A Place of Beauty and Peace

Guest: Valy (Oakland California)
Date of Stay: 11/16/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Zen Jewel Sanctuary is truly a place of beauty and peace. It was perfect.My husband and I spent four days here and we could not have been happier. The owner of the property is an inspiration! She did an amazing and perfect job creating this gorgeous, dreamlike, ethereal, exquisite garden setting and cottage. She made our stay truly comfortable and pleasant. The cottage has everything you need: awesome stereo system, wi-fi, dvd player, cable tv, satellite radio, complete equipped kitchen, comfortable bed, fine furnishings, spa-like shower/bath, heated floors, and very very clean. Not only were the cottage, plants and flowers incredibly beautiful, but the location was perfect as well. Very quiet and private, and only a few minutes walk to the beach and the awesome sand dunes. We will definitely come back. This place is mint!!! Highly recommend it. We had a wonderful time. Thank you Lindsay!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Perfect romantic getaway!

Guest: Kaylene (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 09/29/11

The cottage is situated in a beautiful garden so close to the ocean that you can hear the waves. It's comfortable and well appointed, and is the perfect balance between seclusion and easy access to Fort Bragg. Lindsay is helpful and very easy to work with - her sincerity makes her a great host and resource and a pleasure to work with. During our two week stay we had a terrific time.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

A Great Escape

Guest: Modoc (Cottonwood, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

A beautiful setting with all you need for a great vacation. We have stayed in several places in the Fort Bragg area and this was a pleasant surprise. A very serene, quiet setting that made a perfectly romantic weekend.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.

Great Space

Guest: Eli (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/07/11

Everything worked out so nicely in this cottage. There was room to move and pleasing views of the garden. The owner's house is very nearby, but it is part of the pleasing views, and the owner was very respectful of my privacy, as I tried to be of hers. No problem for either of us. All the necessities and amenities of the cottage surpassed my expectations. There is a nearby path to the dunes, then a ten minute walk to the ocean over the strange landscape of the dunes. The beach is miles long and, in this area, pretty much unfrequented. I stayed for four nights and left looking forward to doing this again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.

Beautiful North Coast Sanctuary

Guest: Phoenix (Mill Valley)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

My three nights in this lovely cottage were perfect. Much of the time, I was content to sit on the deck and gaze at the Japanese-inspired landscaping. The furnishings are stylish, handcrafted, and elegant. I especially loved the beautiful heated bamboo floors -- such a nice touch! There's good satellite TV reception and a great sound system. This place is beautifully designed with unusual materials down to the smallest detail. It's immaculate, fairly new construction, and well maintained. Most of all, I enjoyed the privacy and solitude. One can hike on the sand dunes nearby. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for luxury in a stylish retreat just a short drive from Fort Bragg and Mendocino.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Don,t get tricked

Guest: Scott (Chico, Ca)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

This cottage has all the good feeling decor you could need, EXCEPT, the owner forgets to mention that she is a marriage and family therapist that works from home! Oh, her home is the other dwelling on this property and is connected by a deck to the "private" Zen jewel... My girlfriend and I were already disappointed the night we got in, however, when I went out for a seven a.m. coffee on the deck the next morning, the owner was playing fetch with her dog into the "serene" pond.... That was enough to ask for my remaining money back to find another place. If your not a senior citizen that enjoys staying inside, rent another place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in a more private area at home. She also kept an extra night of rent, "for her troubles"..

Owner response:It is unfortunate that this guest had a disappointing stay. Most guests, however, experience the quiet and solitude of the property. On occasion a client may visit me at the main house but I make every effort to provide privacy for everyone, including myself. In this case, this guest reserved last minute for 3 nights and paid for two. Giving a free night was my attempt to ameliorate the situation.

Recommended for:Age 55+.

Peaceful perfection

Guest: Brushdancer (Portsmouth, RI)
Date of Stay: 01/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

Details are the difference between mediocrity and excellence and without a doubt, this guest cottage is exceptional. I delighted in the superbly comfortable bed and linens, the fabulous sound system, the soft lighting all on dimmers, the radiant heat, the stone, wood and glass shower, and the gardens, beautiful even in winter. Private and peaceful, simple and uncluttered, yet with all the amenities/necessities I could have wanted. The owner was respectful, helpful and accessible.I was traveling alone and felt secure knowing that she would be completely responsive should I need anything during my stay. Internet access was intermittent so just be aware of that if you need to be connected to cyberspace. I came to the area to study and paint with a local artist and cannot imagine a more perfect accommodation. I would whole heartedly recommend this cottage to adult travelers of all ages.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Serene Scene II

Guest: P&T (Merced, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

I cannot improve on the last reviewer's (Serene Scene) comments except to say: stay there, stay there, stay there. There is nothing to disappoint and much to enjoy. Our 2 week visit has placed this simple yet elegant (and very serene) locale at the top of our VRBO list. We would definitely return.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Serene Scene

Guest: George (Los Gatos, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/03/10 Review Submitted: 12/07/10

Few places have the design integrity, interior comforts, landscape interest and foliage diversity so completely integrated into a curiously serene whole. This place is very special, subtle and satisfying. No, it's not on a bluff with crashing waves below. No, there's no hot tub. No, you're not in Mendocino. But I have to say, though those items were on my original list, it didn't matter one whit. My eye was always entertained with perfect geometric intersections, vertical needles on the pines, weird exotic succulents and reflections in the pond. Contemplations everywhere. Plus, Ft. Bragg and environs is every bit as Mendo as Mendocino is. THIS place is VERY special.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Peaceful Retreat

Guest: ALAN (SAN JOSE, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

I would like to express our enjoyment of your cottage in Fort Bragg. We felt we were back in Kyoto, Japan. The serenity and the decor were without compromise. You have created a marvelous sanctuary for others to enjoy. The Yukata Kimonos were a very nice touch! I would definitely recommend the accommodations Thank you.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.