Location: Occidental, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (60 Miles North of San Francisco)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: House
It is 2012 and in the past few years we have been forutnate to have terrific guests, many from various parts of the world. We wish to thank those who have shared their experience in our "Traveler Reviews" on this website. The comments encourage us to provide a setting which is beautiful, but incredibly labor intensive. I personally maintain the garden to keep the rental rate reasonable.
The house is situated in the Coastal Range of the Sonoma wine country, one of the finest growing areas for Pinot Noir in the world, and only three minutes from the quaint downtown of Occidental. The proximity of wineries ranges from 5 minutes to 30 minutes in the Upper Dry Creek area.
The contemporary-style house is situated on 2 private acres and offers complete seclusion with gated entry. For the garden enthusiast, the land features a saffron garden, vegetable gardens, a formal English rose garden with hundreds of roses along with private paths and walks. The property has been featured on several occasions in Sonoma wine country garden tours.
The custom-designed home been designed with extensive use of glass and gives the feeling of transparency from the outside. The entry has 4 foor to ceiling glass doors which open to the living room and separate dining room.
The house has three bedrooms. The master bedroom has views of the entire property with an adjoining tiled lanai. The second bedroom has views of the wilderness area featuring a floor to ceiling window. The third bedroom has a comfortable queen size sofa bed. It has access to a deck which overlooks the forest.
There are 2 full baths, fireplace, phone, satellite TV, DVD, and luxury linens and pool towels for your enjoyment while you visit. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, microwave, SubZero refrigerator w/icemaker, Fasar magnetic-conduction range top, and oven. An adjoining auxiliary kitchen has a new Viking 4 burner range with griddle. There is a walk-in temperature controlled wine cellar for the wine enthusiast. The BBQ is on one of the outdoor patio areas.
We invite you to enjoy the best of wine country living! A great place for the children to run and play...or a great spot for family and friends to run and hide! Don't miss this chance for a great getaway. Our home awaits you!
Come escape to the country with all the conveniences of home!
This is a no smoking facility, and due to the extensive wildlife on the property we regret that no pets are allowed.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May-Oct .. $450/night (two night minimum) .. $3000/week
All rates are quoted in US dollars.
$300 deposit required to secure reservation.
Refunds available if cancelled 30 days in advance.
We also request a $100 cleaning fee.
Sonoma Count Occupancy tax 9% not included
Credit cards accepted through PayPal
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1976
Thirty five years ago, I strolled down a tree-covered lane to inspect an old house squatting atop two acres of jungle. The house was a typical 1930's bungalow with small rooms and low ceilings. As someone who stands 6'-5" the low ceilings warned me away. A handful of ragged shrubs and spidery vines acompanied a couple of additional tumbledown structures sprinkled among the weeds. Naturally, I purchased it that day.
Listening closely to a designer friend, I created a plan to transform the bungalow into a modern home with a comtemporary design. To take advantage of the site's privacy, and provide the maximum amount of natural light, the house embraced the outdoors with exterior walls that contained as much glass as plaster. The glass ceiling and walls in the kitchen/breakfast nook allow you to read the morning paper by sunlight, feel as if you are lunching in the garden and at night the stars put on a show for free. For the serious cook, there is a second, commercial quality working kitchen rebuilt from the original.
The front of the house was redesigned with a two-story curvilinear wall that incorporate four commercial glass doors, purchased from a San Francisco branch of Wells Fargo Bank, into the grand fromal entry. The bedrooms have custom windows for added light. The master bedroom has a clerestory glass on two sides that open to a tiled lanai overlooking the entire property.
The landscape proved to be the greatest challenge. After the long process of clearing, cutting and prunning, a certain formality evolved that includes a formal rose garden with several hundred roses. The pool area has complete privacy and the surrounding greenery imparts a bucolic sense of tranquility, enveloping the property with an inpenetrable wall of serenity.
My wife, Veronique, added the final details with a variety of rare garden vegetables and heritage tomatoes. She has a saffron field on the property and supplies some of local restaurants.
