Steps to Ocean; Rent a Real Beach Cottage -Stinson Beach, CA
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
The historic 1937 cottage, affectionately known by locals as the "Mouse Hole" offers charm and a real local beach experience. This unique custom cottage is one bedroom and one bath. You will never get the feeling you have stayed in a place quite like this before as it is quite individual and architecturally different, both inside and out, as is its sister cottage, the Casita Azul. The property offers a bit of whimsy and lighthearted, warm touches that reinforce a vacation beach getaway. Steps to the beach (just five houses down the path) there is attractive private outdoor yard space as well.
The Mouse Hole has a complete kitchen, compact but fully stocked and functional. It has custom concrete counters with colorful glass chips as well as modern appliances. This cozy home has modern lighting, skylights and colorful tile shower, fir flooring and an efficient wood-burning brick fireplace. There is a queen-sized bed in the bedroom and an optional pull sofa in the main living area. There are shaded and sunny areas in the deck and yard at most hours of the day as well as seating in a sandy yard that also has a year around flower garden with many attractive potted plants.
Stinson Beach itself is a pristine sandy white beach which is wonderful for collecting shells and sand dollars and enjoying the 3 miles or so of beautiful beach front. The nearby lagoon attracts a wide range of water birds and it is common to spot seals as well. There is a wonderful microclimate in Stinson that affords more clear and warmer days than would be found only minutes away up or down the coast. Water temperatures in the Bay Area area are cool and except for hot days most people who surf or engage in water ocean sports wear a wetsuit. The Golden Gate National Recreational Area protects most of the surrounding parklands, including nearby Muir Woods, and affords many wonderful walking and hiking opportunities.
While this rental site is specific to the Mouse Hole, for larger parties or two couples there is an option to rent it in conjunction with the Casita Azul, the guest house next to it which is separated by a sliding wooden fence. The two are distant enough for a sense of privacy but have the option with the sliding gate for shared outdoor space and easy visiting.
Keywords: Cottage, casita, beach cottage
Property Type
- Cottage
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Limited Accessibility
- Pets Considered
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 3, Beds for 2-3
- Bedroom 1
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
Amenities
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Video Library
- DVD Player
- CD Player
- Stereo
Communications
- Telephone
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Deck / Patio
Location & View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Swimming
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Charming Dollhouse
Charming Dollhouse
- Guest Melissa H.
- Date of stay 10/27/12
- Review Submitted 11/09/12
Loved the little house and especially the backyard seating area. Hope to one day rent this and the sister cottage Casa Azul. Wish the TV DVD player worked. We really wanted to watch a movie when the fog rolled in. Also - sleeps 4 but only 3 plates. Figure someone broke one and didn't report it. Would also have loved a full set of sheets and pillow case for the pull out. Made do. Grateful for the fact that cottage is dog friendly. Little broken coated Jack Russell Dot, loves Stinson and loves to travel AND the back yard fully fenced. Perfect save for the couple of minor, easily fixed items.Recommended for: Girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
Owner response: Thank you for your helpful feedback and we hope you will return again with Dot! We, too, have a broken coat Jack Russell and Stinson Beach is her favorite place to be. You've raised some helpful points we were unaware of, and we appreciate that so we can follow up promptly. I contacted our local management company (less than five minutes from property). They apologized for what they overlooked and said they encourage our guests to feel free to call them, including on their after hours line, if anything is amiss. DVD in TV is working now and plate situation will be remedied soon! Again, thanks for taking the time to offer helpful feedback. We look forward to your return! Renting both cottages together is a wonderful way to vacation with friends or family.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Loved this delightful little house
Loved this delightful little house
- Guest Heather F.
