5 Bdr Historic Inverness Mesa Home W/Tennis Court and Wifi
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Come stay at The Colby House, our family's vacation home for 75 years! Sleeps 9 in 5 bedrooms including 1 King, 2 Queens, 1 single twin, 1 double twin room. Tennis court and fenced 1 acre yard with oak trees.
Come play tennis under the oak tree canopy, on the lined asphalt court in great condition.
Musically inclined? Play our piano.
Need to stay in touch with the office or access the web? We have wireless (wifi) access to high speed internet and unlimited long distance phone calls are provided on the 'land line' to our guests.
Each room opens out to the expansive deck, for independent and private access. Great windows front and back and 'dutch doors' - open the top half and let in the light and air and music of the birds. Enjoy the cool morning and evening air under your down duvet! The location is ideal for a peaceful stay but also supports an active lifestyle for adults and kids - extended families love it!
Located across the street from the Inverness school and playground. Walk on the trails or down to the Inverness General Store, gift shop and restaurants. Drive to nearby Tomales Bay State Park swimming beaches, including Shell Beach or out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or the special ocean beaches. Kayaking and sailing are popular on Tomales Bay (kayaks can be rented). Other quality restaurants are nearby in Point Reyes Station and Olema, just a few miles away.
If you are like us, you will want to spend some of your time in the very private, park like setting, playing tennis, climbing trees, playing board games or reading books in the cozy living room by the fire or on the deck shaded by oak trees. Pick blackberries in the summer, particularly in late July and in August. That formula has worked for five generations in our family, enjoying the magic of Inverness since 1914.
The main house and tennis court date back to the 1890s with the rest of the house added in the 1930s. The master king suite over the garage has a bath/shower. The main bathroom next to one of the queen bed rooms has an updated shower along with a washer and dryer.
Many of our guests become 'regulars' who we welcome back year after year. We hope you will find our property worthy of becoming one of your special vacation spots, enjoying Inverness and exploring the Point Reyes National Seashore.
NOTE - THERE IS NO CABLE TV SERVICE - BUT WE HAVE A TELEVISION SET WITH BUILT IN VCR PLUS WE HAVE WI FI (WIRELESS) HIGH SPEED INTERNET.
See our guest book for proof that board games, puzzles, tennis, walks and conversation replace the time that you are used to spending with the TV! (My favorite is Scrabble!) Here are some of our guest’s comments:
• “A delightful place…..I hope to come back again….”
• “……in harmony with nature….”
• “……so lucky to have spent time in this amazing home in this beautiful place…..”
• “….cooking delicious food together and gathering around the round table……”
• “….a place where time slows enough for you to catch up.”
• “We had a super family gathering. All of just loved being here. This is a fabulous place to be. Our stay has been delightful.”
• “Our dog was in heaven!!”
• “PS – The stars were fabulous.”
• “Upon walking inside, one can smell this home’s history. Rich and comfortable. Warm and full of genuine laughter. The place is full of good things. Well built, confident and provocative. It leaves you wanting to read its history. Thank you for the protection against modernization.”
• “We came looking for peace and tranquility, and things green and growing. They were here in abundance!”
• “This house is really remarkable…..the symbiotic feeling of the building and natural elements blending together……but perhaps even more amazing are the memories that are made here. A couple of days of rain encouraged us to get to know this place and one another a bit better. We congregated around the fire and did puzzle after puzzle together, lounged and talked and played board games – our family’s winter holiday was one we will always treasure. We found ourselves speculating about the Colbys and the history of this space, how special the family must be who came together here and have opened its doors to the rest of us.”
• “Our kids had a blast exploring in and around the house – they are not happy about leaving!!”
• “I enjoyed the space to dream.”
• “We loved our stay at Colby House; it is the quintessential Inverness house – cozy and comfortable. We enjoyed the piano. We appreciate the history of the house and the way you have kept things the way they were. The light and the quiet are delicious – we don’t want to leave!”
• “Had a great time and the kids not only survived having no TV but also had a great time.”
• “We loved this mysterious big old house, big decks, big windows, big glorious tennis court, big trees, and big generous loving sense of being cared for! Unforgettable.”
