Vacation Rentals by Owner

So Perfect!

Guest: Bob L. (Syria, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/10/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

As I told Annie the morning we left, I had absolutely nothing to fuss about. Annie was wonderful, the house was wonderful and our stay was everything we hoped for. Really, the pictures don't do justice to the elegance of Birdwatch or the amazing experience of sitting on Bodega Harbor and watching the flow and ebb of nature!

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Fabulous stay at Bodega Bay Birdwatch

Guest: Nancy L. (Sebastopol, Ca. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/19/12

If you want to experience Bodega Bay up close and personal - you couldn't do it in a more luxurious way. The house is immaculate, and has everything you need for luxury and comfort. It has the feel of being on a yacht, as the wall of windows is right on the water. The decks on both levels stretch the width of the house. It is every bit as beautiful as the photos. The house is new, and is decorated in a modern, comfy style with serene blue walls, marble floors, & sparkly little abalone inlays in the ivory tile bathrooms. As I slid into the luxurious sheets, I knew I was in for the best nights' sleep ever. The street is dead quiet at night. We wanted to cook a special birthday meal, which was a dream in that kitchen, with its Wolf stove, gigantic refrigerator, two sinks, and very high-end kitchenware - would you believe SHARP knives in a vacation rental? The kitchen is stocked with spices, teas and cooking oil, and a few more staples in the cupboard. We took the 10-minute walk from the house over to Doran Beach, and hung out there for a few hours in shorts & t shirts. We saw a whale spout right next to one of the Tall Ships that was out in the bay that weekend. Early in the morning you can gaze as a line of fishing boats motors out of the harbor for the day's fishing. It's a great area for outdoor activites from surfing to windsurfing to hiking to fishing to golf... Northern California at its best. We were delighted with the sight of an Osprey which flew eye-level right past the house with a giant fish in its talons - it then turned around and flew by again. I have been recommending Birdwatch to everyone I know.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Birthday Getaway

Guest: Dave L.
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

For my 60th birthday, my wife surprised me by arranging for a weekend getaway at the Bird Watch. It was an incredible weekend at an incredible place. From the gourmet kitchen, beautiful views, luxurious bed, and a spa overlooking the harbor, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I highly recommend this place!

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Awesome

Guest: CAROL F.
Date of Stay: 03/28/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

It was my husband's 40th Birthday and I wanted to do something special for him. We live in Hawaii and love the outdoors as well as wine. The Bird Watch could not have been more perfectly situated. The mornings were a joy just to lounge around and walk/exercise along the ocean. For the afternoons it was a quick hop over to one of the little eateries that were recommended or touring wine country. The Bird Watch was so well appointed we lacked nothing except more time! After a grueling day of walking along the beach, driving through wine country and fabulous dinners, coming back to the Bird Watch was the highlight. We will definitely plan more trips back there!

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The Trip of A Lifetime

Guest: LInda D. (Petaluma, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

I can't say enough about our wonderful stay at Bird Watch; it's a vacation I'll never forget. Everything was first class, from the fancy gourmet kitchen (a chef's dream) to the lovely master bedroom/bath to the picture windows with a view to lots of mood lighting. This home is perfect for a relaxing and/or romantic vacation for adults. It's very quiet and peaceful, and it has everything: an espresso maker, candles, lots of linens, good mattresses, an iPod, fancy appliances, books, every possible kitchen implement...all you'll need to bring is food- and don't forget your running shoes.

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Bird Watch House

Guest: Jeremy B.
Date of Stay: 03/12/12 Review Submitted: 04/29/12

The house is beautiful. It was rainy most of the time we were there, but that gave us more time to enjoy the great kitchen, and the views are spectacular no matter the weather. It's a bit of a drive to get out to it, but definitely worth the trip. The house was clean and very well maintained. Good restaurants and places to walk around close by. I would recommend the Bird Watch house to anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

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A perfect retreat

Guest: Christine H.
Date of Stay: 02/22/12 Review Submitted: 03/13/12

My sister and brother-in-law were visiting from England. My husband and I had talked for years about returning to Bodega Bay and our visitors were keen to see the coast north of San Francisco, visit Point Reyes, eat oysters and crab, visit wineries - and watch birds! Finding Bird Watch @ Land's End was serendipity and it couldn't have worked out better. The house is ideal for four adults, the kitchen is a dream for those who cook (we did!), the house had a good vibe, it was welcoming, comfortable, quiet, well-located for walking to the beach, short drives to Tamales Bay, Point Reyes, Bodega Head, Jenner and just plain sitting on the deck soaking up the sunshine and watching all the birds. We all plan to go back and we have already recommended it to friends. The only thing we didn't like was having to leave! Thank you ,Annie and Chris, for sharing such a superb spot.