- Date of stay 06/11/12
- Review Submitted 06/13/12
Took a last minute trip to Stinson from SF for just 2 nights to enjoy amazingly warm weather.....me, 2 kids and our crazy beagle, Rockit. Luckily there was room for us at the Mouse Hole and it was pure bliss to walk from the beach to our own little beach haven instead of driving back to the city. The care they've put into the garden shows. It's really beautiful. Comfortable, cute house! We had a great getaway.Recommended for: Pet owners, families with young children.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Second Visit to Mouse Hole Cottage
Guest comment entered by ownerSecond Visit to Mouse Hole Cottage
- Guest Shar and Fe
- Date of stay 09/10/10
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
We had a wonderful time in your lovely little cottage and the charming yard. I was so happy to have my well behaved Feona with me. The beauty of the area is spectacular. Thank you for providing a place where our loving animals can be with us. This is my second visit. My sister is in the Casita Azul so we had lots of fun and laughs. Thanks to you and thanks to my sis who made my little visit possible!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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The sound of the ocean is perfect..
Guest comment entered by ownerThe sound of the ocean is perfect..
- Guest Diana and David from Berkeley
- Date of stay 06/19/10
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
David and I are newly retired and we haven't had much practice with a different lifestyle. Other trips we've taken included morning dashes out to find a New York Times. Here, we walked in and our shoulders dropped and our eyes relaxed and we went out to dinner early so that we could come home as soon as possible. The sound of the ocean is perfect in the sandy yard. The shower tiles tell us a lot about the owners, as do the doorknob coat racks, and the rust, melon, grape and teal colors...Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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We will be back! Loved the beach and wildlife...
Guest comment entered by ownerWe will be back! Loved the beach and wildlife...
- Guest Yolanda, Olivia and Antonia
- Date of stay 07/12/10
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
Our two weeks at the Mouse Hole were amazing! We swam every day in the beach because of the wonderful location of the Mouse Hole. We saw tons of wildlife at the lagoon. We are so sad to leave but we WILL BE BACK! A big thank you to the owners of this adorable house for letting us enjoy it. We hope that all future guests of the Mouse Hole have as good a time as we did.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Utterly Delightful!!
Guest comment entered by ownerUtterly Delightful!!
- Guest M.M. Frank and Oscar
- Date of stay 10/12/10
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
We so enjoyed our stay at the Mouse Hole- Everything was new, clean and charming. The sun really shone on us these past 4 days in so many ways. Thank you, in gratitude.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Stormy Weather Stays can be Wonderful, too!
Guest comment entered by ownerStormy Weather Stays can be Wonderful, too!
- Guest Ruth A.
- Date of stay 03/19/11
- Review Submitted 02/22/12
Thank you for sharing your lovely Mouse Hole with us. Gabi (my toy poodle) and I loved every moment in this snug little house as the storms blew over us. I particularly love that we could hear the surf! And the silence was beautiful. Blessings on your Mouse Hole and all who sleep here!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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I'd Give It 10 Stars If I Could.......
I'd Give It 10 Stars If I Could.......
- Guest Sandra
- Date of stay 12/04/09
- Review Submitted 11/14/10
Can't believe it has almost been one year since we spent our anniversary here, at the jewel box they like to call Mouse Hole! Just me, the mister and our big, lucky dog. Beach is within steps of the front door or walk out the back door to your own private beach! Somebody has amazing taste here; the kitchen w/red silestone countertops? Cute cute cute! Dutch door? Sooo adorable. Fireplace? Charming. The cozy factor is off the chart. Thanks for the memories, Mouse HouseguestsOwner response: Gosh! Thanks for the super nice review, a year later. It's so great to be so memorable! The countertops are concrete with recycled glass. We sure hope you'll come back and visit again. Sarah, Kathleen and Itty Bitty
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Pat & Jay L.
