Vacation Rentals by Owner

Tranquil Oasis for Groups or Large Families

Guest: Julianna (Danville, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/12 Review Submitted: 05/25/12

I recently stayed at Brambleberry for a long weekend as part of a group of 7 women friends from college (plus one infant), and everyone agreed it was a piece of heaven on earth. The house itself was beautiful and comfortable for so many adults with multiple areas for small groups to congregate or individuals to sneak away with a book. (We felt it could have easily accommodated up to 9 adults, but then people would have had to share beds.) Our group spent hours and hours laughing and relaxing, sitting together on the veranda, walking around the property, lounging by the pool or in the hot tub. We're also a group of dedicated foodies, and the spacious, well appointed kitchen (with two ovens and lots of counter space) afforded us the opportunity to prepare delicious meals together and socialize in the kitchen while doing so. We especially appreciated all the dining options: large kitchen table, large dining room table, large picnic table outdoors. The veranda wraps around the house, and so we were able to use it for multiple purposes: sunrise yoga, a station for the massage therapist we called in one afternoon, a conversation corner. The owners were wonderful about providing suggestions for local services and activities, although we found the house and grounds so alluring that we canceled our wine tasting plans and spend the entire time at Brambleberry -- or anywhere we could travel by foot. We would definitely return to Brambleberry for future gatherings of this group. And a couple of us are scheming for a return visit together with our families, since the house is so well geared for kids of diverse ages (although you'd want to bring a baby gate if you have a fast crawler or toddler unfamiliar with stairs). The owners keep a stash of baby supplies (monitor, high chair, pack & play, etc.), and there are toys for all ages, both inside and outside (tricycle, etc.). We loved the wide selection of literary fiction on the bookshelves and the movie collection (although we were too busy chatting to watch movies) was enticing. I mean: BBC Pride & Prejudice miniseries...what's not to love? And if you come with elderly or disabled people in your group, there are ramps up to the veranda and an elevator to the upstairs level.

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

Perfect Family Get-away

Guest: Shannon Jamieson (San Rafael/Piedmont/Danville, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/23/11 Review Submitted: 03/11/12

This is the second time our family has been fortunate enough to stay at this beautiful home. The kids look forward to it as much as the adults. The owners have taken great time and attention to every detail when it comes to both the inside and outside of their lovely property. Inside is warm, comfortable and cozy. The kitchen is a main gathering spot for all. Preparing and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner was an absolute joy. Some of the best meals and conversations occurred over a delicious meal at the large, bright breakfast nook, overlooking the stunning back yard. Bedrooms and inside living space are open, welcoming and include all amenities. As much as we appreciated the indoors, the outdoor property was beyond perfect for our brood of boys ages 5 - 15. The addition of the bocce ball court was a favorite among our entire group - kids and adults alike. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the outside grounds. Ping pong, bocce, bike riding, skateboarding, basketball, and a expansive grass area equals limitless fun. We held our second "family Olympics" again this past stay. Complete with soccer, football, 9-hole golf, plus all the above aforementioned. Wrap-around porches allowed for quiet reading and contemplation, while watching kids hunt for frogs, and enjoy the pool and hot tub. I don't think there is an ounce of the property we didn't explore, enjoy and appreciate. A perfect stay with memories that last a lifetime. Thank you!

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

a perfect stay

Guest: Linda (Lafayette, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/29/11 Review Submitted: 10/11/11

If you are looking for the most relaxing, welcoming, warm family home to rent in the Sonoma area, look no farther. Brambleberry was the spot we called home for the week of our daughter's wedding. You feel as if you are staying in a friend's house...spice drawer full, computer available, bedding warm and cozy, surroundings picturesque. The property is clean, incredibly well supplied (especially for families with children), quiet and comfortable. The owners obviously care for their property and they care for the ones who rent it. They were accessible for questions, thorough with the paperwork, pleasant to deal with and prompt with the return of the security deposit. This home helped to make the wedding week all the more special as it lends itself to quality family time and wonderful memories. If you don't relax at Brambleberry, I'm not sure you would relax anywhere. Thank you for a wonderful stay in your beautiful home. We'll be back !!!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with young children, girls getaway.

