The owner sought to create a getaway from L.A. for her family and friends, and wound up with a hot rental in the process.

Big Bear A-Frame
Photo by Ryan Resatka

If you’ve ever picked up an issue of Sunset, you know we can’t resist a good A-frame cabin—especially when it’s got great interior design and happens to be a place we can book for the weekend.

Courtney Poulos owns the Whiskey Ridge Chalet, an Airbnb up in Big Bear, CA. “The name of the cabin is “Whiskey Ridge Chalet” because of the design perspective,” says Poulos. “The cigar and whiskey bar feel on the interior, plus the location in the Moonridge neighborhood made Whiskey Ridge a natural fit.”

She closed on the home in September 2017, remodeling it into a vacation home, and then brought it to Airbnb in 2018. “I did a ton of renovations,” says Poulos. “I redid the bath, all new flooring upstairs and down, new lighting fixtures, new kitchen paint, counters, and hardware, and all new staging and decor, including furniture.”

Courtesy of Airbnb

“The design style is bohemian eclectic, but with a slightly more ‘cigar bar’ feel,” says Poulos. The interior features dark black and brown wood floors paired with a leather couch from Article. Faux fur throws lay across the couch and seating areas to add a cozy touch. ” Just what you would want from a cabin,” she says.

Courtesy of Airbnb

“My favorite room is the living room. There’s nothing quite like lighting the fireplace, pouring a glass of red wine, and looking out at the black of night while it snows. It’s simply magical,” says Poulos.

Courtesy of Airbnb

The cozy kitchen uses open shelving and a dining set tucked beneath the stairs, taking advantage of every nook and cranny in the cabin. The colorful rug adds a pop of color to the moody kitchen.

Courtesy of Airbnb

One of the spaces Poulos completely transformed was the bathroom. The wooden stump side table and decorative snowshoes provide an earthy contrast to the black elements in the space, from the tile floor to the sink.

Courtesy of Airbnb

“I actually love the lofted sleeping area more than the master because of the skylights, and the feeling of connection the communal space creates,” says Poulos. The room feels made for a weekend retreat with family or a group of friends.

Courtesy of Airbnb

The master bedroom, located on the bottom floor, has immediate outdoor access—and eye-catching sconces.

Courtesy of Airbnb

“Originally, I remodeled the cabin as a vacation home for myself and family and friends,” says Poulos. “I love the village feel of Big Bear, and always dreamed of having a ‘getaway from L.A.’ space that had a community feel and integration with nature.”

Courtesy of Airbnb

The black exterior pops against the woods. “I was inspired by the ‘black on black’ trend—the dark exterior stands out beautifully against the snow in the winter and green in the summer,” says Poulos. “Plus at night, the warm glow of the interior light of the A-frame is just such a beautiful contrast.”

Photo by Ryan Resatka

The cabin is also just steps away from one of the best trails in Big Bear, great for hikers or bikers. “The wildlife and nature are fantastic. There are beautiful birds and soothing sounds in the trees that keep you aware that you aren’t in the big city anymore,” says Poulos.