Where do I start??

Guest: Manny (Eden Prairie, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/21/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

I've rented several properties using VRBO. We've had a very good experience with all of them, but this one was different. The main difference is that it feels like a home, not a house that you are renting. All of the things you would want to have are there, not locked away in that secret closet you usually find. This gives it a very warm ambience that makes you feel relaxed and "at home" right away. The owners were very attentive, and made sure that our stay was a good one, both in preparation for the trip and during our stay. The house was clean, organized, and very well kept. As good as the pictures are, it is still nicer than you expect. The creek is not "nearby", it is literally running 10 feet from the edge of the deck, providing a constant relaxing soundtrack to your stay. The pool and sorrounding areas were extremely well designed. We ended spending a ton of time in the pool area, unwinding and taking it all in. The beautiful doors open up all around the back and side of the home, allowing for a constant cross-breeze. It is impeccably furnished and decorated in a way that lets the house speak for itself. The kitchen is by far and away the best rental property kitchen I've ever had the pleasure of using. A lot of properties will put in the faux stainless lower-end appliances, thinking people won't notice or care, but this is a high caliber setup. The beds are like cocoons and the shower is amazing. There is nothing that was overlooked in this property. Our daily routine was sleeping in an extra hour listening to the creek, a good high protein breakfast (Whole Foods and Safeway are 10-15min away), first vineyard by 10AM, lunch at 1-2PM, pool time until 5-6pm, dinner either in or out. Rinse and repeat. Landmark vineyard is walking distance and they have great whites and a beautiful outdoor area/gardens right on the property. Kenwood winery is a stone's throw away. We covered Sonoma, Napa, and Alexander/Russian River Valley in three days. The drive up and down the mountain from Sonoma to Napa is a must. This rental is worth every penny and I cannot wait to return. Thanks for a wonderful stay and for making a special occassion a very memorable one.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

Guest: Scott (-)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

Your house is amazing! Thank you for letting me stay and enjoy your beautiful setting. Despite the lousy weather, it was a real treat to just be away and relaxing in such a great environment. Your house is a showcase for your great taste and simple elegance---I'm sure you are very proud of it. Hopefully, I can make it back sometime and get a chance to enjoy the pool and the outdoors a bit. Who ever thought about rain in Northern California into June??? Congratulations on completing your home. Five years is a long time to have to endure contractors and construction--not to mention all the expenses. Your home truly shows your attention to detail. The doors and windows were incredible, as were the interior doors and cabinets. I loved all the bathtubs and sinks and now I feel like I need to add a steam shower in my own home!!! I've rented a lot of homes in wine country throughout the years. Many people have a beautiful setting but then over do it with decorating. Their houses feel fussy and a lot to maintain. Your place was just authentic feeling--I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed and just wanted to pour a glass of wine, listen to music and start to cook in your incredible kitchen. I think you have achieved something really special that so many people try too hard to develop but fail to do so. You should be really proud--and hopefully you can find time to relax and enjoy all your efforts! Thanks again. It is a real great to find you! I look forward to visiting again soon. Scott

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Gorgeous property, very thoughtful owners

Guest: SC (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/28/10

New, gorgeous modern farmhouse/villa property. Tons of wonderful amenities, including cut firewood, radiant heating, fully stocked kitchen, fruit trees and a vegetable garden We cooked a full Thanksgiving dinner and had all the kitchen utensils, platters and bowls we could ask for. Naomi and Tim actually purchased an all-clad roasting pan for guests hoping to cook a bird in the oven! We were up there during a Bay Area cold spell, but felt warm and cozy the entire time. I visited 5 other Sonoma Valley properties in my search and can say this property is by far the most resort like and amenity-filled. The location is gorgeous! 1 mile from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park on the banks of a small creek. Tons of moss covered trees, and an expansive grass lawn. 20+ wineries a short drive or bike ride away (two you can even walk to: Landmark and Kaz) The owners are super responsive and helpful (I made a couple of trips up there to check out the property and take stock of the kitchen). Of all the properties I visited, they were the only owners I actually met. It is really nice to be able to put a face to the names of the people you are renting from. We had a wonderful time, and hope to visit again in the summer and enjoy the pool! Thank you Naomi, Tim and Summer!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.

Guest: Alice (-)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

Thank you Naomi and Tim, We had a wonderful weekend in your beautiful home. We realized the only problem is a weekend isn't long enough! What a special place beside the creek. It is so peaceful here. This was the perfect place for old friends to gather, catch up, enjoy the wine and the company, and relax.

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Guest: Kate (-)
Date of Stay: 08/10/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

Dear Naomi, Tim and Summer, We rented a villa in Tuscany a few years back and we've decided that this is the closest thing in the US to a place in Italy. You really have thought of everything and didn't skimp anywhere. As we pack to head back to cold SF, my 2 year old said, "Can we bring the pool with us?" We want to plant ourselves here for another week. Thanks for making our summer vacation the best it could be.

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Guest: B & J (-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

Dear Naomi, Tim, and Summer: Thank you for letting us share your lovely home. The rooms are very comfortable and everyone is impressed by the beauty of the house, from the wide oak flooring, steel doors, high ceilings to the expansive decks and the quiet flowing creek. We had a great time here and hope to return in the future.

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Guest: Cathy (-)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

Naomi, Tim & Summer, Your house is paradise. We got here this afternoon and spent the day in the pool and checking out the blackberry brambles and tadpoles in the creek. A huge thank you from my folks for your incredibly sweet gesture in leaving the champagne & note. You are beyond kind. We are so grateful to spend this special time together at your lovely home and we'll be sure to take pix of the celebration for you.

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