This gorgeous property is located right on the Russian River (1 hour drive from Golden Gate Bridge) and is very close to legendary wineries, redwoods and Sonoma coast beaches. The property has a REAL BEACH (sand and pebbles) which is quite rare for the Russian River. Also very rare: The property is large, private, very sunny (and mostly bug-free); The house has real character, warmth, simplicity and style. It is small and cozy (but has a gourmet kitchen and a huge tile shower). The neighborhood and locals are funky/colorful/eccentric, which is not rare at all around here. Nearly everybody that stays here says that it is "magical."
The house is beautiful, light, airy, modern, rustic, simple, minimal and serene. The decks are perfect for sunning, outdoor dining and drinking. The beach is perfect for swimming, playing, boating (kayaks and canoe provided) and just soaking in the sun, river and scenery. The yard is lush and private and dotted with fruit trees, a tiny vineyard, a spa, hammocks and a fire pit. This is a perfect romantic getaway or a place to indulge yourself while also thrilling your kids and dog (bring your own-neither provided). Inside the house, you'll find redwood ceilings, fir floors, skylights and dozens of wood windows (all with gorgeous views- some of the river). The house is appointed with striking mid century furniture, a luxurious queen bed and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen w/gas cooktop. The house is also equipped with a wood burning stove, audiophile stereo (connect wirelessly with your devices), 50Mbs WiFi, TV/DVD and gas heat. The house has almost every single detail covered- you will want for almost nothing. This is a fully remodeled mid-century cottage, designed by me, for me- but now for you to enjoy as well.
GUEST REVIEWS- This listing is new, but I have been renting the house for several years on the other major home sharing sites. If you look there, you can see scores of recent and past gushing guest reviews.
Please note that summer bookings (June 1st-September 30th) are 1 week long minimum (check-in/check out on Fridays). Exceptions will be made on a case to case basis- Feel free to ask.
Dogs are welcome (but not vats or other territorial animals). For stays 3 nights or less, there is a pet fee of $50 perdog. Longer stays require a fee of $100 per dog per week.
The house opens to 2 decks (furnished with gas grill, dining tables and lounge chairs) overlooking the yard, the river and beyond. Moving outside, the house is framed by fruit trees (plum, apple, fig, pear, orange, etc), olive trees, grape vines and bay laurels. Adjacent to the house is a fire pit and a tomato/herb garden. Moving towards the river, the orderly yard gives way to fertile riparian habitat- gently rolling grassy meadow with native willow/elder/maple/cottonwood trees cradling a shaded hammock. Descend a little further and the sandy riverbank draped with willows and wild grapevines leads to a pebble and sand beach carved by the flowing waters of the glorious Russian River.
The beach frontage is 135 feet long and has gorgeous views up and down the redwood-lined river as well as a striking view of the Hacienda Bridge. The river is shallow and calm in the summer (perfect for boating or tubing- canoe and kayaks provided), but the mighty Russian grows immensely (depth and width) and dramatically thunders to life in the winter. It is amazing to experience.
The Russian River is home to ducks, great blue herons, osprey, hawks, foxes, river otters, deer, mountain lions and and wild turkeys as well as salmon, steelhead, bass, sturgeon, hippies and rednecks. The property is very sunny (no redwoods), yet has shade trees (with hammocks) for comfort in the summer. The air is scented with bay leaves, lemon balm, fennel, mugwort, redwood and orange blossoms.
Summer is hot and lush, but the water in the river is the perfect temperature for cooling. On winter mornings the sun rises through river fog wisping through the hills and between the redwoods, which typically burns off by 10am leaving sun and clear skies. The nights are cool all year round, which is why the local wine is so good (and so necessary!). The night skies are dark and dotted with stars- unless there is a full moon, which bathes the river in light and makes you wonder why you would ever want to be anywhere else (note -added lunar taxes & surcharges are applicable).
Amenities:
~ THE BEACH!
~ THE RIVER!
~ 1.5 acre property
~ Hot tub
~ Wood burning stove
~ Gourmet kitchen
~ Gas cooktop
~ Gas grill
~ Fire Pit
~ Canoe and 2 Kayaks
~ Hammocks
~ Dozens of windows and skylights
~ Gas Heat
~ Washer/Dryer
~ Fruit trees
~ Tomato & herb garden/ Vineyard/Asparagus patch
~ Dog friendly
~ 2 decks with shaded dining Table
~ Very sunny
~ River and Bridge views
~ 50 Mbs WiFi
~ Orthopedic Queen bed and small very comfy Sofa bed
~ Extra Queen airbed
~ Luxurious linens
~ TV/DVD
~ Audiophile Stereo in each room with Apple Airplay