Vacation Rentals by Owner

Bliss!!!

Guest: Bruce B.
Date of Stay: 04/13/12 Review Submitted: 04/24/12

What a stay. Had a wonderful time, (too short), weather was gorgeous. Facilities were immaculate. The view is stunning. I was most captivated by the history of the fish farming that once thrived on the property. Manger Dave knows a lot of the history. He's a wealth of knowledge and a great guy. The wildlife is abundant with deer, jackrabbits, hawks, vultures, fantail pigeons, etc.I would recommend Ocean Escape to really escape! It's a 20 minute drive from Bodega Highway to the driveway, and it's well worth it. Seclusion! Can't wait to go back. Thanks Dave and all for a great stay!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Homesick for Ocean Escape

Guest: Katy D.
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/06/12

The only bad thing about Ocean Escape is having to leave!! The drive up Estero Lane is beautiful, but wonderment takes over at the gate! 500 rolling acres and a ridiculously long, gorgeous, and EMPTY beach ... and the Estero, the deck, the expansive vista, the seals, jack rabbits, and cattle - I'm spoilt for life - can anywhere else ever compare!? Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! A month was nowhere near long enough!

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There are no words

Guest: Sarah S.
Date of Stay: 01/08/12 Review Submitted: 01/17/12

Our stay at Ocean Escape could not have been more perfect. My husband and I came all the way from cold Pennsylvania for our honeymoon and wanted 2 things - Privacy and Warmth. We couldn't have chosen a better place! The weather was PERFECT but more than that, the cabin was well stocked and absolutely beautiful. We were so secluded and loved exploring the beaches (on which there was NO ONE!), kayaking up the estero and driving a few hours north to see some MASSIVE redwoods. We went horseback riding, enjoyed the small town restaurants and shops and grilled out on the porch after watching the sunset over the ocean from the hot-tub. There are simply not enough words to describe how perfect this vacation spot was. If we never vacation anywhere but here ever again, we will be perfectly happy! Dave & Diane (& Steve too!!), thanks for everything - you were so wonderful and helpful and made our honeymoon one we will remember for the rest of our lives. Can't WAIT to visit again soon...& bring all our friends!

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They thought of everything

Guest: les (San Luis Obispo)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11 Review Submitted: 12/31/11

There were unexpected things like a basket of treats, premium channels including fox soccer channel, and even a first aid kit if we needed it. No condiments though; I would bring a few packets of ketchup and mustard... Meticulously kept units.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Winter retreat from the Great Plains

Guest: Sean and Amy
Date of Stay: 12/05/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

This place is such a wonderful surprise...The weather has been gorgeous the whole time! Some highlights have been seeing whales, kayaking the Estero and seeing a seal swim close by, and finding abalone shells hidden in the tidepools where there TONS of starfish, sitting in the hot tub hearing the sea lions bark in the distance. We hope to make this place a regular vacation spot from now on. You have been wonderful and so attentive!

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Thanksgiving 2011

Guest: Tom and Terri
Date of Stay: 11/23/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

This is an amazing place! We loved the quiet, peaceful, landscape and ocean view.Having the beach as private as it is, was just awesome! The beauty and splendor of the ocean was so enjoyed w/out mobs of people. The weather was wonderful for this time of year! Really enjoyed the little extras and welcoming environment. Very,very nice way to spend family holiday!

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First time at OE

Guest: Sheila & Judy
Date of Stay: 10/21/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Our first time here with friends Nora and Laverne. All the wonderful things they said about Ocean Escape are true. Peaceful, beautiful and comfort all rolled into one. We've had a great time!! Thanks for your promptness to requests and attention to detail. We will surely make Ocean Escape a top destination in the future.

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Great Week

Guest: Keri,Sean,Markus, Nathaneal
Date of Stay: 10/06/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

My husband, two boys and I came up to get away for a week. We also brought our 2 energetic dogs. The houses were wonderful and had all the extras we could need. We had a blast at the beach. the kayaks and canoe were great on the Ewstero. We'll definitely be back! Thanks for a great week!