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Calgary

Guest: Dan (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

Beautiful home, great location; we really enjoyed our stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Birdwatch get-away

Guest: kim t. (forestville, ca.)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/21/11

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Guest: AMANDA P. (Forestville, CA, US)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Birdwatch Honeymoon

Guest: Jason O. (Rohnert Park)
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 10/02/11

My wife and I got married at the Oakmont Golf Course in Santa Rosa. We were heading for Las Vegas the following week. We were looking for a place to relax and spend some time together after all of stress that comes along with a weddding. We picked the perfect spot. When we arrived at the Birdwatch it was at night so we didnt do much poking around the first night. Much to my suprise the inside was very nice, clean and romantic. After walking in and seeing this AMAZING kitchen, I knew the next night I would be making a nice dinner for the two of us. The following day we woke up to an amazing view. Every room has the beautiful windows that look out into the sea. I was actually quite amazed when we woke up. Felt like we were on a high end cruise ship. We LOVED staying here. It was very nice, very clean, the hot tub was in great shape and felt great, very quiet. I could see this being a nice getaway for any age couple or even families as there is 2 bedrooms and plenty of space. 5 out of 5 for my wife and I!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Birdwatch is the BEST!

Guest: loubou (Spring, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/27/11

The only complaint I have is that we couldn't stay longer. This place is amazingly clean, well supplied and located in a beautiful area. It was a great place to stay away from the big city yet close to many wineries. The owners answer all emails promptly and are very accomodating. The photos of this home don't do it justice. It is a haven of relaxation where you can unwind, birdwatch or watch the wind surfers right outside your living room or bedroom windows. Be sure and try the clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Company. It is to die for! There is a DVD of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" which is in the house and a must watch even if you've seen it before. We recognized all the places in the movie since it was filmed in Bodega Bay. Also, the drive to Willow Wood Cafe is well worth it. Its up in Grason which is only a 20-30 minute drive. Their breakfasts and lunches are amazing! Be sure and bring a jacket or windbreaker with you because even in July it got down in the 40's at night. Coming from the heat of Texas we didn't bring enough warm clothes and we were cold. Had no idea being on the Pacific coast would affect temperatures like that. You can't go wrong with staying here - well worth the price.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely perfect in every way

Guest: Anne H. (Bethesda MD)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

I could go on for pages about this place. The home itself is totally charming while at the same time modern and beautifully maintained. There is a gourmet kitchen which is incredibly well equipped. Fabulous views, convenient to everything in Bodega Bay and nearby wine country and Pacific ocean. We loved staying here and truly can't wait to come back.

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

Our 5 days in Birdwatch, Bodega Bay

Guest: Sharil (Apollo Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

I can not possibly write the words to do this home justice. It is perfect, in every way. It was everything we wanted and didn't know we needed...perfect. We have stayed in homes all over the world. From Japan, to Ireland. I will never regret or fail to remember every single moment we spent in this home. It was just what we needed for our anniversary. As busy business owners of each our own business, we needed to get away from everything just for a while. It felt like a whole new lease on life, one I wish we could have continued forever. If there is a better get-a-way out there, I couldn't imagine it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Janice & Larry

Guest: Janice (Fallbrook,CA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

This is our last night and I don't want to leave! We've had such a nice time. The house is excellent! I've never slept better! A beautiful setting inside and out!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ouststanding property

Guest: Nick (Northern Ca)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/28/11

Best-equipped house rental we have ever experienced. Tempted to rate it as "terrible and rat-infested" just so none of you rent it when we want it.... Truthfully, a fantastic house in the perfect location. The kitchen was perfect and had everything we needed. Furnishings were excellent, position on Bodega Bay could not be better. Afternoons on the deck with crab and wine were the perfect recipe. We will be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a beautiful home.

Guest: M & T from reno (Reno Nv)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

My husband and I came for our 30th anniversary and couldn't have found a more perfect place than this. It is clean and well maintained. It is very conveniently located. Our kids gave a a gift certificate for Lucas Wharf and it was just up the road. We went for walks to the beach right from the house. Thanks Chris and Annie for sharing your beautiful home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful House, Perfect Location

Guest: Cosmikgoo (Grande Prairie, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We absolutely loved the Bird Watch Vacation Home in Bodega Bay. Annie and Chris were so great and answered any questions we had. The house was just as beautiful as the pictures indicated and the web site described. Very clean and maintained home, with so many little details. So many windows that you felt outside even when you weren't. Very quiet area and lots to do and see. Great places to eat...I would recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation on the ocean!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Bird Watch Wonderful!

