Vacation Rentals by Owner

lovely

Guest: Noonien (Columbia, sc)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

shiosai was everything we anticipated and more. the house was very clean and maintained well. we were hesitant to chance the grocery store in gualala so we stopped at whole foods on the drive up for our weeks provisions. it was not necessary. there is a fantastic grocer right in the town that had all we could have wanted, quality wise, as we are a couple that enjoys cooking. we took many day trips from this location, some too long!!! (i.e.) wine country, but was worth it. driving on the coastal highway is not for the faint of heart, but absolutely stunning! we receommend visiting the lighthouse nearby, it is worth the admittance fee and is another opportunity for an incrediable view of this gorgeous coastline. we saw 4 wild turkeys in the yard one evening at dusk...pretty cool. if we ever return to this part of the country again, we will definately book at shiosai. one of the owners, fred, is very nice and helpful.

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

Perfect for honeymoon

Guest: The Bakers (OAKLAND)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

My husband and I stayed at Shiosai for our honeymoon. Let's say... we luxuriated at Shiosai, actually. It was perfect. Everything was better than expected... from the owners' kind emails and recommendations, to the amazing views and sounds of the ocean from every room, to the views of the stars at night through the ceiling of windows... breathtaking. The small zen garden in the home is just the centerpiece of a truly zen experience. We could not have asked for a better honeymoon -- exactly the way we wanted it. The little town of Gualala is charming and has all of the basics. You absolutely will not be disappointed if a beautiful, unique, calm, relaxing, magical stay is what you're looking for.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great moon watching through the fabulous skylight.

Guest: NiceHess (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

I have rented many vacation properties through VRBO and have never had a bad experience. This still holds true, BUT this was by far my favorite. The place was absolutely super spotless when we arrived. Trust me, I am a picky witch when it comes to kitchens and baths. For cleanliness alone I would give this place 5-stars. On top of it, we were welcomed by a stoked fireplace all ready for a match and a lovely bottle of wine. The views were amazing and we got to experience the lunar eclipse through the fabulous skylight. The kitchen was extremely well stocked with high quality kitchen wares and lovely tableware. The sheets were super soft and the bed quite comfy. The only thing that was bad was the weather. Hmmm...maybe the weather just made the views and moon watching more dramatic. I feel very lucky that we were able to be a guest in this wonderful house.

Owner response:Thank you Janice! Experiencing a full moon at Shiosai is quite special. On the other hand, when there is no moon - the stars are quite stunning.... We have to say that Rosa our housekeeper does a wonderful job and we need to recognize her for keeping Shiosai so spic and span!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Absolutely stunning views from one of the most beautiful homes we've ever visited.

Guest: Dianne L. (The Woodlands, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

We stayed in Shiosai for nine days, intended to use it as a base for exploring the northern California coast but found the house, itself, to be a fabulous destination. The spectacular architecture, decor and ever-changing ocean vistas from every room held us captive at the windows. We saw whales spouting most days, enjoyed families of fox, quail and deer, all of which had little ones and came right up to the house; paradise for bird watcheers (osprey, golden eagles, hummingbirds, jays, etc). Had morning coffee and evening wine in the "Whale Watch" room (with telescope and comfy leather chairs). Nights were spent on the sofas enjoying the fire pit style living room. The kitchen is beautifully equipped for the serious cook -- Calphalon cookware, etc. The domed glass ceilings flood the house with natural light and allow star-gazing from bed in the master. There is a separate studio equipped with weights, recreational equipment and office equipment -- house is WiFI. Plenty of firewood provided for the two fireplaces. Lovely linens, comfortable bed, everything feels fresh and new. Totally private and secluded although there are neighbors nearby. The town of Gualala is charming, very small but large enough to offer some fine restaurants, stores and galleries.. The owners (who live about an 1 1/2 hours away) have left nothing to want during your stay. They encourage you to call if you need anything and are familiar with and enthusiastic about the area, always eager to suggest activities or day trips. We will return but next trip we'll do all our road excursions in advance knowing that once we unlock the door to Shiosai, we won't want to leave.