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Canadian visitors

Guest: Bill
Date of Stay: 09/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

I can't really be sure that 3 weeks can go by so quickly! This makes 4 times here, sharing Ocean Escape with our friends, experiencing all that the Sonoma Coast has to offer. This place is quiet, comfortable and a great base of operations for exploring all that wine country has to offer.

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From England

Guest: Mary
Date of Stay: 09/03/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

A lovely few days in this very special place-walking along the beach was especially memorable. Shame about the fog, but coming from the Atlantic coast of Soutwest England, I am well -used to it. Very comfortable accomodations and great deck!

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1st visit

Guest: Susan,Jim, Ruby & Oliver
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

This was our first visit to Ocean Escape, but it won't be our last. We loved our time here! The location is spectacular. It's a perfect place for two couples. Axel the dog loved the beach too. We especially enjoyed the canoe/kayak trips on the Estero. thanks for everything!

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Return visit

Guest: Ron
Date of Stay: 08/05/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Second time here this summer. Another spectacular visit, fog, sun, owls, stars- a little of everythihng.Now back to work, but we will be back this winter. Hope those of you to follow will have as great a time.

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First trip to CA

Guest: Chelsea and Paul
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Our first trip to California was made particularly beautiful by our stay here at Ocean Escape. The serenity of the landscape and the seclusion form mayor city noise and commotion made it a perfect getaway from daily life. We were lucky to be able to take a trip on the canoe out on the Estero and enjoyed the view from the hot tub on many nights. Thank you so much for the hospiltality- we are already making plans for our next visit!

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Such fun!

Guest: Lynn and Bob
Date of Stay: 06/24/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Ocean Escape West became home to us while we explored the areas surrounding Bodega Bay. We shared this wonderful experience with our good friends from Memphis(we are from Cincinnati).Such fun!

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Our 7th year!

Guest: Merlin and Michelle
Date of Stay: 06/19/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Wow. As always, we had a great time. Caught lots of Salmon and rock cod(on our boat). Went beachcombing, surfing, spa time, kite-flying, cooking and entertaining. We will be back next year to "our" beach house. Thanks for all the extra touches.

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Return trip to Ocean Escape

Guest: Kim
Date of Stay: 05/04/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Came here for the first time last year-LOVED IT. Came again this year brought sister and brother-in-law-LOVED IT AGAIN-weather was beautiful first 2 days-80 degrees or so- ocean smooth as glass- wind came up the last 2 days and the ocean was wild and beautiful. thanks you and thanks for welcoming our 2 dogs.

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Amazing place

Guest: Maya
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

This is such an amazing place and house! It is so lovely- the sea, the hot tub and the houses-wow! So nice to have the beach so close and have such a comfortable nice warm house to return to afterwards. Thanks You!

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Great stay

Guest: Marie & Ward
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

What a wonderful place to come and to just unwind. Spent a lot time reading and just enjoying the sounds of the ocean. Great place to birdwatch! We hope to come back in the near future. Thnks you for all of the comforts you provide in your rental!!

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Perfect getaway for my 2 year old and friends

Guest: Evans (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

First, I must say "thank you" for giving us the privilege of staying at your location. This was by far the best vacation rental we've had till date. I know we will plan to come back soon! We have a 2 year old with us and the layout of the rental allowed us to enjoy our loud conversations while our son lay safe & fast asleep in visible range without being disturbed. The hot tub outside with the cold ocean breeze was just a perfect experience of some of nature's yin & yang. The hike down to the beach was really good and just the experience of being in the middle of no where yet somewhere was just so phenomenal! The views of the ocean and the estuary were breathtaking. Lastly, the owners hospitality and attention to details were just exemplary. Overall, I would use this as a really high bar to compare against other locations we may plan to visit.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Too good to be true..especially for the price!

