Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho, the Donovan house offers a tranquil oasis for family and friends getaways. This beautifully renovated home features 3 bedrooms plus a loft, spacious deck with lake views, and two full baths. With kayaks available for use and nearby access to hiking trails and marinas with boat rentals.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
2 bathroomsSleeps 10172 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views
Perched above Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho, The Donovan House is a renovated 3-bedroom + loft retreat with stunning lake and mountain views. Just minutes from the water, guests have quick access to two nearby marinas with boat rentals and year-round launch access. Enjoy a spacious deck, wood stove, stylish interiors, and a well-equipped kitchen—perfectly located 15 minutes from Sandpoint and close to hiking, skiing, and more.
The Donovan House sleeps up to 10 guests across three private bedrooms and one pass-through bedroom, with thoughtfully designed interiors, cozy gathering spaces, and stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille from nearly every room.
Primary Bedroom (Upstairs): King bed, expansive lake views, vaulted ceiling, and natural light—accessible through the adjacent pass-through room.
Pass-Through Room (Upstairs): Bunk bed with incredible lake views, best suited for children or additional guests; this room must be walked through to access the primary bedroom.
Bedroom 2 (Main Level): Queen bed located just off the hallway on the main floor, close to the main-level bathroom.
Bedroom 3 (Main Level): Queen bed in a simple, comfortable space, also located near the main-level bathroom and living room.
The home includes two full bathrooms—one on each floor—stocked with fresh towels and essentials. The main-level bath has a shower/tub combo; the upstairs bath features a walk-in shower.
The kitchen is fully equipped with cookware, appliances, and utensils, and opens into the dining room, which comfortably seats 8 for meals, games, or group gatherings.
The living room is a cozy, separate space with a large sectional sofa featuring two chaises, a wood-burning stove, and oversized windows that frame beautiful lake views—perfect for movie nights or relaxed mornings with coffee.
A dedicated laundry closet with washer and dryer is located on the main level—ideal for longer stays or freshening up after outdoor adventures.
Step outside onto the spacious deck, complete with an outdoor dining area, market lights, a BBQ grill, and a porch swing—all set against a backdrop of sweeping lake and mountain views. It’s the perfect space to gather, dine al fresco, or unwind as the sun sets.
Guests have access to the entire property.
Distances to Local Attractions: - 15 minutes to Sandpoint -40 minutes to Schweitzer Mountain Resort - 46 miles to Silverwood Theme Park - 90 minutes to Spokane International Airport - Minutes to two marinas with boat and jet ski rentals - Easy access to scenic drives, hiking trails, and waterfront dining
We give guests their privacy but are always available when needed. You’ll have access to 24-hour guest support throughout your stay.
Located in the quiet lakeside town of Hope, Idaho, The Donovan House offers a peaceful retreat with quick access to both relaxation and recreation. The home overlooks the deep, clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille and is just minutes from marinas, a public boat launch, hiking trails, and dining options.
Lake Access & Marinas - Hope Marina: Located just 5 minutes away, this full-service marina offers boat moorage, fuel, boat rentals, and access to the popular Floating Restaurant, a casual spot right on the water known for classic pub food and unbeatable lake views.
- Beyond Hope Resort & Marina: A laid-back resort and marina with seasonal boat slips, on-site cabins, and access to waterfront dining. A great place to rent or dock boats if you`re staying multiple days.
- Drift Yard Public Boat Launch: Just minutes from the property, this free, year-round public boat launch makes it easy to get on the water with your own vessel or one rented from nearby marinas.
Hiking, Skiing & Outdoor Adventure - Sam Owen Campground & Nature Trail: About 6 minutes away, this is a scenic spot for picnicking, gentle hiking, and wildlife viewing along the shoreline.
- Trail 37 to Moose Mountain: A more moderate trail with big payoff views overlooking Lake Pend Oreille and the Green Monarchs. A great option for adventurous guests.
- Mineral Point Trail (20 minutes away): A favorite for its easy-to-moderate path that winds through forests with consistent lake views, perfect for families or a peaceful morning hike.
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort – Just 40 minutes away, Schweitzer offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and lift-serviced hiking, biking, and panoramic mountain trails in the summer. Great for adventure seekers and families alike.
Nearby Towns & Scenic Drives - Sandpoint (15 minutes) – A vibrant small town with boutiques, galleries, farmers markets, coffee shops, and Sandpoint City Beach.
- Clark Fork (10–15 minutes east): A quiet town with a few cafes, fishing access to the Clark Fork River, and access to remote trails and scenic wilderness drives.
- Highway 200: One of Idaho’s most scenic drives, perfect for spotting bald eagles, osprey, and the beautiful Green Monarch mountain range across the lake.
Dining & Local Flavor - Floating Restaurant (at Hope Marina): Casual waterfront dining with burgers, fish and chips, cocktails, and sunset views.
