Faraway Tree

Faraway Tree: California

There's not one thing about this fabulous home in the woods that we don't love. A renovated architectural gem dating from 1962, the A-frame cabin stands among the tall trees of Fern Valley, benefitting from a wilderness feel while being just a five-minute drive into the town of Idyllwild.

Inside it's packed with all the traditional cabin features – there's plenty of timber, towering beams and a giant stone fireplace – but it's unmistakably retro in its design. Beautifully styled with impressive attention to detail, the home boasts a well-curated mix of folk art and mid-century modern furniture. We love the numerous sliding doors opening to the deck, making the most of indoor-outdoor living.

The master bedroom is cosy and completely panelled in warm wood, and you can step outside from here too, while the characterful loft bedroom is perfect for children. Outside you'll spot a large, semi-sunken hot tub on the deck, and there are plenty of seats so you can breathe in the fresh forest air. By day, hikes and adventures await, while in the evenings you can play a few albums from your host's vinyl collection as the fire flickers away.

Home truths:
*Due to the risk of wildfires, there are no outdoor fires permitted here
*The second bedroom is on a mezzanine, open to the living space below, so it doesn't have as much privacy as the master bedroom
*Phone signal can be patchy here, but there's free wifi to keep you covered
*Please ensure children are accompanied by an adult in and around the hot tub
*The stairs in this home are quite steep – please climb them slowly and with caution
*Pets are not allowed upstairs (in the bedrooms)