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

Guest: Steve and Tien
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Thank you for a memorable weekend. This house is perfect and the views mesmerizing; words cannot describe ;-) The weather was absolutely delightful and the deck so inviting. . .my husband fell asleep and got a nice sunburn. We weren't able to go trekking but stayed in and enjoyed every bit relaxing and watching the waves and birds. This is our first stay in Gualala and (we) plan to be back as often as we can! I doubt any other vacation home can top this wonderful "home." We love it here.

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Guest: Sue and Michael/Liz and Steve
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Thank you, Susie and Fred! We hope to return in the future to once again enjoy the peace and quiet. . .great wine. . .great friends. . .fantastic views and wild life. . . What a beautiful home and beautiful weather! All good things must come to an end ;-(

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Guest: Erin and John
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Thank you both for opening up your wonderful home to us. It was more amazing than we could have imagined. You truly have a little piece of paradise here at Shiosai. We will definitely plan on returning!

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Guest: Lenny and Robin
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Everyone should be as fortunate to experience the tranquility we have on our short visit to Shiosai ;-)

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Guest: Joe and Leslie
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. What a wonderful way to celebrate my husband's birthday. The view is magnificent - we could not get enough. We left for lunch one day and decided to take it to go - because we couldn't wait to get back ! Where else would you enjoy a meal and be surrounded with such tranquil beauty! Thank you.

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Guest: Ashley and James
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

We came here to celebrate our engagement!! It was a very memorable time. Every morning we would wake up and feel so lucky to have this time in a beautiful home. Very relaxing and romantic. Thank you to Susie and Fred for opening up their little piece of heaven to share with us.

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Guest: Paul & Sharon
Date of Stay: 10/14/07 Review Submitted: 10/13/07

When we entered this home for the first time we were stunned by the beauty within and without. That sense of awe remained throughout our visit. How fitting that our first day here Al Gore won the Nobel Peace prize for his environmental work. Your home reminded us of the splendor of nature and how we must co-exist and protect it. Thank you so very much for sharing this special place. We hope to return and spend more time just soaking in the view and enjoying the internal comforts you have so wonderfully created.

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Guest: Linda & Michael
Date of Stay: 09/29/07 Review Submitted: 09/28/07

Browsing through this book, I notice so many compliments on this special house and what it has to offer. . . . .Our compliments on a beautifully situated home. If it were mine, I am not sure that I would ever leave it! From watching the waves crash and the birds circle all day to watching the full moon overhead from bed at night - Shiosai soothes the soul. I hope to return someday . . . . Many thanks -

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Guest: Jay & Sandra B.
Date of Stay: 09/06/07 Review Submitted: 09/05/07

A true journey of love and passion has been discovered. The marvelous creation and beauty of a heaven on earth! We have shared a week to escape and discover love all over again on our honeymoon!

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Guest: Small party from PA
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/07

I think those that have written in this log have all said it. This place is like heaven on earth! It's beauty, tranquility and isolation make it an outstanding place to rekindle love, begin a life of love, re-discover your sanity, write a book, etc., etc., We will be back!!

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Guest: Carol & Jim M
Date of Stay: 05/27/07 Review Submitted: 05/26/07

We enter Shiosai. . .she wraps her waves around us. . .California dream. . .thank you!

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Guest: Rob & Kevin
Date of Stay: 05/11/07 Review Submitted: 05/10/07

Looking back at our earlier entry of May 2006, it is hard to believe it is already a year since we first enjoyed our stay at Shiosai. It was fun finding our corks from our last stay in the drawer in the kitchen - everything still is familiar. A very special place for us and so many others to find peace and calm away from our daily grinds. We are just so happy we live so close!

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Guest: Dana J.
Date of Stay: 08/28/06 Review Submitted: 08/27/06

Exceeded our expectation. Website does not fully convey the beauty of the environment. Fabulous, wonderful, blissful - "don't want to leave."

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Guest: Mike & Sylvia
Date of Stay: 08/21/05 Review Submitted: 08/20/05

No better place on earth to detox, de-stress and tune in with self. We loved the views, the sound of the wind and waves. Brilliant!

