Vacation Rentals by Owner

Love the Nest

Guest: Tamara (Santa Monica Canyon, California)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/30/12

My husband and I stayed at the Nest for a week in April and it was lovely. The cottage was extremely clean and comfortable. It was in the best possible location for walking to town and taking walks through the redwoods. We will defnitely want to stay there again and I would absolutely recommend it to friends and relatives.

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

Hidden gem in fantastic neighborhood

Guest: kelly (United States)
Date of Stay: 04/04/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

We just came back from a lovely stay at The Nest. You can not get a better location in Marin than this place. Short distance to SF, Muir Woods and just blocks to MV and all it has to offer. The cottage is surrounded by redwood trees and it is a lovely short walk to town along a creek. The house has everything you could ever want or need, nice beds, towels, robes, TV. The kitchen is stocked so well that we were able to cook a giant meal for 1o without needing to borrow a singe thing. It is really a terrific place. I have three kids so we only stay at VRBOs now. This place was one of the best for couples or families. We plan on coming back many times.

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

Perfect Stay at the Nest!

Guest: Matt (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 03/29/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

We just returned from a delightful week-long stay at the Nest, which we would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting the San Francisco area. The owner was courteous and responsive throughout the booking and check-in process. The property is ideally situated in the picturesque town of Mill Valley and is located within walking distance of downtown. Driving into San Francisco was a breeze. The unit is well-appointed with everything my wife and I, as well as our two childrenm needed for a comfortable stay. We hope to have the opportunity to return in the future.

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

Jewel in the Forest

Guest: songlvr (Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 04/24/12

The Nest is a real jewel. Sitting among the towering cedars in Mill Valley, it is a quiet, well appointed, cozy and comfortable cottage. The bedrooms are lovely and you might not want to get out of bed! If it's a nice day, enjoy coffee on the outdoor patio. Or a short walk into town offers many opportunities for wonderful meals or tasty bites and wandering around the shops. A nice relaxed pace away from the hustle of the city...but close enough to easily access San Francisco. The host and hostess are wonderful. Don't pass up this wonderful place!

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

perfect

Guest: Bookworm (florida,USA)
Date of Stay: 01/08/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

Quiet, clean, well maintained, great owners always ready to help if needed, beautiful private tree lined surroundings, yet just a short walk to town, the Nest is both cozy and comfortable. We keep coming back time after time and look forward to many more visits.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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: 08/18/11

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

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

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

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:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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A great place!

Guest: Peggy (Kenvil, NJ)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 09/12/10

Our family stayed here for 10 days. Very convenient location for sightseeing in San Fran, wine country, etc. The house was great...had everything we needed and then some. You literally are in the redwood forest. Really beautiful and great for long walks. Stephanie was great and very attentive to our needs. We had an issue of the hot water heater really not able to keep up with the 4 of us and within a day a bigger, better heater was in place. That was really great! One suggestion...maybe a TV in the master. It is a small place and finding shows that both adults and kids want to watch is not always easy. We'd rent again in a heartbeat. You won't be disappointed.

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

Guest: Angus, Springfield, OH
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/23/10

Our 10 day stay at "The Nest" in Mill Valley was so enjoyable we could barely pack to leave! The Krames' were wonderful hosts and the peace and solitude amongst the redwoods in a beautiful canyon neighborhood was beyond expectations. Walking 5 minuter for a latte a the Depot Cafe every morning was the perfect way to begin the day. Our son lives in San Francisco and it only was 20 minutes across the Golden Gate to his neighborhood. "The Nest" was the perfect place to all relax together and to explore beautiful Marin County.

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Guest: Jerry and Linda1 (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/13/10

This cottage is in a wonderful serene location.It is comfortable, clean, private and has all the amenities of being in your own home. It is an easy walk to town and is in a perfect location to step out the door to go jogging, hiking or biking. Once you have stayed there you will want to book again. I know I do.

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Guest: Ron and Sally Grassi (Tahoe City, Ca)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 03/01/10

My husband and I have enjoyed staying in this charming guesthouse nestled beneath the Redwoods and conveniently located close to the town of Mill Valley. "The Nest" is totally equipped with every comfort you would possibly need. It is immaculately maintained and is the perfect place for a romantic holiday or a relaxing get-away.

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Guest: marsha varrow (united kingdom)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/25/10

This is by far the most beautiful cottage we have stayed in. The location and beauty of the redwoods is a five minute walk to the town. The high standard & quality of the cottage makes you feel you never want to leave! We have travelled parts of the world and "the Nest" is by far the best, we will be back for many more visits, the owners are also so welcoming, yet allow your privacy, I cannot say enough except to say you need to come and enjoy for yourself!

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