San Francisco Bay View Hilltop Home Near the Wine Country

• Better than a home away from home!

  Better than a home away from home!

  • Guest Restored 2
  • Date of stay 09/24/09
  • Review Submitted 11/08/09
  What can I say about this place! It was just as peaceful & charming as described. Victoria & Sonny (the owners) could not have been nicer, more genuine people. I did not want for anything. Although my purpose for being in the area was work-related my 4-week stay in Port Costa left me more relaxed & rested than I've been in a long time. The view from the sunroom (day & night) was incredible and with the aid of binoculars provided by the hosts I had fun watching the various ways people have fun on the water. I could've stayed here forever... I recommend this "home away from home" to anyone looking for a clean, well-maintained, perfectly located, beautiful spot to fall. By the way, the bed was the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept on!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: This guest really took advantage of the restorative energy of both house and all the views which we were so happy to hear about.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

• Secluded Historic Town

  Secluded Historic Town

  • Guest Astrid J.
  • Date of stay 04/08/13
  • Review Submitted 04/26/13
  We thoroughly enjoyed it, - spent many times on the porch watching over Carquinez Strait. The house has a view of the waters from both sides, front and back. Post Costa is a secluded, private community and at night has just enough porch lights to see the light sparkles around on the remote shores, very peaceful. In April, gardens were carrying the many scents of a California spring. We did guessing games about the cows, on which areas of the hills they would retreat for tonight and about the load of the ships leaving the harbor on the remote shore or waiting for clearance. This hilltop house is the perfect retreat after a busy day in the Bay Area. You will want to change your plans and stay right there for the rest of your vacation. The house itself has lots of interesting things to explore about times past, - books and photos about Port Costa and Californian history. Not to mention it has been a pleasure to know Victoria, the owner, who has been straightforward and punctual in all dealings, from reservation to supplying us with plenty of directions for road, travel and shopping. We hope to come again.

  Owner response: Thanks so much, not only for writing a great review, but for really observing and getting the most from the dear old place. I do hope you find your way back again in the not too distant future. I enjoyed meeting the entire family and having you as our guests.

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

• Relaxation and Peace!

  Relaxation and Peace!

  • Guest Marcia
  • Date of stay 04/04/13
  • Review Submitted 04/14/13
  Our stay was delightful. Victoria was wonderful to work with all through the rental and arrival process. We visited the area in light of our oldest daughter's high school graduation in South Dakota. We desired to take a trip before she headed off to college. The home was bright, well stocked for cooking, and the views are breathtaking. It was so great to return to peace after being in the city. Our favorite place in the house was overlooking the water and seeing all of the green pastures. Thank you for everything! We were able to rest and relax during our stay in Port Costa and make memories that will last a lifetime!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: I enjoyed meeting you and your family. I was really impressed by your kids who were not at all formal but I could tell had really good manners. So happy "The Last Resort" worked for you. Please come again one day! Victoria

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

• What a way to start your vacation!

  What a way to start your vacation!

  • Guest Hannah T.
  • Date of stay 09/16/12
  • Review Submitted 11/05/12
  What a great place. When you read such good reviews, you sometimes wonder whether a rental may be too good to be true. This house was fantastic. We stayed here for the first week of our vacation and what a relaxing week it was. The house is close enough to all amenities but enables you to really get away if that is your wish. The owners were so hospitable and the area is so beautiful it would be hard not to have an amazing time. Even though we had no reason to bother Victoria, it was lovely to know we only had to ask if we needed anything. Having lived in and visited California so many times before, I was excited to discover this new area. It provided a superb base for visiting friends in the area and trips back to Napa and San Francisco were so easy, as was heading east. Everything was as described but even still the place was such a nice surprise, I cannot speak highly enough about it. The highlight certainly had to be lazy afternoons in the garden over looking the gorgeous view! And there is even a real American porch! I really hope to visit again soon. Thank you Victoria for such a brilliant stay (and apologies for the delay in reviewing)!

  Owner response: We count ourselves lucky in the near 5 years of renting Port Costa house to have had nothing but the greatest guests. I really appreciate the time and thoughtfulness it took to write us such a glowing review. We pledge to keep our place just as it is, hoping you will return again one day

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

• Everything we needed and more!!

  Everything we needed and more!!