• “….what a fireplace!”
• “We really enjoyed traveling back in time.”
• And a few comments from the younger set:
• “Thank you for letting us stay here. I was very excited!! But there is no TV.!!”
• “We had a wonderful time. We climbed on the tree, played in the tennis courts and built forts.”
• “My sister and I had a lot of fun exploring and playing ping-pong. Thank you.”
• “I do not want to leave the tennis court. I want to stay here and I really love tennis. It was my first day playing tennis ever. I liked playing the piano. Your place is really fun. We went to the beach and I dug the biggest hole that I had ever seen.”
Keywords: Vacation house with tennis court, almost a full wooded acre with oak trees, near hiking trails and in the lovely resort town of Inverness in West Marin County
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9, Beds for 9
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Bedroom 5
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Stove
- Dishes & Utensils
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Kitchen
Amenities
- Heating
- Towels Provided
- Living Room seats 0
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
- Clothes Dryer
- Wood Fireplace
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Stereo
- CD Player
- VCR
- Ping Pong Table
- Games
- Books
- Toys
Communications
- Free Long Distance
- Wireless Internet
- Telephone
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Lawn / Garden
- Deck / Patio
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
Activities
- Restaurants
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Boating
- Horseback Riding
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
Reviews
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Cozy and Charming
Cozy and Charming
- Guest Monica
- Date of stay 04/06/13
- Review Submitted 04/10/13
A group of friends and I booked the Colby House for a weekend getaway in Marin, and it exceeded our expectations! The circulation of the home was unique in that each room had it's own private entrance from the large wrap-around porch. The living room was quite large and had a wonderful communal feel to it. The pictures of the kitchen do not do it justice, there was plenty of counter space and a wonderful updated stove. We all found the home absolutely charming and cannot wait to return soon, my only complaint would be that the beds were too comfortable! Thank you to the owners of the Colby House for opening up your lovely home to us, it was a pleasure.Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.
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We loved it
We loved it
- Guest Patty
- Date of stay 03/30/13
- Review Submitted 04/03/13
The Colby House is fantastic. Our experience was great. I organized a party for my girlfriend at the Colby house and everybody who attended and stayed loved the place. We were able to BBQ and enjoy the large yard and outdoor space. The large living room provided a great space for everybody to congregate in the evening. The rustic feel of the older construction is really cool and adds to the charm of the houseRecommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway.
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cozy but a bit like a summer camp
cozy but a bit like a summer camp
- Guest susan136
- Date of stay 12/17/12
- Review Submitted 01/01/13
Our review was perhaps colored by the heavy rain, which kept us indoors most days. Unfortunately the fireplace is not well designed and very likely to smoke up the single communal area. We live rural and build fires most of the year, so we do know how to use a fireplace. Perhaps a fireplace insert would solve the problem. We couldn't use the fireplace at all, since several of us are asthmatics. Colby house is quaint and cozy - it must have been lovely in its day - but it's somewhat run-down. The kitchen is pretty small, but does have lots of utensils, pots, pans, and small appliances. The sink and cabinets need a cleaning and general overhaul. The owner and Innkeeper were very cordial. Please note: there is no dishwasher. One burner on the nice new gas stove was only partially functional. We did very much enjoy the old Steinway piano, which appeared to have once been a player piano. My brother is a professional musician and complimented its sound. It added a lot of warmth to the surroundings. We did not have a problem with heat, though it was depressingly cold when we arrived. We understand and appreciate radiators, and the portable space heaters were adequate, once the chill was off the house. The beds and linens were good. The layout is not good for bad weather, since all the bedrooms are in a sequence, with entrances only from adjoining bedrooms, bathrooms or the outdoors. The "1/2 bathroom" listed, between the last two bedrooms, is a tiny cubicle with a toilet. The bedrooms accessing it each have tiny corner sinks. The one bathroom in the main house (for 7 people) is light and roomy and has a nice shower. The furniture in the main room is quite old and run-down, although the 6 Adirondack chairs were quite comfy. So everything is actually functional, and since we are a close-knit, informal family, we did enjoy the house. But people looking for granite counters, en-suite bathrooms and such should definitely look elsewhere. The garden is lovely and the surroundings very quiet. There is no view. Access to Inverness is quick and easy. (The Raven's Roost, where the other half of our group stayed, is at the end of a long and tortuous road.) We enjoyed Inverness, breakfast at Blackbird and dinner at Saltwater (excellent trout).Recommended for: Pet owners.
