Surrounding ourselves with those we love is the very best part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, many families, like my own, have many more loved ones than our family home can accommodate. I was on the hunt for a vacation getaway where all 16 of us could gather around a twinkling tree on a quiet winter morning. As luck would have it the 3 acre paradise that is Benton’s on Lake Almanor is right in my own backyard and exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. As I entered this 10,700 sq. ft. luxury home through festively decorated, leaded glass doors, I felt like I had stepped into an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” An over sized vase of fresh cut flowers atop an antique wood burning cook stove in the spacious foyer beckoned me forward to sign the guest book.
On-sight property managers Rick and Jody Schlobohm led me into the jaw dropping Great Room and I knew this was the place I had been searching for. Fine leather chairs and deep soft sofas sprawled before the towering stone fireplace on bright area rugs that frosted the gleaming hickory floor. The entire back wall of windows and French doors that open to the flagstone patio offered a view of Lake Almanor and Mount Lassen that took my breath away. The fireplace mantle was lavishly decorated and in the middle of it all was that twinkling tree draped with ribbons. Off to one side of the Great Room’s full size wet bar is the dining room that seats 18 and shares the unrivaled view. Finally a place in which our large family could share an intimate holiday feast.
A huge game room on the other side boasts a full size pool table, shuffle board, private double powder room and it’s own fireplace. The fully stocked library and extensive collection of movies and board games on display in the open upstairs loft offer built in insurance that tots and teens alike will be entertained throughout any length stay at Benton’s on Lake Almanor.
The bedroom decor in each of the five guest suites was inspired by one of five famous artists; Mark Twain, Lilly Langtree, Lotta Crabtree, Marion D. Morgan and Thomas Hill. I’ve no doubt they would be flattered to share their names with these plush carpeted rooms with their private balconies overlooking the glassy water and the majestic Mount Lassen. Special attention has been paid to every detail right down to the tile mosaics around each suite’s gas fireplace, repeated in each suite’s walk in shower. Jacuzzi tubs and hammered copper sinks also grace every bath including the ADA approved suite closest to the elevator.
Our every need seemed to be anticipated and provided for in every room, especially the gourmet chef’s kitchen. My daughters and I could easily prepare a meal of royal proportion with 2 Wolfe ranges, 4 convection ovens, 2 warming drawers, 2 microwaves, 2 sub-zero refrigerators and a massive maple butcher block. Clean-up is a breeze with 2 Bosch built in dishwashers.
I became more impressed at every step I took touring this extravagant year round vacation rental. October through April at Benton’s on Lake Almanor are bargain months since the off season rates are in place. The price is $1000 a night with a 4 night minimum stay. That means that during these months, five couples could rent this for just $200 per couple per night. And if your group is 16 large like ours, that brings it down to $62.50 per person per night.
There are also two Holiday Specials. The 5 night Thanksgiving Special is a steal at $4500, that’s less than $100 per night per person for a party of 10. The 10 night Christmas-New Years Special is even better at $8250, a mere $82.50 per night per person if your group is only 10 and Benton’s on Lake Almanor comfortably sleeps 16. You would easily spend that at a common chain motel. I wait with anticipation for the day my family will arrive and we curl up in front of the fire in the Great Room and catch up on the last year in luxurious comfort. For more information about Benton’s on Lake Almanor or to make a holiday reservation call Rick and Jody at 530-284-6167 or visit online at www.vrbo.com listing #235233. You will soon be celebrating like the stars.
