Heaven

Guest: Lily (Point Reyes St. CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

We were lucky enough to stay at Running Springs for two weeks on a writing retreat but it was so lovely the temptation to sit looking out of the window rather than at the blank page was almost overwhelming! The grounds are beautiful - alpine meadows, large mature trees and views for miles down the valley and to the mountains beyond. It is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places I have ever stayed. The world literally drops away from you as you drive up the long driveway to the house. The house is very comfortable and you can see that great care has been taken with everything. Lovely antiques, crisp linens, an exquisite stone fireplace - so much to enjoy and admire. It is a piece of heaven, it truly is. Thank you Steffny and Alan, we couldn't have been happier!

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Even Better Than We Envisioned!

Guest: Great Explorations (Bay Area, California )
Date of Stay: 08/24/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

I have stayed in many VRBOs over the years, and this was by the far the nicest of them all. This lovely home is situated up in the mountains of beautiful northern California, about 2 hours from San Francisco. There are three stunning bedrooms--one of which feels like it's in a treehouse! My favorite spot was probably the porches that have amazing overlooks and comfy adirondacks for lounging. The kitchen is a cook's dream--and cook we did! The bedrooms are unbelievable--the beds are nicer than any I've ever slept in. The house is so gorgeously decorated--the owners have so much class! Steffny was incredibly kind as a host, and we went back and forth about the many questions I had. She also left us a nice little welcome gift--which we were pleasantly surprised to find! Truly can't wait to come back!!

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

nice stay near the redwoods

Guest: redwood seeker (San Anselmo, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/25/11

If you want privacy, this is a great place to go. Best features: * Most houses have 1 master bedroom. This one has 2 master bedrooms. One has the views, the other is tucked into the forest. Both have spacious and luxurious bathrooms. There is also a nice 3rd bedroom. * We cooked all of our dinners at the house. The kitchen is well-stocked with supplies and well-equipped for ambitious cooking. * The deck is fantastic for sunsets and socializing. * If you are heading to Montgomery Woods or Orr Hot Springs, you are a hop skip and a jump away. * The ping pong table provided us with some good entertainment. * You are acres away from any of the neighbors. Lots of privacy here. The only complaint we had was that the house was a little musty when we arrived. We opened the windows and aired it out, and within a couple of hours, everything was fine. We would definitely go back!

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

Great house, lots of wildlife

Guest: short tripper (San Francisco Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11 Review Submitted: 08/14/11

Our stay was everything we'd hoped it would be. The forecast for Ukiah was in the 90s so we were worried about the heat, but the house is farther west and higher in elevation for perfect temperatures. The house and much of the deck is well shaded at midday, making it incredibly comfortable inside and out. The garden and the main deck are fantastic for watching wildlife. For any fellow birdwatchers, just a few of the species I saw from the house: California quail, northern flicker, blue grouse, Cassin's vireo, warbling vireo, red-breasted nuthatch, hermit warbler, C-B chikadee, bushtit, black-headed grosbeak and more Anna's hummingbirds than I've ever seen in one spot (there were multiple feeders, strategically placed, all full on arrival). Lots of rabbits, hares and deer, too. I have mobility issues, so to be able to watch all the wildlife from the house itself was an uncommon pleasure I won't forget. Beautiful house, wonderful property. Thank you, Steffny.

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

Bliss!

Guest: SGillmore (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/11

My husband and I stayed the weekend with our 2 young children, and we loved it. The property is meticulously clean and decorated beautifully. Best of all, we felt at home instantly - it's comfortable, quiet, and so relaxing. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday on the deck enjoying the view, and our boys got a sense of what life is like in the country - hiking, watching birds, and even gardening/cutting flowers in the gorgeous garden. Since we are city-dwellers, we will definitely be back again and again.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Perfect in Every Way

