Hilltop Retreat w/Lake & Mountain Views | House in Hope

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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.

Hilltop Retreat w/Lake & Mountain Views is located in Hope. Hilltop Retreat w/Lake & Mountain Views provides accommodation, featuring Fireplace/Heating, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, among other amenities. This House features Fireplace/Heating, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Hilltop Retreat w/Lake & Mountain Views has 4 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 10 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Hope has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Hope, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.