Vacation Rentals by Owner

Big Sur Grand Mountain Retreat 'Tolkien's Rest' [#342963] | View Property

Big Sur
House, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
$550/nt to $650/nt
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Traveler Reviews (29)

• Beautiful and Serene

  Beautiful and Serene

  • Guest Lela l.
  • Date of stay 04/01/13
  • Review Submitted 04/08/13
  The home is new, beautiful and serene. We loved the simplicity and elegance of the home. The kitchen was well stocked. We were there with our 6 year old, took day hikes up the Tan Bark trail and to the beaches. Big Sur is unique and this welcoming home and its setting are right in character. We especially enjoyed the claw foot bath and the yoga platform. This would be a great retreat to spend time painting or writing a book.

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

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• Truly Gorgeous!

  Truly Gorgeous!

  • Guest bobafett
  • Date of stay 11/25/12
  • Review Submitted 12/09/12
  Tolkien's rest is just an amazing property to stay at especially if you are seeking some true down time or quality family time. It’s very close to notable spots like Nepenthe, a number of galleries and Julia Pfeiffer SP making it a very convenient location. The home was spotless and well equipped with all the necessary amenities and plenty of cooking utensils. Cooking in the kitchen is a pleasure especially given the view you get. Sula and Torre were wonderful to work with and made things very easy for us. Look forward to our next visit & thank you for making it such a wonderful stay :)

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

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• Can't wait to go back!

  Can't wait to go back!

  • Guest Jevelin
  • Date of stay 11/02/12
  • Review Submitted 11/20/12
  This was our first time renting a house in Big Sur. Normally we stay at the Ventana which is amazing but this place blew it away! The pictures don't do it justice. It's quiet, with an amazing view. The house is really cozy. We cooked most of our meals at the house and just enjoyed the view. If your looking for a quiet relaxing vacation, with the most beautiful view you have ever seen you want to stay here. I should add that Sula and her son Torre are as nice as could be. And Torre my boyfriend was ready to take Turbo! We had to convince not to! Thank you both for such a wonderful place. We can't wait to get back.

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

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• Fabulous getaway

  Fabulous getaway

  • Guest BF
  • Date of stay 10/19/12
  • Review Submitted 10/31/12
  I've stayed at many places in Big Sur over the years, including Ventana and Post Ranch Inn, and Tolkien's Rest beat them by a country mile. The house was lovely, comfortable and fully equipped. The view is to die for. The house is above the fog line (on most days), so even if it is foggy by the shore, it's sunny at the house, and one looks out over a blanket of fog that is almost as beautiful as the ocean. When there's no fog, the view of the ocean can't be beat. The walk from the house down to the nearest beach access on Route 1 is lovely- about 6 miles roundtrip. Sula and her son Torre were very accommodating, and navigating the ridge road with Torre's help was no problem. The only complaint we had-- and it is a minor one-- is that because the house is on an open ridge, sound travels very far. As a result, we could hear the music from a party Saturday afternoon in a house down the ridge (and out of sight). But as I say, it was only a slight fly in the ointment in an otherwise perfect weekend. We'll be back soon. Thank you Sula and Torre!

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

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• Big Sur Paradise

  Big Sur Paradise

  • Guest Georgian
  • Date of stay 07/16/12
  • Review Submitted 08/05/12
  Absolutely fabulous setting with a view to die for. If you enjoy watching sun set over the ocean (different view each day) and seeing sky sprinkled with crystal clear stars this is a place for you. We have truly enjoyed our stay at Tolkien’s Rest. House is brand new, clean, comfortable and well equipped with everything you may need. It is spacious and with 4 adults and 2 kids we all had our own space to enjoy inside and outside of the house. Outdoor tub and bottle of wine provides special experience in watching sunsets! House is a short drive from number of state parks, beaches and hikes down to the coves. It pays to get there early to enjoy sights if solitude before summer crowds arrive. The owners were great and helpful and booking the place was very easy. It was a great stress free week in a beautiful place that is far away from every day rush and where thankfully my cell phone did not work!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Ah! Thank you for a lovely review. You captured the Magic. Just a note about cell phone reception: You do get verizon by the bathtub (if you feel like it!) and, for future guests information, there is a land line at the house.

