Our New Getaway...What a Find!

Guest: Katy F.
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/11/12

The owners were very nice, thorough and easy to work with in helping us arrange our Christmas stay with our daughter and son-in-law (who are foodies and love good wine - notes about their fun day below). Nicely done! The pictures of the property do not convey how nice this place really is. Roomy, yet cozy. We loved the huge master bedroom with desks and sitting area. The bathrooms were very up-to-date and large. Decor was warm and comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked with plenty of nice counterspace for putting together a large holiday dinner. There is also a very nice collection of books, games and puzzles. All rooms face out to a huge deck with a hot tub that seats 4, gas bbq and patio set. We enjoyed coffee in the morning while watching the sunrise over large grassy yard (that our dog loved) and vineyard just beyond it. This is an amazing getaway and if we tell more, you just might rent it out from under us the next time we want to go! Cons: Gas Thermador oven temp sensor light dim, owner provided oven thermometer. Hard water leaves glasses spotted - hand wash if it bugs you. Hidabed frame sags - nice mattress more comfortable on the floor. Fun Day: Oakville Grocery for lunch. enjoyed sandwich bar, they also have good pastas and a great cheese/charcuterie section. Order a glass of wine at the coffee/wine bar (pairings are suggested with some lunches) and enjoy it with your lunch on their outdoor patio. It was a gorgeous day and the patio looks out on to the park. 5 minute drive from Oakville Grocery to Alderbrook Winery - Tasting room is rustic and open, and Benjamin, is very knowledgeable both about the wines they make and the area in general. This winery specializes in Zinfandels, though everything we tasted was really good (we joined the club!). Alderbrook is also the home of Terlato wines (via merger), also quite delicious and mixed in to the tasting menu. Like Simi, they have some good, flexible wine club choices, and the wine is great for the price. Simi Winery easy drive from Alderbrook. The tasting room is big and has lots of cute little knicky-knacky things for sale. We’re wine club members, so we got to taste through a fair amount of good wines Cap the day off at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The property contains almost a mini-museum of memorabilia from Coppola movies and some cute items for sale in addition to the wine. Not great for wine tasting - too packed, but the estate is huge and beautiful.

Owner response:Thanks Katy! We hope you do come back many, many times. All the seasons are different and offer different opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Sonoma. Thanks for all the great ideas for things to do and for your lovely review.

Recommended for:

Perfect couples getaway

Guest: Christine F.
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 11/23/11

My husband and I, with another couple, vacationed at this adorable home. The sleeping and bathroom arrangements worked perfectly for two couples. There was plenty of cooking and eating space in the well equipped kitchen and the living room was great for lounging. The washer and dryer came in very handy (nice to not lug home a suitcase full of dirty clothes) and there was detergent provided. The house is located perfectly for exploring Sonoma. Although it's set on a small, quiet street, and is surrounded by peace and quiet, it is just a few minutes to some fantastic wineries and vineyards. It was very easy for us to do everything we wanted to from here. We had a lot of success with the well recommended restaurants in the area. Check out Healdsburg for a great small town square environment with tasting rooms, restaurants and shops aplenty. While any trip to wine country will certainly be a pleasure, this house really made everything for us very easy. We felt perfectly at home. The kitchen has everything you'll need. We cooked dinners every night without needing anything but our own food. There were even little things like sugar, coffee, salt, pepper, etc. So all we had to purchase were the main ingredients. There were several grocery stores within about a 10 minute drive. We had a great trip and can't think of anything to complain about. We did a lot of research and advance planning, which helped to enhance our experience and helped us locate the perfect food and wine spots to suit our tastes. Thank you to Laurie for a great trip. We can't wait to come back again soon. Hopefully in '12.

Recommended for:

California Wine country birthday celebration

Guest: Susan (Southwest Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/28/11

