Vacation Rentals by Owner
Very Unique Private Home-Close to Beaches-Golf-San Francisco [#323070] | View Property
Point Reyes Station
House, 6 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths (Sleeps 12)
$375-$525 nt - $2950-$3300-wk
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Traveler Reviews (14)
Perfect setting for a women's retreat!
Guest: J. J.
(Windsor, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/11
Review Submitted: 12/11/11
Our group had a magical three days at the Blackthorne Inn. The home was right out of a fairytale. Beautifully decorated and fully equipped, the home provided us with plenty of comfy sleeping areas, a cozy fire, a bubbling hot tub and enough room in the kitchen for numerous cooks, We sang, danced, crafted, hiked and thoroughly celebrated several 50th birthdays! Over the phone Robert, the owner of Blackthorne, was extremely easy going and easy to contact. He also responded quickly to all email communications. Looking forward to staying in this amazing home again in the futur
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Unique Home in the Trees
Guest: Poppa
(Palos Verdes, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 08/16/11
Our family of 13 just spent a week in the trees at one-of-a-kind Blackthorne. We had 2 grandparents, 6 daughters and husbands, and 5 grandkids ages 4 - 15. Everyone enjoyed discovering all of the balconies, spiral staircases, decks, the "tower," and views. The grandkids called the place "Hogwarts." The 4-year-old had no trouble with the stairs and railings. This is a great place for birdwatchers. We saw close to 100 species, many in the trees around the house. Point Reyes is famous for its birds and wildlife. We had a doe and two fawns meander through the back slope daily. Lots of stellar jays, acorn woodpeckers, and wilson's warblers around the decks and trees. We enjoyed steaming open oysters on the BBQ, relaxing on the huge front deck, partying on the jacuzzi deck, and entertaining visiting friends in the beautiful living room.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.
What a Gem!
Guest: Coco
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11
Review Submitted: 06/28/11
We love this property! The house is exactly as described on the website. It is very clean, well maintained and is nicely decorated with comfortable furniture. It is surrounded by trees and very peaceful and a short drive to beautiful beaches, hiking trails and Point Reyes Station.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Wow!
Guest: discerning traveler
(Santa Fe, NM)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 06/30/11
We had a family reunion at Blackthorne for a week in June 2011. Ages ranged from 2 years old to 60. This review will be short as all I can say is that it was perfect for us (lots of stairs, which we looked at as great exercise). The house itself exudes soul. We will definitely go there again!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Perfect for a celebration
Guest: Liz
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/15/11
I rented the house for my 40th birthday and couldn't imagine a better way to spend it, or a more perfect place to spend it at. If anything, the photos don't do the house justice. It's just beautiful, very nicely and tastefully furnished, and perfect for a large group. Everyone who stayed there was absolutely amazed at the place, and Roberto was very responsive to all inquiries. It's a beautiful area and we were welcomed by a deer when we first drove up to the house. Although it's easily accessible from San Francisco, you feel worlds away once you get there. The area is a wealth of activities, making it easy for people in our group to go off & do whatever suited them best. Some went hiking in the national park, others went for a bike ride, to the beach, to the light house, cheese tasting in Nicasio, oyster eating in Marshall, etc. We all reconvened in the evenings for meals, and the large living and dining space made it comfortable for a group dining together (unfortunately, the weather was a little too cool that particular weekend in June to spend much time on the deck). There is a good-sized grocery store in Pt. Reyes Station to pick up anything you need, and enough restaurants nearby if you don't feel like cooking. The octagonal room at the top (the Eagles Nest), which was my favorite, definitely isn't for very young children or people who have difficulty with stairs or tight places, but it's absolutely charming. (also be aware that the designated bathroom for this room is across an outdoor walkway). Everyone had such a wonderful time that I decided to rent the house again for my 41st birthday. Who celebrates a 41st birthday? I know, but it was such a wonderful weekend that everyone wanted to do it again next year.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Truly a Heavenly Place
Guest: pat
(SANTA MARIA)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11
Review Submitted: 05/23/11
Blackthorne is an amazing place! My son recently graduated from college in the bay area and we decided to rent the place for a weekend to celebrate his accomplishments. Even though the pictures and video online give a good overview, being there in person is beyond their depiction! We had three separate families and the lay out of the house gave each family their own sleeping areas, while still having room to gather together in the beautiful living space on the second floor. My daughter was able to cook a gourmet dinner for twelve with the fully equipped kitchen. The decks surrounding the house were perfect places to bask in the sun or soak in the hot tub. The detached apartment was perfect for my pregnant daughter and her husband. Roberto treated me with kindness from the first conversation to the last. He was always prompt in replying to my many questions! We are already planning our next family gathering to build many more Blackthorne memories!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
So nice, I did it twice!
Guest: Stoney
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11
Review Submitted: 04/28/11
My first stay at Blackthorne was with a small group of film makers. It was a creative retreat and the Blackthorne was the perfect backdrop for a short film. The accomadations were extremely comfortable for the 8 of us and the hot tub provided a fine respite after a day of shooting. My second stay was to celebrate my partner's birthday. We had several rainy days but not even the rain could put a damper on our stay. The Blackthorne swaddled us in comfort. The oversized fireplace warmed our souls. The extensive movie and music library kept us entertained. And the large well-appointed kitchen allowed us to make fabulous meals. 2 stays at the Blackthorne are not enough. I plan to be there again in a month or so. I highly reccommend this place!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
The perfect place for a birthday week
Guest: Wm.
