Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes
5.0
Outstanding(32 Reviews)House in Sonoma County, CA
10 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
About this house rental
Garden House is located in Marin County on the wooded flanks of Black Mountain overlooking the Nicasio Valley Watershed. The home is secluded on an 12-acre site, off a gated private road, surrounded by 120 acres of ranch land. This very special designed single story home is set among oak, bay trees, and an all year stream that flows to the valley reservoir. A few steps from the house stands a spring fed pond partially surrounded by redwood trees. A deck and a shaded picnic table are at one end of this tranquil pond. Adjacent to the house is a lovely vegetable and flower garden that guests may use to enhance their meals or just to enjoy its sights and sounds. This is the Backdrop for your stay at the Garden House. This house is designed for a great “Stay at Home” experience. It is a Space and a Place for a family gathering, a retreat or a group of several friends who simply want to stay home, relax and enjoy the company of one another. Many guests simply want to enjoy the serenity and privacy of the Garden House without having to venture out. However, the town of Point Reyes Station and the National Seashore are both a short drive away. The small three block long town has great restaurants and unique shops. And of course, The National Seashore offers whale watching, breathtaking beaches, miles of hiking trails and kayaking on Tomales Bay. The Seashore is truly one of the most unique places on earth. The home site consists of two buildings separated by a terraced courtyard. The main Garden House has a large central living space we call “The Great Room” as well as two bedrooms and two baths. The adjacent smaller space we call ”The Cheese House”, provides additional sleeping capacity. Up to 6 guests can be accommodated in the main house and 3 or 4 guests can be accommodated in this smaller unique dwelling. Thus, the whole space can accommodate 9 to10 guests. The modern, architect designed, main house features a distinctly furnished “Great Room” with 1,000 square feet of living space for guests that love to share food preparation and the whole cooking and eating experience. Central to this room is a custom built Ash wood table that comfortably seats up to 12 guests. The cooking and food preparation area occupies a commanding portion of the common space and is extremely well equipped. The kitchen features a commercial Wolf stove, Sub Zero refrigerator, dishwasher, custom stainless steel counters and an extensive pantry with an array of tabletop appliances. All the necessary cookware, tableware and flatware one could imagine are provided. Frankly, this is a "Foodie" paradise. There is a TV/Media Center with a sofa and twin Eames lounge chairs for relaxed conversation or entertainment after dinner. Soft gallery lighting focuses on artwork around the room depicting the landscapes and ranches of the Nicasio Valley. And of course, after dinner someone is likely to play the piano! The Master Bedroom Suite is large and very private with a king size bed. A stunning window wall with a Bay Tree view, dominates the space. The room has a TV/ Media Center and a small sofa that converts into a full bed for use in this room if needed. The adjoining large, private, well-appointed master bath with euro-style fixtures and large glass enclosed shower completes the master suite. The second bedroom located at the opposite end of the main living space has a queen bed. This room also has an integrated office /work space for the person that just cannot get away from "Work". It has an individual entrance off the south facing entry courtyard. The second bathroom, with a glass enclosed shower is adjacent to this bedroom. This bathroom is accessible by guests from the rest of the house. Additionally, there is a sleep sofa in the living area that can accommodate two people. The “Cheese House” is named only for its “wedge shape.” But speaking of Cheese, the surrounding ranch country has many renowned cheese tasting opportunities. This separate cozy house provides the added accommodations and is just a few steps away from the main house via an illuminated courtyard. The main floor has a queen bed, full bathroom with shower and a TV. It even has another coffee bar with a small refrigerator for those who want to be on a different schedule than the rest of the guests. The upstairs loft has a full size bed, though not totally private from the downstairs space; it is very unique and comfortable for two. The gated entry courtyard provides a large private outdoor space for guests to gather on the sunny side of the house. A shade canopy covers a seating area particularly comfortable for morning coffee and evening gatherings. There is a deck and terraced garden on the shade side of the house with a Gas BBQ, table and benches. Be sure to view all the photographs with descriptive captions as they provide a real sense of the Garden House and all it has to offer. Included in the photo gallery is a floor plan of the Garden House and its surroundings, which provide a clearer understanding of the unique spaces and their relationship to each other.If your needs require accommodations for more guests than the Garden House can provide or you would like to have two separate homes on the same property within easy walking distance to one another, please look at “The Tree House” also on VRBO. It is a two Bedroom two Bath house that can accommodate up to 6 guests. It can be found on VRBO by searching for listing ID #827297.