My husband and daughter had a week long party in this lovely home surrounded by natural flowers, herbs and roses located in Sonoma County in spring and it was perfect from start to finish! The websight standards made it easy to compare properties with pictures and facts. The owner and staff made it a happy and friendly (no worry) experience as it was exactly as promised in peace, quiet and comfort with everything we needed to relax or be on the go. Any questions were answered promptly and fully. All the needs were met with convenience, simplicity, cleanliness, comfort of beds, views all around from inside and outside. The price was a real value to have ease of "going or staying put." We appreciated the laundry while we lounged on the deck and did not have to seek out a laundromat. The location was perfect with just a few minutes to food, restaurants and of course wineries and the ocean. We watched the sunrises from the deck, listened and watched a myriad of birds (and hummingbirds) and the stars in the nighttime sky. Our only mistake was not having our binoculars with us. We went horseback riding on the beach and enjoyed Chancelor Ranch preserve near Bodega Bay; Spuds Crab, Russian River views from country Wohler Road; Rivers End for 5 Star dinner overlooking the Pacific; hours in Armstrong RedWoods; Taste of Alexander Valley on weekend; Whole Foods in Sebastopol and Sonoma Coast State Park with its awesome beach and Goat Rock. The wineries here were outstanding and the markets in Windsor and in country all along River Road were great. Everywhere we went we enjoyed seeing wildlife and vineyards covering hillsides and expanses. At the end of busy days (too short) we took our hot tub experience to a new level and soothed our tired bodies and laughter took off as review of the day revealed happiness and joy. We were blessed with perfect weather and only had rain on departure. A great place to enjoy this beautiful part of our country. Happy renter.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Peaceful and Scenic home

Guest: Carol (Depew, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 10/03/10

We very much enjoyed our stay at this private and scenic home which was perfectly located for our wine excursions to the north in Dry Creek valley then southeast to Sonoma and Napa valleys. The back deck was such a place of respid after a long day of tasting and touring as we ate dinner on the large deck and later let the warm swirling waters of the hot tub relax our bodies. Thanks Laurie and Cay for your prompt correspondence in our planning and we would love to return in the future!

Owner response:Thanks Carol - Yes, please come again soon! We'd love to have you stay again. Laurie

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

We can't wait til next year!!

Guest: Troy & Walter (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/30/10

My husband and I stayed in this fabulous vacation home with our daughter and her beau for only part of a week but next year we are planning on a full week. The house has a cozy, welcoming feeling and is nestled in what feels like the forest. It is so quiet and relaxing. What a wonderful way to wake and have your coffee on the deck with the hummingbirds visiting the flowers on the bushes just a few feet away! We even saw a deer!! We love to cook and we had all the tools to create some great gourmet meals. The bedrooms were sooo comfy...we slept like babies. We can't forget to talk about the wineries. This house is surrounded by some of the best wine we have ever tasted. Sebastopol is a short drive to get whatever you need...a great Whole Foods! Healdsburg is also very close and such a cute little town. Our thanks to Laurie for allowing us to stay in her little slice of heaven. We can't wait to return!!

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

Relaxing in Wine Country

Guest: California Delight (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/06/10

We stayed here for 11 days in February 2010 and absolutely loved it! The home is well appointed, clean, with an up to date well supplied kitchen. We easily traveled to wineries and great restaurants, also enjoyed grilling out on the deck. The hot tub/spa was so relaxing and the peaceful surroundings were private and beautiful. We are back in Boston and missing it already.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Wow!

Guest: jakes owners (palm springs, ca usa)
Date of Stay: 08/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

The house is in a perfect location to enjoy the serenity of Sonoma while also being close to all you need. The house is perfectly appointed, down to every detail. The bedrooms are large and very comfortable, the kitchen perfectly stocked with all utensils and the liviing areas comfortable and cozy. The design and layout is perfect for more than one couple or a family. We have stayed in many houses in our travels, this one is one of the best, with a great value. Do not hesitate to rent this house it is perfect!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Perfect getaway!!

Guest: nicbri (West Bend, WI)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

We stayed here on our honeymoon, and couldn't have picked a better property to stay at. It was quiet, homey, updated nicely, and very close to a great selection of wineries; each only minutes away! Only a short drive into town to get the necessities - definately nice to cook in to save those dollars for wine. We will definately be visiting again in the future! Thank you for the great stay! Nick and Brittney

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway.

Perfect for enjoying time in wine country ...

Guest: Carabelli (Miami, Florida)
Date of Stay: 09/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/25/09

Perfect size & layout for two couples to enjoy time in wine country ...and the location is ideal! There are countless great restaurants and wineries in the area that we were just minutes away from every place we wanted to visit. But the home was so enjoyable that some days we just hung out reading on the back deck, watching the hummingbirds flit amongst the flowers. We're avid cooks and enjoyed buying fresh ingredients at farmers' markets then preparing meals in the large, well-equipped kitchen. Of course, delicious wines we'd bought at nearby wineries (or at Bottle Barn, which has a huge selection and terrific prices) always accompanied our lunches, dinners and happy hours! This house is really the perfect place for a stress-free getaway!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.