Vacation Rentals by Owner

Magical

Guest: maya (san francisco, ca)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/19/12

This is the first time I've used VRBO so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. Dealing with the owner, was a pleasure. Payment was managed easily, straight forward and all questions were answered. I had planned my 35th birthday weekend and friends and family were flying out from around the country. My experience at this listing was nothing less than Magical. The Home was well lived in, and had all the basic amneties that accomadated a large group. The Best part of this place is The View, I could sit by the windows and stare out at the bay and mountains for a long time. The fireplace, variety of sleeping/bedding options, large open living space, made it so much fun to entertain in. My friends stayed up till 2:30am playing ping pong. My parents were not disturbed as they had a quiet bedroom tucked away. The kids bounced around the trampoline, and there seemed to be for something for everyone to find a way to retreat and relax. You don't need to bring anything with you (plenty of towels/bedding/pots/pans), except for your walking shoes for Mt Tam, bathing suit for hot tub, good books, and all the food you might need. (we didn't feel like leaving to go to the store) There is great stargazing across the street if you climb the hill. we took our sleeping bags and lay out on the hill to see the clear night sky. Overall. I am so grateful that I chose this place, and had such an incredible weekend that I thank owner for his Hospitaility!

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

Great Weekend, Great Weather

Guest: Dan (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/09/11 Review Submitted: 12/13/11

The rental was great. It has a great view from the top floor of the San Rafael - Richmond Bridge and surrounding areas. It is right near John Muir Woods for great hikes. It has plenty of spacious bedrooms to sleep. It has a ping pong table and pool table, and best of all a large hot tub. My group had a fabulous time and likely will return. Thanks.

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

Great Place for a Weekend Retreat!

Guest: Hank (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/27/11

The house was very spacious and perfect for our group of 16 for weekend retreat. The beds were all very comfortable, views were spectacular even though it was extremely foggy, and the pool table and hot tub were the icing on the cake. The location is very convenient to both great hiking and great beaches. We would definitely stay here again. Thanks Mark and Maxine!

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

Happy Visitor

Guest: Happy Visitor (NY)
Date of Stay: 09/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

My family and I stayed at Mark's house for 4 days while attending my niece's wedding. I have the nicest things to say about the house and Mark. The house is beautiful with picture windows in the living room and a bay window in the kitchen that overlook a majestic panorama of Mill Valley. It is spacious and the bedrooms gave us privacy while enjoying our family time in large gathering areas. Mark was very helpful. He answered all calls immediately and he clearly was interested that his guests were comfortable. The house is difficult to find because it is hidden behind a wooden facade that looks like a storefront, so go slowly when approaching it. The location was great...fairly close to Muir Woods, Mt Tamalpais Park, and Stinson Beach, and not too far from Tiberon. I highly recommend this property.

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

family weekend

Guest: Sky (Mill Valley,CA)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/17/11

My family stayed here for Labor Day Weekend when we got married and we stayed the night after the wedding. Really great spacious house with a nice garden and beautiful view. The lower level with the pool table smells a little (normal for this area with the moist air) but other than that this is an awesome house! The living room is huge, kitchen really nice. Good for family gatherings. The master bedroom is nice and we loved the bathroom. We loved the hot tub! Everything was clean. Mark was very responsive and even mailed something to me I had forgotten there. Really nice guy and if the art in the house is his, great artist. We would definitely rent this house again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Happy Family from Oregon

Guest: Jennie (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

We had a great time visiting the bay area. The weather was beautiful for us and the home was centrally located to all the places we wanted to visit. There are awesome views of the valley from the house and a wall of windows to enjoy them. We have a rather large family (10) and we all fit with room to spare. Everyone enjoyed the pool table and hot tub on our down time. There is a grocery store pretty close which was convenient. The house is in a nice neighborhood with lots of trees and privacy. Overall it was a good experience. One last note, my young daughter left her blanket at the house, so I immediately sent the home owner, Mark, an email. He was very prompt in getting back to me and let me know he would do his best to get it back to us. He found it and is shipping it right away. Anyone with a child that has a very special item they are attached to knows how fabulous that is. Thank you, Mark, for sharing your home with us and for caring about your "vacationers". You have made us very happy!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Great Retreat Location!