- Date of stay 06/28/09
- Review Submitted 05/26/10
What a super weekend we had! The Mouse Hole was perfect... I want one of my own just like it here in Stinson. Superb location, incredible weather, & what a great-long-beach to walk on. However, we think Chloe loved the place more than us. (Chloe has 4 feet!) We'll be back!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest The R.. family
- Date of stay 06/09/09
- Review Submitted 05/26/10
Thank you for a perfect 3 day weekend. We realized on this trip that we don't need very much space! It's about quality, not quantity. The Mouse Hole is a special space. We'll be back.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
Regular Rate .. $490/weekend .. $1175/week (7 nights) local management provided Two night minimum except peak dates June 15- Sept 15 And holidays booked weekly. For peak weeks exceptions may be made 30 days or less of booking for shorter Stay Winter special Jan 2- March 31, book two nights get the third free. Holiday Week $1275 Holiday Weekend $510 each add'l day $172 Housekeeping cleaning charges are $100 linens and towels provided $500 security deposit, refundable. Pet friendly; a well behaved, trained dog is welcome to join the fun
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2006
About the owner: Sarah is a firefighter in San Francisco. Kathleen is an HR specialist who also spent many years working in Bay Area municipal government including 12 years with the San Francisco Police Department. We enjoy the beach and working in the yard and doing little things to keep the cottage attractive. We feel happy about sharing our little cottage with people who also enjoy a Bay Area convenient beach getaway.
Why the Owner Chose Stinson Beach:
We have been enjoying Stinson Beach for many years, going out for long weekends as a favorite getaway to relax. When the opportunity came to buy two sweet side by side cottages, we realized we could stay there now and again and also share them with other beach loving people who would appreciate them as we do. By renting it now and again we are able to help defray our expenses and it is a real win-win we believe. We both love to garden and every year plant annuals to add color to our ongoing garden beds in both the front and rear of the properties. We created a living fence in the rear of the yard to separate the two areas and to reinforce the custom sliding fence that was constructed across the deck area. We love it and have enjoyed coming out with family and friends, using both properties together when we can! Our renter feedback has been excellent and we are always proud when people who are driving by stop and compliment us on the cottages and yard and how cute they are!
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage:
Getting out to the beach is a real escape. There are modern conveniences of phone and TV as well as wireless internet but those can be ignored entirely or used as desired to be as much or little in touch with the outside world. Once you turn onto the private drive and walk down the path to the beach it is just like letting everything else roll off the shoulders and within minutes of walking along the water there is a feeling of relaxation. Stinson Beach is such a pristine area, with white sandy beaches, and views of the mountains. On a clear day you can see out to San Francisco to the left and to Bolinas on the right. The surrounding hills are protected by the National Park Service and offer hiking and beautiful vistas. The town of Stinson hasn't changed much over the past 35 years. There are three restaurants, a couple fast food options near the beach in season, an ice cream store, a kayak rental, small library, a general market that is pretty good with organic options and even the Sunday NY Times, a health clinic and massage studio, an interesting book store, flower shop with curios, beach shop and just a few other establishments make up this small town that has a population of about 600 residents. For a small town it is really safe with two functional fire stations!
Contact us
- Primary: (510) 761-5801
- Secondary: (510) 652-9852 (California, USA)
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - Stinson Beach Cottages w/ info and photos
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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The Stinson Beach "Mouse Hole" Cottage
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Rear yard of Mouse Hole Cottage at Stinson
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Mouse Hole queen bed in bedroom
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Rear seating area at beach house
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Rear yard Mouse Hole Cottage has living wall of plants, chairs and umbrellas
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Stinson Beach view
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Sunset walk at Stinson Beach
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Calle del Occidente private roadway
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Interior View of Stinson Beach "Mouse Hole"
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Interior view
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Colorful tile shower at Mouse Cottage
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Rear yard of Mouse Hole Cottage has seating and umbrellas, barbecue
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At the end of Calle del Occidente, entry to Stinson Beach
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Our terrier Itty Bitty at the beach post sunset, Stinson Beach
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Mouse Hole Cottage
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Beautiful parkland on hillside above Stinson Beach reflected in water
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Monday, February 04, 2013
(510) 761-5801