Chalet Hal | Steps from the National Forest
Entire cabin in Big Bear Lake, California
- 5 guests
- 2 bedrooms
- 3 beds
- 1 bath
Hosted by Sean & Jess
- Superhost
- 9 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 10% of homes
This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
At the forest edge in Moonridge
Bristlecone Trail starts about a 5-min walk away, with the Big Bear Alpine Zoo just beyond.
Forest backyard with fire pit and grill
The backyard opens to the National Forest, with a gas fire pit and grill for evenings outdoors.
A design-driven cabin guests return to
Guests describe a thoughtfully designed retreat they keep returning to, with many extending their stay.
Wake up at the edge of the wilderness.
Chalet Hal is a thoughtfully restored 1970s mountain retreat set against the protected San Bernardino National Forest, where hiking trails begin just beyond the backyard and wildlife sightings are part of the experience.
The space
*** NOTE: With the holidays around the corner, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate check-out on Christmas or New Year's Day. Thank you for your understanding ***
Proudly part of the Kind Cabineer Collection, this cabin was designed for travelers who want something a little more special — part architectural retreat, part forest hideaway, and completely connected to the landscape around it.
Step outside in the morning and begin a hike straight from the cabin. Sit quietly long enough and you may spot blue jays, squirrels, deer, coyotes, or other wildlife moving through the forest. Big Bear is home to bald eagles, bears, bobcats, mountain lions, and more, reminding you that here, nature is never far away.
A Cabin with a Story
Chalet Hal was restored by acclaimed Los Angeles interior designer Emilie Halpern, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest and other design publications.
Her approach draws from her French and Japanese heritage, blending minimalism, Wabi Sabi, natural materials, and thoughtful restraint.
The architecture itself is a classic 1970s modified A-frame with a Gambrel roof, carefully restored to honor the era in which it was originally built.
From the bathroom fixtures to the lighting, materials and details were selected to feel authentic to the period rather than simply inspired by it.
The design takes cues from the 1970s second-home movement of Sea Ranch in Northern California and Les Arcs in the French Alps, with references to designer Charlotte Perriand woven throughout.
Primary colors, natural pine, simple forms, and subtle Japanese influences give the cabin a warm, playful, and unmistakably vintage character.
Kitchen + Dining
The kitchen keeps things retro in spirit while offering all the modern tools you need for a great mountain stay.
Wall-to-wall glass opens toward the backyard and National Forest beyond, making even a simple breakfast or dinner feel immersed in nature.
Coffee lovers are especially well taken care of with a Moccamaster by Technivorm, Keurig, and French press, along with locally roasted coffee to start the morning right.
You’ll also find a dishwasher, microwave, Dualit toaster, electric kettle, Vitamix blender, Staub cookware, Soma water filter pitcher, and everything needed to prepare anything from a quick breakfast to a full dinner.
The kitchen is stocked with beautiful artisanal Japanese dishware, enamelware, Bistrot silverware, Laguiole steak knives, coffee essentials, creamer, cocoa, teas, and other thoughtful touches.
Living Room
The living room is made for slowing down.
Natural light pours in from multiple directions, filling the space throughout the day and making the forest feel like part of the interior.
One of the most unique details is the wall of vintage National Geographic magazines dating from the 1920s through the 1990s — perfect for getting lost in a story with nowhere else to be.
At night, settle in beside the vintage Malm Opal electric fireplace, put your feet up, and let the cabin do the rest.
For movie nights, there’s a 43-inch Smart TV with access to your favorite streaming apps.
Bedroom One
Wake up among the treetops.
The first bedroom features a plush king-size bed, warm pine interiors, forest views, and the kind of atmosphere that feels a little like waking up in a treehouse somewhere in the Alps.
A 43-inch 4K Roku TV is also available for late-night movies or slow mornings.
Bedroom Two
The second bedroom offers a little more flexibility, with both a queen bed and full-size bed, along with its own 43-inch 4K Roku TV.
