My family has gone camping in the Poconos for many years, but this was the first time we rented a house. We had several things we wanted and needed: a place that would allow pets, a lake where we could canoe and kayak, a place that had a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, air conditioning, a screened-in porch plus a place to eat outside, an outdoor firepit for roasting marshmallows, and enough beds for 9 people. We found all this and more at this wonderful chalet!

The house had plenty of room for all of us: 5 adults, 2 teenagers, 2 younger children, and a small dog. The kids loved the TV, DVD player, and speaker system, as well as the boulder in the yard where they gathered to play with their action figures. There is a nice sun room/enclosed porch just off the kitchen with a large table where we ate some of our meals and played games. The kitchen also has a table. The back deck (one of three) holds a round umbrella table that was big enough for all 9 of us for supper. There are two grills for cooking (wood and propane) and a movable firepit that the owner helpfully stocked with wood for us. The living room has three couches and one large easy chair, as well as padded coffee tables/foot stools great for lounging or playing games. The four bedrooms with lots of drawer and closet space and two good-sized bathrooms worked out great for our large family. And the wi-fi access in the upstairs loft area helped the workaholic of our group keep in touch with his clients. The central air and ceiling fans offered welcome relief from the summer humidity.

We brought 2 kayaks and a canoe and also used one of the owner's kayaks on the smooth-as-glass lake. We enjoyed trips to the Lehigh-Gorge Trail, a local souvenir shop/petting zoo, and the Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park.

The landscaped garden behind the house is delightful, and the slate-topped trunk "table" in the side yard is a nice touch. The woods beyond the driveway/parking area are beautiful.

I use crutches and was able to climb the few steps to the front door, although I preferred to enter via the back deck which only has two steps that are easier. The bathroom on the first floor was handy for me, and it was so nice to have a choice of bedrooms on the main level!

Books, DVDs, CDs, games, and linens were provided. The house was very clean, and the decorative accents were nice.

We would definitely consider renting this house again!