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Perfect getaway for our families!
Perfect getaway for our families!
- Guest J. Abacus
- Date of stay 12/07/12
- Review Submitted 12/12/12
We were a group of 3 families - 6 adults and 4 small kids amongst us - and this was an amazing place to get away for the weekend. Safe, quiet, secluded, but plenty of space for us to stretch out, play music, be silly, play games by the fire, cook great meals, and let the kids run around more or less by themselves without worrying about it! Very interesting layout, unique historic feel, definitely a little offbeat which is what we were looking for. Nice short day trip out to Pt. Reyes and Heart's Desire Beach too, but otherwise why leave? We would definitely like to go back!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.
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Wonderful Place...and if you find my glasses there I will be forever in your debt!
Wonderful Place...and if you find my glasses there I will be forever in your debt!
- Guest John
- Date of stay 11/16/12
- Review Submitted 12/03/12
My family decided to stay here to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, and it was perfect. The living room---which looks smallish in the pictures at VRBO---easily accommodated our group of 20. The house has style and charm and rustic comfort. We had a lot of fun, and I would definitely stay there again. Now, about my glasses...not sure what black hole into which they slipped, but they're there somewhere. If you see a blue case with prescription glasses inside, would you mind setting them someplace where they'll be noticed and (perhaps) returned to me.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners.
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Beautiful Home
Beautiful Home
- Guest meganL
- Date of stay 09/21/12
- Review Submitted 10/01/12
We absolutely loved our stay in the beautiful Colby house. It was clean, safe and we were so pleasantly surprised at how spacious and the interesting the design of the home was. The only thing that was unexpected was how cold the home became at night, but if you are prepared then you can brave it through the night. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with all of us!Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Owner response: Thanks so much for your wonderful review, I'm glad your family liked Colby House! I appreciate the feedback about the heating. Each of the bedrooms has its own radiant heater, which heats up the rooms nicely when the thermostat (in the main closet) is set at the temperature that you want. I will do a better job to highlight this in the check-in documents for our future guests.
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Great Family Memories!
Great Family Memories!
- Guest Sandy
- Date of stay 06/15/12
- Review Submitted 07/08/12
We had a wonderful visit to the Colby house! The home was in lovely condition and the grounds were absolutely charming. We enjoyed the tennis court, watching the dogs roam freely in the beautiful yard, and enjoying family time in the main gathering area. We love the Point Reyes Seashore and went on a number of hikes and enjoyed the food in the downtown area. We would love to return!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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This place is a gem!
This place is a gem!
- Guest Corey
- Date of stay 06/22/12
- Review Submitted 06/26/12
We stayed at the Colby house last weekend, such an amazing and relaxing place. The kitchen had everything we needed to make delicious family style meals which we enjoyed next to a crackling fire. The set up in the living room was ideal for board games and enjoying drinks. During the day we played tennis, croquet, and ping pong. Also, it is a quick drive to get fresh oysters which were delicious. Sitting outside on the deck is as peaceful as it gets. The simplicity of the house is the main reason why it is so fun.Recommended for: Romantic getaway.
