5 California Mountain and Lake Retreats with Expansive Acreage

Surrounded by 165.85 acres between Milton and Valley Springs in Calaveras County, Mountain Pass 165 offers a secluded yet central foothill setting in California’s Mother Lode. Blue oaks and other deciduous trees dot fertile grazing ground with native grasses and seasonal wildflowers, while springs and two wells with twin 2,500-gallon tanks support livestock and wildlife alike. Ranch improvements include a 1,350-square-foot roofed metal building with open sides, a 240-square-foot wood-framed structure with on-site solar power and an evaporative cooler, a dedicated solar-storage building, two additional sheds, and a freestanding full restroom building with a sink vanity, shower, and propane water heater. Barbed-wire fencing and gates frame the land’s easy access off Lanford Pacheco Road. Enrolled in the Williamson Act, it’s a place for wide-open days—riding, hiking, fishing, and taking in views toward the Sierras, Central Valley, and Mt. Diablo.

Size: 166 acres

Set on approximately 4.84 acres in the Klamath National Forest, this rare multi-residence holding is designed for flexible living and hands-on hosting. Spread across three lots, four separate homes create a small compound feel—ideal for occupying one while managing the others as Airbnbs. Two dedicated RV spaces with full hook-ups expand the options further, whether for guests, extended stays, or additional on-site support. The setting leans into a quieter, outdoor-oriented rhythm, with room to spread out and a sense of privacy that’s hard to replicate in more conventional neighborhoods. With multiple dwellings and built-in RV infrastructure already in place, daily life here can revolve around stewardship, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of having space to shape over time.

Size: 5.00 acres

Just across the street from the lake in Fawnskin, this beautifully maintained two-story mountain home takes in mountain and lake views under an expanse of blue sky. Lovingly upgraded and thoughtfully cared for, it offers the ease of a truly move-in-ready retreat while still feeling grounded in its natural surroundings. Days begin with the light and views that define the setting, and evenings settle in with the quiet rhythm of a lakeside neighborhood. The two-story layout adds a sense of separation and flow, ideal for everyday living and weekend escapes alike. With the lake close at hand and the mountains as a constant backdrop, life here is shaped by fresh air, open horizons, and a steady connection to the landscape.

Set on 149 acres in historic Greeley Hill, Fiske Ranch unfolds across open meadows, timberland, and forested green belts traced by year-round Bean Creek. Fed by multiple upstream springs, the creek traverses the property’s west side, creating a rich habitat that draws quail, deer, and other wildlife. Elevations range from 3,200 to 3,400 feet, with convenient, well-maintained access from Fiske and Converse Roads near Highway 132. The land is fenced and cross-fenced with multiple access gates and is enrolled in the Williamson Act, offering flexibility for a range of farm and ranch uses, including cattle and livestock. Positioned along the John Muir Trail route within the Stanislaus National Forest, days here can move easily between grazing fields, creekside walks, and Sierra Nevada recreation.

Size: 150 acres

With Clear Lake as its backdrop, this pristine modern retreat is set on a generous 0.70-acre lot with mature trees and thoughtful landscaping, capturing panoramic views of the water, Buckingham Golf Course, and the Black Forest side of Mount Konocti. Inside, a well-appointed plan balances three main-level bedrooms and two bathrooms with spacious upstairs and downstairs living areas. The vaulted great room—finished with vinyl plank flooring, modern lighting, and dual ceiling fans—centers on a cozy fireplace and a sliding glass door that frames the lake. In the kitchen, granite countertops, brand-new appliances, and a breakfast nook invite unhurried mornings. The primary suite opens through double doors to an attached deck, with a soaking tub positioned to overlook the lake. Downstairs adds a family room with wet bar, a game room, and a third bath with a walk-in tiled shower, while multi-level decks extend life outdoors year-round.