Guest: Jo (Walnut Creek)
Date of Stay: 02/27/11 Review Submitted: 03/13/11

We had a wonderful time at the Bird Watch. The home had an incredible oceanfront view, was shinny clean with all the comforts of home, more than anyone could want in a get away. We enjoyed the beautiful vineyards and surrounding areas on a day long escape from the worries of work and family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Exactly what we needed...

Guest: WeekendTraveler (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

My boyfriend and I headed to Bodega Bay to celebrate his birthday and have a romanitc, relaxing get-away. Bird Watch delivered. The house is exactly as advertised, beautiful and wonderfully detailed. Kitchen is spectacular and the beds are more comfortable than the ones we have at home! When making the initial inquiry, Annie got back to me right away. Once the reservation was complete, she sent along a detailed email that gave us information on the house and the immediate area. What a great touch. We spent our time cooking in the kitchen, reading on the couch and just relaxing - didn't turn on the tv once. On Saturday, we headed up the coast and along the scenic Kortum Trail, running up to Jenner and back (about 9 miles). It was spectacular. We also went to Lucas Wharf for dinner that night where the lobster was pretty good. One thing I was surprised to find was that the beautiful tree that hangs over the deck has been cut down (the one over the spa is still there). It did take away from the initial secluded feel of the house that I got from the pictures online, but the views were spectacular and made up for it. All-in-all, a fabulous place to spend your time away from it all. We are already thinking about which friends we like enough to bring the next time we come. :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A slice of Heaven!

Guest: Rick (Maui)
Date of Stay: 02/03/11 Review Submitted: 02/18/11

The setting of Birdwatch was spectacular! Nearly overhanging the ocean below with countless flocks of feathery friends cruising about in the serene waters, the views are beautiful...The house is AWESOME with the kind of kitchen I'd love to own someday when I grow up! :) I wanted to cook in the kitchen but we enjoyed some local eateries instead! The bed was SO comfortable we climbed into it early in the evening (after enjoying some local wine in the hot-tub and slept like babies.. We also enjoyed the proximity to the beach for a nice stroll, and it was an easy drive from wine country and to the bay area when we left. Annie and Chris have done an excellent job providing information about the area by even printing a book that's on site! you guys Rock! W hen can I move in??? LOVED it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Bodega Birdwatch is Beautiful

Guest: Bro (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

Birdwatch is wonderful! Perfect for a couple (or two) to enjoy a splendid Ocean View of surf, stars, flocks of water fowl with a beautiful panoramic expanse. And that is just from the deck! While we soaked in the hot tub, an owl swooped low and took a branch to blink at us. At the bottom of the stairs, a very large deer tip toed past. We were thrilled to get very close to a tall blue heron as well. Of course there are many coastal activities to go out and enjoy, and we opted to select our own oysters from Tomales Bay and Hogg Island Oyster Farms, for a BBQ back at Birdwatch. Everything we needed was found in the kitchen...even a shucking knife. For us, it was a very nice getaway that made us slow down, relax, breath deep and appreciate a lovely weekend at The Birdwatch.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Slice of Heaven

Guest: Annie (Austin)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/12/10

Birdwatch became our home away from home!! It was the perfect place to unwind and seek out new adventures. We walked the beaches and the trail at Bodega head for whale watching. We identified at least a dozen new birds and were awed by the wind and kite surfers most afternoons skimmming across the bay just in front of us. The house was spotless and well equipped. And the Birdwatch book, Annie provided, guided us to wonderful small vinyards for wine tastings and the best bakery on the planet. It was a perfect two weeks!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

It was heaven!

Guest: Loves the coast (Bellevue, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/13/10

The Bird Watch House was everything in the description and more. The owners spared no expense in remodeling. The gourmet kitchen was to die for. It has a commercial sized stove. All the appliances were top of the line stainless steel. There wasn't a room in the house without a view of the bay. The interior lightening added even more ambiance. We found it to be very clean and very well maintained. The beds were comfortable. The master bedroom suite was very roomy and cozy with a gas stove with glass door for heat. There was also one upstairs. The bathrooms were absolutely incredible. When the tide was in you could literally walk down the stairs to the water. The location was perfect for us. The decks were incredible and nicely furnished and very private. I love to walk so I walked everywhere including to Lucas Wharf and The Tides restaurant to buy fresh delicious crab to take back to Bird Watch twice. It was a short walk to Doran beach from Bird Watch. I also enjoyed the beachy wine tasting Gourmet au Bay right on the water where I spent a very enjoyable afternoon. The owners of Bird Watch certainly aim to please. They had a brand new gas bbq delivered to the house during our stay. We hated to leave. I would highly recommend it. Kudos to the owners for their taste in decorating too!! We can't wait to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