Guest: DeeElJay (Marin County, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Two couples and I were incredibly fortunate to get to stay at RSR for a long weekend in June. We were taking part in a bicycling event around the area that would be a real workout, and we wanted a relaxing, beautiful place to spend the rest of our time. Unfamiliar with the area, we began corresponding with Steffny through VRBO, and we quickly came to appreciate her friendly and attentive way with us as we figured out how to pull it all together. When we finally arrived at RSR after weeks of anticipation, we could not have been more impressed with the stunningly warm and welcoming home that we found here! Ahhhh. Every detail has been thought about and executed to perfection. Top level furnishings, utensils, and equipment are present at every turn in every room. Not sterile like a hotel, and not too homey like you have invaded someone else's space. Somehow it manages to feel like your own beautiful home has been generously created just for you, and everything has been thought of, and every detail has been worked out for your pleasure. And the setting! Mmmmm. What a glorious spot to get away from it all! Relax on one of the plentiful decks or in one of the two lovely soaking bath tubs with their French windows wide open to the surroundings, and just melt into the glorious serenity of this place. We cannot recommend RSR more enthusiastically, and we also highly recommend this area to cyclists. Both are simply amazing!

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

Guest: Jeremy (-)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend stay and would come back again and again. The kitchen was more than ready for the cooking needs of a few couples, the views from the back deck were breath-taking, and the sense of getting away from it all could not be beat! It truly is a beautiful house in a perfect location and if your group is looking for a spot to do some fantastic cooking while enjoying local wines and views, then look no further.

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Guest: Kelly Waters (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/06/09 Review Submitted: 11/06/09

Ohhh the lovely Ranch House. My husband and I have been on numerous occasions. We like to pretend its our country home. Ha! But in all seriousness it truly does feel that way. The owners have added a lovely personal touch with several well chosen vintage and antique pieces. And by antiques I don't mean the awful bed and breakfast decorum, or the antiquated farmhouse. This is an important disclaimer for me since I'm a modernist at heart. While there is much of the countryside to hike, shoot arrows, play horseshoes... I personally could sit on the deck all day sketching or reading. The back deck is great for dinner under the stars and morning yoga too. And the views are simply stunning. Another huge plus for us is the Kitchen is really stocked for those who love to cook and entertain. Its great for just a couple but also for a close knit group of friends. All in all we truly love the Ranch and will continue to visit for special occasions or for those much needed weekend getaways.

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Guest: Peter Judd (-)
Date of Stay: 10/31/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

We've stayed at this amazing place on a number of occasions, during all times of the year. It has become our favorite place to go when we don't want to get on a plane but we do want to feel a million miles from our hectic city life. I can honestly say that there are no amount of photos or detailed descriptions that could do this place justice. Even the winding drive up to the house is stunning. The couple who own the property could not love it more and this love shows in every detail of the space. We can't wait for our next trip up!

Owner response:Thanks Peter, we're thrilled that other people love it like we do! Steff&AR

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Guest: MJinLA (California)
Date of Stay: 10/31/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

Actually found this place through a friend, and went up site unseen. Needed to do one of those get away from it all things. (even though I am usually tempted to go somewhere closer to shopping!) But this time (and due to some limited funds) I decided a more "retreat" like experience was needed. So we packed up the car and got out of Beverly..Hills that is, and headed to the gorgeous hills of Mendocino. Stocked up on groceries, magazines and movies and hunkered down. The place was very warm and "homey" but with quality stuff, which for an LA snob like me was good. It had city in the country style. Great baths, kitchen and comforters. The views were beautiful. We sat on the deck and relaxed, strolled around the property, played a little horseshoes, made s'mores, read, talked, played games-- just had good old fashion fun. This was a great escape, and I am considering bringing some of my sales leads up there for a little "power" weekend, to help us get through these new challenging times. Sort of a zen weekend. I recommend taking the time for yourself and retreat to this lovely home. You get a lot of bang for the buck here, and lots of good energy to take back with you! Go.! Do it!

Owner response:Wow! Glad you had such a great time MJ, hope to see you again soon. Steff&AR

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