Dolly Parton’s Former Mountain Retreat Is Up For Sale Again
You could own a peaceful mountain getaway once frequented by Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean. Parton gifted the property, located in Idyllwild, CA, to the Ronald McDonald House charity in November 2023.
The 1,800 sq ft home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and sits on a petite quarter-acre heavily wooded lot. Described as having a “mid-century chalet flair,” the cabin features wood-beamed ceilings, large windows, and a stately stone fireplace built around a large granite boulder.
The non-profit sold the house in July 2024 for $585,000. Just eight months later, it is back on the market with a listing price of $768,000. Parton is believed to have purchased the property in December 1994 for just $126,000.
Located 100 miles east of Los Angeles, the quaint mountain town provided a sanctuary for the country music superstar and her reclusive husband to enjoy time away from the public eye.
The Home Remains Mostly “Just As Dolly Left It”
According to the listing, held by Tiffany Raridon of Elevated Properties, the country music legend left behind decor, collectibles, and furnishings, all of which are included in the sale. It boasts:
“If walls could sing, this charming 3-story mountain retreat would be belting out a country classic. Recently owned by the one and only Dolly Parton, who cherished the charm of Idyllwild for many years, this three-story mountain retreat is as warm, inviting, and full of personality as the Queen of Country herself.”
In the listing photos, one particularly special memento can be seen on the dining table—a handpainted tea set with a note that reads: “To Dolly, From Steve, Merry Christmas—2002.”
A Few Modern Upgrades Have Been Added To The Property
In the short time since the previous sale, a handful of upgrades have been added to Dolly Parton’s former cabin. A Presidential luxury shingle roof has been installed, and the home has been outfitted with customizable cooling and heating zones on each of the three floors.
An EV charging station was also added, largely due the home’s remote location.
See Additional Photos Inside Dolly Parton’s Idyllic Cabin
Photo – Realtor.com
The charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, nestled in the serene Idyllwild mountains, offers much more than just breathtaking views. Described as “Dolly Parton’s former Idyllwild retreat—a home as iconic as the legend herself,” the listing highlights the home’s deeply personal connection to the country music legend. The listing goes on to say, “If walls could sing, this charming three-story mountain retreat would be belting out a country classic.” Nearly everything inside remains just as Dolly left it, showcasing many of the personal items and collectibles that filled the home during her stays.
Photo – Realtor.com
The home, now updated with a new luxury shingle roof and an electric vehicle charger, retains its nostalgic charm. A tea set left on the kitchen table along with instructions on how to brew the perfect cup of tea is just one of the personal touches. The handwritten note, signed “Merry Christmas—2002,” offers a step-by-step guide for preparing “tea—English style,” adding a special, sentimental layer to the cabin’s atmosphere.
Photo – Realtor.com
Beyond the tea set, various knickknacks, collectible plates, and framed artwork decorate the cabin’s wood-paneled rooms. A signed photo of Dolly in her youth hangs on a wall, and in the bathroom, a guitar-shaped toilet seat further honors her musical career. The home features multiple fireplaces, adding coziness to the 1,800-square-foot space. The listing also notes the home’s midcentury chalet flair, with soaring wood-beamed ceilings, expansive windows, and a dramatic stone fireplace built around a massive granite boulder.
Photo – Realtor.com
Dolly and her late mother were the last to occupy the cabin, leaving behind a treasure trove of decor, collectibles, and furnishings that are included in the sale. The spacious loft, said to be Dolly’s favorite spot to write and play music, adds a poignant connection to the legendary singer’s personal history with the home.
Photo – Realtor.com
Although the property is now brimming with Dolly’s influence, the cabin’s ownership remained a secret for many years, only being revealed when it was sold in 2024. Built in 1996, the cabin was purchased by Parton in 1994 for $126,000, a far cry from her expansive Tennessee estate. The couple enjoyed a quiet, private life at their Tennessee home, Willow Lake Plantation, where they lived for many years, away from the public eye.
Photo – Realtor.com
Dolly and Carl Dean’s love story began when they met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on the day Dolly moved to Nashville at age 18. They married two years later in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, choosing to live a low-key life. Their marriage remained deeply personal, far from the Hollywood spotlight, with Carl opting for privacy despite Dolly’s immense fame.
The Idyllwild cabin’s sale offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Dolly Parton’s legacy, and the home is sure to be treasured by its next owner.
Photo – Realtor.com
In conclusion, Dolly Parton’s cabin is more than just a home; it is a place filled with history and memories. Whether you’re a fan of her music or simply appreciate the charm of a secluded mountain retreat, this cabin offers an extraordinary connection to the legendary singer’s personal life. It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dolly Parton’s world.