Guest: Christina (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

Our company held it's quarterly corporate retreat and this house was great. Great location close to hiking and kayaking. We would love to come back again if we don't grow too much over the next few months. Sleeping for12 adults in this house was a little tight, but otherwise everything was great!

Owner response:I am glad that there company had a wonderful time . It is a great environment to mix business with pleasure. To relax and also brainstorm. Between the great views and hot tub & pool room Something for everyone. I have added 2 more sofa bed/couches to the main living area. Thus allowing for more sleeping and seating areas In the huge living room. Also there are 2 queen air mattresses on the 3rd level that allow for more people 12 might be tight but I have 5 Bedrooms and addition possibilities throughout the house to accommodate 20-30 TIGHT BUT DOABLE I am thinking more of a sleeping bags and cots concept. With many people in a large spacious living room watching an INCREDIBLE sunrise. CALL ME A DREAMER Thanks Mark Reuben It is possible. Bring extra blankets also

Recommended for:

The Time Of My Life

Guest: Dj (Mill Valley)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

A few buddies of mines needed a place to stay after we threw a company party for our clothing line here in Mill Valley. Were all Range between the ages 19-24 and didn't not want to wake our parents and sibllings up coming in late so we found this house and stayed for 2 nights and 3 days and to this day I have yet to have a better weekend. The views are great, the house in amazing and the rooms have their own themes. I stayed in the room with all the classic pictures in it and didnt not want to check out. Some what up there as far as price goes but we'll worth it. If your coming to Mill Valley look no furture, this is the place to stay. We and my buddies are thinking about renting it again just cause we had such a fun time there. Best Regards Darren, Mill Valley, Ca

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

Dump

Guest: jen (san diego)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

We were expecting a nice house for our family retreat. Instead, we got a house with bugs, pipes that we had to duct tape together, a room that was a closet with a futon on the floor, college posters, the jacuzzi was frightening and had strange things growing in and around it.... I could go on. It was terrible and MUCH less than advertised. Drains that didn't drain........

Owner response:I appreciate all feedback from guests as it allows me to improve the property and make it better. I have reviewed stuff with the maids and hot tub maintenance people to make the property better. I have had many positive reviews by many guests over the years. I found it unusual that the guests had absolutely nothing positive to say. The property is situated across from a State Park with so many wonderful hiking trails and spectacular vistas. Judging from the state of the living room and kitchen (the house was left in a wreck ) Somewhere in this extended stay, a good time was had by all.

Recommended for:

perfect house for group retreat!

Guest: Eva (SAN FRANCISCO)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

My group of approximately 40 people spent the day here, and then a group of 10 of those spend the night. We had a fantastic time, the kitchen easily accommodated our potluck cooking needs, the living room is enormous and we all fit in and had a fire crackling in the fireplace (brought our own wood). Folks played pool, went in the hot tub, played games on the lawn... It was an ideal space for our crew. The windows from the kitchen and living room afford stupendous views, and in the morning, those who had stayed the night assembled on the lower level deck to breakfast in the sunshine and hang out on the hammock. Our check-out time on Sunday was 3pm, so we had plenty of time to lounge in the morning. A few minor glitches - the cleaning staff were still there when we arrived 45 minutes after we'd been told they would be gone, and the lawn was not mowed which dampened our plans to play some sort of uphill soccer - but the owner was so accommodating to our group all along the way that it hardly seemed like a big deal. And the house was so beautiful and perfect that all else paled. As far as beds: we slept all of us on beds. On lower level: one master bedroom, a sort of small futon room next to it that sleeps 2, a day room with a sofa bed and a futon, a small queen bedroom, and one more bedroom with a queen + a twin. On the main level: a small sitting room with a pull-out sofa. In the living room: a sofa bed and several day-bed couches that we didn't end up needing to use to sleep on but would have been perfectly comfortable. All in all, a fantastic stay and place to host our annual retreat, and I hope very much we will be back next year!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Mt. Tamalpais Trails, Muir Woods Beach & Green Gulch & Zen Center Retreat

Guest: Margie (Marin county )
Date of Stay: 05/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