SERENITY

Guest: Lorie and Andrew (Elk Grove, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/28/10

We loved staying at your home right on Bodega Bay the house is beautiful. Your home was one of the first places that we have stayed that was not ravaged by the ocean elements or in need of serious updating and repair. Every detail of the home made for one of our most rejuvenating and relaxing vacations on the coast to date. Thank you for all of your wonderful recommendations for places to eat, wineries to visit and things to do, they added to our enjoyment of our stay. I loved reading the article on the wall about your windsurfing experiences, as well, it convinced me that I must take up the sport. We look forward to returning.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

AMAZING!!

Guest: Windstorm (PA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 05/13/10

I couldn't wait to write this. I am sitting in the living room of Bird Watch , the sun sparkling on the water as the last of the kite surfers heads in the the day. There's not one thing I could find to mention that wasn't perfect. We've walked the trail thru the marsh to Doran beach finding ourselves the only people on the beach all morning. Drank our winery finds on the deck eating cheese and great bread. Snuggled under the down comforter listening the the harbor lap under our deck as we fell asleep and woke to the sound and site of birds, birds , birds! Wait..did I mention sitting in the hot tub like we were a million miles away from the rest of the world? We are already planning our return... and we hate to do the same vacation twice. Thanks to Annie and Chris for their hospitality and ease to work with. Bye Bird Watch...we hate to leave tomorrow.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

The best of times!

Guest: bldaktn (Piedmont, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/27/10

From Annie's prompt answers to our inquiry, to her interest in providing the best possible experience for her renters, my husband and I found the Bird Watch cottage a unique and wonderful place to get away from it all. The house is extremely well built, well maintained, comfortably furnished and has a spectacular view of the bay, with myriad birds and total quiet and peace. Many of the great decisions the owners made in appointing the house were evident, from the hot stove-like, thermostat-controlled propane heating system, which cleanly and comfortably kept the rooms toasty while providing a romantic atmosphere, to the gourmet kitchen with top-notch equipment. The question "what can we do to make your stay more pleasant" is asked seriously here--evidenced by the fact that, for her guests, Annie even purchased a little espresso machine. Of all the places we've ever stayed, I'd put this place at the top of my list. The only negative in our whole stay was having to leave, and come back to the city and go to work. I could have stayed for much longer!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/26/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/10

What a beautiful spot! This home is lovely, comfortable, convenient to wine country, redwood country, SFO, ocean--it couldn't be better. The kitchen is amazing--no need to eat out--fresh fish is abundant--we had a wonderful time! Can't recommend it highly enough! Five stars!

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Bogega Bay Bird Watch

Guest: kim t. (forestville, ca.)
Date of Stay: 01/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

Enjoyed a lovely January week-end at the Bodega Bay Bird Watch. This place had a spectacular view of Bodega Bay! The house was exceptionally clean and with ample amenities. You could tell the owners put a lot of thought and care into making sure that guests are comfortable here. Thoroughly enjoyed our time!!

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

Guest: rosem (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

First, I rarely write in evaluations for places we have stayed. However, this one deserves my time. I have been disappointed by some HomeAway/VRBO rental owners in terms of what they advertise and what is actually the case once I arrive at the rental property. Because of this, I thought it necessary to request my own contract to the owners as they do the renters. I asked Chris and Anne to verify by email that everything was as it was presented in their VRBO listing. I made it easy for them, (I thought), by listing those amenities listed from their add in my email. I asked them to respond in the affirmative which would indicate that all was in place. I also stated, that if something wa missing or out of order, then a 25.00 discount for each item missing or malfunctioning would be discounted from the agreed contract amount. This is the only protection renters have, in my opinion. Upon receiving this email, Anne and Chris were quite defensive, and I think, insulted. I did not expect this response. HOWEVER, after staying at their Bodega Bay home, I realized why they would take offense to my contract. Their home is impeccable. EVERYTHING is how it is advertised in VRBO. The place was AMAZING!!! Every detail was attended to, and the cleanliness was unsurpassed. We felt very at home. No wonder they were upset with my trying to insure the rental was as advertised...IT WAAS BETTER! This rental is worth every penny! ENJOY!!

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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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sunsets not to be missed!

Guest: maria rojas (aspen)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/16/09

Perfectly clean, nicely decorated with fantastic bay views and ideal location. We had a great stay- thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Incredible Sunsets and Accomodation

Guest: lee m. (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/16/09

Three of us recently booked this house in late November 2009. Though its known for the excellent bird watching we spent most of time kayaking on the bay, hiking on the coast, and admiring the sunsets. The wind picked up nicely for one day and there were a few kitesurfers and windsurfers out in the bay. This was the only house nearby on bodega bay. The isolation was very pleasant and there were a few shops and restaurants within a three min walk. The house was very spacious and is perfect for a family or two couples. All amentities were state of the art including the kitchen where we spent a large amount of time looking at the views of the rugged coast.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Location and Attention to Detail

Guest: Greg M. (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/14/09

I stayed at Bird Watch with my wife and cousin. The setting is idyllic and private, yet you can still walk to restaurants and the beach. Plus, the house is virtually 'on' the bay. You can see hundreds of sea birds from the decks along with the sun setting over Bodega Head. Definitely recommended to friends and family.

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

Guest: John & Liz Davis (Napa, Ca)
Date of Stay: 11/05/09 Review Submitted: 11/05/09

We absolutely loved Bird Watch!!! My husband and I spent three incredible days enjoying the views, bird life and most of all the house. Once we walked through the gate a sense of peace overcame us...just what we needed. Thank you so much for sharing your peice or paradise! Liz & John Davis

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

Fantastic property,private, romantic. Great location-central to Bodega with no houses around it. When staying here there is no way we would consider a motel/hotel. Cannot wait to go back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Elizabeth Miller (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/09 Review Submitted: 10/22/09

I'm torn between telling everyone I know about this treasure and keeping the news to myself so as to not create too great a demand! My husband and I wanted a couple of nights in Bodega Bay, one of our long-time favorite places, before we headed to the Central Coast for some sunny fun and a trip to Hearst Castle. Every small rental I looked at in the Harbor neighborhood seemed tacky, less than comfortable, or had no view. I was feeling a little bit at wit's end when I Googled "Bodega Bay Rentals" and up popped The Bird Watch. It looked perfect; and while first impressions can be deceiving, they weren't in this case. The home is comfortable (fantastic beds!), outfitted with gorgeous accoutrement (with quality furnishings and fixtures), no detail overlooked, and has the most beautiful view available in the town. It rained during our full day here, but that encouraged us to sit, read books, drink a bottle of wine, and watch the shore birds swoop, catch fish, and fly off. Quite a Zen-like day. The owners, Annie and Chris McNeil, were great to work with and they went the extra mile to make sure that they were able to accommodate our stay. The on-site manager, Alana, was wonderful. Small suggestion -- the downstairs bed is quite high off the ground; a little difficult for this newly minted Senior Citizen to haul herself up and into. A small step stool would help. I would recommend this house for one or two couples (occupancy max is 4) or a small family. It's definitely on the sophisticated side and will appeal to folks who enjoy an indoors that's as stunning as the outdoors. Our next visit will be for a week. I can hardly wait!

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Guest: Steve & Bonnie1 (Forestville, California)
Date of Stay: 10/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/14/09

Our stay relaxed us. It was the perfect mixture of solitude and fresh air. We would highly recommend this beautiful place of refuse to anyone needing to recharge their batteries. It is so nice to find a vacation home so warm, cozy, and inviting. The walks in the bay, dinner at Lucas Warf, and sunsets here are amazing. Check it out you will not be disappointed. Be ready to RELAX!!!!! Bring some comfortable shoes for long walks on the beach. Pick-up some wine at one of the many wineries in the area, as you drive to the coast. Enjoy life's sunsets from the beautiful windows of this exquisite coastal home.

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Guest: Gary & Erin Graves (Graton, Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/14/09

We were fortunate to have spent a Thanksgiving weekend with our children at Bird Watch. The incredible setting and beautiful home is the back drop of our family's most special Thanksgiving memory. That same Christmas break we actually painted our kitchen to match the interior of Bird Watch. Although we can't smell the ocean breeze or hear the fog horn at home, the color keeps those memories fresh in our minds.

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Guest: Danielle20 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

Bird Watch is a beautiful escape. The house is immaculate with a gormet kitchen that looks over the ocean and a hot tub that looks over the water. There is nothing better than waking up facing the ocean. The house is very central in Bodega Bay with several restaurants and a horse ranch close by for horseback riding. It is easy to go wine tasting, kayaking on the russion river or spend some time wine testing in some the bohemian towns close by. I highly recommend this house for a get away. Very relaxing!!!

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Guest: rob27 (-)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 06/20/09

The birdwatch is a magial place. It is great for a weekend getaway or for an extended vacation. The views are absolutely amazing. The house is so peaceful. It is the perfect place to disappear from the world and just relax.

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