  • Guest Catherine S.
  • Date of stay 10/05/12
  • Review Submitted 10/14/12
  Where to start... From the moment we arrived we knew we had picked a great property and a great location to enjoy our final few days in America. Victoria was so welcoming upon our arrival and immediately put us at ease by telling us to relax and enjoy ourselves and to treat her home as if it was our own. And it really did feel like our own home for the few days we were there...it had everything!! And I do mean everything! The cupboards were stocked with all the cooking essentials including herbs, spices and olive oil and all the pots and pans and cooking utensils you would need. Victoria told us there were some fresh herbs growing in the garden and so we picked some of the basil to put in our pasta dish on the first night - the basil was tastier and more fragrant than any basil I've bought in the supermarket before. The house is so cosy and comfortable. The bed was more comfortable than mine at home!! The sun room was a lovely place to eat breakfast each morning with that gorgeous view! We used the fire at night too which gave the whole place an even cosier feel. On our last night we bought a nice bottle of wine and took it outside to the patio to enjoy while the sun went down. It was so beautiful and peaceful out there. The views all around are magnificent and Port Costa is so lovely and quiet. We could have stayed there for weeks! After 5 weeks of travelling round America we were looking for somewhere to relax and chill out for our last few days before heading home...well Victoria and her lovely home certainly allowed us to do just that. We didn't want to leave! And to top things off - on the morning of our departure Victoria popped in to say that we could stay for as long as we wanted as the housekeeper wasn't due until 3pm. Our flight wasn't until 7:30pm so we really appreciated the extra time she gave us to relax and pack and prepare for the long journey ahead. All in all, I would say this truly is a home away from home! It has everything you need for a wonderful stay and more! We loved our time here and were very sad to leave. Lovely owners, great property, beautiful views and amazing location! What more could you ask for?

  Owner response: Cant than you enough for your splendid review. We feel fortunate to have such extra fine people like you both finding their way here year after year. Hope you return one day soon!

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

• LOVED IT!!

  LOVED IT!!

  • Guest Nancy
  • Date of stay 09/07/12
  • Review Submitted 10/13/12
  Victoria and Sonny are great hosts and the house was wonderful. The view from the sun room is priceless and we didn't want to leave. The house has everything you need from a BBQ to wii fi. We had the best sleep ever in the most comfortable beds ever. Port Costa is a great little village with character. But the house is also easy access to SF and the whole bay area. We will be back for sure!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Most of our guests are from far away, either Europe, Scandanavia, or eastern or middle USA. It was very nice to host Northern Californians! So pleased you enjoyed yourselves & got a good rest. Ya'll come back soon!

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

• My family of 6 felt right at home!

  My family of 6 felt right at home!

  • Guest Tiffany M.
  • Date of stay 06/12/12
  • Review Submitted 07/09/12
  Amazing! I am so glad my family and I found this charming vacation home for our 7 day trip to visit family in San Francisco! From the minute we walked in to the minute we left, we had a wonderful stay! VIctoria and Sonny are wonderful hosts! My favorite things: *The wonderful breeze that flows through the house! So refreshing! *The views from the sunroom and deck are breathtaking! *The music that is provided for your listening pleasure just made the environment all the more relaxing. *Having all of the "extras" made my job as mom/wife/cook on vacation a little easier; pots, pans, can openers, beach towels, band-aids, etc. *The bed was so comfortable, just like home! We would recommend staying at "The Last Resort" to anybody! I wish it were closer to Atlanta so that my girlfriends and I could have a weekend retreat here. It was so peaceful and beautiful! Victoria, thank you so much for opening up your home to us! We will never forget our little time in Port Costa! The Hall Family

  Owner response: Thanks so much for the great review and sending your friends our way. I hope it wont be too long before you return again for another stay.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• If we could retire here, we'd be very, very happy

  If we could retire here, we'd be very, very happy

  • Guest Alan and Jenny W.
  • Date of stay 05/10/12
  • Review Submitted 06/22/12
  Everything to do with this accomodation is first class. Victoria and Sonny are two very genuine people. They are very helpful, when help is needed, but do not intrude in any way. The view from the sunroom is fantastic, taking in the surrounding hills, the bay, the railroad and the rest of the town from on high. The deck offers a chill out space, to enjoy the fabulous weather we enjoyed. The bed is the only one we've experienced on holiday to compare with our own - very comfortable. Port Costa is the ideal base for visiting the east and north of the bay area - a little investigation on the web will throw up lots of destinations for most interests. For Seniors, it's only four dollars return to S.F. on the Bart - great value with no parking hassles. A couple of tips, good idea to stop off at Trader Joes in Pinole for groceries on your way from SFO (J22 on US80) and for Brits, a cheap cellphone $20 with 60 mins airtime can be had from BestBuy (J21 on US80). We had a great holiday here and if we ever get back to Nth California, we would certainly want to come back here. P.S. If you're feeling adventurous, ther's an 18K tandem jump at Davis, nr Sacramento - not to be missed.

