Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Napa Thanksgiving

Guest: blc111 (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 11/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

The house is just as described and more. 6 members of my family enjoyed this house for a Thanksgiving...we were a couple w/ a 6 yr old from Sacramento, another couple from PA and my 21 year old nephew who was on his way from Australia to CT. The house was everything we wanted and needed to enjoy wine tasting, restaurants and most of all, relaxing and cooking together. The rooms/Baths accommodated us very comfortably and was great for group meals and cooking...we had everything we needed in the kitchen. The location is perfect. It offers privacy but is so close to everything. I highly recommend this house for families or friends looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in the Napa area. I would definitely rent this house again.

Owner response:Thank you Brenda for posting your comments. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay and most grateful that you took a moment to share your experience with others. We look forward to having you and your family return... and soon! Marion

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

Incredible Silverado Trail home

Guest: derek w.
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/30/11

This was our 5th trip to Napa - all but once we have rented homes all across the valley. This was far and away our favorite experience yet! The location could not be better, right on the Silverado Trail. But the house itself really made our trip perfect. We were only 2 couples, but a third would have been fine. The porch, overlooking the vineyard is the perfect setting for enjoying a bottle (or two or three...) of some of the great wines you will inevitably have picked up along your tastings and tours earlier in the day. The kitchen is also very welcoming for the night you aren't dining at one of Napa's amazing restaurants. We cannot wait for our next trip - we will definitely be staying here again. Thanks Marion!

Owner response:Derek, Thank you so much for taking the time to share notes of your stay with me and others. We look forward to having you back again, and soon! Marion

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A Perfect Napa Vaycay Made More Perfect by this Home!

Guest: Jen (Studio City, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

Taking our first Napa Valley wine tasting trip with two other couples this summer, we wanted the full experience of living among the vineyards while also having privacy and the ability to simply enjoy our time together as friends. This place gave us all of that and more. Coming back after a day at the wineries to cook our meals together in that fabulous and well-stocked kitchen, sampling one of the bottles we bought as we enjoyed the views surrounding us on all sides, and simply relaxing in this beautiful and elegant home with it's artistic and well-appointed furnishings made this the vacation of a lifetime. We fully intend on returning in the future. The pictures do not do it justice - it is so calm and peaceful. Though the Silverado Trail is right there, the home is set back so the traffic noise is minimal to nothing, you feel as if you are in an oasis. Yet it also makes it very close and easy to many world-famous wineries. There is wildlife, vineyards, trees and beauty all around you, though you are close enough to town to easily go out for dinner, take a walk along the Riverwalk, or buy groceries. We even saw a hawk who would take his daily rounds over the vineyards just outside the front door prior to settling in one of the nearby trees for the evenings. Later, as the moon rose, an owl took up the flight pattern over the fields. It was magical. The fact that there are three separate bed and bathrooms made it perfect for the three couples (though the one bathroom is off the kitchen area so you have to cross the common area to use it, it was fine for us, and the other two are en suite). All three bedrooms are divine and have incredible views. There are so many cozy places to relax and enjoy the scenery, it's hard to decide where you want to have your coffee in the morning! Basically, there isn't a bad seat in the place, and I recommend it not only for couples, but for families as well, as the large open living area lends itself to wonderful gatherings, while the separated bedrooms allow for privacy. And definitely walk over to Sylk for a private tasting with Carl and his wife if it can be arranged - they are warm and welcoming and will give you a party to remember! Thank you, Marion, for helping our first Napa stay be as perfect an experience as it could possibly be! Our only regret is not staying longer!

Owner response:Jeanette, Thank you for taking the time to post such a detailed description of your Napa vacation and stay at our home. I was happy to arrange the private tasting of our wine "Sylk" with Carl & Lyn. Hopefully when you return we can arrange a tasting of our new vintage(s). Again, many thanks! Marion

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

An Enjoyable Week

Guest: John (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

We have been coming to Napa Valley for a week the last seven years. We have typically stayed in a hotel or motel. This experience was far superior than any we have had. The place was peaceful and relaxing but still close to everything we needed. We would do it again.

Owner response:John, Thank you so much for sharing notes on your stay at our home. We hope you will come again and soon! Marion

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Napa House

Guest: Ellen (Reston, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

This house was perfect for our family visit to Napa. We and our two sons and their wives were in Napa for a wedding. The location was convenient. The pre-wedding dinner was at a winery only a mile or two from the house, and the wedding itself was a fifteen minute ride. We could also get into the town of Napa easily, and we enjoyed a couple of restaurants there. The owners left very explicit information and instructions as well as advice about local dining. The best surprise, although this information was in the listing, was that the house is literally in and surrounded by vineyards and the views were lovely! Although the house is just off the Silverado Trail, sitting on the expansive porch enhanced the feeling of being out in the country. The house itself was clean and comfortable, well-equipped, and ideal for three couples, as each had their own bathroom. However, the third bathroom is across the living room and off the kitchen, so not as convenient as the "en suite" bathrooms in the other two bedrooms. We recommend this property without reservation.

