The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK

Top rated by guests
The Lookout House is the best spot on the Kern River. A private waterfront resort.
Full  & modern Kitchen with all the appliances, gadgets, cookware, dinnerware & glassware that you'll need for your vacation feasts! We provide everything a chef needs.
Your river house kitchen can handle any holiday or event!
Ample Dining Area for up to 8 people. Or a large communal work table. But don't work too much ;)
Many seating options throughout the home.
review stars
10Outstanding
(16 Ratings)
"We loved our stay at Keen River House! The house itself is beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and equipped with everything we needed. It’s a two-story house with lots of space for relaxing, with two kit..."
Tatyana Y.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
10 / 10
Outstanding(16 Ratings)

House in Kernville, CA

5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area

About this house rental

Welcome to The Lookout House - Your Private River Waterfront Retreat

Look out over the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-story house situated in an amazing setting directly on the wild & scenic Kern River.

Home Layout:

Primary bedroom with a Queen bed and attached full Bathroom with walk-in shower. 2nd bedroom has a Queen bed with a full guest Bathroom with a bathtub/shower directly across the hallway. Both upstairs bedrooms lead out onto a beautiful mountain/river view balcony. Well-stocked full Kitchen with new full appliances. Ready for chef meals! Full Laundry off Kitchen. Dining table area seating for 8 with river/mountain views. Living room with a rugged stone wood-burning fireplace and TV. Interior staircase connects the floors. A door separates the floors if privacy is needed. Downstairs has its own wood-burning fireplace lounge with classic audio entertainment and games/puzzles. Downstairs has a cozy Queen sofa bed. Downstairs room has its own outdoor access through a sliding glass door.

Home Features:

Unobstructed and commanding views of the riverscape and rugged mountains beyond from every room. Each upstairs bathroom looks out to a private, lush plant atrium. We use local wood on the walls and local river stone on the fireplaces. Our home was designed to bring elements of the landscape into the space for a peaceful, natural experience. Your private escape provides comfortable, thoughtfully designed spaces and modern conveniences - curated in a rustic modern style with vintage artwork, favorite books/games, record player and cozy furniture with plenty of room for family and friends.

Property Layout and River Access:

Gated driveway with room for 2 cars and ample street parking. Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2 from driveway always available. The entire property is fenced from front to backyard with lockable gates. Past the backyard fence is a quaint, historical river water canal that is crossed by a short footbridge with security handrails. After the bridge crossing is the river's edge concrete patio with lounge chairs & a picnic table. This patio area has a metal handrail only, no fence. There's a natural boulder path with a handrail down to the river water. You must be sure-footed to access the water. There is a very nice swimming area at the house depending on the season & weather - please ask us about what to expect during your stay :) Outside you'll find native plant-filled terraces, sitting areas, hammock and mature shade trees. Large patio and riverfront setting invites you to enjoy a BBQ or picnic lunch, or simply lounge on the deck. Enjoy the river going by.

What We Provide:

Inside Amenities
Bedding (linens, blankets, pillows) Bath Towels Hand Soap/Shower Gel/Shampoo/Conditioner Hairdryer Iron and Board Graco Pack 'n Play with Fitted Sheet Standalone Folding Highchair Crib with Mattress & Fitted Sheet (only with prior request) Robes Travel Blackout Curtains Bluetooth Portable Speaker Board Games/Puzzles/Cards Curated Reading Library Record Player with record selection Firewood for sale (seasonal)

Kitchen Amenities
Locally Roasted Ground Coffee and Coffee Pods Drip Coffee Machine with filter Keurig Machine and French Press Bagged Teas/Creamer Pods/Sweeteners Paper Towels/Napkins Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Detergent/Dishwashing Pods Dishes/Silverware/Drinkware/Knives All Pots/Pans/Kitchen Accessories Glassware - Beer/Wine/Bubbly Toaster Oven/Blender/Coffee Grinder/Kettle Olive Oil/Salt & Pepper/Basic Spices Foil/Wraps Filtered Water

Outside Amenities
Electric Vehicle Charger Level 2 in Driveway (for fee) Propane Weber BBQ Grill and Tools (propane provided) Beach: Towels, 2 Chairs, Umbrella, Sand Toys 2 Float Tubes, 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (seasonal and liability waiver required) Small Selection of Life Jackets - adult & child Binoculars, Backpack, Maps 2 Snow Sleds (seasonal and liability waiver required)