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Garden
Map of Sonoma County, CA
Reviews
5.0
Outstanding(32 Reviews)5.0
Lovely spot for a family stay. Peaceful and serene! Roger is an nice gentleman and a good communicator. Short drive to Pt Reyes station!
5.0
The garden house and annex exceeded our expectations for our stay in Nicasio, CA. The adult 20 something’s stayed in the cheese house and my husband and I along with my 90 year old mother enjoyed the spacious rooms in the main house. We enjoyed cooking and bbqing in a very well stocked kitchen with all the high end appliances. The houses were situated among beautiful grounds—flower garden, pond w/Lilly pads and a porch to do yoga. We drove easily to the wedding in Rancho Nicasio and hikes along Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
5.0
This is the 4th time we’ve rented this superb accommodation away from the crowds but adjacent to Pt Reyes. Roger is an excellent host with a keen eye for detail. We are 10 and the kitchen along with cooking utensils makes for a workable setup. The views from the house bring the outside in making for an idyllic environment.
5.0
All good
5.0
An extraordinary property that contained and hosted our party of eight for a perfect week of togetherness. The architecture is stunning and innovative. The kitchen is a joy for cooking together. Wonderful books. We clipped flowers, tomatoes and apples for our use. We gathered in the patio, dined by the pond. Access to store was easiee than expected. This was one of our best vacations, in part because of the beauty and care taken. Roger is a wonderful host: accessible, not hovering, quick to respond and open.
5.0
Great Place for Reunion
Stayed at this property as part of a friend's reunion and found the entire experience wonderful. It's spacious, well designed, very functional and surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces both on the property itself (garden + pond) and in the surrounding area (Nicasio Reservoir, alpacas farm, cattle ranch, winery, etc.). We especially enjoyed the great kitchen and large table for sharing meals. While secluded, the drive to nearby Point Reyes Station is very easy.
5.0
Perfect escape!
We took a road trip with grandparents aunts and toddlers. We wanted some time away from the crowds and busyness of everyday. This was the perfect property in a great location close enough and far enough to everything we needed and went to see and do. The owners live on property lose by but it still felt private. Communication was great. The quality of the house was top notch. It had a lot of room and privacy for everyone. We would 100% stay again and hope to do so!
5.0
We love the Garden House so much that it is hard to give it again five stars because we want to keep this magical place just for ourselves. This time we brought a couple of friends who stayed in the Cheese House. They fell in love with the place as well.
Thank you Roger and Catherine for creating this wonderful place and sharing it with us.
5.0
So wonderful to return again and again
We love the Garden House so much that it is hard to give it again five stars because we want to keep this magical place just for ourselves. This time we brought a couple of friends who stayed in the Cheese House. They fell in love with the place as well.
Thank you Roger and Catherine for creating this wonderful place and sharing it with us.
5.0
Wonderful new years retreat
A lovely sanctuary
5.0
Contemporary setting
Third time at this fabulous, well equipped home. Gorgeous surroundings and close to Pt Reyes the host lives on the grounds and is accessible and engaging.
5.0
The property is very nice. A beautiful kitchen and great room to cook and hang out. All of the beds are comfortable and there are multiple futons which is nice. The house and bathrooms were all clean. There is a little pond near the house which isn't swimmable, but it's nice to sit by. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can walk down the road a bit. 10-minute drive to Point Reyes Station. Note: The owner lives on the property but doesn't feel intrusive as the house is not within earshot, but if you're looking for total privacy, you should be aware of that. He was very kind and helpful every time we interacted with him. Would definitely recommend!
5.0
Generous and relaxing space in a beautiful area
The property is very nice. A beautiful kitchen and great room to cook and hang out. All of the beds are comfortable and there are multiple futons which is nice. The house and bathrooms were all clean. There is a little pond near the house which isn't swimmable, but it's nice to sit by. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can walk down the road a bit. 10-minute drive to Point Reyes Station. Note: The owner lives on the property but doesn't feel intrusive as the house is not within earshot, but if you're looking for total privacy, you should be aware of that. He was very kind and helpful every time we interacted with him. Would definitely recommend!
5.0
A family group of 7 adults and 2 children stayed for a long weekend. The house is absolutely gorgeous, as are the surroundings. Kitchen is amazing. Communication with Roger was very easy. Highly recommend!
