Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful Springbreak trip

Guest: Vanmai N.
Date of Stay: 04/13/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

The first thing that we said when we first arrived at the house was "we will be back again." we were super impressed with the house of how clean, cozy, and how big it was. Our kids also had a blast and did not want to go home. Marci, the owner, was super nice, generous, and super accommodating. And Cambria is such a cute litle town. We just couldn't find any negative to say about this trip. Thank you Marci again.

Owner response:Thank you for the compliment! That's so nice of you. I hope you can stay longer than 2 nights next time. Marci

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

Great place for reunion

Guest: cairde (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

We were planning a reunion for six families somewhere between LA and the Bay Area. Cambria was our preferred choice as we had been here before (love the area - the town and the coast). We were excited to find the Pickford house which provided the opportunity for us all to stay together. We had an incredible weekend. The house was great for our group - bedrooms for all the couples and the children had plenty of space with the extra rooms and rollaway beds. We cooked great meals together in the big kitchen, enjoyed eating together in the great dining room, hanging out at the bar area before dinner and enjoyed the karaoke entertainment every evening. We ate, drank and had many laughs during our great weekend away - we also enjoyed the Cambria area and hiked, biked, explored tide pools, visited the elephant seal rookery, some visited Hearst Castle, shopped in the village and walked on the beaches. Thanks Marci & Amparo for everything that made this a great weekend, we look forward to doing it again in the future.

Owner response:Thank you Marie and family! It was our pleasure. We are so glad you had a perfect experience.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

PERFECT Setting for a Mid-Size Group

Guest: West Coast Bias (California)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/19/12

Thirteen guys mostly in their late 20's - early 30's used the Central Coast as a neutral site for our annual fantasy baseball draft, so we were looking for a place that would comfortably accommodate that many. We succeeded, as we didn't need to leave all weekend. Highlights: the living room area is spacious without being cavernous and was large enough to accommodate all of us -- with laptops and accessories -- at the four square tables that we lined up like a big conference table. The old-school bar in that room is spectacular and kept us out of the kitchen when we were thirsty. Speaking of the kitchen, having a commercial style kitchen was a luxury for the food preparation effort and made it possible for us to keep enjoying ourselves without having to go on food runs. The VRBO.com listing was perfectly accurate from both copy and photos. The house was very clean and well-maintained. Marci -- the owner -- was great to work with every step of the way and even graciously allowed us a late check out. For 13 of us, the price was quite a bit beyond what we planned, but everyone agreed the extra cash was well-spent. We hope to be back next year with better weather so we can enjoy the outdoors.

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

Girls Get-away

Guest: Shelley (Woodland Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/24/12 Review Submitted: 03/22/12

Hidden Treasure! A fantastic house in Cambria! It was our first visit to the area for best girlfriends. Very clean, comfortable and nicely decorated. We each had a room with a private bath. Loved the Valentino room the best! Huge kitchen, two refrigerators. After visiting and wine tasting at the many vineyards nearby we finished each night chatting it up back at the Pickford hanging out together downstairs at the beautiful bar and fireplace. Morning walks along the ocean on beautiful trails. Next year we’ll be back with our husbands! Thank you for making this house available as a private group rental. It’s PERFECT. Shelley of Woodland Hills, CA

Owner response:Thank you Shelley! We look forward to having you back.

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

Pickford Guest Book Entry Summer 2011 Pt 3

Guest: Guest Book Entry Pt 3
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

August 5, 2011 Having a great family reunion with CA, AZ and Colorado family gathering. Great place to stay. It really has met and exceeded expectations and kitchen is perfect. Taking trips to Cambria, Morro bay, Elephant Seals, Monterey and Solvang. Love the Cookie Factory! Such a laid back, relaxed atmosphere with not a fast food restaurant in sight. 24 people from 7yrs to 80 yrs. Yesterday we went to the Hearst Castle. Beautiful. Karaoke was fun.

