parties or events, and only registered guests may stay. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and smoking isn't allowed anywhere on the property.
Sometimes. Chains or 4WD may be required on mountain roads and in Yosemite during winter storms. Check current conditions with Caltrans and the National Park Service before you drive.
Every guest signs a short rental agreement before arrival. Your check-in instructions, including the exact address and door code, are sent 48 hours before arrival once the agreement is signed.
Yes. Store all food inside the house and keep trash secured in the bear-safe bins.
There are exterior Ring cameras with audio covering only the entrances, front lawn and parking area. There are no cameras inside the house.
Stone Bluff Retreat · Oakhurst, CA
Book direct for the best rate on the same five-star stay, without the platform service fees.
