This tree house Airbnb in Big Bear, California was a safe and socially distant getaway for my family after months of staying indoors

Flying was an absolute no-go, and so were hotels. I've covered many travel safety stories for Insider during the pandemic and my chief concern was to banish as much of the virus transmission risk as possible by altogether eliminating direct encounters between people. So although we always prefer the amenities and service level of hotels under normal circumstances, a private home rental — and one recognized for its participation in the platform's most rigorous cleanliness protocols — was the only way to go.

I reached out to the host, Jake, in advance with some questions. Unfortunately, he did share that the property would have a check-out the morning of the same day we were to arrive in the afternoon. However, experts note that the virus is known to settle out of the air quickly, so I felt this posed a negligible risk, even if it meant a bit less peace of mind.

Reassuringly, he also explained that the housecleaner in between guests opens all windows and doors during the cleaning — even in winter — and that linens are not just washed, but also swapped out for entirely new sets between guests. He further explained the house would likely smell of cleaning products on our arrival (it did), which I liked the sound of in a pandemic world. Plus, we'd have a fully contactless check-in, using a custom door code.

I also found the price, though steep, to be more than fair given that it was for a unique tree house-style listing in a popular area, included multiple bedrooms to fit my entire family comfortably, and the fact that I was going over winter break when travel is high. The fact that it was refundable in case my plans had to change was another boon.

We timed our drive to arrive shortly after the 3 p.m. check-in time, but well before dark. We found the house easily. It was close to the main town of Big Bear City, but as advertised on the listing, tucked right up into the mountains. In fact, it was the last house before a large forested area. We climbed the stairs to the home positioned right at mid-tree level for a tree house feel, punched in our code, and entered without difficulty or contact with anyone else.

Inside, the house was charming. In addition to smelling like cleaning products (as promised), it also looked just like the pictures. Generally, my preferred aesthetic is more gleaming-white-hotel-lobby than wooded Airbnb cabin, but the space was beautiful and the curation of objects was especially thoughtful. Big window along the soaring ceilings let in ample natural light.

Objects lovingly places on shelves, mantles, and tables included travel-inspired books, family games, vintage audio equipment and cameras, colorful vintage pennants, and a fragrant candle. A large stone fireplace anchored the two-story living area.

A balcony wrapped almost entirely around the cabin, which made for an idyllic place to take in sunsets. The kitchen door also opened to a deck from which we could walk right into a forest and explore its trails and sledding hills. The deck also included Adirondack chairs and an outdoor dining table and grill for warmer months. 

The kitchen itself had limited counter space, but included a cozy circular dining table for four. The was just one bathroom, but the overhead rainshower was a luxurious perk.

It really was just what I had in mind when I booked and made for an excellent socially distanced weekend getaway, with plenty of outdoor options at our fingertips.

Other than stopping once before leaving L.A. to fill our gas tank (something we'd have to do eventually anyway), we fulfilled the promise to make no stops and see no one. We spent a lot of time relaxing in the home, which had no TVs but strong Wi-Fi. We played cards, my kids drew pictures, my husband and I puttered away at some light work, and we ate simple home-cooked meals.

The main attraction was all the time we spent in the forest behind the home. Given that my kids are wholly unfamiliar with snow, they were fascinated by the play options it provided: snow angels, snowballs, one unsuccessful snowman attempt.

They also loved sledding. The home came with one sledding saucer, which was cracked. Under normal circumstances, we would have just gone into town to get a new one cheaply and easily, but that would have violated our no-interaction rule. So we made do with the broken halves of the saucer we did have — and they worked just fine for two little tushies.

Although the home backed up to nature, it was not in a remote location. The street had neighbors, including one family at the home (distantly) next door, which also used the same area for snow play.

That said, we managed to be friendly without getting near them. If their group came outside to sled on one hill, we moved to another. Once, they even lent us their sled at my shouted request by leaving it for us to borrow on the mountain, which the kids loved.

The forested location was just what we needed after spending months cooped up indoors. The blanket of snow on the ground only added to the magical feel of the place.

The sleep quality would have been excellent if not for our kids (as any parent of young children will understand).

The Queen bed in the main bedroom was ultra-comfortable, and carpet underfoot kept the upstairs quiet. But my husband and I slept in the full-sized bed in the open loft next to the bedroom, out of an abundance of caution given the possibility that disoriented kids could fall, though that's likely only a concern for those with very young children. 

After two nights, it was time to go. The check-out process was very easy and not a lengthy undertaking. We packed our trash bags into the car since Big Bear requires all short-term rental guests to take their trash to a disposal location. We also set the thermostat low so the pipes wouldn't freeze, locked the doors, and headed out for our drive home.

Who stays here: This home sleeps up to five guests in two beds upstairs and a sofa bed downstairs. During the pandemic, it's right for members of the same household looking for a unique stay with ample access to nature.

We like: The items inside the home — decor, books, games, and more — were thoughtfully curated for a beautiful cabin aesthetic.

We love: The forest backyard can't be beat. You can walk right out the backdoor to find a stunning natural environment with trails, sledding, and plenty of room to isolate and play. The two sunsets we saw were equally stunning.

We think you should know: Families with babies and toddlers should note possible falling risks from the loft upstairs, and the wraparound terrace outside. So just use your best judgment. Additionally, the home is at the top of stairs so may not be ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

We'd do this differently next time: If I visit again during the pandemic, I'll bring my own sled, bottled water, and firewood, which were the only items I felt I missed. But next time I return to Big Bear, I hope it's safe to venture out more to experience more of the lake and the town surrounding the property.

Given the continuing threat of COVID-19 transmission, this listing really hits all the high points for safe, regional travel in California. It's a private, self-contained listing within easy driving distance to major metro areas that feels secluded from the everyday at-home isolation of urban environments.

Pandemic circumstances aside, this listing provides exceptional access to natural splendor for a head-clearing reset, as well as varied outdoor activities for all seasons. Plus, the tree house-style cabin itself is beautifully furnished with midcentury modern decor and carefully curated details. As an added bonus, the host was wonderfully responsive, kind, and helpful. Our stay was a total success at a most difficult time, and I'd recommend this listing to anyone seeking similar.

Book this treehouse-style Airbnb in Big Bear starting from $406 per night