Sure, international travel and long-distance flights may be bouncing back, but that doesn’t mean your next trip has to involve a passport check and jet lag just to experience new surroundings. Northern California is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and that’s reflected in many of the homes in the area, some of which are just as lovely as any designer hotel. Whether you need inspiration for a home remodel or just want some aesthetically pleasing surroundings for a family or couples getaway, these local home rentals are some of the most architecturally and aesthetically stunning, right down to their fruit-tree gardens and original wooden beams.

Locals looking for a weekend getaway and some inspiration for remodeling their older, cramped spaces will want to spend a weekend at the High Street House. Sited within walking distance to both historic Old Town and Downtown Auburn—including the highly acclaimed eatery Restaurant Josephine—plus the local farmers’ market and American River Canyon, the location can’t be beat. 

The home, originally an office space, was completely closed off when owners Susan and Joe bought it. In just two months, they tore out a wall, added a kitchen, moved a door, and added fans, light fixtures, and new carpeting, among other features.

Now, the home is modern with small touches paying homage to Auburn’s history as a Gold Rush town (“We painted the doors a golden mustard in honor of ‘Gold Country’ and the golden courthouse in Auburn,” says Susan). They also left many of the home’s older design details like crown molding and stained glass. By using bright whites with heavily contrasting pops of grey and black, the home has a bit of drama and style while still feeling bright and modern. Though they bought many luxury items (couches from Restoration Hardware and organic mattresses from local retailer Martin Maddox), they also worked in more affordable details, like cabinets and backsplashes from Ikea.

This adorable rental could be described any number of ways: rustic-chic meets vintage camp cabin, or perhaps natural farmstead meets luxury wooded getaway. No matter what words you choose, it certainly looks like the stunning home was designed by professionals. And in fact, it was.

The home’s builders own Placerville Nelson Tile & Construction Co. and have been restoring and remodeling in the area for nearly four decades. This home was their “quarantine project,” and they used lumber and materials milled from trees on their family ranch to expand the space and update the cottage—giving the space an artisan look as unique as the building itself.

If you need a mental break from the last year and a half (and who wouldn’t) clear your schedule and book a stay at the Folsom Sanctuary, a well-kept bungalow designed with tranquility in mind.

The peaceful energy starts before even stepping foot in the house, as the exterior is lined with fruit trees and dozens of potted plants. Inside, you’ll find a roomy space decked out in muted, harmonious hues, complete with two private bedrooms and a full kitchen with dining nook. Nearly everything in the home feels simple, calming, and natural, from the live-edge wood dining table to the light blue curtains and cyprus tree stained-glass mural, which defuses the otherwise bright light streaming into the living room.

The home, which the owner’s godparents bought in 1959, is originally from Prairie City, a former Gold Rush town near Sacramento. The current owner used to own an art gallery in Folsom and incorporated pieces from his collection, as well as some pieces from his artist mother, to decorate the space. They even built the shiplap design elements (like the headboards) and refinished all the walls to update the home.

The “Tiny House, Tiny Farm” is a cute-as-can-be country-themed tiny house. Though it’s brand new, it was designed with vintage farmhouses in mind. Inside, you’ll find classic country details like colorful quilts and rugs, plus modern farmhouse details like a white wood-paneled interior and bold wallpaper and tile patterns. Add to that the tiny front porch and adorable dining nook for two, and the house feels like a mini farmhouse.

But the twist on this tiny home is that it actually is a farmhouse—or at least a house on a farm. When you book this romantic little rental, you’ll get access to all five acres of the family-run La Bella Vito Farm and their animals like goats, pigs, ducks, and chickens.

During the days, head east to the Sierra foothills to hike in Pollock Pines or Auburn, or journey west to take advantage of Sacramento’s global food scene.