Guest: Carson, Jeff, and beach-loving labs Fargo and Abby (La Grange (Lake Don Pedro), CA)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

We have rented many home up and down the coast for vacation, from Big Sur to Gualala, but this immediately became a favorite. Alas....I wish I could say Dave (and Diane) were Helpful and Nice, but........we NEVER needed them for our 5 day stay!! Everything was so well stocked and just about perfect. (Next trip we'll bring saran wrap for leftovers after BBQing, but we made do. Not worth bothering Dave or Diane over..) 2 adults and 2 big labs took up most of the space in one unit, but we didn't spend a lot of time indoors so that was okay. The times we DID watch TV, there was a great variety in the library of DVDs to choose from. This was a wonderful, relaxing vacation and the abalone farm was a bonus to us....we loved reading the history of it, and you still get the sense of privacy. The only thing it does is prevent a "completely" unobstructed view of the coast, but there is still a HUGE gorgeous view. The hike up from the beach is fine, just go at your own pace and don't rush back up. (And we don't "hike" at all....we're just "strollers"....) We do recommend stopping in Petaluma for breakfast/brunch items and produce, if you're staying a while. And if you have older kids, the 2nd unit is perfect, or great for in-laws or even guests for an overnighter if they live near enough. We WILL be back. I hesitate to tell my friends, because I don't want this hide-away to get too booked up for US!!!! (But of course I will!) Thanks again for making our vacation worry-free.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jim and Becky
Date of Stay: 11/19/09 Review Submitted: 11/18/09

Love the space, from the privateness and the veiw of some of California's most beautiful coastline. This is our 2nd trip to this space and hope to return time and time again.

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Guest: Jenny and Paula
Date of Stay: 11/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/10/09

...All in all this has been a "wonderful" vacation. We really hope to return, and in better shape. Nature reminds us how lazy we can be.We leave tomorrow with dreams of our return to this little gem!

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Guest: Wayne and Susie and dogs
Date of Stay: 10/26/09 Review Submitted: 10/25/09

Don't want to leave! went so fast-I think our dogs will miss daily walks--now back to reality- we will return-hopefully sooner than later!

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When the world is too much with you...

Guest: Cathy,John,and Mamie (Pismo Beach,Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

If you are looking for a place to relax without the noise of civilization, this is ideal. The only sounds one hears are of nature:foghorn,roosters, birds, an occasional cow mooing. We have been so happy and relaxed for the two weeks we spent here. The deck is inviting with its chairs,lounges,grill and hot tub. Our Shih-Tzu loved the freedom to play and roam on the patio,with a protective gate provided.The panoramic view takes in cove,lighthouse,trees,and birds. We recommend that you bring some staples for the first few days because you will not want to leave. There are stores close by in Guerneville or Sebastopol--lovely drives to take. These rural scenic routes from Jenner to Guerneville through Sebastopol provide views of the Russian River which seem to be of another time. You will only need to bring your personal essentials since the units are so well-equipped,from electric coffee maker to corkscrew. The caretaker Dave is friendly,and willing to help in any way you might need. Altogether the kind of experience one wants to repeat.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Cathy,John, and Mamie
Date of Stay: 10/04/09 Review Submitted: 10/03/09

our first trip haer, and not our last, we hope.What a treat to see deer, kestrels, vultures, jack rabbits and cows. Daily visits from blue jays were fun... Ate most of our meals here because of the equipped kitchens, the incredible views and the great bbq grill...Altogether a special experience to be repeated.

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Guest: Billie
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

I'm Billie from Dallas and I just celebrated my 76th birthday up here.This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever seen!Would love to return and stay longer. The sounds and sights are just unbelievable!

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quite a hike to the beach. Not for all

Guest: scrappydude (sacramento, Ca)
Date of Stay: 07/10/09 Review Submitted: 07/20/09

While the house was spotless, which we very much appreciated, the pull out couches were horrible. one was very saggy as a couch and painful as a bed, the other one was good as a couch, but you couldn't use as a bed, it was missing springs. One of the bedroom doors was broken. We were really disappointed on how far the beach was from the house, It is really quite a hike downhill and you will huff and puff going up! Dave was really nice. It is kind of secluded. What you don't see from the pictures, is the house across the road and in your actual view, there is an abalone farm that kind of ruins your sense of aloneness. You can not drive down to the beach, but Dave did offer to take us down there and pick us up in an hour. Again, Dave was a very nice guy. Dillon beach is really great, We did bring our dog, but you have to keep them leashed all of the time, We did let him off on the semi private beach but we were warned the we could get a ticket if caught, but we weren't. All in all, it was a nice week. Not for families with babies, or the elderly that have walking problems, or the out of shaped.