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• Gorgeous View, Amazing House

  Gorgeous View, Amazing House

  • Guest Scott
  • Date of stay 06/29/12
  • Review Submitted 07/07/12
  This home has one of the most spectacular views we have ever seen, up a steep mountainside looking out above the clouds over the ocean with condors soaring overhead...magical. The home is beautiful and very comfortable. It is a bit of a drive up the to the house and pack well for day trips as popping back up to the house is a bit of task up (about 15min up steep,winding road from the highway - not a detraction at all in our opinion. We loved the solitude and quiet. Rarely have we seen a nicer view!! Also, be sure to shop before coming to Big Sur as we did not find anywhere easy to get groceries south of Carmel. Very romantic and isolated..perfect getaway for a couple wanting privacy and beauty. Our kids loved the outdoor tub. Really special place!!! Owner and son were very kind and helpful.

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

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• A real paradise

  A real paradise

  • Guest jude
  • Date of stay 06/26/12
  • Review Submitted 07/01/12
  We spent 3 days at the home. It is a remarkable place. It makes one think of a home that Caesar might have given a Roman General to spend the rest of his days in paradise after many victories. I cannot think of any negative complaint about the property. The views are more beautiful that the pictures capture. We did only of little sight seeing around Big Sur because we determined that we were happiest in the home over looking the world. My wife's thoughts: "Stunning views that change with the time of the day and night; you feel like you are looking at something different each time. I did not want to leave." The place was real joy. All amenities that you might need are provided for.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers

  Owner response: Thank you for sharing (so eloquently!) your impressions of the house. We are delighted you got to come and enjoy it so. Do come again (with or without!)

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• Quintessential Sur

  Quintessential Sur

  • Guest Beatrice
  • Date of stay 05/26/12
  • Review Submitted 05/31/12
  For anyone wishing to experience Big Sur, this is the place. This is the ideal house, perfectly sited, high above the Pacific, in one of the best locations on the entire coast. The text and photos portray everything precisely, yet they can not do it justice. Yes, it is a goodly drive up a twisting dirt road - but that is the point. The property is new, the house in perfect condition, and, aside from a bit of the inevitable dust, immaculately clean. One could not ask for more - even the wine glasses sparkle. Don't plan to leave - once having arrived, you will want to stay put. Just one caveat: take care of the place, and treat the owner with courtesy - you will want to return.

  Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• A rare and beautiful retreat in Big Sur

  A rare and beautiful retreat in Big Sur

  • Guest Gerry & Jim
  • Date of stay 04/04/12
  • Review Submitted 04/11/12
  As noted in previous reviews, 'Tolkien's Rest' is a remarkable home. It is comfortable, clean, quiet, and affords stunning views of the Big Sur coast and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The residence of gracious owner Sula Nichols, this recently built house is situated just a few miles from the Nepenthe Restaurant, Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Inn, the Big Sur Inn, Henry Miller Memorial Library and other Big Sur landmarks. Sula met us on Pacific Coast Highway, showed us the way up the 2.5 mile winding road to her home, and gave us a brief tour. No words (nor pictures, really) can adequately describe the panoramic vistas from this magnificent property. We spent the next three days in solitude hiking and enjoying the flowers (blue Lupine, yellow broom, purple Echium, California poppies and blue iris were all in bloom), wildlife (condors, a bobcat, California quail), and relaxing. Should your travels take you to Big Sur, make sure you spend a few days at 'Tolkien's Rest'. The combination of top-flight accommodations and glorious California coast are hard to beat!

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

  Owner response: Thank you. You seem to have caught the magic in your net of reception. Big Sur is extra special this time of year. with all the wild flowers out and the slopes still green from the rains.