I could not believe all the trails, Hiking into the most absolutely majestic Muir Woods & Mt. Tam the scenic views East & West. Up top of Mt. Tam you can see the Bay and San Francisco. Golden Sunsets. You feel you are one with nature. Down below concerts & music & shopping close by you have everything wish I lived here. Besides you can go to the Zen Center just South towards Muir Beach stay over too, meditation daily. What PEACE surrounds you. The entrance has an outside waterfall and a fun swing for at least four people. You can have an outdoor barbeque and relax after a long day of fun and exploration. When staying at Panoramic Land House we cooked in a kitchen overlooking the Northern Bay Richmond the San Rafael Bridge at night a glistening magic. The living room accomodated good eating with views, and would love to stay for a winter it had a beautiful rock fireplace, Everything naturally simple mirrors all around and marble polished floors, the windows expansive especially moon lite nights. Those early morn rising gave painted Sunrised any artist or retreat groups would enjoy. A bathroom convenient upstairs and TV room and sofa bed in a waterfall room accessible from the front door all leading to and from the kitchen, a very large antique while table and chairs. Simplicity & comfort. Everybody bring a sleeping bag for sleep overs there was so much room upstairs. On the second level the Master Bedroom with a bathroom steam and bath with jets for relaxing bath massages and a little candle light made my day. Everybody use some Young Living Essential Oils, my retreat there was worth it. I even had a view from the master bedroom and a big King size bed. It was so convenient for clients and friends who could stay with another queen size bed and sofa for reading with a private entrance to the redwoods outside and into the backyard, Downstairs another double bed and view Eucalyptus trees and Evergreen, The downstairs room with a large TV has two small fireplaces for the winter months, wish I can be here for the winter. If you should fall asleep it is quiet dark & peaceful. Washer/Dryer right around the corner and run down to the third level a pool table. Outside hot tub is private with natures smells, wind swept leaves gentling ringing chimes. Wish it was mine. The most enchanted redwood cut down growing into an unbrella a must see, here you embrace yourself and life. Owner accomodated kindly.

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

Amazing house

Guest: Allen (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

This house was amazing! Huge, at a very affordable price. Our party of 10 had more than enough space to sleep comfortably, and the house easily had enough space to fit 10 or 15 more. The drive here was rather painful but the accommodations that the house offers made every moment of the stay well worth it. Me, my fiance and our other 8 companions had a great experience-- the house is exactly as advertised: a perfect retreat house. The owner was also very understanding and allowed other guests to visit during the day, free of charge, as long as they did not stay overnight. The scenery was beautiful, beaches were close by and Mt. Tam is only a short drive away. In short, there is plenty to do! Price to value wise, you cannot find a better house than this!

Owner response:He must have gotten lost because I love the drive Hwy 1 is so beautiful but curvy North Across Golden Gate Bridge 101 North To Mill Valley/ Stinson Beach Exit Left at Hwy 1 (SHORELINE) (Tam Junction) Up to PANORAMIC HWY ( Follow signs to Muir Woods & Mt Tamalpais & Stinson Beach)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Great Location to So Much and Owner is Very Responsive

Guest: Teresa (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

Owner very warm and responsive, incredible location with beautiful views—could hike right from the front door and very close access to Mill Valley, Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, and Mt. Tamalpais. Able to take easy drive to ferry and go to San Fran. House is wondrously large and many guests can spread out comfortably.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Perfect location

Guest: Tricia (Dayton, TX)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

My family of 13 took a Christmas trip and stayed two nights at this house. Mr. Ruben did a great job communicating with us and his house was perfect for our stay. The pool table was an added bonus for entertainment as well. We traveled back and forth to San Francisco during those two days and this location worked out perfectly. I think it was 30 - 40 min from SFO airport and even less time to travel to the bay area. I would definitely stay here again if I ever returned to San Franciso. Thank you Mr. Ruben!

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

Fantastic experience at this unbelievably beautiful home

Guest: Joe (Berkeley)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

I'd rate our experience here as 15 out of a maximum possible 10 stars. I cannot say enough about how great the property is. Mark was accommodating, gracious and very responsive to email and phone calls. The house was simply beautiful (wait until you go inside!!), the views breathtaking. I was a bit nervous about the parking but we had 40+ guests visit one night and had zero parking issues. The drive up, once you got used to the best way to get there (do NOT go up through Mill Valley, in spite of what Mapquest or Google Maps suggests, instead, come up from Hwy 1), it's a snap to get up and back. In fact, if you can get to Muir Woods, you can find this house. The house is immaculate; the kitchen gadgets and BBQs work perfectly. The TVs, stereos, etc all worked as we hoped. We hosted a wedding rehearsal dinner here and the guests just raved about the place (hahaha, some even thought we owned it...I *WISH*!!!) It's perfect for a weekend getaway or party as we used it. Did I mention that I love this house? And, the price to rent this home is more than fair and I'd totally recommend anyone contacting Mark and using his house.