5.0
Beautiful getaway
A family group of 7 adults and 2 children stayed for a long weekend. The house is absolutely gorgeous, as are the surroundings. Kitchen is amazing. Communication with Roger was very easy. Highly recommend!
5.0
Roger was a kind and helpful host. The house was great - very well-appointed kitchen, bright and airy main living area. The property was great too - tucked into a hillside with lots of trees, far from any road noise, a great escape from city life but still only an hour from SF. Only 10 minutes from Point Reyes, which has a solid grocery store, and close to Point Reyes and Samuel P Taylor State Park. We’re very glad we chose to stay here.
5.0
Great escape
Roger was a kind and helpful host. The house was great - very well-appointed kitchen, bright and airy main living area. The property was great too - tucked into a hillside with lots of trees, far from any road noise, a great escape from city life but still only an hour from SF. Only 10 minutes from Point Reyes, which has a solid grocery store, and close to Point Reyes and Samuel P Taylor State Park. We’re very glad we chose to stay here.
5.0
Family Vacation
We had a wonderful stay, with a family of multigenerational. It was the best place imaginable for our needs.
5.0
The location of this property is amazing- nestled in rolling green hills (cows roaming nearby) and a 10 minute drive from Pt. Reyes Station. The place was clean and well-equipped, a modern converted shed, with a large common area, 2 bedrooms and baths, and a separate "cheese house" that offered an additional bedroom and bathroom. We had a wonderful stay!
5.0
Lovely property in Nicasio
The location of this property is amazing- nestled in rolling green hills (cows roaming nearby) and a 10 minute drive from Pt. Reyes Station. The place was clean and well-equipped, a modern converted shed, with a large common area, 2 bedrooms and baths, and a separate "cheese house" that offered an additional bedroom and bathroom. We had a wonderful stay!
5.0
This was a case where the pictures did not do the property justice. It's rare that modern industrial architecture can convey warmth and comfort. This unique property, nestled in the verdant hills of Nicasio, is at once intriguing and inviting. There has been a great attention to detail that holds up even under close inspection. The home and grounds are impeccably maintained. It is clear that the hosts are dedicated to providing a setting that will leave a most memorable impression. I recommend this property without reservation.
5.0
Nirvana in Nicasio
This was a case where the pictures did not do the property justice. It's rare that modern industrial architecture can convey warmth and comfort. This unique property, nestled in the verdant hills of Nicasio, is at once intriguing and inviting. There has been a great attention to detail that holds up even under close inspection. The home and grounds are impeccably maintained. It is clear that the hosts are dedicated to providing a setting that will leave a most memorable impression. I recommend this property without reservation.
5.0
Our weekend at the Garden House will be unforgettable for its serene location, the resplendent great room where our family gathered for conversation, meals, laugher, games, music and dancing, the sublime quiet from our city climes, and the delightful and gracious hosts who made our stay so lovely. Thank you, Roger!
5.0
Glorious Garden House
Our weekend at the Garden House will be unforgettable for its serene location, the resplendent great room where our family gathered for conversation, meals, laugher, games, music and dancing, the sublime quiet from our city climes, and the delightful and gracious hosts who made our stay so lovely. Thank you, Roger!
5.0
Awesome stay with an awesome host great location, quiet but still super close to everything, if you love to cook and eat together, the long table is awesome
5.0
Two thumbs up 👍👍
Awesome stay with an awesome host 😊 great location, quiet but still super close to everything, if you love to cook and eat together, the long table is awesome 😊
5.0
Hidden Paradise
The Garden House is nothing short of spectacular. Not only is located in one of California's most stunning locations, but the house itself is positively stunning. You will never want to leave!
5.0
A one-of-a-kind oasis you won't want to leave
The Garden House is exactly as listed, full of space, and nestled in the beautiful greenery of the valley. It's just a short drive to Point Reyes and a few different trailheads, but once you arrive you probably won't want to leave.
Roger and Catherine were incredibly generous and helpful hosts, providing information, assistance, and even a spare cast iron(!) to help make our weekend stay easy and exactly what we wanted.
There's such a welcoming, cozy vibe to the house and the property in general that it was just an incredible treat to get to enjoy it as a home for the weekend. I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived, and that's a testament to the intentional and beautiful space Roger and Catherine have created.
A treasure!