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• A Big Sur Experience You Should Not Miss

  A Big Sur Experience You Should Not Miss

  • Guest Ry
  • Date of stay 03/29/12
  • Review Submitted 04/23/12
  We recently stayed 3 nights at Tolkien's Rest and could not have been more pleased with the total experience. The house was a cozy retreat from our hectic and bustling lives, yet spacious enough to comfortably host 4 adults and a toddler. It has all the modern comforts and technology of the modern living most have come accustomed to like satellite TV, internet, dishwasher, laundry, radiant heated floors; but its peaceful setting invites you to turn off and let time slow to a mere crawling pace. Our first experience with navigating the back country roads of Big Sur was exciting. We met Torre at the base of the hill and he led us through the winding ascent which offered both a glimpse of the beautiful lush forest and an awe inspiring view of the sea. The hardest part was wanting to enjoy the scenery while having the duty of keeping at least one eye on the road. Once we arrived at the house, we were absolutely stunned by the view from the porch. Nestled high on the ridge, the Santa Lucia mountains seem to rise all around you and gently drape into the deep blue ocean, where the salt white waves crash and carve the coastline into a craggy and jagged edge. Trust me when I tell you the pictures miserably fail to deliver any expectation of what you will see. The yard was beautifully decorated with wild and fragrant flowers that seemed to sweeten the already pristine mountain air. We are from the East Coast and I don't think I can remember a time when the smell of the outside air gave such a pleasing scent. Each day offered a different experience. The house is centrally located and just a short drive to all the major attractions like McWay Falls, countless hiking trails to the beach or through the Redwoods, fine dining restaurants, or even a quick excursion into Carmel-by-the-Sea. We drove slowly up and down the PCH, stopping many times to admire the scenery and even catching a few glimpses of the mist from migrating whales' spouts as they headed North into cooler waters. At night, the star-lit sky was a sight to behold. We enjoyed sitting on the front porch with a bottle of wine looking through the telescope at the craters on the moon or its reflection on the ocean. Just as we were about to leave, slightly depressed at the thought, two California condors began to circle just in front of the house. I had never seen a condor in the wild, much less two - and so close. We quickly snapped a couple of photos and headed back down the mountain already planning our ne

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

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• MAGICAL TREEHOUSE IN THE CLOUDS!!! :D

  MAGICAL TREEHOUSE IN THE CLOUDS!!! :D

  • Guest Esh
  • Date of stay 03/18/12
  • Review Submitted 05/02/12
  This is, hands-down, one of the best vacations my family and I have ever taken. I spent a lot of time researching properties on VRBO, and it was a God-send that I stumbled upon this gem. It is in a beautiful, secluded location, the property managers are wonderful, and there's easy access (via driving) to many wonderful hikes all around Big Sur. My family consisted of me (24-year old female), my brother (19-year old male) and my parents (mom and dad in their mid-50s). We were looking for an oasis in Big Sur, somewhere we could get away from technology and really unwind--if that's what you're looking for, this place is perfect! It is literally a treehouse in the clouds (a really upscale treehouse with an amazing kitchen, beautiful views and tile-heated floors!) Overall, there is everything you need to stay "plugged in" (i.e. internet, access to TV and DVDs and music, etc.) BUT if you also really want to get away from everything, really check this place out. The only potential downside is the drive up-and-down the mountain to-and-from the house. BUT, this is something you'd have to deal with if you want the type of elevation and views at any property around Big Sur. So, if you are adventurous, like to feel like you're on top of the world, like seclusion and beautiful views, seriously check this place out! Also, Sula and her son (who manage the property) are wonderful. Really good energy and calm and you can never make them feel as if you're asking too many questions. They're so kind, really. I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best vacations I've ever taken with my fam! Perfect for a small family, a couple, a girl's retreat...whatever! IF YOU'RE COMING TO BIG SUR, RENT THIS HOUSE!!! :)

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

  Owner response: Thank you for a lovely review. Glad to hear you will be returning some day. Soon we hope!

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• Ms. Chicago

  Ms. Chicago

  • Guest Ms. Chicago
  • Date of stay 03/18/12
  • Review Submitted 03/22/12
  This is a little piece of heaven high up over the ocean. The views are breathtaking. The house is new, w ell-designed and extremely comfortable. Well laid-out and equipped for meal preparation. A delightful way to experience Big Sur.