Best of all, the room opens onto a private deck where you can sit among the trees, listen to the birds, and enjoy a quiet start to the day.
The Bathroom
The bathroom continues the cabin’s vintage story while still feeling comfortable and elevated.
You’ll find quarry floor tile, porcelain wall tile, a large tub with shower, Kohler Triton fixtures, and a vintage American Standard wall-mounted sink from the 1960s.
Even the fixtures were chosen with intention — the Triton collection was first introduced in 1941, making it a fitting detail in a space designed to honor timeless design.
The Backyard + National Forest
This is where Chalet Hal really sets itself apart.
The backyard opens directly toward the protected National Forest, creating the feeling that the wilderness is part of the property.
Gather around the large gas outdoor fireplace, fire up the BBQ, enjoy dinner outside, or simply sit quietly and watch the forest change as the light moves through the trees.
In the morning, head straight from the cabin onto nearby trails.
In the evening, come back, light the fire, and let the mountain settle around you.
Dog Friendly
We’re happy to welcome one small dog, up to 20 lbs., with prior approval.
If you would like to bring more than one dog or a dog over 30 lbs., please contact us before booking so we can review the request. Approval is at our discretion and may depend on the dog’s size, breed, property-specific restrictions, owner requirements, and safety considerations. Unfortunately, we can't accommodate every request.
The backyard is not fully enclosed, so please keep an eye out for other wildlife if letting your pet roam.
A Stay That Gives Back
Every stay at Chalet Hal also helps support the place you’ve come to enjoy.
A $2 community impact fee per reservation is donated to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a wildlife rehabilitation facility and sanctuary caring for indigenous animals that have been injured, orphaned, or permanently impacted and are unable to return to the wild.
We encourage you to visit during your stay, meet some of the remarkable animals in their care, and learn more about protecting the wildlife and natural environment that make Big Bear so special.
Come for the architecture. Stay for the forest, the design, the quiet, and the feeling that the wilderness begins right outside your door.
Other things to note
EV Charging: We have a 110v plug out in front of the cabin you are welcome to use to plug in your personal travel charger. We do not have an actual charger on the property.
Our WiFi is blazing fast it's currently rated at 300upload/300
download ready for all your streaming needs
FEE BREAKDOWN:
We pay our cleaning team a fair wage for their dedicated thoughtfulness and care for the cabin on every cleaning. No matter if it one night or 5 nights the cleaning is the same price of $125
Community Impact: We have a $2 per reservation community fee added in the checkout. 100% of funds are donated to Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehabilitation facility and a sanctuary for indigenous wild animals that have been permanently impacted by human behavior and are unable to return to the wild. We also encourage you to visit their new location, meet some amazing animals that are unable to return to the wild for various reasons and learn how you can help support animals in the wild and in their care.
We encourage you to visit and explore the sanctuary (not more than 3 minutes away from the cabin) and connect with the animals. It’s a special experience.
Pet Policy- While we are pet-friendly, if there will be more than one dog, we kindly ask you to notify us before booking, as we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
Please note there is a $45 pet cleaning fee (including service animals/ESA animals). If you are bringing a pet, you are required to check the “pet fee” upon reservation. Airbnb's policy for service animals allows up to ONE service animal per stay; if additional pets join, there will be additional fees. This includes all types of dogs, due to pet dander and non-shedding dogs.
Our cleaning team charges us this fee due to the extra cleaning that is required with pets. Due to our allergy-sensitive guests, it's mandatory that the highest levels of cleaning procedures take place to maintain optimal health standards.
We kindly ask if you bring any animals, PLEASE keep them off of the sofa, blankets, and bedding.
Hot water is a tank system; it does not have a large capacity and will only allow consistent hot water for a short period of time before needing to reheat a new bath use sparingly. Thank you.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
Registration Details
2025-0281
Chalet Hal is a thoughtfully restored 1970s mountain retreat set against the protected San Bernardino National Forest, where hiking trails begin just beyond the backyard and wildlife sightings are part of the experience.
