Vacation Rentals by Owner

Excellent retreat, quiet, and romantic

Guest: dcs (san jose)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

My fiance and I visited Bella Vista for a weekend getaway to get much needed rest and relaxation. That is exactly what we got. It was peaceful, quiet, close to the trails, and great views of the coast.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Pictures do not do it justice

Guest: Curtis Jackson (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/12/11

Stayed here for my 50th birthday weekend in early October 2011. We have rented other homes in Sea Ranch in the past, but this was by far our favorite. The entire back wall of the house is windows, providing sweeping views down a sloping meadow to the ocean; the pictures you can see online do not do justice to this panoramic view. We'd sit in the living room or at the table on the back deck and watch raptors wheeling in the sky with the sunlit ocean as a backdrop. We also saw many other birds, along with many deer. On a more practical front, this was the best-equipped rental house we've ever rented. Real pots, pans, crockery, etc. Nice laundry setup in the garage. The most comfortable leather recliners and ottomans in the living room; I wanted to spirit one home with me. Even the knives in the kitchen were more than serviceable, and knives in rental condo/house kitchens are NEVER better than cheap garbage. We didn't do much prep in the kitchen, but we did some, and even though I brought my chef's knife with me, I never even unwrapped it. There was no need. The hot tub off the master bedroom was cozy and screened enough by foliage to afford privacy, yet open to the air. And it was even able to get the water hot enough for my tastes. The location is also prime. It was whisper-quiet, yet only 5 minutes to Gualala and the Surf Supermarket, a decent pizzeria, etc. Even closer is Sea Ranch golf course, which I hadn't played in years. What a great wild wooly track! Definitely a golfer's golf course. Klaus, the owner, was easy to work with, and provided extensive directions, instructions, etc. I recommend reading his excellent FAQ about the house before your visit. We would recommend Bella Vista to anyone. We're already plotting a return with some old friends with whom we sometimes vacation, because we know they'd love it also.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Girls weekend getaway

Guest: LOLYS (Rocklin, California)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/11/11

Every once in a while you just need a girls weekend. This was the perfect place to have it! We sat on the deck and watched the ocean as we had morning coffee. Spent the afternoon sitting at the kitchen table beading. The evenings were wonderful watching romance comedies and drinking wine. The kichen was well equipped with a view out to the ocean. After arriving Fri evening and unpacking, it was time to start dinner. everything was easy to find in the kitchen. We never left the house - watched the fog roll in and out, watched the stars come out and talked and talked and talked! Thank you so much for the use of your fabulous home. It was very welcoming and comfortable. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to beat the heat or as a respite from a hectic daily life.

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

Beautiful View

Guest: Marilyn M.
Date of Stay: 06/27/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

My brother (from CA) and I (from MO) have been renting vacation property near California's coast for our annual "family reunion" since 2008. "Bella Vista" was our very favorite by far! Most of our days were sunny, and the panoramic view of the ocean was spectacular. The interior of the house is beautiful and functional, and the owners were very cooperative. We highly recommend it, and we are looking forward to spending more of our "reunions" at "Bella Vista."

Recommended for:Age 55+

Guest: Cindy and Cliff
Date of Stay: 12/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

Guests Cindy and Cliff rented Bella Vista in December, 2010, and left the following entry in the guest book: "We have so enjoyed our stay, we wish we could stay longer. Saw lots of deer, flocks of birds flying over the house, a quick gopher popping its head out of its home. Love the house, window seats, hot tub, and view."

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A Wonderful Getaway

Guest: Tina (Petaluma, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

I had the opportunity to stay at Bella Vista just last weekend and it was absolutely beautiful!! It was quiet, peaceful and the views from almost every room are gorgeous. The home is well taken care of with a fully stocked kitchen, great sound system for music and a nice tv (although I never turned it on). I would highly recommend this home to anyone looking for an ocean escape! Thank you Klaus!! It is exactly what I was looking for at the Sea Ranch!!

Owner response:Through-out our 17-year rental history of this home, the satisfaction of our renters has been a high priority for us. We find it gratifying when people whom we don't even know personally, such as the reviewers here and below, take the time to write a positive review. It is equally gratifying when we find that more and more guests come back year after year. We welcome you to join our list of satisfied customers! Klaus and Gundi

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kathleen, Chris, Mary, Craig
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

Guests Kathleen, Chris, Mary, and Craig rented Bella Vista in July, 2010, and wrote the following entry in the guest book: "What a great time we had staying here. The house was so comfortable we didn't want to leave it. People who stay here have everything they need. Loved the views, long walks, warm sun and many wildlife that crossed our path, and of course had great dinners at your table."

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Fabulous Views, Warm Home, Relax to the Extreme!

Guest: MSB (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

My husband and I stayed at Bella Vista for 5 days in July 2010 and had a couple visit us for the weekend. This property is more beautiful than described, with exceptional views and and feeling of tranquility, privacy, peace that permeates the entire space. We used the kitchen and grill the entire time we were there, taking advantage of the well stocked pots, pans, utensils and even multiple spices available. The hot tub was private, clean and comfortable. Everything was easy to find and explained thoroughly either by Klaus beforehand or through instructions in the house. We brought our own bikes and enjoyed the trails throughout Sea Ranch, venturing all the way down to the lodge and I also took the free yoga class on friday morning at the Rec. Center. Bella Vista will not disappoint!!