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

gorgeous and comfortable

Guest: gale (corona del mar, ca)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

The view is jaw droppingly gorgeous. We used this house for a family get together and there was plenty of room for 10 plus the dog. The first night the fog blew in, and I do mean blew, it was very cold and windy, but inside it was warm and comfy. The next day the sun came out and the temperature was perfect. Still, I highly recommend that you bring a good jacket. Everything was just as described. It was all in good working order. We would have liked it if the kitchen had a large salad bowl and a few basics like salt and sugar, but it was fine and we had a great weekend. The owner was friendly and available by phone. We would rent this house again.

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

Much larger and much grander that we thought!

Guest: Gobears (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

I booked this place for a small gathering of 8 people but we were amazed at the space that this place had! The living room was huge and had a gorgeous view of the bay plus the sonrise views were spectacular. The pool room was a nice way to relax but it was considerably colder than the other rooms. All the amenities were great and we were close enough to take a nice hike as well. The owner was very prompt and helpful. Note, the BBQ grills are gas only, not charcoal.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Sacred Mountain Retreat near Mt. Tamalpais

Guest: hypnodove (Santa Barbara)
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Sunrise is Heavenly & Majestic. Inspirational upon awaking especially at dawn. Watching all the colors, sunny or like a motion picture with rolling clouds. Rich green trees like the Redwoods, the Eucalyptus, and flowering indigenous plants this time of the year going into spring. Trails are everywhere and the ocean is just across the street high from the Muir Woods and more trails. A waterfall sitting room is cozy. Flowers and creatures abound. The kitchen window is great viewing all of birds in flight while cooking & socializing. Great fireplace and comfort in large living room. All the bedrooms are different and unique. While gentle winds blow and the rustling of the trees sooths your spirit. An overall woodsy escape from the everyday woes, where a steam & hot tub relaxes your Body & Mind & Spirit.

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

Mill Valley Reunion House

Guest: epiMT (Monana)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

The house is spacious and good for a group gathering - we held a staff retreat here and enjoyed the large living/dining area for group meetings and meals. The kitchen was equipped to handle our group of 10 and the large windows on the main floor provided beautiful views. The house only sleeps 9 in beds, not the advertized 12; that would be only if you have individuals willing to sleep on couches (not sofabeds) in public spaces - even then I think it only accomodates 11. The layout was a little funky (one room was only accessible through another) and parking a challenge, but the location was serene and a short drive to downtown Mill Valley or Muir Woods. The owner was very helpful in planning and addressing last-minute questions.

Owner response:A REMODEL HAS BEEN RECENTLY COMPLETED THAT COMPLETELY SEPARATES THE 2 BEDROOMS Now there are 4 separate bedrooms and a family room that converts into a 5th bedroom to accomodate up to 3 more people. The Pool Room also converts to a 6th Sleeping area The Living room also has the flexibility to accomodate 4 More people ACTUALLY THE BEST THING ABOUT THE HOUSE IS HOW EASY AND FLEXIBLE IT IS TO ACCOMODATE MORE PEOPLE. MORE BEDS & COUCHES It is a a big house (3500 Sq ft) 3 LEVELS Great location Across from Mt Tamalpais State Park With a pool room  Hot Tub Dining room table for 12 And a lot of beds 1 King   Master Bedroom  second level 1 Queen   Bedroom on second level + Single 1 Queen   Bedroom on 2nd level 1 Queen Sofa Bed    Family Room  second level Queen  SOFA BED Meditation Room  Main Level Living Room    1 Queen Sofa Bed & Couch  Main Level   Pool Room      1 sofa Bed/couch     3rd Level plus 5  COUCHES    A lot of space inside and out Did I tell you about Mt Tamalpais State Park with all the hiking trails And Muir Woods is 2 Miles away And Stinson Beach is just down the road (20 Minutes) Let me know PANORAMIC LAND IS VERY ZEN LIKE SIMPLE BUT PERFECT

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.