The space
*** NOTE: With the holidays around the corner, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate check-out on Christmas or New Year's Day. Thank you for your understanding ***
Proudly part of the Kind Cabineer Collection, this cabin was designed for travelers who want something a little more special — part architectural retreat, part forest hideaway, and completely connected to the landscape around it.
Step outside in the morning and begin a hike straight from the cabin. Sit quietly long enough and you may spot blue jays, squirrels, deer, coyotes, or other wildlife moving through the forest. Big Bear is home to bald eagles, bears, bobcats, mountain lions, and more, reminding you that here, nature is never far away.
A Cabin with a Story
Chalet Hal was restored by acclaimed Los Angeles interior designer Emilie Halpern, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest and other design publications.
Her approach draws from her French and Japanese heritage, blending minimalism, Wabi Sabi, natural materials, and thoughtful restraint.
The architecture itself is a classic 1970s modified A-frame with a Gambrel roof, carefully restored to honor the era in which it was originally built.
From the bathroom fixtures to the lighting, materials and details were selected to feel authentic to the period rather than simply inspired by it.
The design takes cues from the 1970s second-home movement of Sea Ranch in Northern California and Les Arcs in the French Alps, with references to designer Charlotte Perriand woven throughout.
Primary colors, natural pine, simple forms, and subtle Japanese influences give the cabin a warm, playful, and unmistakably vintage character.
Kitchen + Dining
The kitchen keeps things retro in spirit while offering all the modern tools you need for a great mountain stay.
Wall-to-wall glass opens toward the backyard and National Forest beyond, making even a simple breakfast or dinner feel immersed in nature.
Coffee lovers are especially well taken care of with a Moccamaster by Technivorm, Keurig, and French press, along with locally roasted coffee to start the morning right.
You’ll also find a dishwasher, microwave, Dualit toaster, electric kettle, Vitamix blender, Staub cookware, Soma water filter pitcher, and everything needed to prepare anything from a quick breakfast to a full dinner.
The kitchen is stocked with beautiful artisanal Japanese dishware, enamelware, Bistrot silverware, Laguiole steak knives, coffee essentials, creamer, cocoa, teas, and other thoughtful touches.
Living Room
The living room is made for slowing down.
Natural light pours in from multiple directions, filling the space throughout the day and making the forest feel like part of the interior.
One of the most unique details is the wall of vintage National Geographic magazines dating from the 1920s through the 1990s — perfect for getting lost in a story with nowhere else to be.
At night, settle in beside the vintage Malm Opal electric fireplace, put your feet up, and let the cabin do the rest.
For movie nights, there’s a 43-inch Smart TV with access to your favorite streaming apps.
Bedroom One
Wake up among the treetops.
The first bedroom features a plush king-size bed, warm pine interiors, forest views, and the kind of atmosphere that feels a little like waking up in a treehouse somewhere in the Alps.
A 43-inch 4K Roku TV is also available for late-night movies or slow mornings.
Bedroom Two
The second bedroom offers a little more flexibility, with both a queen bed and full-size bed, along with its own 43-inch 4K Roku TV.
Best of all, the room opens onto a private deck where you can sit among the trees, listen to the birds, and enjoy a quiet start to the day.
The Bathroom
The bathroom continues the cabin’s vintage story while still feeling comfortable and elevated.
You’ll find quarry floor tile, porcelain wall tile, a large tub with shower, Kohler Triton fixtures, and a vintage American Standard wall-mounted sink from the 1960s.
Even the fixtures were chosen with intention — the Triton collection was first introduced in 1941, making it a fitting detail in a space designed to honor timeless design.
The Backyard + National Forest
This is where Chalet Hal really sets itself apart.
The backyard opens directly toward the protected National Forest, creating the feeling that the wilderness is part of the property.
Gather around the large gas outdoor fireplace, fire up the BBQ, enjoy dinner outside, or simply sit quietly and watch the forest change as the light moves through the trees.
In the morning, head straight from the cabin onto nearby trails.
