Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great Place!

Guest: c (Oakland)
Date of Stay: 02/05/12 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

My girlfriend and I are repeat guests at this lovely cabin. We live a few hours away but love to take a break from it all for a romantic get away here. The place is charming and location is cool. I like that a fresh fruit market and good coffee shop are within walking distance. It feels like it is tucked back in the woods but you can be in at the square in downtown Sonoma in 5 minutes. We will be making many more visits to our favorite little cabin in Sonoma. C+S

Owner response:Thanks so much for your kind words Chris. I had to laugh at the word cabin, as I know it is what you call places that you like! Just for others, it is a fully equipped house in a sweet neighborhood at the end of a lane! Judy

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

So many wonderful and considerate guests!

Guest: Judy
Date of Stay: 02/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

We have had so many wonderful guests in the past two years! A potential guest just pointed out that I stopped asking for reviews this last year, so I will start asking for them again to be posted. (They are lots and lots of them handwritten in our guest book at the house!) They are all so positive and we are so glad that everyone enjoys the Amour house as much as we do! Our family and friends go up every chance we get. Best Judy

Recommended for:

I felt like I was home at my cottage. Charm, local flavour

Guest: ellen (Ancaster,Canada, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 12/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/03/12

We had an ahah, as we drove up the street of unique Californian Sonoma homes, as this cottage is located in an up and coming neighbourhood, but upon reaching the cottage at the top of the hill we were in awh at the peacefulness of the site. The cottage which is hidden by the fenced in court yard in the photo is sweet. A lovely kitchen with wood cabinets, moves you to have coffee and newspaper at the corner bench table, which would be the ideal spot for a writer. The Livingroom with a fantastic wood burning fireplace would have faired better with real wood logs as the cedar boards burned quickly, but what a draw. The Master suite w/ ensuite for my sister, but being both sick I decided to sleep in the Livingroom, due to the "bunkie" not having a washroom which inside cottage offered , 2pc bath for convenience. Without the privacy of a 2nd bedrm indoors, it was a bit of a challenge as it did disturb the other person if one left the master suite to go to the kitchen. We did feel bed bound by the flu and lack of privacy. However, the deck and the view was a wow, with magnificent sunsets. Ideal place to spread that checked table cloth found in the cupboard and a bottle of wine from a local winery and cheese and food from the Whole Food Market. Romantic, inspiring if you were a painter or a writer. Would be come back. Yes for sure. I would pick a bit warmer time and leave the flu bug in Canada. People were helpful, the wine tours throughout Sonoma and Napa superb, restaurants The Depot and The Hot Box were two of our favourites. The shops and owners were grand. Yes I did get the Mexican Ice Cream , so juicy oranges that only California offers at the end of the street. Best of all we found the Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission with Steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and massages, and an outdoor pool sheltered from any cold weather. Worth the under $100 for a day at their spa. Their bar and waiters pay special attention and their martini's are wow, try eating at their bar. And guess what that is all at the end of the street. Even the Hot Box Restaurant. Oh and I shouldn't forget the Mexican take out at the bottom of the street too. Can't remember the name but oh the best food, try the one made from Aubergines. St Helene was the best town adventure. Loved the cottage and miss it too. Just like my cottage back home. Suggestion, open up the 2nd bedrm in the cottage to rentals if their stay is long in winter months,or add 2nd bedrm on top, view ++

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

Such a treat and such a deal!

Guest: Eileen (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/23/10

We had a lovely stay at Amour Cottage. There was plenty of room. It really is more of a three bedroom house than a cottage, because there is the master bedroom, a full bed in the living room, and a separate cottage with another bedroom in it. When we saw the house and how much outdoor space there is, we could hardly believe the price of the place. Such a deal. Just wish we'd brought friends along! The photos are great, but the house was even better than we expected. It was so much nicer to have an equipped kitchen we could make ourselves at home in, than to be in a cookie cutter hotel room. We loved the art and the cozy feel of the place. We made good use of the romantic fireplace (wink wink) and the Mexican ice cream store at the head of the street was an added bonus too! Thanks again for an excellent stay! Do I really have to go back to work on Monday???

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

Visitors from Wisconsin

Guest: Amy (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 10/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/10

“Amour Cottage was a great place to stay! It was such a far cry from staying in a hotel. We were here from Wisconsin visiting our two sons who live in SF and it made for a very enjoyable vacation. Everything we needed was here. The pictures you posted on VRBO did a great job of describing the place.

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

Wonderful get-away location

Guest: Cindy (Chatsworth, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

I flew from Southern CA, my daughter flew from New York, and my sister drove from Mendocino, and we had a wonderful few days together. The house was lovely and homey as described, and the location was great. Had a great time visiting wineries, and there are some awesome restaurants in downtown Sonoma. We will definitely return.

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

Grab it if you can!

Guest: Bob & Cindy (Alaska & P:ennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 08/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/20/10

This wonderful cottage naturally reinforces one's equanimity. Everything worked smoothly to support our cozy crew of six. Located close to Sonoma and immediately adjacent to quiet places. 'Twas the perfect place to stay for our memorable event -- a family wedding, and I recommend it without reservation. Judith and Nora are great people, too. We had a wonderful time in your home! Thank you.

Recommended for:

Perfect relaxing honeymoon house!

