Entire home

What makes you happy?

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for What makes you happy?

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Miscellaneous
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 784 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Bethel, PA
  • Vraj Temple
    9 min drive
  • Roadside America
    13 min drive
  • Fawn Lake
    15 min drive
  • Lancaster, PA (LNS)
    49 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Bethel

A family-friendly stay in Bethel awaits you at this cottage. You'll be 4 km (2.5 mi) from Pat Garrett Amphitheater and 5.1 km (3.1 mi) from Strausstown Lions Park. .You can enjoy a TV with cable channels, and accommodation features a washer/dryer, free WiFi and a fireplace. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A balcony or patio, a living room and a DVD player are also available.

What's nearby

  • Vraj Temple - 9 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Ghost Town Gulch - 12 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Roadside America - 13 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Koziar's Christmas Village - 16 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Yuengling Brewery and Museum - 27 min drive - 26.6 km

Getting around

  • Reading, PA (RDG-Reading Regional) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Friedensburg Country Restaurant - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Lake Wynonah Lodge - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Blue Mountain Family Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

What makes you happy?

Looking for a tranquil place in the woods? Located on the Blue Mountain in rural pennsylvania a short walk downhill from the Appalachian Trail, this cozy little cottage invites you to sit down on the porch and listen to the creek burble. There's hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, sight-seeing, but maybe you just want to relax and do nothing other than lie around chatting or reading. Either way, this is the place for you. All the amenities of home are here so you can drive up and instantly make yourself very much at home.

*Smoking is not permitted on or around the property.*

Note: GPS will get you only as far as the mailbox. The cottage is 3/4 of a mile down a winding single-lane dirt road and across a creek from Route 183.

Your vacation is more than an investment of money; it's an investment of your time and hopes. We take your investment very seriously. We want you to be delighted.

The cottage has a stone fireplace in the living room with firewood and kindling provided, AM/FM tuner, DVD/BluRay/CD player with iPod port, 22” flat screen TV, basic cable, and wifi. There are plenty of board games and a wonderfully eclectic library.

The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need: electric stove, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, crockpot, full fridge, cooking utensils, pots and pans, flatware, dishes, glasses, and cups.  Basic staples like ketchup, mustard, mayo, butter, sugar, flour, olive oil, vinegar and spices are all onhand; not enough to make 17 dozen cookies or roast a horse, but enough to get you by for a week that you don't need to worry about the little stuff. A vintage, hand-cranked coffee grinder is just the thing for a home-brewed coffee to greet everyone if you're the first one up in the morning. Alas, there is no dishwasher. On the shelf to the right of the fireplace is a 3-ring binder of instructions on how to work basic home utilities (TV, cable, wifi password, thermostats, trash, etc) along with a long list of local attractions and activities, and map to the Secret Swing.

There are two bedrooms, each with a queen bed. The low-ceiling loft has a queen and a single bed. Bed linens, blankets, and an army troop of bath towels provided. There’s both a full size washer and clothes dryer.

The cottage is fully insulated, is warmed and cooled by a heat pump, and has individually controlled electric baseboard heat in every room.

Cabella's Sporting Goods is just 12 miles away.

Lancaster County Amish country is 40 miles or less.

Cottage is 163 miles from Washington DC, 130 miles from NYC, and 92 miles from Philadelphia. 82 miles from Gettysburg is 82 miles away, Knoebel's Amusement Resort is 30 miles away, and Hershey Park is 35 miles away.

Maps, brochures, and a custom-made notebook list hundreds of local activities, adventures, and amusements.

Much of the furniture was made by local craftspeople. The slab for the live-edge kitchen table, for example, is from a pin oak that was felled in Tulpehocken Twp by a pair of sibling sawyers, then kiln-dried for many months, planed, and finished by a furniture maker in Myerstown.

The cottage is 2½ miles north of the intersection of Routes 78 and 183 and about a mile from the Berks/Schuylkill County border.

Property manager

Mike Najarian

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Porch

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 3 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 900 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 9:00 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 7:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 3 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10.

Property is also known as

What Makes you Happy? Bethel
What Makes you Happy? Cottage
What Makes you Happy? Cottage Bethel

Frequently asked questions

Does What makes you happy? have a pool?

No, this cottage doesn't have a pool.

Does What makes you happy? have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

Is What makes you happy? family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a water park, a BBQ and highchairs, it's no surprise that What makes you happy? is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at What makes you happy??

No, What makes you happy? does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at What makes you happy??

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM. Check-out time is 7:00 PM.