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

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• Sky Walk

  Sky Walk

  • Guest Manav
  • Date of stay 02/18/12
  • Review Submitted 03/04/12
  This mountaintop house makes for a perfect, serene getaway from the city. With expansive breathtaking views “Tolkien's Rest” lets you take your imagination to places far and beyond. The house is very well equipped; surround speakers and radiant heat help maintain the perfect setting. The open concept house is perfect for entertainment and yet cozy enough for intimate meals facing the ocean. Sula and her son, Torre, are extremely hospitable and ensure that you are well taken care of during your stay. I strongly recommend this home to anyone that needs a resting place in the sky.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Gorgeous, secluded haven in Big Sur

  Gorgeous, secluded haven in Big Sur

  • Guest Gina W.
  • Date of stay 10/10/11
  • Review Submitted 12/16/11
  Loved everything about our week-long visit to this beautiful home. The vista is jaw-dropping; we spent hours just gazing out to sea. The house is beautifully appointed, spotless and very well maintained, and designed to take maximum advantage of the view. Lovely master suite and fantastic cooks' kitchen, with everything we needed. We loved the long drive up the mountain, through lush woods. And we loved the cast-iron tub on the front lawn, next to a garden of lavender and roses, overlooking the sea and mountains. Sula, the owner, and Torre, her son, were fantastic - warm and immediately responsive to every need. It was a pleasure doing business with them. My best memory: sitting on the lawn with great friends and a glass of champagne, watching the sun set slowly into the ocean... then gazing up at all the stars. Magical.

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• Our stay at "Tolkien's Rest" was fantastic!!

  Our stay at "Tolkien's Rest" was fantastic!!

  • Guest Jenny and Paul
  • Date of stay 10/07/11
  • Review Submitted 11/06/11
  Out of all the rentals we checked out in the Big Sur area, Tolkien's Rest was by far the best!! If you're looking for peace, tranquility, privacy, and a good night's rest in a very clean home, this place is it! We will definitely return sometime soon. The long and windy drive to the top of the ridge was no problem for us, in fact, we appreciated the fact that it was far off the beaten path. Also, the owner went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our stay was a pleasant one. She even lined us up with a wonderful babysitter and massage therapist!

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

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• Perfect Big Sur Getaway

  Perfect Big Sur Getaway

  • Guest MDG
  • Date of stay 09/02/11
  • Review Submitted 10/02/11
  This house exceeded my expectations on all accounts; starting with the ride up. The road kept going and going until finally it opens up to an a grassy expanse above the treeline with unobstructed views of the Pacific. At 1800 feet, the views are spectacular; it feels as though you could fall off into the ocean. There are windows across the entire front of the house offering great views. The inside has a very open and warm feel; it's one of the most comfortable houses I've ever been inside. The kitchen is fully stocked with really nice cookware and the stove and oven are top notch for those wanting to stay in and cook. I could not give a higher recommendation. I was there for the weekend with my wife and inlaws and we brought our 2 yeard old daughter. Everyone enjoyed it immensely.

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

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• Turn off, drive up, drop in...at Tolkien's Rest

  Turn off, drive up, drop in...at Tolkien's Rest

  • Guest Perry
  • Date of stay 08/12/11
  • Review Submitted 08/24/11
  My little family and I (my wife, son, 9 and duaghter, 2) sought an escape from our frenzied and artificial lives in Miami and found the perfect spot to share each others' time and company. Everything is a surprise initially, so I won't ruin it for you by going into too much detail. Suffice it to say that you have no choice but to unplug, relax, and get intropective at Tolkien's Rest. The home is well appointed, clean and serenely quiet. It sits atop an 1800 foot mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean and makes you feel as though you are floating above the world on a majic carpet. The ride in the car starts out feeling a bit harrowing, but as you get used to it, you realize that it's really just an exercise in being in the moment and leaving your everyday concerns behind you. Focus, and forget. I don't really need to say more than Sula is a lovely person, well known in the community (which is very small) and very aware of your needs during your stay. He son Torre is a major source of security in case you get to feeling a bit out of your element. What more can I say...Satori at the top of the world. You won't regret it.