Guest: Irene (Concord, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 11/09/10

It was so romantic to come back here for our honeymoon since it was the first place we ever vacationed together as a couple. Since our first visit, many nice touches were added and a brand new deck was built. We had the most relaxing time reading on the deck, lounging around, and cooking yummy dinners from fresh farmers market produce from the fruit stand just down the street. Plus, it was a breeze riding our bikes everywhere in Sonoma. Judy and Andy have created a little piece of paradise in this lovely town. We wished we didn't have to go back to reality and we look forward to visiting again!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great private getway

Guest: Sue (Redwood City)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

My friend and I stayed here over the weekend as we were in town to run the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon. It was the perfect location, close to the square, and very private. We enjoyed the privacy of both the front and back decks, both which were partially shaded and the front desk has a great swing to sit on too. Nora and Judy are wonderfully friendly and great hosts. Its a great little getaway for the weekend, and very comfortable. Thanks Judy and Nora for your hospitality, we'll definitely be back! Cheers, Sue

Owner response:We are so delighted when others enjoy the charm that we feel when ever we get the chance to come up to Amour! It is such fun to have repeat guests as we start feeling like a big extended family. Thanks for taking such good care of our get away! Judy and Nora

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

A true gem in the heart of wine country

Guest: Chad (Orange, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

This place is best described as charming. It is so private and secluded it makes you feel like you are all alone in the middle of Sonoma wine country. From the courtyard to the deck and the backyard you get a sence of calming and relaxation amongst the plants and nature on the property. The house has modest accomodations that will meet your basic needs but has a great price to match. (I would say we had 7 people 1 night of our stay and 7 people with 1 full bath is pushing the accommodation limits. 4 adults is really all that would seem practically with the one bathroom.) Nora our host was perfect and available with all our little questions and glitches (had some hornets take up residency with us, trouble with the gate, and the second to last day we lost all power in the bathroom and one wall of the kitchen). She was attentive and helpful in the ways she was able to assist. The rustic charm and privacy was great and location was excellent. I'd recommend the Mexican Ice Cream shop at the end of Thompson...yum. We were there for a friends wedding and spent equal time out as we did in and the place was nice. Some minor improvements should be made to be GREAT but we were very happy with the accommodations and our vacation. (Personal note: some people have mentioned the beds as being very comfortable but unfortunatly for me and my family it was the opposite. Some newer mattresses and either replacing the air bed with a regular mattress or upgraded model would be nice as we all came home with stiff necks, backs, etc.) Don't misread this review: We loved this place and all the charm and hospitality that came with it and with some very minor changes would sign up to stay here again in a heartbeat. I am sure you will love this Cottage as much as we have and the many others who have stayed here as was evident in the guest book in the cottage. You get what you see in the pictures and so much more as this place is truly a sweet charming cottage tucked away from it all in the midst of all the excitment and activities Sonoma and the Wine Country have to offer.

Owner response:We just finished the NEW deck! It is so lovely. We also put in new "air chambers" on the master bed and it is so comfy!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great get-away cabin

Guest: Lisa C. (Alameda, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

This charming cabin at the end of a quiet road is the perfect place to hang out and laugh and relax with friends. The cabin is so cozy and comfortable. Me and three girlfriends spent three days/two nights at Amour Cottage and had the best time. We visited the downtown square, which is only a few minutes by car, then returned to the cabin to cook and play games and have cocktails. None of us wanted the weekend to end. The property is well managed. The owner is incredibly nice and accommodating and the property manager is so sweet. This cabin would also be a great place for a romantic get-away because it's tucked back from the road and very quiet. This is the place you want to rent!

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

A cozy getaway just minutes from everything

Guest: CourtM (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

The minute you pull into the driveway, you feel like you're far away from everything (even though you're minutes from downtown Sonoma and wineries). The courtyard, trees, and bushes envelope you into a cozy getaway. It was the perfect retreat for me and my girlfriends. The bride-to-be loved the house and serene setting. The kitchen and nook were perfect for chatting, snacking and sipping wine. Overall, very cozy, comfy, well-thought out rental. Thank you!

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

Quirky Armour Cottage

Guest: Down Under's (Sydney,NSW,Australia)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

Lovely, quirky home. Very pretty, peaceful and quiet. Perfect location, suited us perfectly.Minutes away from downtown Sonoma. Would definately stay here again for any future visits with my Grandmother (although that won't be for too soon as we live in Australia). It was too cold when we were there but I would have loved to have used the fabulous deck and arbor.

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

Keenan and Ana Maria, March 12, 2010

Guest: Keenan&Anita (Berkeley, California)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Another wonderful trip to Sonoma and our favorite rental, Amour Cottage! It felt like we had never left. I love this house, as if it was my very own. We love the central location, since we go hiking in Jack London State Park, just 2 miles away, or go two miles the other way and wander the Sonoma square, sampling the amazing amount of good restaurants and hanging out at the Irish pub listening to live music. It was so nice to have all towels, linens, internet access, etc. available to us. The beds are really comfortable. The house is classy with original art work and really clean. We loved sitting on the sunny deck viewing the hills, having our morning coffee and sipping wine in the shady courtyard. We have recommended this house to everyone we know and will be coming back for many many many more happy years! Judy and Nora, you are a pleasure to do business with and I can't wait to book for this summer!

Owner response:Thanks for the kind words. We enjoy sharing our romantic getaway with others!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

-

Guest: Liam Doggley (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/15/09 Review Submitted: 09/15/09

What a lovely stay this was! I was astounded with the serenity I felt as I entered the home. The surrounding area is beautiful and the house was very comfortable and cozy. The bed was terrific and I believed I have never slept better. This was the perfect getaway for my family ; my kids found it to be surprisingly entertaining, with a swing and the different play areas.

Owner response:Thanks. We have had so many happy visitors with kids, lady's getaways, wedding guests, and adventurers. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

Recommended for: