Gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances fit for a five-star chef
Location: Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (Located about an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge.) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: House, Views, Private, Accommodating, Comfortable, Contemporary, New, Waterfront, Harbor, Ocean, Birds, Nature, Luxury, Hot Tub
From the entrance of this lovely, beachfront home you'll marvel at the stunning views of Bodega Harbor, and the vast Pacific beyond. The Birdwatch sits perched above the water - a vantage point from which you'll enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of shore birds feeding happily along the tide line below. From your private outdoor spa you'll be lulled by the distant roar of ocean waves as they crash onto the giant rocks off Bodega Head. The house is newly constructed of marble, granite, wood and glass, and comes equipped with wi-fi, propane fireplaces, and spectacular vistas beckoning from both richly-appointed bedrooms, a living room made to live in, and the marquee attraction - an incredible gourmet kitchen that'll make your time spent hanging around the house seem well-spent. Lounge on the deck if you like, or take the stairs down to the beach and breathe deep that bracing ocean air. We guarantee you will have an unforgettable Northern California adventure at the Birdwatch.
From the moment you step through the ornately designed gateway, with its frosted glass accents, and then pass by the hot tub grotto, sheltered by the fragrant branches of ancient cypress trees, you know you’ve arrived someplace special. Open the front door and your pulse quickens as the senses are overwhelmed. Vast expanses of glass reveal a timeless panorama of water … the Bay, and beyond, the Pacific. You’re aware of flocks of birds, swirling in the trees above you, clustering in the tidal shallows below you.
Head indoors to the roomy kitchen … all gleaming metal and buffed stone, with its massive marble island, bar stools, and a cozy, built-in window dining area looking out over the water. You realize those gourmet food fantasies may not have to take a backseat to all the outdoor attractions on this vacation.
A charming queen size bedroom shares this upper level of the house, with its own view of the Harbor. A beautiful bathroom adjoins, where a regal abalone-and-iridescent tile encrusted limestone tub awaits. Descending from the kitchen is a marble staircase that leads to the master bedroom level, with its king size bed and equally arresting water views. Serving the master bedroom area is a large bathtub, with a seamless glass shower set against a private window.
From the master bathroom tub you’ll marvel at a view of the water, this side of the Bay is a sanctuary for the many types of shorebirds and rare migratory species. Relax on the deck, and you’ll be protected from the wind as you enjoy another magnificent sunset with your Sonoma pinot. Take the stairs down to the tidal flats, to the water, stick your toes in the wet sand and enjoy the bracing smell of the world’s edge.
If you do choose to hit the trail for adventure ... the Bodega Bay Surf Shack rents bikes, kayaks, surfboards, wetsuits and windsurfers. Cruise on a bike along the beach or out to Bodega Head. Surfing lessons with experienced instructors are available, and Bodega Bay Pro Dive has a full service dive center, including air fills, scuba lessons and equipment sales. We highly recommend Bodega Bay Kayak Tours. There are tours of Salmon Creek, Willow Creek and the Russian River. Kayak guide Bob Miller has been sharing his love of the coast for over 20 years. He even has a Wine Country Kayak Tour that includes a picnic lunch with great views of the Bodega Bay coastline, complemented by a good bottle of Sonoma County wine. There are tours of Bodega Bay by sailboat, with sights of sea lions and, if you're lucky, whales, depending on the time of year. Modern fiberglass vessels can take you sport fishing from Porto Bodega Marina. There are miles and miles of stunning beaches - secluded and empty - for long beach walks, or whatever you like.
There's a good chance that you'll want to venture out to sample the local gustatory wonders. For starters, just across the road you'll find Ruby's Porthole for morning lattes, or a classic burger at the Hot Dog House, or fine cuisine just down the street at Lucas Wharf Restaurant. Roam a little further and find world class wine tasting at the nearby Gourmet Au Bay wine tasting room, or just take a scenic drive through the countryside where you'll find many world renowned wineries. They're all fun to visit. Other great places to eat locally are The Duck Club (five star rating), The Boat House, Underwood, Howard's Station, Tony's Seafood Restaurant, The Union Hotel, and Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery. Other day trips should include stops at Wild Flour Bakery and Willow Wood Cafe. High end dining can be found at John Ash & Co. and Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar, to name a couple. We have an extensive guide to local eateries in our self-published guide book that resides comfortably at The Birdwatch. (It even has maps.)
If you want to explore the natural wonders, there are great parks and nature reserves. Sonoma County Regional Parks recently constructed a bird walk trail. The trail begins at the front door of Birdwatch and passes through a revitalized salt water marsh, which is home to thousands of migratory and native birds throughout the year. A bridge connects Doran and Bird Walk Coastal Parks so that you can walk along Canadian Geese nesting sites, and over an estuary filled with Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays, to reach crashing ocean waves along a sandy beach that stretches four miles. (The paved trail is moderately accessible for the disabled.) If you're looking for a garden to meditate in, combined with specialty massages, or maybe an enzyme bath, then try Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory located on Bodega Head gives weekly tours to the public, and Chancellor Stables has guided horseback riding on the beach. To learn how a community can become ecologically, economically and culturally sustainable in today's world, visit The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed : pull out twin sofa
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library : DVD - "The Birds" Alfred Hitchcock filmed this in Bodega and Bodega Bay
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Beachfront
- Beach View : On Bodega Harbor beach-- small pebbles
- Ocean View : Ocean view is on the horizon of Doran Beach Park and Bodega Head
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details
- Water View : Surrounded by water views of Bodega Harbor
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Sonoma County Regional Parks recently constructed a bird walk trail. The trail begins at Bird Watch's house front door and passes through a revitalized salt water marsh which is home to thousands of migratory and native birds throughout the year. A bridge was built to connect Doran and Birdwalk Coastal Parks so that from the house you can walk along Canadian Geese nesting sites and over an estuary filled with Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays to reach crashing ocean waves along a sandy beach that stretches for 4 miles. A paved trail is moderately accessible for the disabled. If you're looking for a garden to meditate in, combined with specialty massages and enzyme bath then try Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. To learn how a community can become ecologically, economically and culturally sustainable in today's world visit The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. The Center's bio-intensive organic gardens and orchards are an inspiration!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children : Toddlers are not a good idea because of interior stone stairway, propane heating stoves, hot tub and direct access to the water out back and the road out front
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Check the rental agreement
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- We highly recommend Bodega Bay Kayak Tours with Bob Miller as your host- (707)875-9220 and Check out Harbor View Gifts at 935 Hwy One in Bodega Bay for the best gifts+taffy!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
($275 week nights Sun-Thu)($350 weekend nights Fri+Sat)(2 night minimum stay)
($1750/week)($6000/month)
(9% Sonoma County bed tax)+($125.00 cleaning fee)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Bird Watch @ Land's End -Water Views to Horizon
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Bodega Bay
After living in this area for many years, it's no wonder that we chose to invest in a place that is so special to us in so many ways. We know every little cove/point/headland of that coast. We know all the wineries and restaurants and parks. Without that kind of background, we would never attempt this.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Bodega Bay, Ocean, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Surfing, Wine Tasting, Windsurfing, Sailing, Whale Watching, Kite Boarding, Clam Digging, Redwoods, Golf, Horseback Riding, Sportfishing, Trout Farm, Fisherman's Festival, Wine Festivals, Art Galleries, Gift Shops, Abalone Diving Gourmet Restaurants, Native American History, Diving, Scuba, Bodega Marine Laboratory, Crab Fishing, Charter Boats, Biking, Beachcombing, Museums, Massage, Spa, Hot Springs, Coastal Trails, Antiquing, Marina, Skunk Train, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, Dairy and Sheep Ranches, Pt. Reyes and Pt. Arena Lighthouses, Russian River, Estero Americano
Owner's Map of Bodega Bay
Birdwatch house took us 10 years of searching to find. We have an excellent real estate agent, who knew that the moment he saw the house it was perfect for our family. There were 12 offers in competition and ours was chosen! We would spend every free moment at Bodega Bay while our two children were growing up. It is a place where a family can spend quality time together making the most wonderful memories. For that reason, there is no value that can be placed on the property. We will never sell it and hope to give it to our children to enjoy forever. Because it is such a tranquil sanctuary and a place of the most incredible views we decided to rebuild the house entirely with the finest finishes. Natural wood, glass and stone make up the house. From our front door we can walk for miles, often without seeing a soul, along a nature preserve, over creeks and along the open sandy sea with waves crashing. We love to surf, windsurf, kitesurf, stand up surf, kayak and sail as a family. We are fortunate that our home provides all those wonderful activities for us.
Property Photos
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- Gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances fit for a five-star chef - Bodega Bay Beachfront Vacation House in Wine Country, California with a Private Hot Tub
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- Watch the non-stop action from the living room - Bodega Bay Beachfront Vacation House in Wine Country, California with a Private Hot Tub
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- The Birdwatch, viewed from the beach below. - Bodega Bay Beachfront Vacation House in Wine Country, California with a Private Hot Tub
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- Water views from the hot tub - notice the shorebirds feeding along the tideline
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- This kitchen's a perfect gathering place for family and friends.
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- If you like sunsets, you'll like the Birdwatch.
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- Watch windsurfers and kitesurfers ripping across the bay from the living room
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- Cozy bedrooms with big views of the water
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- Private master bath looks out at the water and birds feeding along the tide line
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- Goat Rock is a nearby beauty to behold!
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- Nearby view along the coast - don't get too close to the edge
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- Local surfing scene up and down the coast - bring your wetsuit (or camera)
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- If you like watching birds, you've come to the right place
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- Deck view; tide ebbs and floods twice a day - shorebirds follow
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- The things you'll see when you walk the coastline
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- "Rustic" local harbor scenery
Traveler Reviews (41)
A sanctuary.