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A Step Back in Time
A Step Back in Time
- Guest nicole
- Date of stay 06/12/12
- Review Submitted 06/16/12
Gorgeous old world home built in the 1880s with additions from the 1930s, the Colbys have preserved the charm of country living. The grounds are peaceful and lovely; the rooms comfortable; the beds inviting. We spent a lot of time in the large living area, enjoying the huge fireplace and cozy atmosphere. An extra bonus for us, as our son is a pianist, was the old Steinway upright piano. The room had incredible acoustics; the music sounded beautiful. I will remember always sitting by the roaring fire, reading a great book, listening to my son play the piano. What a life! My husband and son enjoyed the tennis court ... a great dinner cooked on the grill & in the well equipped kitchen ... and late night scrabble games. We absolutely recommend this property to anyone interested in a retreat near the coast. Visit Pt. Reyes Station for the best cheese ever -- Cowgirl Creamery makes it right there! Also, there are TONS of trails nearby for hiking.Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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Family Birthday Party
Family Birthday Party
- Guest Sola
- Date of stay 05/04/12
- Review Submitted 06/10/12
This house was perfect for our family/friends gathering and my wife's birthday party. The grounds are beautiful and all the kids loved the tennis court. Sitting around the fireplace in the living room in the evenings was a highlight.Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
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Rates
$350/night 10% Marin County Transient Occupancy Tax is added to rental cost $150 cleaning fee, add $25 for guests bringing dogs $150 security deposit, add $250 for guests bringing dogs We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover with 3.5% fee added. Paypal accepted with 3% fee added. Check in is at 4 pm and check out is at 11 am
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1933
About the owner: Mike Brown and his family are the Bay Area Colby family members who own the Colby House. Mike's grandparents Henry and Ruth Colby bought the property in the 1930s and raised their children with long summers at the house. The main house was built in the 1890s, along with the tennis court, but Henry added several bedrooms after buying the house. Mike's Aunt Mary Colby McKey is another owner of the Colby House, and her passion has been to retain the history and 'feel' of the house from her childhood.
Why the Owner Chose Inverness:
All of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Henry and Ruth Colby have their favorite memories and activities associated with the Colby House. It was the dream of Ruth Colby that the Colby House would remain in the family and that new people would have the chance to experience the magic of this special place.
Special memories include summer and winter holiday weekends and extended visits; special activities include playing cards and games in the living room; short drives to the Tomales Bay beaches, particularly Shell Beach where Ruth Colby used to drive each day in the summer to swim after 4:30pm; longer drives out to the beautiful ocean beaches, particularly McClures, but also to enjoy the wildflowers and to look for the Tule Elk who live in their own preserve. And, to be honest, it is common to stay on the property and take walks around the neighborhood and lose all ambition as the property itself is incredible and very relaxing when sitting on the deck!
The Unique Benefits at this House:
The property is very private, with almost a full acre and the entire side of the block of Park Avenue, up from Forres Way where our green gates face the Inverness School. Within the property is the newly resurfaced and restriped tennis court, and an oak tree next to the deck which is suitable for climbing (and with a rope swing as well)! Everyone enjoys sitting on the deck in the summer to enjoy every meal!
Contact us
- Primary: + (925) 963-3250 (California, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Enjoy the deck in the shade of the oak trees - why go anywhere?
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View from the yard - almost a full wooded acre!
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Relaxing under an oak with a view of the tennis court on a sunny August morning
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Windows on all four walls of the living room make for gorgeous sunny mornings!
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Inside fun includes games, books, piano, and time with friends and family.
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Music from the piano shows off the fabulous acoustics in the great room.
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King size bed in private suite with full bath over garage
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One of our two queen sized bedrooms, this one next to the main bathroom.
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Another great view of end bedroom and picture windows.
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Cozy bedroom for one - perfect for an afternoon nap or quiet reading.
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Tennis on your own private court! Shaded by mature oaks
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The walk down to Shell Beach on Tomales Bay, a short drive away for a swim!
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A gorgeous view of the fall garden from the edge of the property.
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All rooms open to the deck for easy outdoor living in summer.
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Sun streams through the windows in the dining area wiith views of the garden
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Another photo of living area shows fireplace, piano, and dining area.
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A view of a rainy garden from the cozy living room - perfect spot for reading!
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Enjoy cooking together in our fully equipped kitchen!
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Another angle picture taken of king sized bedroom over the garage
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End bedroom with two twin beds, with a 1/2 bath between this room and the next.
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Beautiful shot of queen bedroom shows heart of redwood paneling.
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Ping pong in the garage
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Another shot of our beautiful tennis court.
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Nearby hiking trails show off gorgeous views of Marin County.
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Date last modified - Sunday, May 12, 2013
+ (925) 963-3250 (California, USA)