Family get-together in July 2011

Guest: TVR M.
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

We rented Brambleberry for a family get-together and we had a fantastic time. We had 3 small kids and 6 adults in the party and everybody really loved it. The home and the grounds were very well maintained and the home had everything to make our stay very comfortable. The area around Brambleberry is beautiful with many great wineries just a few miles away - just driving around the area and taking in the beauty was very relaxing. The kids had a blast playing in the pool and around the house. With young kids, we probably spent a bit more time at home than we intended to but even just spending time at Brambleberry was very relaxing and there is enough to do. We would definitely go back if we plan another vacation in the CA wine country.

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

Vacation Perfection -- Especially with Kids

Guest: Hal (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

My wife and I had a fabulous week at Brambleberry with our whole family, including our grown children (and children in law) and our four grandchildren. The house, pool, bocce court, and grounds could not have been more beautifully or more thoughfully designed for everything we needed or wanted. The bedrooms are large and comfortable, the living room, dining room, and den are wonderfully furnished and teeming with great toys, games, books, DVDs, etc. and the kitchen is magnificent and had everything a family of ten needed to cook and serve all our meals for the entire week. The heated pool was the star attraction for our grandkids, with the ping pong table and bocce court close behind. And the spa was a hit with everyone. And Kathleen and Rob, the owners, are a delight to work with. I would recommend Brambleberry without reservation.

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

Guest: Amy138 (Novato, California)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

Just got back from a fabulous weekend with 8 friends at Brambleberry. We cooked, ate and drank and giggled like school girls. We shopped the area, some did wine tasting or hiking but we all met back early and sat around the pool talking and laughing. Great house, beautiful grounds -- we hope to make it an annual! Thank you to Kathleen, your hospitality and your knack for design and charm.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 09/18/09

What a great place for adults and especially adults with children of all ages. Plenty of space, bathrooms, and activities including kid's riding toys and games,etc. The swimming pool with power cover is wonderful, as is the spa. Very lovely property - saw red tail hawks and many different birds. Beautiful trees including apple and pear. I rate it a 10!

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Guest: Jennifer and Paul (Piedmont, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/09

We had a wonderful week at Brambleberry. The house and grounds were really perfect and we would not change a thing! We stayed at home most of the time and only ventured out to Swede’s Feeds and the Sonoma Farmer’s market. Our son loved gathering the eggs at Swede’s and I wish I knew of a place in the East Bay he could do that. The pool was lovely-- it was so nice to swim in salt water and not get overly chlorinated. We used the spa every day (and night). We all loved the setting and appreciated how much of your personal items you left for our enjoyment (games, DVD’s, sports equipment, kitchen utensils, etc.) The blackberries were just ripening and every day there were more to pick. We had 3 delicious crisps and a evening of blackberry margaritas! Thank-you so much for everything and we hope to book again next summer or sooner,Jennifer and Paul

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Guest: Micah Parzen (-)
Date of Stay: 07/28/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/09

Can't write enough about how much we enjoyed our time at Brambleberry! The property is absolutely MAGICAL, both for parents and for kids. The owners have thought of virtually everything that could possibly enhance your experience. They are also extremely helpful and nice. The location is excellent, well within striking distance of both Sonoma and Santa Rosa, and a five minute walk to a beautiful state park. Because it has so much to offer, we mostly stayed on the property itself and had the time of our lives. We hope to return year-after-year!

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Guest: Velma Kingsbury (San Francisco, California)
Date of Stay: 06/30/09 Review Submitted: 06/30/09

I stayed a Brambleberry the end of May and beginning of June this year. It was a wonderful stay. Kathleen and Rob have made sure that there is nothing one could desire that isn't already in the house. They are available at all times to answer any questions. My family and extended family (almost all women) were with me and they all felt it was the best house I had ever rented in the years we had been having our all-women gatherings. We all would recommend Brambleberry wholeheartedly.

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Wonderful Wine County Home, Views are amazing!

