Location: Mill Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (Mill Valley is 13 Miles North of San Francisco, CA) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
"The Nest" is a two-story cottage located on our property, it is not our primary residence. Nestled in the redwoods at the base of Mt. Tamalpais on a winding street with neighbors close by, it is a one-half mile easy walk to the center of town. Our shaded street is quiet, although active with bikers, hikers, and people walking their dogs or pushing strollers, since it is a natural destination for enjoying the beauty of Cascade Canyon. Hiking paths are close by, as is a stream that runs to a nearby wooded park set with benches and picnic tables.
Mill Valley offers easy access to San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, either by car or bus. The public transit stops in Mill Valley, at the center of town. The the heart of The Wine Country is north of Mill Valley about an hour away, where rolling hills covered in vineyards await. The Pacific Ocean is due west making Muir Beach and Stinson Beach delightful places to walk to see the sunset. Both are short drives from "The Nest" and can even be reached via The Dipsea Trail which is a long, vigorous hike from our doorstep!
Mill Valley also has many amenities for dining, entertainment, film, live performance, shopping, in and around the center plaza. We have a world famous Mill Valley Film Festival, Wine and Food Tasting event, and Fall Arts Festival. It has a history of attracting many well-known artists, writers, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs, and we hope you as well.
Truly Mill Valley offers the pleasures of a beautiful setting, great sights near and far, and an artistic and cultural life unusual for a small town!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- King Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$200/night (3 night min) .. $1400/week
Monthly Rate Available
Refundable Security Deposit Required: 30% of rate.
Non-refundable cleaning fee: $80.00
Rates include tax
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1986
Why the Owner Chose Mill Valley
"The Nest" is a wonderful feature of our home in Mill Valley because for many years both family and friends have been able to use it for visiting us while at the same time having privacy. Of course, they have enjoyed the Marin County location and access to all the area has to offer.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Easy walk to town, transportation, entertainment, shopping; Access to San Francisco and recreational areas and the beach; really enjoy long morning walk on the nearby trails with a friend and our dog, then a latte and croissant at The Depot Cafe and Bookstore in town.
The starting point for The Dipsea Trail that takes hikers to Stinson Beach.
Built in 1836, charming remnants of the first sawmill built in the county by John Reed, who was awarded the first Mexican land grant in Marin. It is located in Old Mill Park, along a children's playgr
The central plaza with benches, trees, and The Depot Bookstore and Cafe. The streets and lanes surrounding the square offer restaurants, shopping, movies, live entertainment, Chamber of Commerce, bank
The awared-winning library overlooks the creek of Old Mill Park and offers beautiful setting for relaxing and reading by the fireplace. Downstairs is the History Room, offering books and photos of Mil
Old European-style red brick structures built in 1936.
This charming nine-hole course, is open seven days a week and has a pro shop, instruction, repairs.
Access to bike paths that connect Mill Valley to Tiburon peninsula, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands overlookking the Pacific Ocean.
Owner's Map of Mill Valley
Larry and I are a retired couple who have lived in Mill Valley for 25 years. Larry formerly a physician (ENT) and publisher of patient education materials (Krames Communications) enjoys painting and sculpting in his studio. I was a graphic designer and currently enjoy hiking and the outdoors. Larry's children are grown: Ben is a musician and producer, and Tamar is a teacher, married and expecting her first child. The children are out of the house, but our house is still home to many animals: one dog, one cat, five birds and one very lively bunny. We look forward to meeting fellow travelers and those who enjoy exploring new areas! Stephanie
Property Photos
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- Entrance with off street parking - Mill Valley Vacation Home in the Redwoods; Hiking Trails; Wi-Fi
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- Seating Area - Mill Valley Vacation Home in the Redwoods; Hiking Trails; Wi-Fi
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- Seating Area - Mill Valley Vacation Home in the Redwoods; Hiking Trails; Wi-Fi
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- Galley Kitchen
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- Master Bedroom
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- Bathroom
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- Second Bedroom
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- Rear View
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- Rear Patio
Traveler Reviews (15)
Texas guy
Guest: Iron Bar
(Austin Texas, U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11
Review Submitted: 01/18/12
Had a great time. Property all that is advertised. Washer & dryer new. Kithchen fully stocked with dishes,pots and pans and cooking utensils. Also spices and seasonings.Owner provided lots of sheets, pillows, blankets, towels. Property clean, warm, comfortable and quiet. Close enough to "downtown" Mill Valley to walk.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.