Property Photos
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- House exterior - Occidental, CA Vacation Home in Wine Country; Pool; Wi-Fi
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- - Occidental, CA Vacation Home in Wine Country; Pool; Wi-Fi
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- View of pool - Occidental, CA Vacation Home in Wine Country; Pool; Wi-Fi
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- Living room
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- View from Master bedroom
Traveler Reviews (20)
Relax in Luxury
Guest: Linda
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11
Review Submitted: 10/24/11
My family returned this summer for another wonderful vacation at Dennis and Veronique's house in Occidental. The property is a work of art, and the house has every amenity. We spent our afternoons swimming in the pool and looking out at the lovely rose garden. Veronique and Dennis could not have been more hospitable, giving us advice on scenic hikes and restaurants in the nearby area, and treating us to their homemade gelato, homegrown vegetables, honey, and even saffron. We very much admire this property -- and its owners. We shall return again!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Gorgeous Paradise Retreat
Guest: J & J
(UK)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11
Review Submitted: 09/01/11
If you are looking for a peaceful haven of beauty and silence (except for the sounds of birdsong and rustling trees!), gorgeous gardens, including a splendid rose garden where you can sip your evening drink - then don't look anywhere else! There's complete privacy with a view of lush trees and forest from every room along with all the luxuries you would expect from a top class hotel! Dennis and Veronique have created a wonderful paradise and they demonstrate their generosity not only in the lovely comfortable rooms and bathrooms but with all the little extra touches such as gifts from their garden, their own delicious wine:). We explored the US for 4 weeks and this house and the beautiful countryside around it were the absolute highlight of our trip - thanks again Dennis and Veronique!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
A peaceful place for families and friends
Guest: Nat
(Montreal, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
I do agree with every other reviewers. It is such a quiet and peaceful place... If you are looking for a nice retreat near Bodega bay and some wineries, it's the place to be. The kitchens are so well equiped to make wonderful meals ! The best thing is that we felt so welcomed, thanks to Dennis who wanted, as much as I, to make the perfect trip for my family and friends. Thank you from all of us ! (Merci encore pour toutes ces jolies fleurs dans la maison !)
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Perfect hideaway amongst redwoods with amazing landscaping and gardens
Guest: BrbPrb
(NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
Amazing house and property which can not be done justice in words or photos. Stayed here with another couple and we all plan on returning for an anniversary stay. Owner welcomed us to the perfectly manicured gardens and was very informative about the features of the home. His generosity in sharing items from his gardens was an appreciated finishing touch. The location is ideal for those looking to enjoy the redwood parks, the pacific coast and/or sonoma county wineries. This property is a gem and we are very excited to return to it soon.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
An amazing home!
Guest: Thea
(Tucson AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11
Review Submitted: 07/20/11
My family and I recently stayed at this home and had the time of our lives! The home owners have truly thought of everything – you will never want to leave this house! The pool and gardens are absolutely stunning and when you’ve had enough of the sun the house will simply take your breath away. From the double kitchens, to the comfy furniture, sound system throughout the house….I could go on and on. Don’t even bother looking at other houses in the area – this is the place to be! Thank you again to Dennis for an absolutely amazing time!!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Restorative Retreat
Guest: Jes
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 07/08/11
My husband and toddler and I had an incredibly relaxing vacation at Dennis' home. He makes you feel welcome the second you arrive with homemade honey, saffron and a welcome letter. We had active days lounging by the pool, playing in the yard, riding bikes down the country lane and visiting the various wineries and farm stalls. Thanks for an amazing holiday!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Incomparable hospitality
Guest: Gini and Peter
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10
Review Submitted: 10/22/10
Dennis took care of us like friends or family from the initial contact. He set up massages following our cycling event and made sure that we had some of his wonderful cabernet produced on the property upon our arrival. I have stayed in many vacation rentals and I have not had a better experience with an owner. Bravo!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.
Fantastic gardens beautiful pool and a great villa too.
Guest: Hermes
(Warwickshire, United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 08/06/10
Review Submitted: 10/11/10
A wonderfully unique villa in beautiful grounds. We chose this villa for a few days rest and relaxation during a hectic tour of California in August 2010. We were not disappointed. The villa itself is well equipped (particularly the kitchen) and the fantastic walls of windows make it very light and bring the gardens inside. The gardens themselves are a delight to wander around and the pool a beautiful place to sit and wile away the afternoon. Thank you Dennis for your great hospitality, for the wine and for all the information you provided to help us in our sight seeing.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A beautiful oasis outside of the city
Guest: Heidi
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10
Review Submitted: 10/10/10
What a fabulous property! We enjoyed staying here while riding Levi's Gran Fondo in Santa Rosa. The stunning gardens were great for strolling or just sitting and listening to wild life. I loved watching so many varieties of birds come feed and your peacock strolling around the property. The greenhouse with your pet koi pond was beautiful. The home had plenty of outdoor seating for cocktails, chatting, or enjoying the beautiful weather. The house was very tastefully decorated with two complete kitchens. I hope to come back soon! I would recommend this rental to anyone who wants a beautiful home to get away in.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Fantastic family get away
Guest: Kerry H.
(El Cerrito)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10
Review Submitted: 10/06/10
This house is perfect for families. The interesting architecture, stunning grounds, gardens, and pool were everything we could want. The house is lovingly maintained and the owners go to every length to make the house welcoming and ready for your arrival (including fresh herbs and fresh cut flowers). The house has two kitchens and every possible kitchen ware which makes it perfect for entertaining and cooking for the family. We have rented several houses from VRBO and this house is an absolute jewel. We highly recommend it. .
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #235254
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