Guest: The B-2 Family (Warrensburg, MO)
Date of Stay: 03/12/09 Review Submitted: 03/22/09

This is a wonderful wine county home, with the best views you will every get! Perfect location to everything, shot drive to, Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, Russian River winery's, Redwoods, Ocean, San Francisco. A must if you have kids to stay here! lots of toys inside and out for all ages! Lots of Movies! The owners keep the place very clean and in good condition. Wonderful bedding the best you can get! Great beds! You will get a great night sleep! Very quiet and beautiful location.Amazing views from every window you won't be able to stop looking! We loved the owners they were so wonderful to work with and always had great communication, they go the extra mile to make everything perfect! We will be back!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/10/08

A perfect, relaxing vacation for the whole family! Hard to get the kids (or adults) out of the pool. GREAT porch. Terrific furniture, from the built-in breakfast nook to the porch swing. Would highly recommend this for a family vacation. Only an hour from the Bay Area, but a world away.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/08/08

We have had 2 fabulous family vacations at the Brambleberry house. It is perfect for small children and the house is full of amenities and extras for small children including highchairs, pack and plays, monitors and toys. Each year the owners keep adding nice amenities to the house: this year it was a wonderful outdoor shower and hot tub, 2 rope swings and new porch furniture. If your looking for an utterly relaxing family vacation, this is it!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/04/08

We would highly recommend you stay at this house! We spent a wonderful two weeks at Brambleberry and enjoyed every single minute of it. Everything is just as you see it in the pictures (if not better!) Our son used every toy there and we made good use of the pool and the BBQ nearly every day. The kitchen has everything that you could need and enough tv's with DVD players to entertain everyone. We plucked fresh blackberries every day and made pies with the apples and pears we also collected. The location is ideal for access to the Sonoma/Napa vineyars, whilst also providing the perfect relaxing hideaway. We travel a lot and this is by far the best holiday home we have ever had the pleasure to stay in.

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Brambleberry Getaway in Kenwood

Guest: O&O (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/30/08 Review Submitted: 09/03/08

We spent a wonderful, long weekend at Brambleberry. There was a total of 4 adults and (2) sets of kids ages 5 and 8 in our party. The house and grounds were so amazing that we really didn't need to leave the property, but local amenities were all nearby including Annadale Start Park for a morning hike (we walked there with the kids), Safeway for late night emergencies, wine tasting and kid friendly dining (although Sonoma county is known to have many fine dining options). The house was very comfortable (especially the beds), and well stocked from the kitchen items to the pool toys. We tried to get the kids to sleep together, and there was plenty of room for musical beds at night. We all enjoyed the pool in the mornings and afternoons, as well as the rest of the property for biking, soccer, baseball, and basketball to lying in the hammock and swinging on the swings. There was plenty for the kids to do, which makes for a very enjoyable time for the adults. The moms were able to duck out for a Sonoma Mission Inn spa excursion (5 hours, not that anyone was keeping track...but the dads). The communication with the owners before, during and after our stay was great. They were very accommodating to our needs, and provided excellent local recommendations. We would definitely recommend this home to others, and we hope to come back again soon. Brambleberry is a true home away from home.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/13/08

What a fabulous house, the website description and photo's although lovely do not fully capture how nice this property is - we've been renting houses in Sonoma for several years and this is by far the best house that we've been to - the pool is great and heated (not always the case in Sonoma), the house has everything for indoor and outdoor entertaining, my kids had an absolute blast and cried when we had to leave - the first thing that I did when I got home was to reserve a week next year - do not miss the opportunity to stay at this home

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/01/08

Great time. Fantastic home, well suited and located for touring wine country, or a relaxing vacation with the family. Pool was great and looking forward to the hot tube next trip. House is well furnished, very comfortable , and easy to get to and around from. Local imentities close and convienent. Would highly recommend and will revisit.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Mike Trigg_HAC88512 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/30/07

We stayed at Duck Puddle over the Memorial Day weekend and the house was absolutely wonderful -- a perfect get-away weekend with our friends and their families. This is the 10th year in a row we've gone up to wine country for Memorial Day weekend, and this house was by far the best we've ever had. We loved the kitchen. It was fully stocked with brand new appliances. All the bathrooms had beautiful new linens and towels -- even beach towels for the pool. They provided a ton of activities you never expect in a rental house -- board games, DVDs, children's books, yard games, etc. The grounds are also wonderful. Plenty of open yard with grass for kids to play in. We did slip-n-slide for the kids and bocce for the adults. It was great to have so much room to run around. And the whole pool area is absolute paradise. We basically spent our entire weekend around the pool with the kids (and grown ups) swimming, sun-bathing and eating around the pool (and, again, so nice that they provide a full assortment of nice plastic dishes for eating outside). I can't tell you how much we appreciated the house. It was perfect!

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