Owner response:We take pride in the hundreds of wonderful comments we have received from our guests over the past five years and also our high rate of renters who have returned year after year. This group was far too large for Ocean Escape. Four adults and two children works out best. The two units together will sleep six, however we always emphasize that it is only comfortable for four adults(two bedrooms). The two hide-a-beds are best for children under 12. It is correct that you see the abalone farm from the rental, however we find most people enjoy knowing the farm is there. Regarding the walk to the beach, our website states " it is a 5-10 min. walk down the hill to the beach and a slow invigorating hike back up. We try to accomodate those who are handicapped or badly out of shape with our "gator". The comments on the sofa beds are correct as they worn and are scheduled for replacemant in August. Dogs love Ocean Escape and can have free roam on the decks(gate to keep them out of harm), or in a picket- fenced area outside the house. We do ask that dogs be leashed at all other times (cows,deer, rabbits all nearby!)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Guest: Naomi and Victor K
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

We just arrived following four days in SF..love the city but this is heaven. We're escaping the humid heat in Minneapolis to recharge by the water. Thank you for your genereosity and willingness to share this extraordinary healing place that allows us to slow down and just be.

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Guest: Katelyn K.
Date of Stay: 06/29/09 Review Submitted: 06/28/09

This place is amazing!! This is my 3rd time here and I always enjoyit. The tide pools are great, so is the hot hot tub! I really enjoyed it here and I can't wait to come back next year.

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Guest: Jennifer,Meadelle,Jeremy and Jame
Date of Stay: 05/29/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

The view is fantastic,the weather was the "best", the walk down to the beach good, the walk back up showed me how out of shape I was. We had a wonderful stay

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Guest: Philip,Mary,Theresa,John and Kim
Date of Stay: 05/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/20/09

We've enjoyed our short 2 day stay here and wish we had more time to enjoy the beach. The scenery here is so peaceful!

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Guest: Bill & Sherry H.
Date of Stay: 04/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

BooHoo- it's time to leave. We had a wonderful time here! Thank you for allowing us to share in this bit of paradise! We hope to come back-soon!!

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Guest: The M Family
Date of Stay: 03/18/09 Review Submitted: 03/17/09

...We really liked the units, so well stocked and convenient... It was a great time in a wonderful place!

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Guest: Anni,Bob,Sarah+Emma
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

Celebrated my 60th birthday here with family. Had a wonderful,relaxing time. The weather turned sunny after the 1st day of storms. Breathtaking view of the ocean each morning. Will come again to celebrate my 61st.

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Guest: June
Date of Stay: 02/04/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/09

We had a great time. The units were great (very Clean)-the view from the deck was great. My sister and her husband plus our two dogs had a great time.

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Guest: Anni + Jarion
Date of Stay: 01/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/01/09

Here we are again after last year's wonderful New Year?Anniversary celebration.Our gang built an awesome sandcastle down at the beach. The sun began to set in a golden glow, and the New year began with kisses and good friends.

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Guest: Analisa+Owen+Molly+Catherine+ And
Date of Stay: 12/14/08 Review Submitted: 12/13/08

Ocean Escape was lots of fun. We went tidepooling,played board games and went in the jacuzzi. I wish we could stay longer but we have to go back for school. I hope to come back soon! I loved going in the canoe- it was the best!!!

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Guest: Leslie L.
Date of Stay: 10/19/08 Review Submitted: 10/18/08

Thanks for a great weekend. Both units were clean and exceptionally well stocked! The location, views, and hot tub were awesome!

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Guest: Jennifer and Viktor B.
Date of Stay: 10/10/08 Review Submitted: 10/09/08

We are so thankful that we found such a beautiful location to spend our honeymoon. Ocean Escape provided a comfortable, cozy base for our exploration of the region. The hot tub provided a welcome respite after hiking in Armstrong Grove and Point Reyes. Quiet, peaceful, perfect. Thank You! We look forward to returning!

