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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat Woodacre, California Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 217147

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Location: Woodacre, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (One Hour's Drive Northwest of Downtown San Francisco)

Accommodations:  House, 6 Bedrooms + Den, 2.5+ Baths (Sleeps 15-20)

Keywords:  Private hilltop retreat home for families and groups

Spirit House is a private hilltop retreat home overlooking a gorgeous Northern California valley that is close to San Francisco yet feels like a world away. The surrounding hills and small town of Woodacre below offer a protected yet open feeling, and the open space trails above beckon you to vistas of sun and moon rises across San Francisco Bay, and to enchanted walks through forests and wide open meadows.

Spirit House itself is cozy and welcoming with lots of natural wood and south facing passive solar windows, beautiful gardens, and perhaps the best private hot tub deck you've ever seen, complete with an outdoor hot and cold water shower. There are goats and often cows in the adjacent pastures, and Spirit Rock, a world class meditation center, is just down the hill offering classes and meditation teachings year round.

There is also a excellent golf course and deli five minutes away, as well as good restaurants and a movie theater in nearby Fairfax. Just a bit further beyond you find all the attractions of Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole. You can also drive out to the Pt Reyes National Seashore to hike or go to the beaches there, about 45 minutes away from Spirit House.

People who come here almost always return, year after year. They say it feels like coming home.
TO VIEW OUR COMPLETE PHOTO GALLERY go to thespirithouse.us/pictures or click on the link below (between Rates and Owner Profile)

Vacation Rental Features

  • Amenities
    • Washer : Shared with property owner by request
    • Dryer : Shared with property owner by request
    • Linens Provided
    • Off Street Parking : Plenty of parking is available for up to 10-12 cars.
    • Wood Stove (2) : Spirit House is a passive solar design and is heated by wood stoves.
  • Beds
    • King Bed : A comfortable King Bed in the "Stargazer" Master Bedroom can be converted from two twin beds, using our easy-to-use "king bed kit" found just under the beds.
    • Double Bed (4) : Two double/full sized beds can be found in the "Cozy Nest" bedroom. The other shares with two twin beds in the "Moon Room" bedroom. On nights when the moon is out, this can be the most spectacular bed to sleep in, as one wall to the side of the bed is filled entirely by windows facing to the south.
    • Twin/Single Bed (9) : Ten - Twelve twin/single beds: Two in the "Moon Room," four in "Mountain Peak," two in "Garden Delight," two in "Poet's Corner," and (depending on if the King bed is used or not) two in the "Stargazer" Master Bedroom.
    • Convertible Bed (4) : 1 double size in den, 2 twin size in Poet's Corner, 2 youth size in the Moon room An ADDITIONAL SIX SINGLE BEDS can be converted from small futon chairs: two in the "Moon Room," two in the Den, and two in "Poet's Corner." Additional floor mattresses are available in the large yurt, and space is available under the oak trees for outdoor camping. PLEASE CONTACT US if you plan to make use of any of these extra sleeping amenities, thank you.
  • Entertainment
    • Private Hot Tub : Spectacular view of the surrounding hills! Comfortably accommodates up to six or seven adults. An outdoor shower -- with the same spectacular view, plus hot and cold running water, plus organic soap and shampoos -- is available nearby. Please follow our care instructions if you plan to use the tub, thank you.
    • Sauna : A dry sauna is found behind the kitchen area. Great for cold days and nights! Alternatively, the sauna can serve as additional food storage for large groups.
    • TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Available upon advance request.
    • DVD
    • CD Player
    • Stereo System (2)
    • Music Library : A modest music library is available in the Entertainment Closet, along with some games and books. We highly recommend you bring your own music. The in-house stereo system comes with a plug suitable for connecting an MP3 player or iPod. The other stereo system is found in the yurt.
  • Kitchen
    • Full Kitchen : The gas stove has a single oven. One sink is available in the kitchen, with an extra large Utility Sink found nearby.
    • Cooking Utensils Provided : Plenty of utensils, pots, baking and other pans, and cutlery is available for most cooking needs. Small notes are provided throughout the kitchen to help you find what you need.
    • Refrigerator : A large refrigerator is available suitable for groups of 12-15 for a weekend. If you have more people and/or are staying for three or more nights, you may with to bring additional coolers with you and/or plan to make a trip to the nearby grocery stores (including an excellent organic foods store), 15-minutes away in nearby Fairfax.
    • Dishwasher : A modern, low-energy dishwasher: just scrape your plates and dishes and place them in the washer with the provided dishwasher detergent.
    • Microwave
  • Outdoor Features
    • Charcoal BBQ Grill (2) : Please provide your own charcoal.
    • Deck/Patio (4) : A number of decks surround Spirit House, offering plenty of room for outdoor sunbathing, relaxation and/or dining. Outdoor chairs, tables and umbrellas provided.
    • Balcony : A small balcony adjoins the "Stargazer" Master bedroom on the second floor, overlooking the oak trees, several decks, the hot tub, gardens and the surrounding hills and valley.
    • Gazebo : In summer.
  • View/Location
    • Mountain View : Though Spirit House is a gem in itself -- people often say it feels like home to them -- our views are perhaps our best features. Overlooking the San Geronimo Valley, we often wake up to find the valley below shrouded in fog, for an almost mystical beginning to the day. Sunsets vary from simple yet beautiful to utterly stunning, with the late spring/summer/early fall sunsets viewable from the hot tub. Just a short hike above Spirit House (a five-minute walk) offers a view of the northern portion of San Francisco Bay, down to just south of the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. Hiking further beyond expands the view to include most of East Bay, to our south, as well as a spectacular view of nearby Mount Tamalpais, a mountain sacred to the Miwok native american tribes who lived here. On clear days you can also see Mount Diablo, another sacred mountain, beyond the East Bay hills.
  • Communications
    • Telephone
    • Free Long Distance : Free long distance is available for calls within the United States.
    • WiFi (Wireless Internet)
  • Other Amenities
    • Gorgeous views ~~ Miles of open space hiking and mountain bike trails just outside our gate ~~ 750 sq. ft yurt (fixed tent) space w/sound system, microphone and black lights for events and group gatherings ~~ Beautiful gardens and oak tree grove on property ~~ Five minutes from San Geronimo Golf Course ~~ Complete privacy.
  • Suitability
    • Pet Friendly : Definitely pet friendly, but do let us know if you plan to bring pets. Thank you!
    • Kid Friendly : Kids often love to make forts with the mattresses found in the large yurt, and run and play in and around Spirit House's gardens. The nearby Woodacre Improvement Club offers a swimming pool in the summertime (let us know if you plan to use it, as we have a guest pass).
    • Smoking Not Allowed : No smoking indoors.
  • Activities
    • Golf
    • Shopping
    • Biking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Restaurants
    • Hiking
    • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
  • Other Activities
    • The yurt on our property is great for circles, dancing, yoga, silent meditation, teacher-trainings, kids and family's play space and other celebrations. It has over a dozen black (ultraviolet) lights built-in for evening events. A short walk from the house there is 42 ft diameter classic Greek design outdoor labyrinth on a gorgeous knoll with 360 degree views. The yurt and surrounding decks, oak tree grove, gardens and labyrinth welcome groups of less than 100 to gather for special occasions.