  Owner response: Lovely guests who we would be so happy to have back again at any time!

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

• Port Costa, charming as it can be, get away!

  Port Costa, charming as it can be, get away!

  • Guest Marilyn W.
  • Date of stay 04/07/12
  • Review Submitted 04/17/12
  My husband and I and sixteen year old daughter spent a week in this comfortable home. It had all the amenities needed to complete our stay. Comfortable beds, fully equipped kitchen and fresh vases of flowers to greet us. Victoria and Sonny were very gracious hosts, making sure the visit was as comfortable as possible during our time there. Port Costa has the most beautiful countryside, which we were able to take in just by sitting in the sun room of the house. Views of the water, hills with cattle, and eagles souring overhead. Many walking trails near the home to connect with nature. The home is located centrally for trips to San Francisco. Our family used the ferry to take the trip to the city, which did avoid a hassle with parking. Good location to drive to the wine country and many state parks on the coast and forest areas to see the gigantic trees. Would recommend getting groceries at Trader Joes before the trip to the house. Found it refreshing to stay in a town that doesn't have any of the box stores in it. Again, we recommend this house for a refreshing time away in a nostalgic setting! Sincerely, The Weiss family

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• Home from Home

  Home from Home

  • Guest Phil S.
  • Date of stay 08/17/11
  • Review Submitted 10/05/11
  We toured California with our family from England in August and stayed in a mix of hotels and holiday homes. We wanted a base where we could go into San Francisco, tour the wine valleys and dare I say it......visit Six Flags. This family home was in a superb location, a half hour drive to the wine valleys, 15 minutes to Six Flags and about 45 minutes to San Francisco. The bedrooms were cosy and the bedding was sumptious. The kitchen was well equipped and whilst we ate out every night there was a great little breakfast table in the kitchen which we used for breakfasts. The views from the summer room were great and you could easily watch the boats and trains go by with the binoculars provided. The lounge was cosy and there was plenty of channels to choose from on the TV. Overall a great location, great home and great hosts who did enough to ensure that we were comfortable and knew how everything worked and yet let us have our own privacy. Many Thanks for the warm welcome Victoria and Sonny!

  Owner response: Dear PS So happy your mid summer stay worked out for all members of your family. The kitchen really seems to work well even without fancy granite counter tops and designer back splashes. Most guests who stay less than two weeks end up doing as you did: in breakfast and then launching out daily to see all the sights. Since your stay we installed a great light fixture above the dining room table in the Sun room or summer room as you call it. Now guests will surely opt to dine there on occasion, since it has the great bay view, tho it is funny how families do enjoy gathering in the kitchen. Please think of Port Costa when you come our way again. Thanks for your stay and for your review Victoria and Sonny

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Additional information about rental rates

Homeawy mandates owners only show the quote for single occupant

Short Stay Rate Single $120 per night or Couple $140 per night

Three or four party- $65 per person per night

Six persons $50 per person per night

7 NIGHTS Rental (UP to 2 WEEKS )

$780 single $111 per night

$840 couple $60 ea person

$1400 4-6

Fees:

• Refundable Damage Deposit: $200
• Taxes Included

Cancellation policy:

Check-in date: after 3 pm. Check-out date: 11am PST HOUSE and PROPERTY RENTAL RULES AND REGULATIONS: 1. CHECK-IN TIME 3 PM, PST (later is OK if need be, but must notify owner in advance) CHECK-OUT by 11 AM, PST (negotiable) 2. This is a NON SMOKING property. 3. Pets not permitted in the house or yard at our HOMEAWAY property without prior agreement 4. We reserve the right not to rent to vacationing students or singles under 25 years of age unless accompanied by an adult guardian or parent. 5. DAMAGE deposit $200. May be paid by personal check, kept unchashed & returned 7 days withint a damage free check out. c. Recycling is mandatory in this county: discard only plastic, glass, aluminum and paper in the blue bin provided and garbage in the gray. If you like, you may put green waste in the compost jar on the sink for owners to bury. Otherwise all wet waste, wax coated milk cartons, paper towels & bottle caps are collected in the garbage can in the kitchen and deposited in the gray bin outside by the drive way More info on this in the house manual on the desk in the parlor Before check out place soiled dishes in and start the dishwasher cycle. d. No linens may be lost or damaged. Some glass and china breakage is expected & tolerated. e. Any charges accrued during the stay (HD PPV, VOD etc) must be paid prior to departure. f. Leave door key for the owner on the kitchen table and leave door locked (Page 1 of 3 ) HOUSE and PROPERTY RENTAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (continued 1. PAYMENT - An advance payment equal to 50% of the rental rate. If you cancel prior to 30 days before your reserved date the entire deposit is refundable. Deposit payments will be applied toward the house rent. Please make your payments with check, credit card or Paypal. Allow 90 days for checks on out of USA banks. BALANCE OF RENT due 30 days prior to check in unless another agreement is made in writing. 2. CANCELLATIONS - A thirty (30) day notice is required for cancellation for weekly reservations. Cancellations that are made more than thirty (30) days prior to the arrival date will incur no penalty. 100% of your deposit will be refunded. Cancellations or changes less than 30 days receive no refund. Notifications Early departure does not warrant a refund of rent or deposit. (Last minute bookings may be negotiated and terms worked out in writing if accepted by owner and renter) 3. Single MONTH or multiple month RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS – For 100 % refund of deposit single or multiple month renters must cancel sixty (60) days prior to check-in. Multiple month renters making a change that results in a significantly shortened stay must notify owner within sixty (60) days prior to check-in. 50% of deposit will be refunded in the case of notification within at least 30 days. 4. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY- The house maximum number of guests is limited to six (6) adult persons. A charge or $90.00 per person per night will be charged for any last minute overnight guests in addition those allowed: six (6) adults OR any persons in excess of the number reserved on this renters contract. 5. INCLUSIVE FEES - Rates include a linen and towel setup. Amenity fees are included in the rental. While linens and bath towels are included, (For multiple month rental: one mid stay housekeeper visit with linen and towel change optional, if requested. Daily maid service is not included in the rental rate. However, maid service may be available at an additional rate. We do not permit towels or linens out of the house. You may request staff to enter and empty trash and garbage-weekly unless otherwise indicated or scheduled by renter in advance with the owner. 6. RATE CHANGES - Rates subject to change without notice until deposit payment is received in full and cleared by owner’s bank. 7. FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS - will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit & rental money & no check in permitted. 8. WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS - Exceptions to all policies must be approved in writing 9 Parking is limited to one (1) vehicle. Vehicle is to be parked in the main designated center parking space. Parking on the road is not permitted. Any illegally parked cars are subject to towing; applicable fines/towing fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. One additional vehicle can be parked at one of the three parking spaces at the 135 Prospect Avenue Port Costa property for a negotiated fee per night. There is are permitted areas to park short term by the Port Costa School and in the Warehouse Café parking lot at the end of Canyon Lake Drive where other guests may park if visiting you during your stay. (Page 2 of 3) 10. LIAIBITY The property is privately owned; the owners are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs while on or after leaving the premises or its facilities. Guests should not walk outside without shoes or sandals. The decks are wood and shoes are to be worn outside. No refunds will be given for storms. Roads and drives may be curvy and steep. Drives are well maintained so no refunds due to road conditions. The home owner is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest. We are happy to mail you any items left behind if you will accept postage costs. By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that all guests are expressly assuming the risk of any harm to them arising from their use of the premises or others whom they invite to use the premise during their stay. You may pay your deposit by personal check if reserving at least 40 days prior to arrival. (Allow 60 – 90 days in advance if check is from a bank out side the United States) Calendar will not reflect your reservation until after the deposit has cleared the owners bank. Sign below to agree to all the terms and conditions of the rental rules and agreement on the previous 2 pages Name as it appears on the credit card__________________________________________ Credit card billing address: City____________________________State ___________¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬__________Country________ Postal Code___________¬¬¬____ Credit Card Type: Master or Visa - Card Number_________________________________ Three digit Security code ___________ Expiration date ____________ By signing below I grant permission to charge my credit card for the amount(s) specified in the agreement above. Signature_______________________________Date____________ Printed Name Email Address Phone number (Page 3 of 3)

100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.