What makes you happy? Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 134 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 138 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monique M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and relaxing
Girls weekend! Loved all the details of the home ! The kitchen was adorable and comfy table with gorgeous views . Living room had fireplace that was gorgeous. Great instructions throughout to help with fire , lock door, etc . Beds were incredibly comfortable . Bathroom had extra supplies if needed and loads of towels . Would definitely stay again ! Mike was so easy to communicate with .thank you Mike !
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendell W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Alsom
It was great
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happiness
Peaceful, nature, critters, clean and beautiful cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rita W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tory H., Delaware, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded cabin in the woods
We enjoyed our stay at What Makes You Happy? The host was so flexible, friendly, and accommodating. The generous check in and check out times made this experience a step above others. The wifi in the cabin was strong enough for us to work remotely with zero issues. The cabin is small and cozy. The porch is a spectacular place to sit, listen to the creek, and relax. There was a firefly show every night! We are so thankful this property is pet friendly. Our two dogs loved sitting on the porch and lounging inside when it got too hot. There are thoughtful extras like flashlights, walking sticks, binoculars, s'mores ingredients, and dog bags. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emmanuel P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy cabin getaway
The cabin is as described in the listing. Mike, has everything organized and super clean. This is a great location to spend the weekend either for getting away from the city or to visit some of the small quaint local towns. West reading has tons of restaurants and if you’re a fan of Yuengling, the nearby museum has a great 1 hour tour. My wife and I enjoyed our stay and left relaxed with good memories.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical cabin in the woods
Another great few days at this lovely cabin. Bedding is divine. Games, books, puzzles, and a good sound system made our rainy days a cozy and fun family getaway. A true gem.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen V., Chester Springs, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Our Happy Place
Another awesome stay…cozy cabin with everything you need right there! 4th time roasting marshmallows in the best fireplace! Wonderful family get away!!! Thanks Mike!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori V.

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect woodland retreat!
I knew as soon as we walked into this cabin that we were going to have the best week, and I was not wrong! The host made this property so incredibly inviting and covered every little detail that you could possibly imagine. I’m going to miss waking up to an amazing mountain sunrise every morning but I will not hesitate to book this property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful cabin on Blue Mountain
Very relaxing stay with a fully equipped cabin. Mike is an exceptional host. We are coming back next year to the place at the top of the hill. Can't wait! We all relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful and quiet cabin stay
We had a lovely weekend at the cabin! From the beautiful views to the crackling fireplace and fire pit to the cozy beds and antiques decor, we had a fantastic time! Everything was perfect and there were so many personal additions that really made our stay memorable!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cabin in the woods
Must pay attention to his directions. Sits off the road about .8th of a mile. The dirt road was tight also turns. You had to look on the tree’s for the maple left there was two !! House was up on the hill. So let’s talk about the two bedroom/ loft . It was so cute it felt like home away from home they had EVERYTHING you can think of. They have a notebook giving you your do’s and don’t and if the power goes out. Plenty of towels and blankets full kitchen! Has a fire pit ! We have been looking around didn’t see any bears lol. They had a lot of books and games . We only stayed two day wish it was longer. Everything was great didn’t have to call the whole weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Has everything
What a wonderful place to stay and relax. Mike seems to have thought of everything in stocking the cabin. We will be coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Escape from Reality
This was our second stay at this property, and we absolutely loved it. Fire pit, hiking, chilling. Had so much fun we didn’t want to leave. Can’t wait for our next visit!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!
Everything was excellent! Second time here and I’m sure I’ll be back. Book with confidence, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you !!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Cabin Getaway
This cabin exceeded our expectations, secluded but not too secluded. We took our dog with us, and we were all to settle in nicely. It is a great location for hiking and has some wonderful wineries nearby. Mike is a great host and was quick to get back to us on a few questions we had. This is one place we wouldn't hesitate to rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice and peaceful
This was a nice cozy place to spend the weekend. Even though it rained most of the time we were there we had a good time. It cleared up enough to walk some of the property and the Appalachian Trail. Then warm up and relax at night with a fire going in the fireplace.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Attention to the Details
We had a great stay. The hosts attention to the little things was obvious as soon as we walked in the door. Would definitely return to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything we could as for
Lovely property nestled in the woods with all kids of charm and fun finds. Couldn’t have asked for a better stay and communication with the host as we found our way around. Thank you and we will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Bethel trip
Great get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cool Place
If you are looking for a secluded escape from reality, look no further. The house had everything we needed to enjoy a nice quiet stay with our dogs. We plan on returning soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity cabin
Everything we could possibly need was available and cozy comfort was experienced by all (including the dogs)Beautiful well stocked kitchen and loved the real fireplace.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerome L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great atmosphere
Was everything I was looking for so that a group of guys could get away for a couple days to relax. Very nice that there was some fire wood provided and the i side fireplace was already prepped and ready to go.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott S., Myerstown

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Cozy Cabin in the woods
Love the fireplace and the setting. Great for a winter getaway. Place is laid out nice and very homey. Loved staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving 2022
This is one of the best property rentals we have ever had. The owner's attention to every detail was amazing. The setting was wonderful and we enjoyed our time immensely. Definitely would stay again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022