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Pickford Guest Book Entries Summer 2011 Pt 2

Guest: Guest Entries Pt 2
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

7/12/2011 A great time for our family reunion and a great place! We will be back. We had 18 sleeping here and our largest dinner was for 35 family members. The kitchen worked just fine. The Jones Family August 1-10 Jacobson Family Reunion of Colorado Great house in a great town in a great part of California! Walked the whole Fiscalini Preserve. That area is a wonderful asset to the area. Had a special day at the beach in San Sebastian, went to Monterey via Big Sur and home thru Salinas and Paso Robles. The beaches at Avila and Pismo, Moro Bay was beautiful. What a wonderful place for our reunion. It was large enough for two big families to finally get together. This house was perfect for us. Thanks!!!

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Pickford Guest Book Entries Summer Pt 1

Guest: Summer Pt 1
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

6/24/2011 Same for us! We’re here celebrating the 50 year milestone birthday for two of the girls in the “family” who knew 18 people could still find our “best time ever” after all these years and all these travels together. We cooked, we ate, we played music, we laughed and we celebrated and we had wine! Lot’s of wine! This lovely building’s character fed our souls and sent us home with happy memories… Thank you! M&K June 24 2011 We are boaters, we are about the water. No. We are about each other. A house full of couples, not “family”. But “Family” nonetheless the family you choose rather than the family your born into. Our differences draw us together and together we are stronger for it. This place allows us to forge a stronger connection with each other and we are better for it. We hope you enjoy and get as much from it as we have/do/will.

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Wonderful Mother's Day family reunion!

Guest: Amy (Washington)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/17/12

We were worried at first that house was close to the highway.  But it didn’t bother us at all. The back of the house faces the 2 lane highway and it’s set about 200 feet above it. The kids were safe and we were all comfortable in the large immaculate bedrooms.  The kitchen had everything we needed. Thank you Marci and Amparo for the free kitchen help!  Our family spent time at the beaches, parks, town shopping, and we very much enjoyed Hearst Castle just 10 minutes up the road. I am so glad my sister found this wonderful house for our us all to gather together. 26 of us came from 5 states and 2 countries and were able to spend quality time reconnecting.  Priceless!  Amy of Washington

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: LAO Evangelical Church of Fresno, Women's Dept
Date of Stay: 03/17/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Thank you for all your help this weekend. We appreciate all the support. Please send our gratitude to Marci and the Pickford House team. Thank you all for assisting us in all our needs to make this event possible. We had a blast! We enjoyed our time very much. We'll miss the Pickford House and this special community of Cambria and San Simeon. We'll carry our fond memories of tears, laughter, fellowship and learning with us always. Best wishes, LAO Evangelical Church of Fresno, Women's Dept.

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Guest: Guest comments from January-February 2011
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Jan. 14-17, 2011 This weekend we celebrated my mom’s 50th birthday. We had tons of people here and had mexican, italian, french toast fried eggs, cake, alcohol, tons of games and talks by the fireplace. We went to Hearst Castle and went whale watching and to the beach and to SLO and Morro Bay and saw dolphins. It brought tons of people together and was like a little slice of happily ever after. We had Sarah, laura, Rusty, becky, Mary, Barb, Kathy, mark, Andy, Alina, jack, Christine, Will, Larry, Marty, Kellee and Lisa. The weather was perfect and now we head back to SLO, Davis, Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, Santa Maria and Ojai. Thank you for the house and the great time. It was an experience to be remembered with fondness and hopefully to be repeated. Sarah Hilty celebrating Laura – 50 years young!...... Feb. 11-13, 2011We love Lizzy. She is beautiful. Farid has the best wife. Thank you Farid for this party. The Pickford House will be the best memory always and forever! Super Clean! Francela the helper was so nice and wonderful. M&J….Best place a friend could be a friend…..a love could be a lover. Thank you sooooo much. Love it!! Holly and Mack….Fabulous friends, fabulous food and fabulous @ 40. We could not of had a better time celebrating out beautiful friend Liz’s birthday. ThePickford House is so accommodating and really makes it easy to gather as a large group. Thank you so much for sharing the Pickford House Marci and John. Love you all, Donna & Jeff Thousand Oaks, CA…..Oh! What a weekend. Happy Birthday Liz. The Rosenthals had a fantastic time at the beautiful Pickford House. We love our friends.Michaela and Neal, February 13th, 2011…..