 

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

Personal Currency Assistant

Two-night minimum for $1900 (total) for groups up to 17. Additional charge for
additional guests and/or nights. Arrival any time after noon, departure by 5pm.
Early arrival and/or late departure can often be arranged.

Payment by check or cash.
In addition, a $300 Reservation/Cleaning Deposit is required to hold your initial
reservation. It will be returned to you upon leaving the property in satisfactory
condition. Weekly rates depend on # of guests and # of weekends.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Dates available:Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates

Links to more information:

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Owner's Profile

Year Purchased: 1994

Why the Owner Chose Woodacre

I chose Spirit House because I fell in love with it at first sight! I had been searching for 2 years for an intimate, beautiful retreat style home that matched my dreams and was thrilled to discover this magical place. It is close to the San Francisco Bay Area yet a world apart, surrounded by the natural world, private, feels cozy yet is spacious and provides a perfect setting for small groups and families to retreat, play, and celebrate together.
Spirit House is all I was looking for and more and I feel so lucky to be the owner and primary caretaker of this amazing property.

The Unique Benefits of this House

Incredible beauty abounds Spirit House. It is also private, being on a hilltop at the end of the road, quite a distance from the nearest neighbors. The easy access to hiking trails right outside the front gate. The amazing views of surrounding valley, sunsets and the night sky as enjoyed from the hot tub deck. The open potential of the large yurt on the property for just about anything a group might want to do together... great for meetings, playing with kids, meditation or yoga, having a special party or small wedding reception, or practically whatever else you can dream up. The ancient beauty of the large oak trees nestled next to the main house for reflection, and for keeping cool when it gets hot.

Property Photos

Traveler Reviews (5)

Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat
5/5

Spirit House Sanctuary

Guest: laine (sonoma county)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Arriving at Spirit House each time anew my heart opens to the majestic connectedness Spirit House has created with the sacred land that it resides on. It is trully a paradise in nature. Whether sitting in the hot tub enjoying the radiance of a full moon, or practicing yoga early in the morning as the sun rises on the deck Spirit House offers a sense of 'embracing our souls', as we surrender into journeys of introspection and exploration. As a facilitator Spirit House offers the facilities to optimize a group setting. There is a deep sense of spaciousness and abundance that invites people to surrender into the magic of this beautiful setting. The House and Garden are colorfully inviting, the Yurt always filled with wondrous energy. Spirit House is definitely a 'home away from home for me'.

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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat
5/5

Set and Setting = Excellent!

Guest: JoJo (Windsor, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/10

I have enjoyed Spirit House quite a few times - both as a workshop participant and as workshop staff. My experiences have all been positive. The property is gorgeous, clean, and well maintained, Spirit House is an excellent setting for a group retreat. The kitchen is well stocked and large group ready. There are places on the property perfect for solitude as well as cozy gathering places for a group. Spirit House keeps getting better too!

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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat
5/5

Spirit House

Guest: Pierce ICC (San Francisco CA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/19/10

We have been holding our student retreats at Spirit House three times a year for the last 8 years. It is a magical, incredibly peaceful, comfortable space...(that the photos here only begin to do it justice!) The owner PL has clearly given the place lots of loving attention, and has always wanted to make our stays as comfortable as possible. There is an abundance of stuff to do in the area...but quite frankly it is such a wonderful space that we never leave it while we are up there!!! Grab it if you can!

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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat
5/5

Sublime Spirit House

Guest: Josh (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/17/10

Ours is a close knit group of families which has enjoyed Spirit House retreats for almost ten years. Everything from the hot-tub and outdoor shower, the gardens, the yurt to the cozy nooks inside of the house are wonderful escapes from our everyday life. It's a pleasure working with the management. Their few rules are simple and clear. As long as you respect Spirit House, they will give you the space you desire to enjoy.

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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat
5/5

Guest: Virginia Wheaton (Laayette, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

One of the most awesome rentals ever! The house is gorgeous and oh-so-comfortable, and the grounds are as peacful as the name implies. Fabulous views. The yurt was perfect for all night music-making, and no neighbors to complain!

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Helpful votes: 2/2

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Dates available:Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #217147

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This listing was first published here in 2008.

Date last modified - Wednesday, January 11, 2012