Texas guy
Guest: Three Nos
(Austin Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11
Review Submitted: 01/18/12
Had a great time. Property all that is advertised. Washer & dryer new. Kithchen fully stocked with dishes,pots and pans and cooking utensils. Also spices and seasonings.Owner provided lots of sheets, pillows, blankets, towels. Property clean, warm, comfortable and quiet. Close enough to "downtown" Mill Valley to walk.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.
Truly Wonderful
Guest: Rhino
(Cape Cod)
Date of Stay: 10/25/11
Review Submitted: 11/28/11
The "nest" is even better than the photos can capture. Stephanie is proffesional and kind. A romantic setting with all the comforts of home. When we arrived there were flowers, fruit, fresh cream and coffee to start things off (everything has been well thought through).
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
weekend away
Guest: lbreitenbach
(los angeles, ca)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11
Review Submitted: 10/18/11
the nest was absolutely wonderful. it's nestled in a mirco-climate area of giant redwoods just walking distance to downtown mill valley and a lovely local park. our two young sons loved this magical get away. it truly is incredible how beautiful it is there and how the nest makes you feel exactly as if you were perched and nestled into one of the branches of those glorious trees. it is clean, cozy and surprisingly roomy. we hope to go again.....thank you!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Home Away from Home
Guest: New Yorker
(Middletown, New York)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11
Review Submitted: 09/08/11
Is it possible to be homesick for a place if it isn't really your home? That's exactly what happened to me when I looked at the pictures of the NEST posted on this web site and at the many I took during my recent three week stay there. I've been to the Bay Area to visit with my daughter and her family several times, and this was, by far, the most pleasant place I've ever stayed. The owner, Stephanie, saw to my every need without being intrusive. The location among one of the premier Redwood roads in Marin County lending itself to leisurely walks or purposeful ones to the nearby library or into town to grab breakfast and read at the Depot. My daughter, her husband and my grandson (12 months) were frequent visitors, and they loved the place as well. In fact, when it came time for dinner, the NEST was the unanimous choice. We would cook together and then relax on the serene plant-filled patio with a glass of wine. The place was perfect for my grandson as well. It's a very safe place for young children. The park with slides and swings is right up the road. The NEST provides an easy trip into San Francisco, to wine country and even to Yosemite National Park. I was able to do it all. I can't say enough about this place. I only hope it is available when I return next year.
Owner response:We look forward to Martha's return if the stars align! In the meantime, it is true that The Nest is close to the pleasures of Mill Valley, and the further reaches of beauty (Coastal Marin, Wine Country, Yosemite etc.) but there is plenty to enjoy nearby. The kitchen is small, but well-stocked and efficient, the patio is perfect for a summer meal, and then a walk to town for gelato, coffee, a film or show at the Throckmorton Theater. The Mill Valley Park is a stroll away for a swing for the kids. Consider a temporary library card from the Mill Valley Public Libray to check put good reads, or going to the Mill Valley Community Swim Center for an inexpensive drop-in fee for a family swim. Thank you, Martha for your comments!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.