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

Guest: Leo and Lorraine
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

Guests Leo and Lorraine rented Bella Vista in February, 2010, and left the following entry in the guest book: "We have stayed at many properties at "The Sea Ranch." We totally enjoyed the many amenities we found here; great location, views, great kitchen, comfortable beds, well maintained furniture, Thank you. We will return."

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Attractive, Comfortable, & Well-equipped

Guest: M. Glen (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 08/08/09 Review Submitted: 09/07/09

Beautiful views, truly peaceful and quiet, with all you need to relax and enjoy the setting. Arrangements with the owner were well facilitated, instructions excellent, and the property was clean, well equipped, and user-friendly. Very comfortable for two couples; easy to use kitchen and hot tub. A lovely, very large lap pool is a short walk away.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Kim and John
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

Guests Kim and John rented Bella Vista in July, 2009, and left the following entry in the guest book: "Four very happy guests! We bicycled, put our inflatable boat out into the Gualala River; swam; roamed the beach a.m. and p.m. (a zillion anenomes) and thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent here."

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Gail and Matt (Orinda)
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/20/09

These pictures do not do this wonderful rental justice! My son, his girlfriend and I spent Christmas, 2008 here and it was divine. The layout is fantastic. As you walk up the entry stairs, you first see the ocean and the entire vista - the entire long wall is windows. There is a wonderful, open feeling, but still very, very cozy. What you cannot see from the pictures is that the kitchen and dining is to your left, the sitting room, firestove and flat-screen tv to your right. One long wonderful space, all looking out to the ocean. I have rented vacation homes for over thirty years, in many locations, a dozen or more times at Sea Ranch. This is a house I would return to over and over. It was so hard to leave! Don't miss the chance to rent this lovely home. If you have any questions, I would be happy to talk with you. Feel free to call me. Gail Hunt P.S. To top things off, Bella Vista has the most well-appointed kitchen I have ever experienced. The cookware is to die for, there is everything you could ever want (who do you know who even owns a springform pan, let alone two!) It made cooking fun.

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Guest: Paul and Mary
Date of Stay: 12/28/08 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

Guests Paul and Mary rented Bella Vista in December 2008 and left the following entry in the guest book: "There are so few places in our world that enfold our hearts and our souls -- in northern California, we have had the incredible good fortune to live in one of them, the Sea Ranch. This is our first stay at Bella Vista. The view and setting of your lovely home is wonderful, but we especially loved reading this book (comment: referring to our guest book) of Bella Vista and feel very fortunate to have had this time in a place that has shared so many special moments in the lives of so many. Thank you, Paul and Mary ... "

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Guest: Laurie and Michael
Date of Stay: 09/02/08 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

Guests Laurie and Michael rented Bella Vista in September 2008 and left the following entry in the guest book: "We are so happy to have found Bella Vista! We spent four whole days here mostly doing nothing -- very relaxing. We enjoyed the views, went for walks, read, cooked ... Thanks for your well-equipped kitchen, especially for sharp knives."

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Guest: Klaus and Gundi (your hosts)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08 Review Submitted: 07/20/08

You can also find comments renters entered into our hard copy vacation rental guest book by going to the dedicated web site of "Bella Vista" at "acviews." Thank you for considering Bella Vista for your vacation. We are committed to making sure you will like it!

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Guest: Susanne and friends
Date of Stay: 07/11/08 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

Guests Suzanne and Friends rented Bella Vista in July 2008 and left the following entry in the guest book: "What a wonderful "girls weekend"! Thank you ever so much for opening your beautiful home to us. "Your casa felt like our casa." What a fantastic view, both in the light of day and in the evening. We even got to see several deer grazing, from the deck. We have decided this is a place we will definitely want to return to ..."

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EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT

Guest: K. (Sierra Vista, AZ), and M. (Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 07/08/08 Review Submitted: 12/13/10

We had a wonderful week at Bella Vista. Bella Vista is a very comfortable, nicely furnished home with a magnificant view. The home is very well maintained and it has everything you could want, and more! Klaus and Gundi are wonderful hosts. Sea Ranch is a great area and we found everything we needed in nearby Gualala. The weather was perfect and we loved the quiet! Great walking trails and a very challenging links-style golf course. Bring a couple of good books. If you plan to visit this northern coast area, we highly recommend you stay at Bella Vista!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Kay W. (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

July 1-8, 2008 We had a wonderful week at Bella Vista. Bella Vista is a very comfortable, nicely furnished home with a magnificent view of the ocean. The home is very well maintained and it has everything you could want, and more! Klaus and Gundi are wonderful hosts. Sea Ranch is a great area and we found everything we needed in nearby Gualala. The weather was perfect and we loved the quiet! Great walking trails and a very challenging links-style golf course. Bring a couple of good books. If you plan to visit this northern coast area, we highly recommend you stay at Bella Vista! Kay (AZ) and Margo (NV)

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