This lovely home in Kernville, California, has plenty to recommend it, with a simple modern rustic elegance and carefully curated furniture, bedding and artwork. But it's the riverside location that makes it extra special.

The minute you arrive, you'll hear the sound of the water. Step inside, and large windows in every room frame the striking views of the Southern Sierras and Kern River. Best of all, there are private patios right on the rushing river's edge, perfect for dramatic al fresco dining, and the dark skies of this mountain community are perfect for epic stargazing.

The two-story vacation home rental in California is a versatile space, with a downstairs that could be its own unit - making it ideal for groups wanting to share a home, with a little extra privacy.

There are three bedrooms, with enough room to sleep six guests comfortably, plus gated front and back yards.

THE KERN RIVER 

This house is located on the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, one mile from the heart of the quaint cowboy town of Kernville. There you'll find several shops, cafes, markets, restaurants and bars - and plenty of outdoor adventure outfitters for rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and fly fishing. 

The streets are wide and quiet - great for walking, jogging, bicycling, pets, and kids. A car is a must to see most of the hiking spots and sightseeing, but you can walk to town and the nearby Whiskey Flat Trail. Bicycles are great for around town and some closer hiking trails.

The area is home to an incredibly diverse and beautiful natural environment with endless possibilities to explore and play. Just a short drive north of the cabin is the scenic highway along the Kern River, where you can pull off the road and drop a line right in, continue on to the nearby Trail of 100 Giants, Isabella Lake, Ponderosa and Kern Plateau, or hike into the Golden Trout Wilderness to check out the many trails in the stunning Sequoias. Guided river rafting rides are highly recommended. There's even a single chair lift ski resort less than half hour away.

The owners love making recommendations, share a digital guidebook with their guests, and are always available by text.

LOCATION

Kernville, California, United States. Nearest local airport: Kernville Valley (6 miles), international: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (168 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round