This cute little cabin is our personal family cabin. Though we rent it out, it is not a rental or investment property for us - it is a place to go with our family to unwind, relax, and make memories. As such, it is designed with that in mind. Thus, the A/C. Even though the mountains make Shaver a much cooler destination than the valley, it can still become uncomfortable in the hot summer months.

We live extremely busy, hectic lives and Shaver offers a respite to that lifestyle. We built an enormous deck, finished it with beautiful pieces from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, and situated it so that we can drift off for a nap while staring at giant cedars and pine trees. It's the perfect spot for morning coffee and family games. I think we eat just about every meal on the deck, as the huge table and comfortable seating lend themselves to a hearty meal, while the beautiful view invites us to linger and visit. Cell phones and tablets feel like strangers out on that deck.

Inside is a large Pottery Barn leather sectional and comfortable furnishings, enabling us to unplug and cozy up with a book or watch a movie. One bedroom has a trundle bed, decorated in fresh, clean Pottery Barn furnishings, while the master has a supportive King sized mattress (because the last thing we want after a week at the lake is a sore back!). The bathroom has a shower/tub combo.

And one thing you'll always find upon arrival is a stash of Alaskan salmon in the freezer, straight from the waters of the Kenai. It's a yearly trip for us and we love to share the bounty with those who are looking for the kind of retreat in Shaver that we also seek. It's our way of saying, "Welcome." May the magic of Shaver refresh your souls the way it does ours.

As for location, it's ideal. Walk up the street into the back of west village (maybe 1/4 of a mile) and find a hike that takes you up to stunning vistas and gives a great workout. Cross the street and you'll be at the trailhead that leads to the lake - a gorgeous hike that is wooded and relatively easy. You can walk right down to the edge of the lake.

Don't forget to grab a shake or soft serve at Hungry Hut. It's also about 1/4 mile and is iconic for a reason. Across the street is Ken's market, which is fully stocked with all of your grocery needs.

There is ample parking on our lot for a boat/jet skis. We built an enormous, level, stamped concrete deck that is the perfect place for a game of corn hole and roasting marshmallows in a forest-safe fire pit.