Owner response:Ellen, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and others your experience and enjoyment of our home. We are very happy to know that our efforts to make and keep it a comfortable and pleasing place to stay are appreciated. We hope you and your family will return again. With kind regards, Marion

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

Guest: Maryann & Ted Reed (Bellaire, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

The large patio area afforded a great view of the adjoining vineyards. The kitchen was top notch with a substantial inventory of cookware, cookbooks, and more that made cooking great fun. We were very happy with our decision to be out in the country a bit; away from the city traffic. We would definitely rent again. Its location off the Silverado Trail allowed for an easy drive back from the Calistoga Graeser winery - one of our favorites. Maybe next time we'll come in the fall to enjoy the cooler weather and the fireplace.

Owner response:Thank you Maryann for taking the time to share your Napa experience at our home with others. We are very pleased to hear our guests enjoy our home as we do and would very much like having you return. Marion Blum

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Guest: Elizabeth Davis (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

We had a small group of girls gather for a relaxing weekend and we absolutely adored the house!!! Marion, thank you for allowing us to use it! The pictures do not fully do the house justice. It is extremely cozy and the front porch is very relaxing! We hope to be able to visit again soon!

Owner response:'Elizabeth, thank you! And again should you have a last minute adjustment in your travel plans, all is not lost! We look forward to having you again, and we hope very soon! Marion

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Guest: Traci Jorgensen (West Hills,CA)
Date of Stay: 03/29/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

Dear Marion & Stephen, Your house was the perfect place to stay while our family was celebrating our younger daughter's 21st birthday in the wine country. It was centrally located, cozy and comfortable - a perfect respite at the end of a day of wining and dining! Thank you!!

Owner response:Hi Traci, Thank you for sharing your experience of our home and posting it for others to view. I'm sorry for taking so long to acknowledge it but since changes were made in our web site listing I hadn't figured out that I needed to go another step to see new postings... now I know! Anyway, thank you very much and we hope you and your family will come again. Marion Blum

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Guest: Joe Pellegrini (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/30/08 Review Submitted: 10/30/08

Hello Marion, My wife, Lynette, our very good friend, Lexa, and I stayed at your beautiful Napa home. We really enjoyed the location, atmosphere and landscaping. It was terrific!! We also enjoyed the spacious kitchen and luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms. So much space! We really relaxed during our visit. We can't wait to come back. Joe Pellegrini, Charlotte, NC

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/01/08

Hello Marion, Sorry this is late coming. My husband and our good friends came with us to your Napa home. The location was perfect!! We loved having coffee and watch the balloons in the morning. While we were there the frost fans went off, but we felt they added to the charm of our Napa experience. We can't wait to come back.

Owner response:Thank you Betsy! We are always delighted to learn our guests have enjoyed our home as we do. We look forward to having you back...and soon! Marion

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

Dear Marion, Just had to write to say what a fantastic experience we had staying in your home this past weekend. There were six of us, three friends and our mom's, and the house worked very well. The kitchen was completely ready made for our home cooked meals and nightly wine tastings. The location on the Silverado Trail was perfect for all of our travels to wineries located all over the valley. I will highly recommend this home to others and hope to stay here in the future (my one and only recommendation would be that you set up wi-fi for your guests so that there is Internet access on the property). Otherwise, I have no complaints. Many thanks. Molly

Owner response:Molly, Thank you. So glad you shared the experience of your stay at our home. I've been looking into Wi-Fi or satellite high-speed as they are our only options since there is no cable service in our area. Hopefully one or the other will be added soon. Marion Blum

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/25/07

Marion, We are a bit remiss in posting this note in a timely fashion - but had to be sure and do so. Our stay from 14-17 September 2007 was absolutely wonderful. Your home was lovely and the location was perfect. We especially enjoyed the unique open floorplan and spent every morning sitting on the patio looking out over the vineyard. And "Yes" - we do intend to order some of that wine we just heard you've bottled. Again - thanks for a perfect holiday. Sincerely, Ru

Owner response:Ru, thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We haven't bottled our first vintage of cabernet yet - not until next summer. I'll add you to our growing list and happily notify you when it is ready. We are now bottling our first Zin harvested last October which we make ourselves with friends. We plan to start leaving a bottle to greet each guest so you'll just have to come again! Marion

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/24/07

This was our first experience with a vacation rental and we really enjoyed it. The location of the house is ideal for all Napa activities. We loved sitting on the porch looking out at the vineyards.