In the evening, come back, light the fire, and let the mountain settle around you.
Dog Friendly
We’re happy to welcome one small dog, up to 20 lbs., with prior approval.
If you would like to bring more than one dog or a dog over 30 lbs., please contact us before booking so we can review the request. Approval is at our discretion and may depend on the dog’s size, breed, property-specific restrictions, owner requirements, and safety considerations. Unfortunately, we can't accommodate every request.
The backyard is not fully enclosed, so please keep an eye out for other wildlife if letting your pet roam.
A Stay That Gives Back
Every stay at Chalet Hal also helps support the place you’ve come to enjoy.
A $2 community impact fee per reservation is donated to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a wildlife rehabilitation facility and sanctuary caring for indigenous animals that have been injured, orphaned, or permanently impacted and are unable to return to the wild.
We encourage you to visit during your stay, meet some of the remarkable animals in their care, and learn more about protecting the wildlife and natural environment that make Big Bear so special.
Come for the architecture. Stay for the forest, the design, the quiet, and the feeling that the wilderness begins right outside your door.
Other things to note
EV Charging: We have a 110v plug out in front of the cabin you are welcome to use to plug in your personal travel charger. We do not have an actual charger on the property.
Our WiFi is blazing fast it's currently rated at 300upload/300
download ready for all your streaming needs
FEE BREAKDOWN:
We pay our cleaning team a fair wage for their dedicated thoughtfulness and care for the cabin on every cleaning. No matter if it one night or 5 nights the cleaning is the same price of $125
Community Impact: We have a $2 per reservation community fee added in the checkout. 100% of funds are donated to Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehabilitation facility and a sanctuary for indigenous wild animals that have been permanently impacted by human behavior and are unable to return to the wild. We also encourage you to visit their new location, meet some amazing animals that are unable to return to the wild for various reasons and learn how you can help support animals in the wild and in their care.
We encourage you to visit and explore the sanctuary (not more than 3 minutes away from the cabin) and connect with the animals. It’s a special experience.
Pet Policy- While we are pet-friendly, if there will be more than one dog, we kindly ask you to notify us before booking, as we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
Please note there is a $45 pet cleaning fee (including service animals/ESA animals). If you are bringing a pet, you are required to check the “pet fee” upon reservation. Airbnb's policy for service animals allows up to ONE service animal per stay; if additional pets join, there will be additional fees. This includes all types of dogs, due to pet dander and non-shedding dogs.
Our cleaning team charges us this fee due to the extra cleaning that is required with pets. Due to our allergy-sensitive guests, it's mandatory that the highest levels of cleaning procedures take place to maintain optimal health standards.
We kindly ask if you bring any animals, PLEASE keep them off of the sofa, blankets, and bedding.
Hot water is a tank system; it does not have a large capacity and will only allow consistent hot water for a short period of time before needing to reheat a new bath use sparingly. Thank you.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
Registration Details
2025-0281
Where you’ll sleep
What this place offers
Mountain view
Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises
Select check-in date
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Rated 4.93 out of 5 from 139 reviews.
Guest favorite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 96% of reviews
- 4 stars, 2% of reviews
- 3 stars, 1% of reviews
- 2 stars, 1% of reviews
- 1 stars, 0% of reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Big Bear Lake, California, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
We are located a 3 min drive from all the supermarkets and stores, 4 min drive to the slopes and 7 min to the village. If you prefer to hitch a ride to the ski resorts its a 5-minute walk through Lower Moonridge to the shuttle service.
Meet your host
My work: Writing and design
Favorite song in high school: Madonna's entire collection :)
Unlike any other management company on the mountain, Kind Cabineer is a boutique STR management + design collective creating standout, high-performing stays. Since 2016, we’ve earned 1,950+ five-star reviews by staying hands-on, design-forward, and guest-focused. We keep our collection intentionally small so every property gets real attention, stronger presentation, smarter hosting, and a guest experience built to stand apart. We would love to support your STR journey if you feel it's a good fit
Sean & Jess is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
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