What a fabulous find! The Nest in Mill Valley was a perfect base for our week in the Bay Area
Guest: Family of 4 from San Diego
(San Diego)
Date of Stay: 07/26/11
Review Submitted: 08/19/11
I can't recommend The Nest highly enough. My wife and I took our children (4 and 5 years old) on a two-week road trip from San Diego, during which we spent the middle 6 days in the Bay Area. After a frustrating time searching for a rental home in San Francisco that fit our budget and criteria, a family member suggested we search in Mill Valley. "It's classy, calm, and close enough, kind of like a La Jolla in the redwoods". We took her advice and booked The Nest. Stephanie (the owner) was very efficient and easy to work with in setting up our contract. We absolutely loved staying in Mill Valley. It is not an exaggeration when The Nest is described as being right in the thick of a redwood forest... it truly is! The neighborhood of The Nest has narrow streets that are routed in curves between the tall giants, and the houses all around are amazing. A few steps down the road and you find a shady trail along a running creek that takes you to a park with a historic site (the original mill of Mill valley). The town center with its shops and cafes is only a few minutes further by foot. The home itself was very comfortable and well appointed, and spotless. The kitchen was fully stocked, the beds super-comfortable, and the laundry machines were LARGE and top-of-the-line, which is a big plus when you are road-tripping with kids. Stephanie left us a bottle of wine, fresh sunflowers, and large gourmet cookies for our arrival! The Wi-Fi worked fine. The bedrooms were roomy and bright, and the closets were deep and far larger than we needed for all our bags. Stephanie was even kind enough to allow me to unload my truckful of camping gear (for other stops on our road trip) in her garage next door so I didn't have to haul it around while exploring San Francisco. As for SF, we found it an easy brief drive (15-20 minutes or so) to get over the GG bridge each day, which (for a non-local) doesn't get boring or old at all, it's a thrill each time. We had fun betting on whether we would see the tops of the towers through the fog each day. While we spent four solid days tramping around SF with the kids, we never regretted staying in Mill Valley, it was a peaceful retreat after each day of city adventures. I've already recommended The Nest to my boss who often visits family in Marin County, and I will likely bring the family back there the next time we visit SF. Did I mention my kids loved it too? They still talk about The Nest like it's our second home!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.
Utterly charming cottage nestled amongst redwoods
Guest: Denvermom
(Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
The Nest is a charming, beautifully decorated, and well-appointed cottage with all the amenities you could want, including a backyard patio area with table and chairs. The cottage was spotlessly clean, very quiet, and had comfortable beds in the upstairs bedrooms. We were also stunned by the incredible setting, surrounded by glorious redwoods which kept the cottage shaded and cool. It is located close to Muir Woods and Muir Beach, providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The close proximity to "downtown" Mill Valley, also made it an easy walk to morning coffee and the cute shops that line the streets of the town. It almost pains me to share how wonderful our experience was, lest it be booked next time we want to stay there! I could not recommend the nest more highly.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A Perfect Spot for Families
Guest: mary
(atlanta, ga)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
We just returned from five nights at "The Nest" with our two 3-year-old daughters. This property couldn't have been more perfect for our needs. It is nestled among a grove of trees with a playground nearby -- and downtown Mill Valley is just a short walk away. The home is quite comfortable and very well appointed and maintained. It is quiet and peaceful. Stephanie even left flowers, snacks and wine for us upon our arrival and made herself available for our questions at any time! We also had a very relaxing visit with family and friends out on the patio - a wonderful outdoor space with surrounding lush greenery. We would highly suggest staying here!
Owner response:Hi Mary and Kristian, Thank you for your description of The Nest. We are very happy that it is becoming a great place for families with small children to enjoy! Hope to see you back again, Best, Stephanie
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A slice of heaven
Guest: Alana
(Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
The photos of this little home do not do it justice at all. It is located in the redwoods in an enchanted little area not far from the center of Mill Valley, yet serene with the cries of jays and the sound of leaves in the wind. The trees must be about 20 stories tall. Took my friend from Boston here for a long weekend. Great place to walk in and to use as a base for day trips to Muir Woods, Bolinas, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Sonoma, etc. Kitchen is fully stocked and owner left us a bouquet of flowers, wine and chocolates--who could ask for more?!!
Owner response:Dear Alana and Laurie, You are so very welcome, we are always happy when our guests are happy! Thank you for your comments AND for the photos of The Nest which you sent us to post on our website. Very beautiful. Best, Stephanie Krames
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Angus, Springfiled, OH
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11
Review Submitted: 06/16/11
This was our family's second stay at The Nest and it was so nice to be back in this beautiful part of Mill Valley surrounded by towering redwoods. Our son lives near golden Gate Park and it was a quick trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to his neighborhood. The Nest is very comfortable and private and yet you feel like you are part of the neighborhood. I enjoyed my short walk to the village every morning for a coffee at The Depot book store and the chance to explore the wonderful charming neighborhood on foot including the beautiful library. Close to Muir Woods, Muir Beach and San Francisco. The Nest is an ideal location and wonderful place to rent. The Krames' are the perfect hosts as well! We hope to be back soon.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #253978
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