- Old Ice House Pizzeria: Known for wood-fired pizza, wings, and a cozy community vibe.
- Beyond Hope Restaurant : Seasonal dining at the marina with a relaxed atmosphere and lake views.
From Sandpoint, ID (approx. 15–20 minutes): 1) Head east on Highway 200 (E. Superior St.) toward Hope. 2) Continue for about 15 miles along the scenic lakeshore. 3) Once you reach Hope, turn right onto Centennial Blvd (just past Beyond Hope Resort). 4) Take the first left onto School Street, then a quick right onto Donovan Lane.
From Montana (via Highway 200 W): 1) Take Highway 200 West through Heron and Clark Fork. 2) Continue past the town of Clark Fork toward Hope (about 16 miles). 3) Just before reaching Hope, turn left onto Centennial Blvd. 4) Turn left onto School Street, then a quick right onto Donovan Lane.
From Bonners Ferry, ID 1) Head south on US-95 toward Sandpoint. 2) Just before Sandpoint, turn left onto Highway 200 East toward Hope/Clark Fork. 3) Continue on Highway 200 for about 15 miles. 4) In Hope, turn right onto Centennial Blvd. 5) Take the first left onto School Street, then a quick right onto Donovan Lane.
The Donovan House offers a peaceful, elevated setting with expansive views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. While there’s no direct lake access from the property, guests are just minutes from two marinas and a public boat launch—perfect for boating, jet skiing, and lakeside adventures. Two kayaks are available for guest use if you’re able to transport them to the water.
Driveway: Because the driveway is one -way, gravel and semi-steep, we recommend a 4WD or AWD vehicle during the winter months for added ease and safety.”
Trains: You may occasionally hear trains passing along the tracks below the home near Lake Pend Oreille. While they don’t use horns in this area, you may notice the sound as they go by.”
With a spacious deck, modern design, cozy wood stove, and ideal location—just 15 minutes from Sandpoint and 40 minutes from Schweitzer Mountain Resort—The Donovan House is a tranquil North Idaho getaway that balances comfort, charm, and access to adventure.
No central A/C . There is a portable A/C in the master bedroom. There is NOT central air but fans and opening the windows in the evening brings cool air off the lake. House Rules Check-in time is 4:00 PM. (unless other arrangements have been made in advance) Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Please adhere to these times to allow for proper cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Please do not wear your shoes on any of the carpeted areas. Just a friendly reminder that smoking is not permitted inside the house or on the decks. To ensure the comfort of all guests, we maintain a smoke-free environment. If smoke is detected inside the house, a fee of $2500 will be applied. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
DRIVEWAY INSTRUCTIONS: Driveway is ONE WAY ONLY. Please do not attempt to go up the driveway in the opposite direction. Go up the driveway straight, veering to the left in front of the house (following the sign). The driveway surrounds the house in a clockwise manner. Parking is available in the carport for CARS ONLY. There are two spots to park in front of the carport (at the top of the hill) for trucks needing higher clearance. There isn’t room for boats, trailers, etc.
Pets: No pets are allowed at this property
Noise Restrictions: Maintain a reasonable noise level throughout your stay, especially during quiet hours (10:00 PM to 8:00 AM). Respect the tranquility of the surrounding neighbors and other guests.
Housekeeping Expectations: Please wash dishes, dispose of trash appropriately, and leave the property in a tidy condition upon departure. If additional cleaning is required, extra charges may apply.
Prohibited Activities: Parties, events, and gatherings that exceed the maximum occupancy are strictly prohibited. The rental property is intended for quiet and peaceful enjoyment.
Engaging in any illegal activities on the premises is strictly prohibited. Thank you for respecting these house rules. We hope you have a pleasant and enjoyable stay in our vacation rental.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Service animals only (pets not allowed)
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Things to do
Boat
Kayak
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
House Rules
Check-in time is 4:00 PM. (unless other arrangements have been
made in advance)
Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Hope is home to this holiday home. The Idaho Club Golf Course and Sandpoint Elks Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kullyspell House Monument Park and Lake Pend Oreille. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails. Visit our Hope travel guide
Is Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views located?
Situated in Hope, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Kullyspell House Monument Park and Lake Pend Oreille. Samowen Park and The Idaho Club Golf Course are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Hilltop Retreat w/ Lake & Mountain Views Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
It’s easy to see why Sheri is a super host, she was amazing and made sure our stay was great and that we had everything we needed. There isn’t ac and it was pretty hot at night so she made sure we had fans the next night. The house has great views of the lake and we loved sitting in the swing and eating out on the deck. It has been nicely redone and was very clean. The beds were comfortable and there were plenty of towels, dishes and anything else we needed. I was a little worried about the train noise but it really wasn’t bad but the highway was a little noisy. It’s a nice location in a quiet little town and a beautiful drive to Clark fork or Sandpoint. The driveway is steep and a bit of a pain. We would stay here again.