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Guest: Meyers
Date of Stay: 12/12/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Dec. 12, 2010 It’s the Myers gang! We had a blast. Jan Lucas…..Dec. 21-28, 2010 We had a good time here. All 21 of us. The family loved it. Aloha, Stan and Leah Kailua, Kona, Hawaii…..New Years, 2010 Our family reunion fit perfectly into the Pickford House. The many bedrooms and bathrooms housed 3 generations of out families and the big dining room was the site of the spirited games, wine tasting and just hanging out. The house cleaning during our stay was much appreciated….Happy New Year, The Whissens, McGlellands and Prewitts

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Guest: M. Hill
Date of Stay: 11/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Nov. 25, 2010 Hello, my name is Danielle Takahashi. Today is Thanksgiving And I am here at The Pickford House with all my cousins. This house is awesome. I love the furniture and all the antiques. It’s fun to see all my relatives. Danielle T Happy Thanksgiving!.....Nov. 25, 2010 Hello everyone, my name is Alec Okino. I am 11 years old. This is cool. Today is Thanksgiving but I am not eating Thanksgiving today but tomorrow we will eat. I will draw sketches……Nov. 25, 2010 Dear future guests, I had fun making paper airplanes with my cousins. We all liked our rooms. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Marla and Lucas…..Dec. 4, 2010We had a great time at your house. We had a birthday party for the most beautiful lady in Cambria. 75th Birthday! We enjoyed the karaoke as I’m sure the neighbors did as well! Thanks from Valerie A.Maui, Hawaii…..Dec. 2-5, 2010 Our whole family so enjoyed staying at this wonderful house. It is so comfortable and pretty and yet not delicate, very child friendly. We had four generations and were able to have plenty of together time and “alone” (or nap) time.We were all sad to see the end of our reunion and hope to repeat it more often, hopefully here. Mary H. Cambria

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Yes, We'd Go Back

Guest: AustinJette (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/11

We spent four nights here holding our family reunion to celebrate my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. We were 16 adults and one baby. We had exactly enough bedrooms so that everyone who wanted their own room had one. We especially liked that each bedroom had its own full bath. There was plenty of room for us to congregate downstairs & to have our meals together. The kitchen had plenty of room to work & was reasonably supplied with appropriate pans, dishes, etc. I would recommend this house to others, but with some cautions. The refrigerator was too small for a large group. It was a full sized family refrigerator with a broken ice maker. We cooked most of our meals at the house, so we had plenty of food to store. We had to buy ice & use our ice chests. Also the bathtubs, though charming, had very high sides. These are very difficult to get into if you’re short or have trouble getting around. My 81-year-old, under 5’ mother found this especially difficult. The only bedroom with a step-in shower is the one with no direct entrance to the house. In conclusion, we were quite happy with our stay here. We all agreed this suited our group quite well. If you’re not too picky & need a place for a large group get-together, this place is perfect. If you’re expecting high luxury & a scenic location (for the house, not Cambria), you might be disappointed.

Owner response:Thank you Virginia and family. We've added a 2nd refridgerator and more kitchen cookware.

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Guest: Guest Comments 2010 Part 5
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

September 24th – 25th, 2010 Premier Designs Jewelers from the Bay Area took over Pickford house – AND we loved it! October 15th – 17th, 2010 A wonderful weekend filled with family, food and fun. Our first annual gathering of the Ward, Paggi, Seroka and Meager clans! Mom and Dad’s 53rd anniversary celebration was highlighted by Danny and Ashley’s engagement announcement! Neal, Jackie, John, Debbie, Daniel, Ashley, Michael, Cindy, Mike, Matt, Biz, Natalie, Kyle, Leisa, J.P., Emily, Nick, Ryan, Lisa and of course Nick in spirits! Great food, great wine, great laughs… October 31, 2010 17 Friends 3 Days 1 Perfect Halloween Party Thanks Pickford House! Toby, Rafe, John, Ryan, Lauren, Rache

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Guest: Guest Comments 2010 Part 4
Date of Stay: 08/11/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

