weekend getaway

Guest: lisa (marin county)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

We just spent labor day weekend at the house and had a wonderful time. We're a group that loves to cook. The kitchen/dining room layout is perfect for cooking and socialising and the kitchen is stocked with all the tools you may need. We also enjoyed the proximity to nature, we paddled down to the ocean and back, mountain biked on the nearby trails, basically it was a great weekend getaway. We will definately be back.

Owner response:We are so glad you had a great time. The late summer and fall months are truly the best here in Duncans Mills, with little or no fog, less wind and the turning leaves. The kitchen and dining are perfect for foodies and the proximity to state parks is what makes our home so special! Thanks again, see you soon!

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

tranquil retreat indeed

Guest: WW (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

Came here with a group of old friends in summer -- we've rented many houses together over the years for our annual re-convergence, in all kinds of far-flung places, but all agreed that this was probably the best house yet. We had a 4-year-old with us who loved the water -- the house is on a protected and shallow inlet that makes for great safe play (water shoes are essential, though). It's true that two of the bedrooms are very small, but with the adjoining cabin at least this place also has TWO nice big bedrooms whereas most houses have only one. Kitchen is great, as advertised. Porch and yard views dreamily beautiful; hot tub excellent. All interactions with management were smooth, and response was always gracious and quick.

Owner response:Thank you so much! We are so glad you found our place better than advertised. Our goal is to make you feel like this is your home away from home. We are very proud of all the detail we put into making your stay memorable. We look forward to seeing you again!

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Splendid

Guest: Ron (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

We rented the house for a week over Thanksgiving so we could entertain members of our family who normally entertain us -- we live near Boston -- and had a wonderful time. The house is roomy, the little side cabin perfect for guests, parking easy, the view across the river to the hills beyond restful and beautiful....Our family enjoyed canoeing (note in off season tis a tad muddy getting in and out of boats -- bring some old shoes that can get wet-- but access pretty easy), sitting around the fire and the hot tub. And the dining room was large enough for all of us. When a freak accident down the road put the power down for a short time (adding to the country feeling) the neighbors offered to help, and the property manager was always available with tips, recommendations and more. Can't beat that. We've spent a lot of time in the Jenner-Guerneville area and just love it.The Russian River is a gem, and the scenery near Jenner is absolutely world class, with plenty of overlooks, and beaches to easily roam. There are several good restaurants nearby. The first night we dined at the Blue Heron, which is about a mile away. Funky place with really good food, nice fireplace, real California feeling. The Rivers End in Jenner offers spectacular scenery and a serious menu -- our lunch there was over the top good. Nearby Guerneville has a huge Safeway with a Starbucks and you will want to take a walk in the Armstrong State Redwood park near there. Within a 40 minute drive are Ft. Ross and Bodega Bay. Gourmet Heaven in Healdsburg is less than an hour away, and there are countless wineries near there to be enjoyed. All in all, highly recommended. We'll probably be back.

Owner response:It is always a pleasure to help folks plan their vacation! I love offering tips and "locals only" info that just does not make it into the mainstream ads! Thank you so much, and we look forward to your return visit!

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

LOVE IT HERE!!!

Guest: Vanessa (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

We have been coming to Russian River for three years now, and we LOVE this place! The kids have SOOO much fun! Playing in the water, on the island and everywhere else! Pretty much everything is thought of and is there in this house.. If you want to get away, this is the place!!

Owner response:It is such a joy to have families here to romp in the woods and in the backyard. The road is so quiet and I know everyone feels safe letting their kids ride the bikes provided to visit friends down the road. Large groups often do rent 2 or 3 houses on the road to accommodate everyone. We are looking forward to many more summers with you here!

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

Alabalone Cove was Paradise--a little slice of heaven

Guest: GTL (AUSTIN TX--THE HEART OF TEXAS!)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Pictures are worth 1000 words, they say, but the experience of staying here cannot be captured in photos, yet along 1000 words--it was spectacular, amazing, beautiful, peaceful, tranquil, energizing--it was perfect!!! I went out with a group of women, including my daughter, to participate in Barb's Vineman race and we could not have stayed in a more perfect setting for our get-away. And Michelle was the perfect hostess!!! Abalone Cove was so perfect we did not want to leave to go to our race!! We kayaked, walked, picked berries, ate at Cape Fear, toured wineries, went to the ocean---you name it!!! This trip will be one of my favorites forever! i would and have recommend Abalone Cove to everyone i have talked too!! it truly is a little slice of heaven on earth. Take the time to drive River Road both to the east towards Guerneville, Headlsburg, Windsor and the West to the Pacific--a stop at Goat Rock State park is a must!!!

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

Guest: Jason45 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/20/09

Thank you for sharing Abalone Cove with us! We enjoyed a great family weekend in the comfortable house and cottage. The setting is really wonderful with a large backyard and river views. It was terrific to have access to the kayaks and canoe - definitely a highlight of the trip to spend time paddling on the river. Thanks again!

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Guest: Susie and Gang (North and West Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

What a fabulous home and location. We loved everything about it from the house and cottage themselves -- which are so appropriately furnished -- to the welcome brownies, the Redwoods, the river, the view, and lots more. It really "made" our wine tour this year, allowing us to enjoy many different wines with the fabulous meals we cooked. It really felt like home. One couple even took advantage of the kayaks and paddled out to the ocean and back. The wildlife was fantastic. And everyone commented on how comfortable the beds were. We've probably stayed at 20 places around the world through VRBO and this is definitely the best, all the way around.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/30/09

Our stay at Abalone Cove was nothing short of incredible. My parents were visiting from South Africa where they are used to beautiful natural vistas and stunning getaways and even they were floored by the serenity and beauty of this place. Thank you very much for sharing your home with us, Melanie. We'll definitely be back. p.s.: Apologies for taking so long to submit a comment but it goes to show I never forgot the experience!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/15/08

This is a great home for a family vacation. We enjoyed playing games, kayaking, canoeing, and just relaxing. The views of the river are beautiful and serene. We watched seals playing in the river under the bridge upstream one evening. We took a couple of day trips as well. There is so much to see in this part of California. Really a wonderful vacation!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/13/08

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! The house was quaint, cozy, comfortable, and our stay was relaxing and peaceful. We felt like we were at home. The view out the dining room and kitchen of the backyard, trees, and river was beautiful! The first thing the kids did when we walked in the house was to light a fire in the living room fireplace. We spent a lot of time on the deck and in the backyard. The cottage was perfect for Roger's parents since it was on the main level and they didn't have to use stairs. The view from the master bedroom upstairs was wonderful, and the room was very spacious. We ate all our meals at the house except for dinner one night. We went to the Village Inn in Monte Rio which was wonderful. During the day we spent time on the river close to the bridge at Monte Rio, and we went to the ocean a couple of times which is only a short distance from the house, approximately 4 miles. We will have great memories of our Mother's Day weekend at Abalone Cove and we will definitely be back.

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