Stunning!

Guest: Kurt A. (Lodi)
Date of Stay: 01/31/12 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

I would really like to write how horrible this place is - if only for the simple selfish reason that no one else will want to stay here! But, this place is nothing less than breath taking! The previous reviews are spot on, with literally 15 feet from the back deck to the crashing Pacific Ocean. Marcia was very gracious in answering questions (that were already listed somewhere else!) and very helpful with local markets, etc. We (4 adults) stayed 3 nights and could not have had a better time. We drove into Oregon one day for a short visit, but mostly remained close to home. We explored the beautiful probably mile-long beach (except for the cow that had washed up - yes, COW!) The sunsets were nothing short of a postcard and the house was fully equipped with everything we could have ever needed. Do yourself a favor, if you are looking for a quiet, romantic, out of the way place to go for a couple nights - rent this place. You will not be disappointed. We mostly cooked in house not venturing out much for local restaurants - and the house was perfectly stocked - a little looking and everything was found with no problem. The fireplace was a nice touch. Just a note about the upstairs - it is about 4 feet tall. Now, if a couple rents this place, they probably wouldn't even need to go upstairs. Once there, the beds were comfortable, nice breeze/sounds from the ocean. The stairs are nothing less than deadly (just know that in case you or anyone in your party have mobility issues) but can be manipulated with very slow, careful steps. Kids (teenagers) would LOVE this space!!! I can't stress how great this place is. I will definitely be back, and someone I know has already booked some time there. Thanks for everything!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with teenagers.

Amazing Coastal Getaway

Guest: Shannon M.
Date of Stay: 11/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/12

Tim and Marcia's Ancient Mariner is an amazing coastal getaway. Situated on a short bluff overlooking the beach, and at the front of an arc of properties, the cabin has an unobstructed 180-degree view of the ocean. The deck features a hot tub (used it -- works great) with privacy guaranteed by a tall side wall. (The deck also holds a gas grill, though we didn't use it.) Moving inside, just off the deck is a small entry space with electric fireplace. We stayed from late November to early December and used the fireplace a lot, sometimes just for the ambiance. This entry space also has a rocking chair, plenty of coat hooks by the front door, and a box of current magazines. One step up from the entryway is a great room that includes living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The living room has very comfortable furniture (recliner, ottoman, and loveseat) and the western wall is all windows. The dining nook is sweet, backed by a cabinet with every bit of serving and tableware we could ask for. The kitchen is equally well-equipped, with fridge, dishwasher, gas range and oven, and plenty of pots and pans, utensils, coffee maker, hand mixer, and toaster (also a bread maker, which we didn't use). We love to cook and looked forward to making our meals at the cabin. The kitchen was perfect for the two of us, with one person working in the kitchen proper and the other working on the living room side of the open countertop. Down a short hall from the kitchen is the bathroom, which was perfectly clean, with a good hot water supply and thoughtful supply of emergency toiletries. Behind the bathroom is the master bedroom. It features a new king bed, large closet, and ceiling fan. Good blinds and curtains made for very restful sleep. Back in the hall, across from the bathroom, are the stairs to the loft bedroom. The stairs are steep, so I wouldn't recommend them for toddlers or folks with mobility issues, but this upstairs space is perfect for children. It holds two twin beds, TV, and books. The ceiling is low, but the top stair is made to help you adjust to the height of the room. There were only two of us on this trip, so we used this room only to browse the bookshelf. Within a 20-minute drive south/southeast, we hiked around several redwood groves in California. Gorgeous! Just to the north, across the Oregon state line, lie the twin towns of Harbor and Brookings. Here you'll find restaurants, groceries, laundry, library, etc. We loved Mattie's for breakfast (the French to

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

Amazing Coastal Getaway

Guest: Shannon M.
Date of Stay: 11/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/12