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Guest: Pete and Rose R.
Date of Stay: 10/03/08 Review Submitted: 10/02/08

We have stayed in lots of vacation rentals but this is by far the best! All the comforts of home and the perfect place to relax. The dogs loved it as much as we did. Thank you for sharing this beautiful private haven with us.

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Guest: Sharon M.
Date of Stay: 09/19/08 Review Submitted: 09/18/08

Oh my, how lovely!Incredible views and scenery and the sea air with sounds of waves breaking and the calls of the seals.I absolutely enjoyed my little home and the jacuzzi was to die for. Loved all the amenities and our dogs loved it also. See you next time!

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Guest: Jana V.
Date of Stay: 09/18/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

OMG!!OMG!!OMG!!!! These were our first words upon arriving at this "Ocean Escape".I sit here writing thison the sunny deck,sipping my coffee, listening to the ocean waves and sea lions, we will surely miss this amazing place. The units met all and more of our expectations. The views are breathtaking at any given time...You'll see us again for sure! The welcome basket was so sweet and yummy! Warmly J.

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Guest: Teresa D.
Date of Stay: 09/05/08 Review Submitted: 09/04/08

Could not have asked for a better vacation spot. Three deer here most evenings...The beach is beautiful...Moe the wonder dog and I will look forward to our return visit!

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Guest: The C.'s
Date of Stay: 08/20/08 Review Submitted: 08/19/08

We got to enjoy all that this oasis offers...Great views, all types of weather, solitude and the most enjoyable vacation one could imagine. Great idea for the future--return as often as possible, repeat as necessary.

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Guest: Anna and Bill
Date of Stay: 08/14/08 Review Submitted: 08/13/08

Our first vacation in over 18 years! Ocean Escape was the perfect re-introduction to rest and relaxation. We really, really appreciate the killa view. Just absolutely lovely.The place was well stocked and made cooking easy... Overall a wonderful wildlife experience. The canoe was a blast! All was provided for a super,super vacation. I am sure we will be back again!

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Beauty and the Beach

Guest: Anna & Bill (Vallejo, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/08 Review Submitted: 08/19/08

Ocean Escape was everything we'd hoped for an more. For our first vacation in over 15 years we wanted some serious rest and relaxation and we got it. The beautiful views were never ending... The ocean, the estero, the wildlife and the lovely night sky. The hot tub was a particularly nice spot to star gaze from. Dave and Diane were excellent hosts and provided thoughtful extras. The homes were clean and well functioning. All instructions were clear and easy to follow. The welcome binder included great day trip suggestions, like visiting Fort Ross, as well as a guide to local eateries. I would heartily recommend Rockers Oysterfeller for an awesome gourmet meal and of course killer oysters. I would totally recommend Ocean Escape to my friends and family.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: The W.'s
Date of Stay: 08/07/08 Review Submitted: 08/06/08

Once again our time was magical. As always, the place was incredible and this time we shared it with some friends who had a wonderful time too. Cows, birds,snakes,seabirds and frogs, we saw them all. The jacuzzi is the best! Thank you for everything.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/02/08

What a wonderful week of relaxation we had! We loved experiencing the changes in the weather! The views were amazing! The stars brillant! The wildlife abundant! We stayed three entire days without leaving the property other than to go to the beach or hiking! Our visitors were amazed at the peace and tranquility! Our 11 3/4 year old golden retriever, Lacey, enjoyed herself so much that she did not want to leave! She loved the river swimming most of all! It would be grand to see more of the view of the Bodega Bay area! We hope to come back in the near future! Thank you Dave for all you did for us to make our stay so wonderful! The Dulworths of San Diego...

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Guest: Dan,Caroline& Samantha
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

What a relaxing week! We had all the weather! Loved the wildlife! We would love to come back. Thank you

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Guest: Steve and Elisa T.
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

Sorry to leave such a great place. We had a wonderful time with my sister and her family. In the morning we walked down to the beach and checked out the tidepools. In the evening, we looked at the stars.Our view was stunning. The units were well stocked, so that we cooked most of our meals here.It was great to see the wildlife

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