Pure elegance...in a wilderness setting. This AAA Four Diamond Inn is a delightfully warm and enchanting mountain lodge nestled in the quiet forest hollow of the High Sierras - near the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Guestrooms are artfully decorated and feature handmade Amish quilts, fire stoves, private bath, TV/VCR, CD players plus exquisite views of the forest, birds and wildlife that envelope the Inn.

The Inn is situated very near the beginning of the Stanislaus National Forest. The Confidence Mine, which was one of the largest gold mines in California is a short walk from the Inn. Within a few miles of the inn is the Site of Wagon Train Horse Station which is the former home of the true life Grizzly Adams. Pinecrest Lake is a 15 minute drive from the inn which was formerly the Strawberry Flat Wagon Train Route.

In the winter months if the lake has been drained, one can see the actual tracks of the wagon trains that came across Sonora Pass.Continuing up the mountain is Donnell Vista and The Dardinell Mountains which overlook the Stanislaus River and Donnell Lake. One can see that these mountains are extinct volcanoes that formed much of the areas mountains and river canyons.

This area is also the site where the Bidwell Party Wagon Train crossed the Sierras in 1841. Going up the mountain further is Kennedy Meadows. This is the last civilization before climbing the remaining 9 miles up to the Sonora Pass Summit. (9,642 feet) Kennedy Meadows Resort is a beautiful location and the trail head stables leading into the Emigrant Wilderness area of the Stanislaus National Forest. The scenery is spectacular, rivaled only by Yosemite and is the route taken by many pioneers during the 1850s Gold Rush.

McCaffrey House was designed and built by Michael and Stephanie McCaffrey. They had one essential theme in mind: refined luxury blended with comfort and modern convenience.

General gather areas are spacious and beautifully decorated, with a fascinating collection of furniture and art acquired by Michael and Stephanie during their extensive travels. All appointments have such a welcoming touch that they extend an invitation to come often and stay a while. The inn is surrounded by decks and patios which allow guests to spend time reading or just sitting and relaxing outdoors in the woods.

In warm weather breakfast is served outdoors. In the summer months guests also enjoy sitting on the desks late a night and watching the meteor showers. McCaffrey House sits in a grove and giant cedars and pines and a few oaks giving the visitor a feeling of being in a wilderness setting. A giant live oak, over 150 years old, grows at the entrance of the inn.

Although close to the town of Twain Harte, one feels far away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Twenty-three different birds of the Sierra Nevada can be found in the tress and around the inn. The Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Oriole, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker and of course the Steller's Jay are a few of the birds that can be seen in the warmer months eating and nesting in the trees.

Gourmet Breakfast

Seasons Open: Open all year

Range of Rates: $139 to $170 double occupancy

Michael and Stephanie McCaffrey designed and had built the bed and breakfast which opened in February 1996. The property where the inn is situated has been in the family for 46 years. The old cabin, which was built in the late 40's was a vacation home for the family until it was torn down for the new inn.

The property is an active member of an environmental organization and certification program. The property uses energy efficient lighting, cotton sheets and towels which guests are offered the opportunity to reuse on multiple night stays, water conserving devices on all faucets and fixtures, recycle containers are located on the property , environmentally friendly chemicals/detergents are used in cleaning (including carpet cleaning),and laundry, Preference is given to purchasing environmentally responsible products, purchasing from local vendors and purchasing foods from local growers.