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

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• The perfect escape! We LOVED this place!!

  The perfect escape! We LOVED this place!!

  • Guest Katy
  • Date of stay 08/05/11
  • Review Submitted 08/15/11
  My boyfriend and I spent 2 nights in this amazing home and instantly wished we could have stayed longer (perhaps forever!) This was easily the best vacation we've ever had. The drive up to the house is exciting and beautiful, and what a reward when you get to the top! The views were unlike any we'd ever seen, and the house had everything we could ask for. The outdoor bathtub is an especially nice touch! Sula and Torre made everything so easy and were great hosts. This is the perfect place to truly get away and relax - we hope to come back some day!

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

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• A Total Dreamscape

  A Total Dreamscape

  • Guest joanna
  • Date of stay 07/29/11
  • Review Submitted 08/05/11
  My girlfriends and I spent my birthday weekend at Tolkien's Rest and had an epic time. The house is super cozy with a "cook's kitchen" which we loved, as well as all the amenities you could imagine. It's about a 15 to 20 minute drive through the wilderness before you reach the house, but the view and the house make it totally worth it. Sula and her son Torre were very welcoming and accommodating. We can't wait to go back!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Loved it!

  Loved it!

  • Guest Karen
  • Date of stay 07/19/11
  • Review Submitted 07/25/11
  We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. The house itself is unique and lovely, very quaint. I loved the deco and artwork on all the walls too. Now if I would have realized beforehand about the drive to get to the house I may well have had second thoughts---since I am very afraid of heights. Thankfully Torre lead us up on his ATV and we had no problems the whole stay. We checked in and got the rules which were easy to follow--mostly common sense.Torre gave us a tour and left us to enjoy our stay. It is so beautiful there. We relaxed and played cards in the evenings. We ate at Nepethene the first night. We drove to Monterray and spent the day at Cannery Row and enjoyed lunch at Bubba Gumps . One day we spent the whole day just hanging out at the house and enjoying the view. My kids loved playing with a cute dog,cat, and a kitten that visited us frequently. (Torre's pets) Very sweet animals. Our last day there we drove to Carmel by the sea for a day of shopping and eating. I would recommend it. It is very cool and beautiful. The house had everything we needed. Well worth it. We left to head home on Saturday and stopped to see the elephant seal colony. We were amazed at how many live there and how huge they were. Glad we did that even though it was very early morning.

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

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• Amazing Weekend in an great home

  Amazing Weekend in an great home

  • Guest Blossom
  • Date of stay 07/15/11
  • Review Submitted 07/18/11
  Rented the house for a weekend with coworkers and everyone was thoroughly impressed! The house is clean, organized and well stocked with condiments, spices, pots, pans, dishes, towels. Sula and her son were extremely helful with directions and information about the area. The view is breathtaking and the house really feels like a home with a zen vibe that is hard to describe in words. Great place to recharge your batteries and spend quality time, I didn't want to leave. We spent the day at Molera beach and checked out the awesome vistas at Julia Phieffer park. The best thing about Big sur is doing nothing at all, we spent hours just starring out at the view from the deck at the front lawn. Hope to be back one day.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Yep, Big Sur is THE place to come and simply commune with the great "Out There" Get out of the crazy squirrel cage for a taste of freedom.