Tim and Marcia's Ancient Mariner is an amazing coastal getaway. Situated on a short bluff overlooking the beach, and at the front of an arc of properties, the cabin has an unobstructed 180-degree view of the ocean. The deck features a hot tub (used it -- works great) with privacy guaranteed by a tall side wall. (The deck also holds a gas grill, though we didn't use it.) Moving inside, just off the deck is a small entry space with electric fireplace. We stayed from late November to early December and used the fireplace a lot, sometimes just for the ambiance. This entry space also has a rocking chair, plenty of coat hooks by the front door, and a box of current magazines. One step up from the entryway is a great room that includes living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The living room has very comfortable furniture (recliner, ottoman, and loveseat) and the western wall is all windows. The dining nook is sweet, backed by a cabinet with every bit of serving and tableware we could ask for. The kitchen is equally well-equipped, with fridge, dishwasher, gas range and oven, and plenty of pots and pans, utensils, coffee maker, hand mixer, and toaster (also a bread maker, which we didn't use). We love to cook and looked forward to making our meals at the cabin. The kitchen was perfect for the two of us, with one person working in the kitchen proper and the other working on the living room side of the open countertop. Down a short hall from the kitchen is the bathroom, which was perfectly clean, with a good hot water supply and thoughtful supply of emergency toiletries. Behind the bathroom is the master bedroom. It features a new king bed, large closet, and ceiling fan. Good blinds and curtains made for very restful sleep. Back in the hall, across from the bathroom, are the stairs to the loft bedroom. The stairs are steep, so I wouldn't recommend them for toddlers or folks with mobility issues, but this upstairs space is perfect for children. It holds two twin beds, TV, and books. The ceiling is low, but the top stair is made to help you adjust to the height of the room. There were only two of us on this trip, so we used this room only to browse the bookshelf. Tim and Marcia made reserving and getting to the property a cinch. Staying at Ancient Mariner feels like staying at a friend's place -- very comfortable and well-maintained. We want to make this an annual stay!

Recommended for:

Great anniversary getaway!

Guest: Geri (Igo/Redding CA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

My husband and I just returned from our 3 day anniversary weekend stay at the Ancient Mariner. It was wonderful! The cabin was cozy, clean, and well appointed. Everything was just as the pictures had lead me to believe, and Marcia was very eager to make sure all of my questions were answered prior to our arrival. We didn't have any need to get in touch with them while we were there. The views were amazing. The advantage of going in the fall is that we got to experience the changing weather and its effect on the ocean and our view! We took tons of pictures. We even sat out in the hot tub while it was raining (with some creative umbrella positioning) and enjoyed the contrasting temperatures and the sounds of the waves. We ate a few meals in and enjoyed meals at the Onion Grill, Mattie's Pancake House, and the Hungry Clam just a few miles up the road in Brookings. We also treated ourselves to a nice meal at the Nautical Inn a few steps from our cabin. Harris Beach just outside of Brookings was another terrific place to walk and be amazed by the ocean. Just to be clear, the cabin is just above the beach, there is easy access via steps a few cabins down. Also, you might want to know that the loft has a very low ceiling. (Maybe 4 ft) My only very minor complaint is that there is no sign for the resort on 101, and the street sign is in a dark patch of the road making it a little tricky to find, especially if you get there after dark. Not much that Marcia or Tim can do about that though. I'd definitely recommend the Ancient Mariner to friends - and you!

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

We keep coming back!

Guest: Mike and Tammie (Wimer, OR)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 11/05/11

We have always enjoyed our stay at the Ancient Mariner! We have stayed here many times and the Ancient Mariner is a favorite place to stay in the Brookings area. We have enjoyed anniversaries, birthdays, and other memorable occasions here. The owners are very nice and accomodating. When we come to the Ancient Mariner, we breathe the fresh air outside and inside and always know that the cabin will be exceptionally clean, which is important to us! The views are spectacular even when the weather is not the best! If you love the Oregon coast, you will love the view from the Ancient Mariner!

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

The Perfect Place to Get Away

Guest: Gary (Layton, UT)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

My wife and I and our two teenage daughters thoroughly enjoyed our 5 day stay here! The beach and rocks right below the deck provided for some awesome sights and sounds. We loved our early morning exploring on the beach during the low tides. I thought the girls would be bored stiff, but they loved the place, the location and the activities we enjoyed in the area. It was the perfect location for exploring the Northern California coast, the Southern Oregon coast, and the nearby redwood forests. We enjoyed seeing the lighthouses up and down the coast and had a riot on a half-day jet boat ride on the Rouge River! We even enjoyed just lounging around on the deck above the ocean and laying on the beach. The house was stocked with a nice video library for evenings "at home", and the hot tub on the deck made for a relaxing time after a day of exploring and driving. We would love to go back to this place in a heart-beat and would recommend this rental to anyone.