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
What a magical place! It feels so dreamlike, this house in the wood with its unexpected twists and turns, its catwalks and multiple ways in and out. This was the perfect home for a significant birthday celebration. I had family and friends gather here, and the house proved to be ideal for both socializing and finding quiet, private moments. Robert, the owner, was friendly and easy to deal with, and the house was stocked with all we needed to have a comfy, warm stay. A few specifics details that made us never want to leave: the great video and music libraries, the well equipped kitchen, the generous and smart furniture that easily fits several people at a time, the way the house opens up to the outdoors on a nice day but seals up warm and cozy when it's cold... I'll be back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Lovely and Peaceful
Guest: Ruby
(Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/04/11
Review Submitted: 02/17/11
The house is four levels, with decks and crowned with a hot tub! The surroundings are gorgeous with a nifty room at the top of the house with windows that looks over it all. Additionally, I left a scarf there and Roberto found it and returned it!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Wonderful Weekend At Blackthorne!
Guest: Mimi
(Fairfax, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11
Review Submitted: 01/30/11
Blackthorne is an architectural treat, with something new to enjoy at every turn. We were cozy, warm and happy from the moment we turned the key. It is a perfect place for special time with friends, a great open plan for time together and plenty of unique spaces for quiet or reading. The fabulous, new décor was a treat - fresh and comfortable. Saturday turned a bit damp but it did not stop us from taking a fantastic seven miles hike at Limatour Beach. Halfway down the trail we were treated to a herd of tule elk! The hot tub back at Blackthorne was a perfect way to warm up before dinner. Blackthorne was great for our potluck dinner. We were able to enjoy the company while preparing dinner, listened to good music and warmed ourselves by the fire. Dinner at the Station House Cafe in Pt. Reyes was great and The Busy Bee bakery is a perfect destination for a morning walk - the pastries were still warm by the time they made it back to the house. We were all sorry to say goodbye - to each other and Blackthorne. We will be back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Heavenly! An absolute treasure I will return to often.
Guest: Martie
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 01/17/11
Review Submitted: 01/20/11
The Blackthorne is a dreamy retreat with many wonderful details and surprises. I stayed in the three top bedrooms, and had use of the main floor with the living room and kitchen. (highly recomended) The Eagle's Nest has a tight entry at the top of the beautiful spiral staircase. What a room! And the decks! I cannot do the house justice with my words here. I will bring a larger group next time, the place is perfect for a group of 12 or so. What a blast! And I will be returning with two or more of us again, so very romantic. My friend and I each had our own rooms and shared the Eagles Nest. Perfect! Thank you Roberto, thank you, thank you! The place is clean, well maintained, and cared for. Roberto is a perfect host. Highly, joyfully recommended .
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
WOW!! Amazing experience so close to SF!
Guest: John
(SF)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11
Review Submitted: 01/28/11
This house is awesome! An hour and a half from SF, but you feel a world away. This home is insane: 3 story spiral staircase! Balcony into the living room! A bridge?! Hot tub that made you feel like you were sitting in the trees! A circular room made entirely of windows! Rock fireplace! Well equipped kitchen! The house is very close to Point Reyes Station. We went clamming one afternoon on Tomales Bay. I wish we brought the bikes because there is so much road to ride. Roberto the owner was great. Very communicative and had everything set to go for us upon our arrival. I can't wait to figure out another weekend to return!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A wonderful place
Guest: cindy
(Petaluma Ca. USA)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10
Review Submitted: 01/11/11
Our extended family enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Blackthorn. It is a magical place, beautifully built with obvious care and love. Because it's set up high above the trees the very top is a perfect place to sit when the sun is out. Even when there's a chill in the air it is warm in the sun at the Blackthorn! The Jacuzzi was wonderful. I can't say enough about the house. I highly recommend. Fine for kids especially older kids, might be hard for older people who have trouble handling stairs. Every room in the house is nice. The kitchen is not huge, but totally fine for making big dinners. The owner is very nice and accommodating.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
CA Reyes Point to the Blackthorne
Guest: Byrne Family from Michigan
(Lowell, MI)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10
Review Submitted: 11/27/10
Both the Byrne family (Lowell, MI) and Castiglione Family (Danville, CA) found the Blackthorne an amazing retreat. We were a party of 10 (4 adults 6 kids all under 9!) and we loved this house. With all of its character and unique niches the Blackthorne made our stay with active kids stress free. They seemed to dissapear into the corners of the house and entertain themselves and yet seemed at arms length no matter where they were playing. Once acclimated to the winding staircase, the kids explored and loved the entire home especially the Octagon. There are a few perilous elements of the house that are not designed for children. We kept them off the fireman's pole and the roof of the Octagon. However, these indulgent pleasures were just the ticket for the 40+ crowd! Amazing view from the Octagon roof! Truly living amoung the trees! The Blackthorne is built into the hillside and is on a very steep slope which creates a harmonic interaction with the surrounding topography that is hard to describe: trees are growing through decks, walkways are built into the hillside and each elevation of the house seems to complement its surroundings. It's amazing! As families from differnet time zones the multiple living spaces made different sleeping schedules a snap and privacy on vacation with this many people was a reality. The location was unbelievable only 10-20 minutes from the sites and sounds of what Point Reyes has to offer. From the tide pools to the Redwoods it was truly an experience we will never forget! It was a pleasure to have the entire property to ourselves and with the latest updates in decor and technology it was the perfect retreat. Thanks to the Galliani and Ongaro families for keeping the legacy of the Blackthorne alive. The Blackthorne truly is a special California retreat. BTW: in my opinion, to truly experience this property you must be in decent health and willing to take on daily climbs of multiple staircases. This may make this property ill-suited for young children under 3 or people with physical disabilities.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.