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• Lovely Retreat

  Lovely Retreat

  • Guest Madeleine
  • Date of stay 06/17/11
  • Review Submitted 06/21/11
  Yes the road is challenging so if you're not used to driving on mountain roads ask Torre to come down to HWY 1 and guide you up the hillside. It's only 2.6 miles to the house and the locals are used to their road and will assist you along the way. The short drive is well worth it! And the road is great for nature walks during your stay. The house is beautiful and well stashed with everything you may need during your visit. It's very private and peaceful. The whole house is simply and beautifully furnished and the 180 degrees of ocean view stays with you pretty much no matter where you are in the house. The slideshow was absolutely stunning at sunset. It's the perfect place to go if you're in need of retreat. You're high above the ocean and, most of the time, the fog right at eye levels with the soaring birds. Sula is very helpful, sweet and accommodating. Torre, her care-taker son, is a delight.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you Madeleine..Torre enjoyed having your group to visit too! It's so helpful to get your road experience, so that future guests can get more of a feel for it. It is our policy to give an escort the first time up..something you didn't opt for! Great to hear you will be returning.

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• An absolutely superb stay!

  An absolutely superb stay!

  • Guest Joe
  • Date of stay 06/10/11
  • Review Submitted 06/13/11
  Tolkien's Rest was completely astounding! The view: absolutely breathtaking. The architecture: inspirational. Super clean and very maintained. Communicating with Sula was an absolute breeze. I would absolutely recommend this property to anyone.

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

  Owner response: Enter Text Thanks Joe.....Heard your father was an architect..We designed the house ourselves. Great it got the stamp of approval! Glad you had a good experience.

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• ABSOLUTE PARADISE!

  ABSOLUTE PARADISE!

  • Guest Romantic At Heart
  • Date of stay 05/20/11
  • Review Submitted 05/24/11
  This house is immaculately conceived and provides all the comforts of home, yet it lies within an utterly unearthly setting that offers beauty beyond words. You are surrounded by a naturally tranquil environment that is so peaceful and so relaxing that you easily find yourself losing track of time and feeling completely happy with the fact. The house is pristine and provides the grandeur of a 5-star hotel while emphasizing a view that no picture can truly grasp. Believe me I tried, I have 100’s of photos from this house. The owners were so kind, helpful and mellow it was infectious. And the home caretaker was equally as generous and showed us around the property and cut us wood for the fireplace. We felt totally secluded at Tolkein’s Rest and yet completely cared for. The drive up the mountain to the house was done in my Prius. I don’t know of another trek by automobile that you can do in such lush forestry. It was a fun adventure where we were engulfed in Redwoods and wild flowers and saw new wonders each time we drove it. I had never been to Big Sur before. This house embodies everything I had hoped it to be and I believe the owners know it's too amazing not to share with the world. My fiancé and I promised each other we’ll come back someday soon. We simply had the best weekend of our lives here and whole-heartedly recommend this house to anyone who yearns for serenity.

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

  Owner response: Ah...You are so welcome. Big Sur is lovely (always is ) this time of year, when the flowers and grass are at their zenith. We were honored that you chose to propose during you stay. Look forward to seeing you again.

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• Well worth the money

  Well worth the money

  • Guest Pavel & Heather
  • Date of stay 04/24/11
  • Review Submitted 05/25/11
  What a gorgeous place...my wife and I spent a part of our honeymoon there. I was a little skeptical at first, since I had never seen the place and never met the owner, but some of my friends assured me that it was very legitimate. Glad they did! (this is for you, Peter :)) We spent a week there. Probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, plus very, very comfortable accommodations. God knows how we found it at night on our first day, we didn't get there till late due to Route 1 being closed, but it made it ever better the next morning to see a 160 degree view of the ocean for 50-60 miles out (the place is some 1500 feet about the water). We just set on the porch for a while drinking coffee. Very quiet. A perfect place to get away from everyone. There are a few nice places to eat within 10 mile radius, but I would recommend getting your own groceries at the Carmel’ Safeway (about 30 minute drive) and cooking yourself. That's what we did. It saved us a ton of money and we like our own cooking better anyway. One thing, make sure you bring a 4WD; the road to the cabin is rather rough. We rented a Jeep and I am glad we did. It would have taken us twice as long to get up and down the mountain in a sedan.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you. Glad you got to honeymoon up on the Ridge. I couldn't believe you made it up in the dark without our customary first time escort.. Amazing navigating! Well, we do get people come up in all kinds of vehicles, but I agree that a four wheel drive car is optimum. Hope you will come back one of these days.