August 11, 2010 This was a perfect place for our family to have a family reunion to celebrate a 50th anniversary. We had a great time. Gim & Kathalyn Nelson, Rob & Erica Bryant, Lesley McCafferty, Chris & Evelyn Chandler, Julian, Aidan and Vieveka Kwasneski August 16, 2010 The 1st Kiyama family reunion was perfect! We spent the majority of the week in the many rooms of the wonderful Pickford house. Our favorite memories took place in the living room, by the grill and of course the kitchen. Everybody had an unforgettable week. Thank you Pickford House. The Kiyamas..Glenn, Suzie, Barb, Ed, Path, Dave, Mary, Ken, Mike, Amy, Chrissy, Duffy, Kimmy, Mikey, Maggie, Roman, Sareh, Natalie, Michaela, Kiara, John & Lexie

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Guest: Guest Comments 2010 Part 3
Date of Stay: 07/05/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

July 5, 2010 Unforgettable 4th of July weekend. The great room and large table made family conversations a fun time for everyone…children and adults as well. A “priceless experience”. The fire kept us warm all night..Lexi The best vacation I’ve ever had..Julia The Barrymore room was awesome..KP&Gab I got to sleep with my cousins in the Pickford room..JF Was the best time ever..Gillian The fact that we could get the whole family together in one place at one time was really special..Steve Poker Face made it all worthwhile..Jacquelyn Pagani, Katuin families..Kristina Pagani, Gillian, Lexi, Julia, Jacquelyn, Katlin, Conner, Kyle, Jacob, Nick July 20, 2010 Love it. Wonderful. Love the Mary Pickford room. Well built, well decorated, loved everything. Loved EVERYTHING. It was great, 8 rooms, 8 bathrooms all lovely. Had a great time. Had great memories here. Want to come back next year. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Sophia

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Family Reunion

Guest: Grandma (Waterloo, IA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/16/10

Our recent days at Pickford House couldn't have been better. The nine bedrooms, each with bath, gave privacy when wanted, and the large dining room made the together times roomy and comfortable, plenty of room for games, visiting, or eating. For three nights there were 29 of us ranging in age from 84 years to 8 months visiting from both coasts. The kitchen was adequate for all our cooking. There were trips to Hearst Castle, wineries, to the beach, and to view the seals in the ocean. Plenty of parking for the rental cars. The on-site helper was available, helpful, but non-intrusive. We couldn't think of any way our visit might have been improved. We are grateful to the family that shared their lovely home with all of us.

Owner response:Thank you Waterloo Iowa Family! You are a delight! We are very pleased that all stays have been full of excellent times. We appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Best to you and your wonderful family! Marci

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

Guest: Guest Stays 2010 Part 2
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

March 27, 2010 What a lovely place to spend a birthday. Thank you so much. Wonderful to meet a whole new family. Lots of love, Tina F March 29, 2010 This is the first time I have been at the Pickford House and the last time I will stay anywhere else in Cambria. Cambria has been a destination for my wife and I since we were married. During our visits, we have always aspired to explore only the best Inn’s and Bed Breakfast’s. During our stay, the biggest difference between the Pickford and its competition is the “family atmosphere” the staff delivered to us. We honestly felt as though we were staying with relatives and not some hourly staff that were more interested in finishing their work day. The property had the nicest finishes and our rooms were spotless. I would recommend this residence to my fussiest clients. I can’t wait to return for more rest and relaxation. Sincerely, Mike L March 29, 2010 The best time ever! Beautiful house, beautiful rooms. My daughters were enchanted with the Valentino room and my room, the Barrymore room was simply divine! Wonderful experience meeting my extended birth family. Fantastic! I adore it here. My very best, Sarah L, Mckayla C, Samantha C, Elise C March 30, 2010 What a great place! Best family reunion ever. We filled the Pickford to the brim..children, dogs, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters and mamas and dads everywhere. The stay was unforgettable. Best love, Norma L May 2, 2010 Absolutely amazing place to throw a surprise b-day party. Can’t wait to do it again. Rooms are fantastic. Guests had a blast. Thank you, Theresa K June 19, 2010 We had a great stay. Wonderful place for family gathering. Thanks so much. Ken June 24-27, 2010 Can only agree, our family..31 strong had a wonderful time! Thanks to all of you and them. Family Reunion 2010 Fantastic time! Caitlin, Cameron, Lauren, Jackson, Susan

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Guest: stuart kelman (berkeley)
Date of Stay: 03/07/10 Review Submitted: 03/07/10

Our famiy reunion was perfect - in large measure due to the house and its facilities and its location - betweeen LA and SF. And no problem being close to Hwy 1.

