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Spirit House, a Magical Northern California Hilltop Retreat

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View from Master Bedroom deck on a Fall morning (2012)

View from Master Bedroom deck on a Fall morning (2012) Summer Solstice Sunset from Hot Tub Deck Entrance to Spirit House Steps leading down to front entrance Front entrance gong Spirit House Dining Room (tables have leaves to make them larger) View from Sauna Hallway of Kitchen, Dining and Living Rooms Spirit House Den One of the larger bedrooms Looking from the entrance, up the main steps toward the gate View from Master Bedroom private deck The hot tub deck Oak trees (great for weddings and hot days) Entrance to Yurt Inside of yurt (photo has been compressed, yurt is 30' in diameter) View of Spirit House and the Hills Beyond -- Looking toward the Coast Another sunset at Spirit House

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Calendar

Last updated: 04/03/2013
Check availability
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  • Minimum stay:N/A
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:Yes
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

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)

Keywords: Private hilltop retreat home for families and groups

Property Type

      • House

      Accommodation Type

          • Vacation Rental

          Suitability

          • Children Welcome:

            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)....morecollapse

          • Pets Considered:

            Definitely pet friendly, but do let us know if you plan to bring pets. Thank you!...morecollapse

          Bedrooms

          • 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 20, Beds for 15-20
          • Bedroom 1
          • Bedroom 2
          • Bedroom 3
          • Bedroom 4
          • Bedroom 5
          • Bedroom 6
          • Den
          • Details:

            King size beds (1) 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 Beds (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 or Single Beds (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.
 , Sleep Sofa or Futons (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....morecollapse

          Bathrooms

          • 2.75 Bathrooms
          • Bathroom 1
          • Bathroom 2

          Kitchen & Dining

          • 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....morecollapse

          • Cooking Utensils:

            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....morecollapse

          • Dishwasher:

            A modern, low-energy dishwasher: just scrape your plates and dishes and place them in the washer with the provided dishwasher detergent....morecollapse

          • Kitchen:

            The gas stove has a single oven. One sink is available in the kitchen, with an extra large Utility Sink found nearby....morecollapse

          • Microwave

          Amenities

          • Wood Stove:

            (2) Spirit House is a passive solar design and is heated by wood stoves....morecollapse

          • Parking Off Street:

            Plenty of parking is available for up to 10-12 cars. ...morecollapse

          • Linens Provided

          Other Amenities

              • Details:

                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....morecollapse

              Entertainment

              • 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....morecollapse

              • Television:

                Available upon advance request....morecollapse

              • DVD Player

              Communications

              • Free Long Distance:

                Free long distance is available for calls within the United States....morecollapse

              • Wireless Internet
              • Telephone

              Pool & Spa

              • 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....morecollapse

              • 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....morecollapse

              Outdoor Features

              • 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....morecollapse

              • 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....morecollapse

              Location & View

                  • 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....morecollapse

                  Activities

                  • Cinemas
                  • Restaurants
                  • Horseback Riding
                  • Shopping
                  • Wildlife Viewing
                  • Cycling
                  • Hiking
                  • Golf
                  • Mountain Biking

                  Other Activities

                      • Details:

                        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....morecollapse

                       

                      Reviews

                      Write a review
                      • Spirit House Sanctuary

                        Spirit House Sanctuary

                        • Guest laine
                        • 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'.

                        Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                      • Set and Setting = Excellent!

                        Set and Setting = Excellent!

                        • Guest JoJo
                        • 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!

                        Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                      • Spirit House

                        Spirit House

                        • Guest Pierce ICC
                        • 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!

                        Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                      • Sublime Spirit House

                        Sublime Spirit House

                        • Guest Josh C.
                        • 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.

                        Recommended for: Families with young children, girls getaway.

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                        • Guest Virginia Wheaton
                        • 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!

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

                       
                      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.


                      Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
                      Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

                       

                      Calendar

                      Last updated: 04/03/2013
                      Check availability
                      23 Available
                      21 Unavailable
                      22 Today
                      23 Selected dates
                      24 Special offer
                       

                      Location

                      This property's address is hidden.

                       

                      Owner info

                      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 at 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.


                      Contact us

                      • Primary: (415) 488-1702 (California, USA)

                      Links to more information:

                       

                      Photos

                      • View from Master Bedroom deck on a Fall morning (2012)

                        View from Master Bedroom deck on a Fall morning (2012)

                      • Entrance to Spirit House

                        Entrance to Spirit House

                      • Front entrance gong

                        Front entrance gong

                      • View from Sauna Hallway of Kitchen, Dining and Living Rooms

                        View from Sauna Hallway of Kitchen, Dining and Living Rooms

                      • One of the larger bedrooms

                        One of the larger bedrooms

                      • View from Master Bedroom private deck

                        View from Master Bedroom private deck

                      • Oak trees (great for weddings and hot days)

                        Oak trees (great for weddings and hot days)

                      • Inside of yurt (photo has been compressed, yurt is 30' in diameter)

                        Inside of yurt (photo has been compressed, yurt is 30' in diameter)

                      • Another sunset at Spirit House

                        Another sunset at Spirit House

                      • Summer Solstice Sunset from Hot Tub Deck

                        Summer Solstice Sunset from Hot Tub Deck

                      • Steps leading down to front entrance

                        Steps leading down to front entrance

                      • Spirit House Dining Room (tables have leaves to make them larger)

                        Spirit House Dining Room (tables have leaves to make them larger)

                      • Spirit House Den

                        Spirit House Den

                      • Looking from the entrance, up the main steps toward the gate

                        Looking from the entrance, up the main steps toward the gate

                      • The hot tub deck

                        The hot tub deck

                      • Entrance to Yurt

                        Entrance to Yurt

                      • View of Spirit House and the Hills Beyond -- Looking toward the Coast

                        View of Spirit House and the Hills Beyond -- Looking toward the Coast

                      Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #217147

                      There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                      This listing was first published here in 2008.
                      Date last modified - Saturday, January 05, 2013

                      5

                      6 Bedroom / 2.75 Bathroom
                      Sleeps 20


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                      Owner

                      (415) 488-1702 (California, USA)

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