5.0
A home of Light and Calm
Our family of nine, consisting of 3 generations, had a wonderful weekend at the beautiful Garden/Cheese house. The location is perfect to explore Point Reyes. We made use of the awesome kitchen with the layout being very conducive to preparing and dining together. The piano was an added pleasure. Roger is a excellent host; attentive to details, good communication, and warm hearted. We felt very welcomed and cared for. You will not be disappointed to stay in this home.
5.0
Unique space in a beautiful location
Loved the open concept layout and the gem of a kitchen. Right next to the reservoir for recreational fishing.
5.0
A piece of paradise near Point Reyes
We felt so lucky to have found Roger's house for our family reunion, hosting some cousins visiting from overseas. It was a perfect getaway for our party of 10 to reconnect, talk, cook, and relax over a 2 day stay. After a long day of outing and exploring in nearby Point Reyes, being able to return to a large, airy, and beautifully appointed space surrounded by a peaceful and awe-inspiring view truly felt like a gift.
Roger was a gracious and generous host, and checked in multiple times to make sure we had everything we needed. The house and cottage were beautifully designed, thoughtfully stocked, and tastefully decorated with artworks and Roger’s custom-built furniture. The kids enjoyed exploring the outdoor space and the veggie garden. All in all, great time was had by all and we hope to return soon!
Thank you, Roger, for your hospitality and sharing this little piece of paradise with us!
5.0
Perfect location - peace & relaxation!
Thank you for a lovely stay at your guest house in Nicasio. It was the perfect location from all our family wedding events, Rancho Nicasio, French Marin Cheese Co and Pt. Reyes Station! Peaceful and picturesque with all the amenities. Was very nice to meet you Roger as well!
5.0
Stunning house, gracious, helpful, and welcoming hosts
The house is a remarkable conversion of an old workshop into an impeccable, perfectly equipped property. We used it for a weekend retreat for nine people, and had a lot of fun not just with the work of the retreat, but with cooking our meals in the great kitchen - equipped with everything we needed and more.
I only dropped one star on "Location and neighborhood" because we're hoped to be able to have walk-and-talk sessions, and while there's a beautiful little path down to a creek, it was very much single-file. so deep conversation was not an option.
That said, there is so much within a short drive, that had we been using the house as a base for a more leisurely time, everything would have received 5-stars. The missing star is arguably our own fault for not doing better research. The grounds of the house (and the main house where the hosts live) are gorgeous. To wake seeing a deer right outside the window, and to have the option of picking zucchini from the garden to add to our supplies - what could be more lovely?
For a group up to nine, possibly ten, I'd fully recommend this property.
5.0
Haven in West Marin
The property was amazing! We were able to host an incredible girls weekend/staycation. The great room is beautiful and easily accommodated large dining groups. The kitchen was very stocked with equipment. The art was awesome! It was wonderful! Thank you.
5.0
A true retreat
Many thanks to Roger and family for making this unique respite available for visitors. This was the perfect setting for a much needed retreat. Whether sitting in the garden listening to the interplay of wind and water, or gazing into the pond to marvel at the newts, the garden house provides ample opportunity for peace and relaxation.
5.0
Beautiful, relaxing getaway
Awesome host, awesome property
5.0
Unique well appointed house
What a wonderful house- great attention to detail both architecturally and having everything one needs for a perfect weekend. The location was lovely with access to Pt Reyes.
Thank you Roger for sharing your unique creation.
5.0
Beautiful and comfortable getaway near Point Reyes
Wow, what a great property! We had 9 friends here for New Years and had a great time.
The location was excellent - the property is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, and is a short drive from Point Reyes Station and only a little longer to the beach and to Tomales Bay.
The kitchen is well-stocked with high-quality stuff, which we were able to use to cook excellent dinners.
And Roger, his wife, and Sophie the dog were all very welcoming!
I highly recommend this location.
5.0
The Best
We have vacationed yearly in the Inverness/Pt Reyes vicinity for the past 20 years. The Garden & Cheese House surpassed all other residences. The contemporary structures were clean, bright and in a tranquil beautiful setting. The kitchen was extremely well equipped including plenty of pots and pans, dishes, flat wear, wine and water glasses. Roger and Kathryn (and dog Sophie) were perfect hosts . Our family of nine ranged from just shy of two years through our early 70s and the home easily accommodated all of us, including a gorgeous wood dining table that Roger made..
It was unanimous that we will return later this year.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Sonoma County?
The average price for a rental in Sonoma County is $490 per night. This rental is $405 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, laundry, and balcony or patio.
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