02/17/2021
Here is a recent review we received regarding their stay at Villa Z!
“Villa -Z is for ME! ... And it should be for thee! Well... what can be said about this winter retreat beautifully set in the Idaho mountains and on a lake?? MUCH! If you are looking for tranquility and comfort while indoors, and a winter playground outdoors, look no further and book it quickly! The "WOW factor" is undeniable as you proceed up the driveway and park. Then...you walk in and say WOW 10 more times. Your eye is instantly drawn through the house to see the lake and mountains in full view and you take a deep breath, and feel like you are now home to relax. Then, you start looking around in the house and the fun keeps growing as you explore. It is richly appointed throughout, but, it still feels "homey."
The owners did a wonderful job striking that balance as some homes of this magnitude may feel more like a museum, but this house...is a home... and you will feel this during your stay as you settle in. They obviously maintain the home, and care for the people's comfort, who may be renting from them. The property managers are accessible, even to the tiniest detail of fixing a switch on a lamp during our stay. The owner had a pack of replacement switches in the garage and it was fixed immediately. That is amazing attention to detail in a rental, and makes the renters know someone is there, close by, if they need anything.
I was with a group of 9, and I chose the smallest room with the murphy bed. It was the best if you ask me as my view out my windows was spectacular. Even though other rooms are much larger with incredible appointments, just know, even the smallest room will be so comfy! Everyone will be happy! Though this was not a trip with children, the Z-Zone space upstairs is incredible for kids and adults alike. Such a cool space! Doors can shut it off so the kids can make all the noise they want and the adults won't be bothered in the least. Loved the pool table, right where it should be, to encourage play while not separating the players from the group comradery and laughs! No one had issues with any WIFI or tech! We not only relaxed in the house, most of us did our jobs during parts of the morning/evening and found spaces in the house very conducive for quiet, productive work.
The home is set up beautifully for winter sports enthusiasts! Skiers will love the heated garage to hang equipment and the ski-room/ mudroom is full of storage, hooks and cubbies...and the boot/glove dryer is absolutely state of the art and handled 9 of us no problem! We had avid cooks and restaurant people in our group and they could not rave more about the kitchen setup / appliances and drawers full of every item you may need. The huge glass table for meals was so comfy for eating and discussion. Plenty of plastic "glass-ware" is available, smartly, for the hot tub and patio areas. Obviously a smart idea and just another way the owners thought out even the little details. Speaking of the hot tub.... In 15 years I have never seen a better one! Not only is it comfortable for many....but what a VIEW of the lake and mountains from an elevated patio!! Sit back and soak away any stress or sore muscles!
About this location: As an avid traveller to ski vacations / resorts throughout the US and Canada over the last 15 years, and having rented beautiful places in each location, I would take this location, this home and these mountains, hands down. It is not even close. The bigger resorts have now lost their charm with me, as everything here is easier, better and let's be honest, cheaper. All three are good with me and you will find out I'm right about this! Specifically if you are looking to get in some serious vertical skiing mileage, Schweitzer Mountain ( located an easy and pretty 20 mile drive from home) is a bargain compared to big resorts, not only in lift prices, but convenience, and just plain bang for your buck. The mountain food choices are first rate and probably half the price of Vail, Aspen, Utah, etc., etc. During the work week I am not sure I waited more than three-four groups to load a chair. On Saturday, of course, more people were there, but I think my longest wait was no more than 10 mins, all day! I mean you can't beat that. You will actually ski here, and not stand in line with the mobs in Colorado or elsewhere. We found free parking as the norm and shuttles from lower down the mountain in case the top lots were full. All easy beyond belief. No interstate or in town traffic!! Just the easiest mountain winter vacation I have ever taken. In town, we zipped around easily to find all we needed for food and fun. We found two local bars downtown easy to get to for Apres-Ski, free street parking and smiling, nice Idaho locals with whom to chat. Some in our group found world class snowmobile trails close by and thoroughly enjoyed their day in the mountains. None of us snow-shoed, but we could have! If that is your gig, then strap on the nets and go!!
What I am saying is that if you need a break from being lock-downed, or any stress, then set yourself free up at Villa -Z!! Settle in, then get out and play, and you will see that bigger named resorts, well, are just overrated.
This truly is a destination get-away, a true gem. Come see yourself!”
- Michael Stuckmeyer