Guest: H. Lee
(San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09
Review Submitted: 01/12/10
The Bird Watch was a gift to myself and it was worth it, absolutely. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a month there, and it was perfection. As soon as you walk into the house, you can’t help but take a deep breath and feel the quiet, the calm, and see the breathtaking view of the harbor. The home is clean, comfortable, and tastefully done in every sense, including the way the windows were designed/placed to frame certain views (like a tree branch) and the whimsical details from the tile inserts to the colored glass in the fence. The bedding is heaven on earth and you can’t help but sink into blissful slumber each night. And the views…from the moment you open your eyes, the views are something to behold, as are the birds. Depending on when you catch the tide going out, the birds are there; sometimes right in front of the house, and sometimes farther into the harbor. (There was one particular snowy egret that I’m convinced came every morning to say hello.) On one sunny but rather windy day, para- and windsurfers, kayakers, and kites seemed to be everywhere. Crab season runs from Nov. to May, so there was crab right off the boats. The nearest wharf is a 5-min. walk, or you can go to the marina on the northside of the harbor, a 10-min. drive; totally yum. Cooking at Bird Watch was a joy with a fully stocked kitchen for any gourmet chef or wannabe. Oh, and the wine – Bodega Bay is in Sonoma County! Enough said. Annie was wonderful to communicate with, not only for the transaction but for recommendations and local info. I spent countless hours walking the trails (Doran Beach and oceanside, an ideal whale watch point), reading, listening to and playing music, and communing with all that was around me. Bird Watch was the perfect sanctuary for a much-needed time of rejuvenation and I look forward to getting back there for another extended stay. 5 stars all the way!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Best House Ever
Guest: chris m.
(Maui)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10
Review Submitted: 01/26/12
I'll keep coming back to this house every year. You won't find a nicer, cozier house that is right on the water. The birds out front give it a special effect. The kitchen is first class.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Birdwatch get-away
Guest: kim t.
(forestville, ca.)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 10/22/11
Had the perfect birthday get-away at the Bodega Bay Birdwatch. Beautiful house which was sparking clean!! Well equipped kitchen. Spectacular view of the Bay. We were blessed with wonderful Fall weather and had an amazing sunset to finish out complimentary bottle of wine to. We had a warm and cozy stay. Rested well...very comfortable beds!! Walked to Doran beach in the A.M. then back to the house for a peaceful breakfast with the water fowl on the expansive deck. Highly recommend this property!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Bird Watch at Bodega Bay
Guest: Marc R.
Date of Stay: 10/03/11
Review Submitted: 10/16/11
Very nice house, well furnished, very clean, offering a beautifull view on the bay and the ocean. In the morning we liked watching the several sorts of birds on the bay. The area also is very nice, Bodega, the north shore and the various good restaurants participated to make our trip a real success. We will suggest the Bird Watch to our friends.
Recommended for:
Empty nesters first get away
Guest: Newly Emptynesters
(CT)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11
Review Submitted: 10/16/11
Our stay was nothing short of magical! Everything we needed or wanted was at our finger tips. The home was everything it claimed to be and more. The property was clean and wonderfully maintained. Everything was so perfectly organized with all the materials you could ever need to get to know the area and the sites to see. The area offered endless activities and attractions with wonderful restaurants nearby. The home provided everything we needed for those times we chose to grill fresh fish and relax. We couldn't have been more comfortable or felt more like home. We enjoyed mornings sitting on the deck, having breakfast and viewing nature at its best! The nearby state park quickly became our regular hiking and running destination. Views of the bay and ocean were fabulous. We would recommend this home to anyone and everyone!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Beautiful Honeymoon Retreat
Guest: The Newlyweds
(Forestville, California)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 10/12/11
We stayed at the Bird-watch for our honeymoon. This was the most relaxing place to stay after the wedding. It was perfect. We saw breathe taking sunsets each night. We watched one sunset in the hot tub. The bathrooms were super modern and clean. Each bedroom had a panoramic view of the bay. The master bedroom had a gorgeous natural gas fire place. It, also, had a private deck with beach access. The design of the house is elegant and chic. We cooked fresh crab and oysters in the top-notch kitchen.The appliances are unbelievable. It is a dream kitchen. We dined at local restaurants such as The Tides and The Wharf. The local coffee shop is a minute walk away from the Bird-watch. We walked on the Bird-watch trail to Doran beach. It was so nice. We had the best experience at the Bird-watch and look forward to coming back in the future.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
Guest: AMANDA P.
(Forestville, CA, US)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
When you wake up in the morning, whether it be sunny or not, you get an amazing view of the bay. With it's sleek modern charm and cozy home feeling you may won't even want to leave. This is the elegant type of place that I feel that everyone should experience especially since you can do so with out breaking the budget. I would give this place a 5/5 stars without hesitation.
Recommended for:
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
Guest: AMANDA P.
(Forestville, CA, US)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
When you wake up in the morning, whether it be sunny or not, you get an amazing view of the bay. With it's sleek modern charm and cozy home feeling you may won't even want to leave. This is the elegant type of place that I feel that everyone should experience especially since you can do so with out breaking the budget. I would give this place a 5/5 stars without hesitation.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #246511
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