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Guest: Jeff105 (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

We had been looking for a large home as a gathering place to take our friends to in celebration of my wife's birthday. The Pickford house was a great choice. The 9 bedrooms accomodated everyone, which was one of the reasons we picked The Pickford House. We wanted to make sure all of our invited guests had their own private quarters. The large dining area and living room area was perfect. The Pickford House has a very welcoming vibe and we would recommend it to anyone.

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A Beautiful Home!

Guest: Katie Aunan (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

My husband and I chose to get married in Cambria Feb.6 2010. The Pickford House was the perfect location for our family and friends to gather after the ceremony. The house is charming and large and we felt like royalty having the run of the place! Everyone in our family loved staying in the home---so many kids and we never felt crowded! A top notch establishment! We can't wait to go back for a reunion!

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

Guest: Stays 2010 part 1
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

Jan. 14, 2010 What a fabulous birthday I had here at the Pickford House. Our accommodations were perfect and everyone who joined us here for the celebration had a fantastic time. Music, friends, food and spirits were just perfect. We will surely do it again. The Donna & Jeff of Thousand Oaks, CA Jan. 22, 2010 What a FAB house! The – Greg & Judy January 2010! This has been a great place for our “Annual Getaway”. A gracious and friendly atmosphere for celebrating and having fun with our family. Thanks so much! Anne Kern River Power Eq. January 2010 This house makes for a great vacation! Lila Jan. 24, 2010 What a pleasant surprise! So roomy and the amenities were comfortable and fun. Loved the Karaoke and bar area. Thanks for sharing this lovely place! Nat & Donna Reedley, CA Jan. 24, 2010 We loved your home…what a wonderful experience. Steve & Dawn Bakersfield, CA 93304 Feb. 5-7, 2010 The Wedding Weekend of Katie & Steve Gladys, Wally Perfect place for the gatherings and reception! Thanks! Doug & Kim Kate, Julia, Marie, Nathaniel Thank you for everything, Pickford House & Francela Steve & Katie Married Feb. 6, 2010 Cambria, CA March 12-14, 2010 Fong family, 80th birthday for grandfather. Great facility, great town and fun, every minute! See you next time, only with time was longer. Thanks for the great memories. Entire family of 21 (less 2 because of playoff game). March 22, 2010 We had a great time. The accommodations were prefect for our family getaway. We each were able to have our own rooms, even with the 24 of our Matthews clan!! Great memories were made and Francella was an absolute God send. She was amazing. Thank you! The Fari M Family I love the Pickford House. My stay here with my family (24ppl) was amazing! Everything from rooms to large kitchen was absolutely wonderful. The memories created will last with me for a lifetime. Thank you so much. Jessieka M

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Guest: Raja S (California)
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 12/05/09

We stayed as a group of 7 families in Pickford house. It was a excellent facility and stay for us. It has a fully equipped big kitchen. We cooked all the days. TV and DVD player in all the rooms. Nice and big bar in house. Conveniently located close to nearby beaches. I would love to rent place this place again for another vacation.

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Guest: Owner
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

Hello. We are please to have evolved from a high end Bed and Breakfast to a much needed group rental in Cambria. Our mansion is now available for you to have to yourselves. One booking per family or group. We had our first stays before and during Thanksgiving. We've asked for their comments to be posted here. Everyone LOVES The Pickford. We will do whatever we can to make sure you are 100% satisfied. Thank you for your consideration.

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Guest: Audrey Gevorkyan (Burbank,CA)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

An Amazing and Charming property! Our stay was greeted with a friendly welcome team. Our family '40th Birthady Bash' will be forever remembered in this most quaint converted B&B. Thank You Pickford House!!

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