Light of the Fireflies

Tucked among towering pines in Incline Village, this townhouse is built for the kind of Tahoe trip where you come in from the cold and don't want to move. The vaulted living room earns that feeling – a wood-burning fireplace crackling while the forest presses up against the windows. A wet bar makes evenings easy, and when the weather lifts, the balcony is set up for outdoor dining with views straight into the trees. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is just 2.8 miles away, and the self-contained ground-floor studio means groups with different schedules can come and go independently.

Home truths:
* You'll need to supply your own firewood for the wood-burning fireplace – it isn't provided. You can pick some up locally before settling in.
* There are sixteen steps to reach the front door, so this home isn't well-suited to guests with mobility limitations.
* Parking covers two cars – one space in the attached garage and one in the parking lot. Street parking is not permitted, so if you're arriving with more than two vehicles, plan ahead.
* If you're visiting in winter, four-wheel drive or snow chains may be necessary to reach the home safely. Check conditions before you set off.
* While there's no air conditioning here, your host can provide fans for the warmer months.