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• WONDERFUL RETREAT!

  WONDERFUL RETREAT!

  • Guest Dani & Chris
  • Date of stay 04/03/11
  • Review Submitted 05/12/11
  My husband and I recently spent a week at Tolkien's Rest, and we already can't wait to come back! The view was absolutely stunning and it was a joy to see the sunsets each evening from the comfy patio. The photos don't do it justice -- you will be pleasantly surprised. The house was well appointed all round, with modern appliances, a GREAT stove top, nice bed, luxurious master shower, etc. The radiant heat & cozy wood-burning stove was a real treat since we had a few chilly days while there. We appreciated the new construction, cleanliness and quality of accommodations in the home. Additionally, the owner was very helpful and available to us, as was the caretaker who lives nearby. We felt very pampered and settled in right away.

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

  Owner response: So glad you enjoyed the place,thank you for coming.... Looking forward to seeing you again

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• Partington Ridge Paradise

  Partington Ridge Paradise

  • Guest jeanie
  • Date of stay 03/06/11
  • Review Submitted 04/04/11
  I rented this wonderful new house way up on Partington Ridge! I had NO IDEA that it would be as well equipped, well situated, and well built for comfort as it is. We drove to Highway 1 and were met by the caretaker who led us up miles of unpaved road to almost the end where we found a house so well planned and placed that it seemed to have almost grown there of it's own volition! The thing I was most impressed by was the kitchen outfit; everything a chef could ask for! And the rest of the accoutrement was equally answerable! I wanted for nothing. Beds, furnishings, heat, hot water, TV, internet, all there and great. But the best, maybe the only time in my life---will I ever see California Giant Condors soaring at EYE-LEVEL again? I wonder... Bring binoculars and cameras- this place is amazing! You will feel like you were born to be there.

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

  Owner response: Wow...Lovely review! Thanks. So glad you got to see the condors..they come around our airspace a lot, as they roost in the adjacent canyon. Proof of truth in advertising! The "miles" of unpaved road is actually only 1.25 miles FYI. Hope to see you back soon Jeannie, et al.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Escaping the world to pure beauty!

  Escaping the world to pure beauty!

  • Guest Lily
  • Date of stay 12/01/10
  • Review Submitted 03/14/11
  Girls weekend during Christmas holidays of 2010!!! This was one of the most incredible get a ways I have ever experienced with friends, up in the mountains of Bur Sur with beautiful ocean views and far away from any human existence. It felt like being on top of the world, peaceful with only the sounds of nature. The house is gorgeous, comfortable, spacious, luxurious and very inviting. with everything you could possibly need. There was even a massage table which meant I could give my friend a massage looking over the vast ocean. We watched the best sunsets we have ever seen from this magical mountain abode. The kitchen is open and perfect for socializing with friends again with a fantastic ocean view. The hiking was bind blowing. It was a perfect weekend and impossible to feel anything but pure bliss and gratitude for being alive when faced with all this beauty. It was beyond all my expectations of a perfect weekend. Thank you.

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

  Owner response: Why thankyou, I'm delighted you enjoyed your stay. It feels so good to hear how other people benefit from being on this lovely land. I hope you can return someday...

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• What a beautiful place to be, perched up high looking down at the sea! Love this house!

  What a beautiful place to be, perched up high looking down at the sea! Love this house!

  • Guest betsyandcarl
  • Date of stay 08/28/10
  • Review Submitted 03/21/11
  Big Sur, words cannot describe it! We love to escape from our crazy world to this amazing place. We were so fortunate to have been able to stay in such an incredible home on Partington Ridge. Waking up to the views of the sun glimmering off of the rolling mountainside with the fog receding off of the deep blue sea could not have been more perfect for that morning coffee. We had beautiful sunny weather and topped off each day by lounging on the patio to watch the sun dip right into the ocean. The deep dark night sky left us mesmerized by the amount of stars visible to our city eyes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful part of the world with us! We will never forget it and look forward to our return soon.

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

  Owner response: Thankyou both for coming and enjoying what I am blessed to offer.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0