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Guest: Tony & Priscilla M
Date of Stay: 06/27/05 Review Submitted: 06/26/05

We are up here for the 10th or 12th time - we've been coming twice a year since 1995. We've stayed in so many different places, and I can say that this is our favorite - everything is so beautiful, peaceful and serene. The house is perfectly named. Thanks for creating such a perfect house in a gorgeous setting. I also loved the recipes in the "Martha Stewart Living Cookbook" - I ordered one for my home. Perfect beach access. We had great weather - great time. Thanks again.

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Guest: Stephanie & Larry G.
Date of Stay: 06/08/05 Review Submitted: 06/07/05

We are celebrating a 15th year anniversary, our first time in this magical, mystical abode - fabulous! Top-quality kitchen, appliances, stunning, eclectic decor and knickknacks - all leading up to a feeling of being utterly pampered. Your views are incredible - stars above and the ocean right beyond your walls - I have been coming here since I was five - this is the best! In fact, we just booked this for Thanksgiving week - lucky us - heavenly idea.

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Guest: Howard & Cindi G.
Date of Stay: 03/11/05 Review Submitted: 03/10/05

Stunningly beautiful home and view! It was very easy to sit, relax, read, pick up one's head to look at the breathtaking panorama, follow the deer, bunnies and birds. . .listen to the sounds of the waves (shio) unwind in a hot tub for 2. A long, relaxing and very comfortable weekend, luxurious and romantic. . . . Thank you

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Guest: Brian & Megan
Date of Stay: 02/01/05 Review Submitted: 01/31/05

Wow, what a wonderful home and an outstanding view! This was the perfect romantic weekend that every couple in love should experience. We are always on the go, but this weekend was different. The ocean views & fireplaces (not to mention the hot tub for 2) was all we needed. Thanks again for the use of your beautiful home. I am just curious where you would rather be than here!

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Guest: Austin & Darla
Date of Stay: 10/17/04 Review Submitted: 10/16/04

We walked in and giggled with delight! This home is lovely and we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to stay here 10 incredible days. We were frequently visited by your neigors (raccoons, brown bunnies, deer and the many birds). We desperately needed and looked forward to this vacation, but had no idea how perfectly beautiful it would be - Shiosai means to us. . . beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and very spiritual. Thank you for welcoming us into your Shiosai.

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Guest: Dave & Teresa M.
Date of Stay: 10/14/04 Review Submitted: 10/13/04

How contagious to relax in your luxurious home and "surf" pirates cove, run home and enjoy this sanctuary of hot-tubing, warm towels off gthe towel racks. . .a great time was inevitable. . .thank you for not posting your house rules, we upheld all of them!!!

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Guest: Row & Kit
Date of Stay: 10/03/04 Review Submitted: 10/02/04

Thank you for opening your beautiful home: the view, the architecture, the interior decoration (and wonderful appliances) the fire and stereo - all made for a vacation we will not forget - and will definitely try to revisit. . . you truly do have a slice of heaven!!!

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Guest: Rick & Ellen
Date of Stay: 09/27/04 Review Submitted: 09/26/04

We had a wonderful experience at Shiosai and have come "unwound!"

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Guest: Emily R. & Eric G.
Date of Stay: 09/24/04 Review Submitted: 09/23/04

Thank you so much for sharing your slice of heaven with us. We had a lovely time.

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Guest: Dr & Mrs. R. Steel
Date of Stay: 08/20/04 Review Submitted: 08/19/04

Our 12th wedding anniversary and our 12th home rented on the coast. Truly a remarkable home with terrific views and extreme comfort. Definitely our favorite. Thanks for opening up your home to allow people to enjoy its full beauty. We look forward to a return visit.

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Guest: Dr & Mrs R. L. Cheney
Date of Stay: 08/13/04 Review Submitted: 08/12/04

Our stay in your home was splendid. Your home is everything we hoped it would be - private, well-maintained, well-equipped and gorgeous. We have enjoyed many coastal views none more than this one! We thank you for sharing your lovely home. We take home with us many mental treasures to replay again and again.

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