Location/Town:

The streets are wide, in very good condition & calm. No need for 4-wheel drive. The river is in the backyard so that's the sound you'll hear most of! It's a fun neighborhood to walk your dog to downtown Kernville. Kernville a vintage-y, quirky Old West town that feels like you've gone back in time. Many restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacy, post office, shops, sports outfitters, fishing shops & local brewery are right in town. You can bring it all with you or buy it here - the choice is yours! Bicycles are fun in Kernville. Many options for road or trail running. Some very nice trailheads/hikes are close to town with a short drive. It's a perfect basecamp for exploring the southern Sierras.

Things To Do:

1 mile to Downtown Kernville, walk there in 15 minutes. You can get your morning coffee and have a look around. Go for a run or nature walk to Bull Run Creek at nearby Whiskey Flat Trail 1 mile from house. Visit the Giant Redwoods at Trail of 100 Giants (closed in winter). A 45 minute picturesque drive upriver. Stroll in the Kern Audubon Preserve. Mountain bike Cannell Trail or Whiskey Flat Trail. Fly fish the North Fork of the Kern for famous wild trout. Or trout fish right in your backyard! Try a kayak lesson, a white water rafting trip, take an intro climbing lesson. Kids can have some fun at Riverside Park in downtown Kernville where there's a nice playground & children's river beach. Visit the free Kern Valley Museum or the Nuui Cunni Native American Cultural Center. The beautiful view from Johnsondale Bridge is a short drive upriver. Go out to the award-winning Kern River Brewery for a special brew. Catch the stunning view & good meals at Ewing's Restaurant. Pop into the Saloon or Sportsman's Bar for a nightcap & a chat with the locals. When you're ready for bed, you'll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rushing river!

If you'd like More Space: we also rent this entire house which includes a Downstairs Suite with a private entrance, queen bedroom, living room, kitchenette/dining, and another full bathroom as the listing: The Big View House. However you choose to rent this house, you'll be the only guests in the house & on the property. Please contact us for this upgrade :)

POLICIES:
1. Guest max for nightly rate is 5. Extra guest is $50 per night per guest up to 1 extra guest max.
2. Guest MUST review and accept the Rental Agreement and Contact Form that'll be emailed after booking.
3. No fireworks/outdoor fires are allowed (propane BBQ and indoor fireplace are OK)
4. No events, parties, photoshoots without prior Owner approval. We have a Nest camera pointed at the street entry to ensure only registered Guests are on the property.
5. Two well-behaved and house trained dogs will be considered for pre-approval. Please tell us about your pet. $60 pet fee per stay will apply.

*PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS when booking:
1. What brings you to the area?
2. What is the # of adults and # of children of any age in your group?
3. Are you bringing a pet (Yes or No)? If yes - please let us know breed, age, weight for pre-approval.
:) Thanks!

Amenities at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK

Non-smoking
Pets allowed

Map of Kernville, CA


Ratings and reviews

10 / 10
Outstanding(16 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2025
We loved our stay at Keen River House! The house itself is beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and equipped with everything we needed. It’s a two-story house with lots of space for relaxing, with two kitchens, comfy bedrooms, and great energy and atmosphere. The outdoors is a garden comprised of native trees and plants, several places to relax and observe nature, a barbecue grill and a table, and a couple of fishing spots by the river below. The river flow is quite strong at the location, but there are a couple of spots where one can safely get into the water. We really enjoyed our stay, the river, observing animals, and checking out the town and the nearby river banks. Thank you so much!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2024
Great property
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2023
One of the most beautiful we’ve stayed in, really showcases the mighty Kern river and the glorious backdrop that is the Kern River Valley. You have everything you need, the decor is very cool with a 40’s cabin/Mid Century Modern feel and hosts are so gracious. I would highly recommend The Kern River House!
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2023
Absolutely lovely, we had a great time

$$$$
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FAQs

Is parking included with this house?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK pet friendly?

Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at The Kern River House: Lookout House Private Riverfront Access Fireplaces Dog OK?

We found 2 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, and pets allowed.