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

Awesome vacation!

Guest: Renee Laam (Shasta Lake,CA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

Once again, our annual girls summer getaway at the Ancient Mariner cabin was fantastic!! We extended our stay this year and were so glad that we did! The weather was beautiful, the view was unbelievable, and we left rested and re-charged! As usual, Tim and Marcia were available whenever we needed them (which was almost never) and they make sure the cabin is welcoming and comfortable. We cannot imagine vacationing anywhere else!!

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

10 FABULOUS days!

Guest: PJ (Shasta Lake, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

We couldn't have asked for more! We had all the accomodations of home and a beautiful view too. I loved sleeping in the loft and falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Everything you read about the Ancient Mariner is true. It's beautiful, clean and the owner is just a phone call away if you should need anything. We've booked 7 days last year, 10 days this year....and we might even book 14 days next year! (It's that great!!!) I will continue to recommend the Ancient Mariner to friends.

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

A Unique and Wonderful Experience

Guest: Peggy & Jim (Green Valley, AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

Our hosts have all the bases covered. In the two weeks we were there not once did we have a need for something that wasn't provided. We spent hours on the deck or on the beach watching the surf and the birds. The pelicans provided great entertainment diving for fish or just cruising by in formation. Low tide was a good time to investigate the rocks for sea stars, barnacles, anemones, etc.. Belted Kingfishers had a nest along the cliff somewhere just below our deck. Watching them fish was amazing. The Ancient Mariner was our base for day trips to explore the many trails in the Redwood National and State Parks, Battery Point Lighthouse, the Wild and Scenic Smith River (beautiful), overlooks along the coast, The Oregon Caves N.M. and of course Brookings, Crescent City and Eureka. Just missed the peak time for the Azalea show at the park in Brookings. The communities and marinas of each town are worth a visit, esp. Old Town Eureka. The mural tour of Crescent City is worth a look. (Self Guided) It was such a wonderful experience discovering nature and all in such a unique and beautiful region and so nice to come home each evening to "our" beach house, the sunsets, the hot tub and a great king bed. We cooked in most of the time but did have a couple of good meals at the resturant next door. We learned to buy gas in Oregon and liquor in California. The Ancient Mariner is all that it is advertised to be and more once you've experienced it. Thank you Tim and Marcia for sharing , Peggy and Jim.

Owner response:Thanks for the excellent review of The Ancient Mariner cabin. We agree that it is a great spot for a "home base" to explore the area or just a place to relax and enjoy the spa, BBQ and the surf (sound and sight) at the cabin. This review is another great example of our guests enjoying the same experience we enjoy while staying at the Ancient Mariner. We hope you can work out a time to come and see for yourself! Tim and Marcia

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

3 Sisters Vacation

Guest: Sandy (Las Vegas)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

My sisters and I spent a wonderful week at this beautiful place.. It was really great. The description was just perfect and location was even better...this is our 2nd experience with Home Away and both have been exceptional. Sitting in the Spa listening to the ocean waves was just the medicene the Dr. ordered :-). We droove to Crescent City and shopped then to Brookings, both are just a few miles away for lots of interesting viewing or just walking around which is what we did. We have been telling all our friends and family about this little piece of heaven on the ocean.. Thank you so much Tim and Marcia for sharing it with us.. Sandy,Donna and Sophie.. 6/1/11

Owner response:Thanks for your review, and we are glad you enjoyed our cabin. We agree there is a lot to do in the area, from exploring the redwoods to walking the beach. Both nearby communities offer many opportunities to for things to do and places to eat and shop. We hope others will have the same chance to enjoy a soak in the spa tub with the waves crashing below! It is really a great experience. Having a BBQ on the deck while watching the ocean at the same time is hard to beat. Come and visit for the first time or make it a return trip!

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