Owner response:Hilary, thank you for taking the time to post your comment both here and in our house guest book I've had many guests say they chose to stay at our home after reading comments of other guests. Again, thank you so much. We greatly appreciate you sharing your comments. With fond regards, Marion

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/04/07

Marion, We really enjoyed staying in your home. Your caretaker, Caroline, was so helpful and responsive. Such a relaxing place to be! The home is comfortable and the kitchen has all you need. Very close to Yountville and works well for families travelling with children.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/14/07

Marion, The Arguello's found your home to be a wonderful getaway. Our May 10-12, 2007 visit was very positive. The home is perfect for 6 people, with individual baths and plenty of room to relax and enjoy friends and family. What a great location, close to everything you want to see and visit while in Napa. The kitchen was a very pleasant surprise and so well equiped! A return visit is a must. Fares

Owner response:Fares, Thank you for taking the time to share with me and others your comments on your stay at our home. We welcome your return and soon! Marion

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/14/07

Our stay at the Gazebo House from May 13--May 20, 2007 was very enjoyable. The home is lovely and very spacious and very conveniently located--a short drive to Napa or Yountville or St. Helena..could even come back for lunch and venture out again..one day we picked up delicious burritos from Soda Canyon Deli--had lunch on the patio and off we went for the afternoon! Visited some wonderful wineries in the area--appointment at Shafer was our highlight! Also recommend August Briggs winery in Calistoga. Marion was very helpful in planning--answering our many questions. We look forward to trying the first vintage from their vines!!! I actually cried when we left--as I stood on the patio--thankful for a week in the beautiful surroundings of wine country..

Owner response:Linda, thank you for sharing your experience of staying in our home on your holiday. We very much appreciate hearing from our guests, those who write comments in our guest book as well as those who post them on our site. We feel grateful that we are able to share our home we love so much with others. Again, many thanks! -Marion

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/09/06

We really enjoyed our stay at the Napa Gazebo House. The bedrooms are spacious, there are 3 full bathrooms, and the kitchen is fully stocked. We felt very comfortable and had plenty of room. Marion was great, easy to communicate with, and open to addressing our needs. It was the perfect place to stay while enjoying all that Napa and Yountville has to offer. We would definitely stay again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/15/06

Our stay at the Napa Gazebo House was excellent!! The home is in a great location in Napa Valley. We enjoyed all aspects of this beautiful home. It was perfect for our group of college reunion friends. I highly recommend this home and look forward to staying here again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/05 Review Submitted: 10/21/05

The house is fantastic. The bedrooms are beautiful and spacious, there is a great BBQ, a large kitchen and lots of common areas to relax and enjoy the wine. The location is perfect. The house is surrounded by vineyards and is only a few minutes from downtown Napa and a majority of the vineyards. I highly recommend the house. Ian

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/31/05

Thank you Marion! we had a wonderful time in your house. It was so convenient to all of the wineries we went to visit. we loved sitting on the patio in the vineyard with coffee in the morning, and loved the decore of the house. I'm sold on the concrete!. Not much curb appeal initially from the street, but WOW what a terrific secret setting and location hiding there! We would love to come and stay again. thank you again for sharing your home. tiffany

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/05 Review Submitted: 06/21/05

Mari Thanks again for the use of your beautiful house. We had a wonderful time and the location was PERFECT! Robert Murphy

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/05 Review Submitted: 06/20/05

Thanks for sharing your woderful Gazebo house. Our stay in your house helped to make this a most magical vacation, first San Francisco and then our friends' wedding festivities in Sonoma. Loved the windows that make you feel you are outside all the time but in reality in a very peaceful and comfy environment. What a great kitchen. Definitely a must for us to go back and spend a week in your manse. Highly recommended!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/05 Review Submitted: 05/23/05

We had a wonderful stay. The pictures of this house don't do it justice. It is ideally located and very spacious and comfortable.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/05 Review Submitted: 04/27/05

Thanks again for opening up your home to us! We had such a wonderful and unforgettable weekend. Your home is beautiful, inviting, and extremely comfortable! We loved the decor, the patio, the comfy adirondack chairs, and all of the windows to allow for the fantastic view. We were in town to surprise our friend for his 30th birthday - needless to say we had a wonderful weekend touring the wineries, playing golf, enjoying the food, chatting on the patio, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Your home contributed a great deal to the weekend! We are already planning our trip for next year and hope to stay at your home again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/05 Review Submitted: 01/29/05

We spent a perfect week over Thanksgiving '04. A lovely spot and a great house.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/04 Review Submitted: 09/30/04

October 1, 2004 Hi Marion, Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your beautiful home. It is truely a lovely "vineyard home" and we felt so comfortable there. It is in a perfect location with access to all of the wineries and fine dining. We haven't stopped talking about the house since we left, so I'm sure you will be hearing from our friends to stay there too. kathy corona del mar

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/03 Review Submitted: 10/27/03

Mari, Thank you very much for allowing us to stay in your home during our trip to the Napa/Sonoma Valley. I am not really sure where to begin.... Between the incredible views, location in the valley, proximity to almost everything one could need was incredible to say the least. We would be happy to recommend you to our friends and colleagues who travel to the valley and truly had our best trip of many to the valley. Your wonderful home only accentuated an already great trip. It was everything you said it would be and more. Looking forward to booking again, Jonathan H Geneva, IL PS: I LOVE your kitchen!!!

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