Location: Cazadero, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (The estate is 10 minutes from Guernevile) View Map
Accommodations: Four Acre Compound, 4 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
Austin Creek Retreat is a majestic compound located on a five acre ridge above historic Austin Creek. Once you breathe the air and see the vistas you are aware of the profound spirit penetrating the property. This extremely private estate consists of four buildings and a spa thoughtfully situated among spectacular gardens and towering redwoods with breathtaking panoramic views of Magic Mountain and its adjoining watershed. The air is flavored with the scent of redwoods, and pine carried on gentle breezes and accentuated by only by the songbirds of the canyon. Beginning at sunrise, light abounds throughout the gardens, but it’s the tranquil rays of sunset, dramatically lighting the canyon, that usher in the glorious night time sky.
The grounds have been landscape with indigenous grasses and ferns, highlighting the phenomenal native redwood trees. Pathways wind throughout, offering innumerable walks among ever-changing scenery, including a serene pond and enchanting waterfall to delight and awaken the senses. When you hike from the main compound, pathways become forest trails beckoning further into remote adjoining terrains still on the property Extended walks offer seasonal streams and waterfalls, in addition to Austin Creek itself, with its numerous swimming holes and opportunities for creek wading. The entire retreat is professionally lit to a stunning degree, complimenting its allure day and night
Entertaining large groups is effortless and everyone can have their own privacy, while gathering together in the large entertaining areas. All bedrooms, with a total of three king and three queen beds, are furnished with quality linens and down comforters
The main house is a contemporary craftsman style structure with a great room, master bedroom and two bathrooms. One of which is exceptionally large with multiple shower heads and a Zen inspired private garden. The fully appointed kitchen is centered around a granite island and can accommodate multiple chefs. Appliances include a professional six burner Wolf range/oven, micro wave drawer, Stainless refrigerator/freezer, garbage compactor, Italian espresso machine and dinner service for up to twenty-four people. The Great Room does have the latest in video, audio and Internet capabilities if that need strikes. The lodge is replete with fine attention to every detail, from the refectory style dining table, the deep leather sofa, to custom designed candle chandelier, which radiates throughout the main living area.
The West Terrace and Buddha Garden off the main house is an example of what makes this estate so unique. The outdoor kitchen and gardens were crafted from river stone years ago when the property was a summer campsite. The outdoor kitchen has been restored and updated and includes a state of the art gas BBQ, sink, lighting and herb garden. The original river stone fire pit is now, the focal point of a modern and sophisticated outside entertainment area. The dinning table was custom made from the center cut of a local redwood tree and seats fourteen plus people. It’s the perfect setting for a large family gathering or a special event.
The guest house has its own terrace and seating area. Its windows have beautiful garden views too, but with different vistas, giving this two-bedroom space a unique atmosphere and privacy. It has king and queen sleeping accommodations. A spacious multi shower head bathroom offers a mini spa experience off a secluded and private patio.
The “cabin” is everyone’s favorite. Its pine-paneled interior is a classic recreation of the traditional summer camp cottage. With its own small garden and seating area, king bed, and half bath, it is a secluded gem.
The yoga studio is the final structure, with its own Japanese wood walkway and meditative views. Although it is used primarily for exercise and yoga, it too can be equipped with a queen size bed. The studio has adjustable weights and other exercise equipment. It is also linked to the rest of the estate’s WiFi and sound system.
In the center of the compound is the spa area. Its focus is a redwood hot tub situated in the center of an ancient faerie ring of redwoods. It’s truly a magical location. A soak in the hot tub at night lets you link with nature and the starlit sky, a wonderful harmonious experience.
Located throughout the property is all the latest that technology can offer including two HDTV’s, a full range of cable programming, Blue Ray DVD, and high speed internet. The compound has two sound systems, one just for discrete music through the gardens. Each house has its own Internet radio connection, as well as I pod docking stations. All of this technology is here to serve your real world reality while you enjoy the calm and escape that this retreat provides.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: The property is equipped with high quality sheets, towels and duvets
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed: One king is located in the main house, and the second king is located in the cabin,
- Queen Bed: The guest house bedroom is furnished with a queen bed.
- Convertible Bed: The queen size sofa bed is located in the main house living, and acts nicely as a second bedroom. The king, is located in the living room of the quest house, and acts as a fully functional second bedroom.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Both the main and the guest house are connected to Comcast. Both televisions are plasmasl
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Hot Tub: The redwood tub and its deck, sit suspended in the center of a ring of redwoods, a secluded distance from the main house. It and its adjoining gardens are discretely lit for night time enjoyment.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: The ktichen is equipped with: Saeco, Expresso maker, stainles dishwasher, side by side refrigerator, 6 burner Wolf Range, and Oven. The kitchen island houses a Sharp Microwave drawer, and trashcompactor.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: There is a full range of ultensils and cookware available. Both the amateur and the chef will find everything they need.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave: Sharp Microwave Drawer
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: The propane BBQ is built into an outside kitchen, and has its own sink, and work surface and lighting.
- Deck/Patio: There are two large entertainment zones adjoining the main compound. Both have abundanct seating. The West Terrace has access to the outside kitchen, lounge chairs and hammock.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details: This property has its own seasonal streams, and several waterfalls.
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Multiple furnished lounge areas, fire pit, outside kitchen, complete exterior lighting system, built in gas BBQ, chefs kitchen, dinner service for 24
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Two night minimum, season $1400 off season $1200
additional nights Season $500/ Off $400
Weekly rates season $3250/ Off by arrangement
Holidays are a four night minimum
Retreats, Weddings, and Day Events by arrangement
Cleaning fee $150. Refundable security deposit $500
pet friendly, additional security deposit of $50 required
All rates for parties of ten or less.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Cazadero
The property really choose me. I had lived in Napa during its beginning years as a destination mecca. And I saw a much more relaxed, back to the country feel in this area of Sonoma. This is a spot where you still see wild life, and the feeling of total privacy was just amazing.
The Unique Benefits at this Four Acre Compound
Elements always seems to offer a unique feeling when I am there. Everything is there to encourage you to cook, relax and just enjoy the wonder that is right outside the door. You never feel in a rush, and there is always time for the hammock and a good book. The nearby wineries are a wonderful outing, and I particularly enjoy the "long way" to the ocean from the house. You wind over the coastal hills, to this sudden vista of the pacific that fills the entire horizon.
Owner's Map of Cazadero
I have always had a love for the country. Many years ago I raised horses in Napa valley, and then I developed a vineyard. So I saw a rare opportunity, when I discovered this property in Cazadero. Its been a pleasure to see Elements develop . I share my life with my partner, and my giant schnauzer, Oliver.
Property Photos
- Austin Creek Retreat at Night - Sonoma County Compound Among The Redwoods
- Living room - Sonoma County Compound Among The Redwoods
- Chef's kitchen - Sonoma County Compound Among The Redwoods
- Kitchen area
- West terrace with its incredible view
- Outside dining
- Guest house bedroom
- Austin Creek Retreat
- The cabin
- Spa area at night
- The hot tub and spa area
Guest Comments (3)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #192103
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 12, 2009




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G.Beck , San Francisco, CA
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Sandra Proctor , San Francisco
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, San Francisco, CA