Another excellent trip

Guest: Mr Pool (Huntington Beach, Ca)
Date of Stay: 09/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/27/11

Once again we had a great time; the house is perfectly appointed and is in a great location. Even if you forget something, or need something sewed, the owner comes right down and takes care of it. There is plenty of charcoal and oak for the Santa Maria style Tri-tip BBQ’s we do, as well as nice Wine Glasses to drink your latest find. “B” bringing us down a cluster of her Merlot grapes right off the vine was a tasty treat! Sitting out on the back or front patio in the early morning or dusk hours is just beautiful and can’t be more relaxing. Nothing feels better than soaking in the oversize tub after bicycle riding in the area, heavenly. The rides from the house are excellent, whether you head up Las Pilitas to go around Santa Margarita Lake, or turn left and head towards Creston the riding is great and you don’t have to drive anywhere. The oversize garage fits our SUV with the trailer hitch bike carrier and load warrior roof rack installed, so you don’t have to remove them to park in the garage. Plus your bikes have plenty of room to be safe when not riding. On our Friday morning ride we saw 2 dozen deer, including two young Bucks, too many wild turkeys to count, and had two red tail hawks flying low over our heads. Of course cows, steers and horses are abundant too. The lightening storm Friday night over the mountains was a real treat. The property, both houses, are just places that shouldn’t be missed!

Owner response:Michael & Friends: It's always a pleasure to have your group back for your spring and fall rides. The weather this time seemed perfect for cycling...not too hot, not too cold and not too windy! Sharing the Merlot was a special treat for me too and the fruit found a good home with a vintner friend of mine in SLO. Even with the birds picking at the fruit, we managed to pick over 300 pounds of berries. Let me know when you are planning your next trip to Sculptura Winery and I'll meet you all there for a picnic. Or we can all take a ride on the new zip line three miles away at Santa Margarita Ranch! Safe riding to all, Ms. B.

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

40846

Guest: Jill (Traverse City, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/03/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

We couldn't have asked for a better hostess. "Bea" was wonderful to us. The home was clean and offered a lot of ammentites. It was nice to unwind out in the country away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, yet we were cclose enough to go site seeing. We also had a great experience taking a hot air balloon ride and recommend it highly to anyone.

Owner response:Jill, Nancy & Family: I truly enjoyed meeting all of you and sharing stories in the patio while sampling Central Coast and Michigan wines. Thanks, too, for educating me on "pickled ring baloney" which was a delightful treat such as I have never tasted before. I enjoyed your story about taking a beautiful early morning hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Paso Robles and being able to hear the dogs barking at your balloon from sooooo far below you. What a wonderful way to experience the vistas of Central Coast Wine Country! I hope to see you all back again for your next family reunion. Ms. B.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.

Labor day weekend

Guest: Kannan (San Jose)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

Our family of four had a marvelous time at the Windmill house. Berenice is a caring host and took great interest in educating us about growing grapes. The house is comfortable, the location idyllic and peaceful. We heard so many kinds of birds in the morning. The night sky is rich in detail and we saw the milky way so clearly. We hope to return very soon.

Owner response:Kannan & Family: I was happy you and your family could join me for our morning vineyard walk. I could tell from the questions you all asked that you really wanted to learn about the other face of wine-making...the farming of the vineyards to produce the seven to nine cluster of grapes you enjoy as the final product in your glass. It was an added bonus to be able to taste some of the early ripening Merlot fruit and test the brix level with the refractometer. Sharing my grower's knowledge and the beautiful country environment with families such as yours is such a rewarding experience for me. I look forward to seeing you back again soon.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+.

MARVELOUS

Guest: Henry and Edna (Maui,HAWAII)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

We had a wonderful 2 days weekend celebration for my son's graduation. It was a lot more than we expected. The room were roomy and clean. As well as the kitchen and living room. It was very peaceful and quiet,we enjoyed barbequing for to nights. It was good experienced feeding bell and watching the rest of the animals roam the field.Bernice, the owner was very nice and friendly. we highly recommend this place for a family getaway or any celebrations.Thank you so much.It was much better than staying in a hotel.It was reasonable . ALOHA AND MAHALO The Parilla Family

Owner response:Henry & Edna: Thanks so much for choosing The Windmill House at Rock Basin Vineyards for your home base for Cal Poly University graduation. I was happy to hear that the house worked well for your extended family and friends and for your celebration BBQ's. You must be very proud to have a son who not only graduated from Cal Poly but dis so at the top of his class! Next time I'm in Maui I'll let you know so we can get together for a visit. Berenice

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+.

Country Living Adventure

Guest: Bob & Helen (Issaquah, Washington)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

For those that like a touch of country living adventure combined with a location convenient to many of the wonders of the central coast of California, this is the place to stay. The Windmill House is comfortable with lots of room for families and/or house guests of your own. There is a nice fenced yard and great country views out the large windows. The pond that is part of the owner's working vineyard and streams in the immediate area can attract many types of birds and other wildlife. We have seen deer, a fox, raccoons, egrets, cranes, and wild turkeys to name a few. "B", the owner, is not only a very gracious host but also knows the area both near and far. Start your day's adventure with a walk down the road in either direction. There is always something new to see so take your kids and camera! B can suggest other interesting walks or sights to see starting from the property or a short drive away. Try not to miss Santa Margarita Lake for hiking, fishing, and boat rentals. Ready for a little civilization? We especially liked the towns of San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Cayucos, and Avila Beach, all a short drive (30 to 60 minutes) away. Each has its own personality and again B can suggest things to see and great places to eat, both family friendly and gourmet. The town of Atascadero is not much for adventure but has super convenient shopping for your home away from home needs. We look forward to returning soon.

Owner response:Bob & Helen: I very much enjoyed your stay and visiting with both of you and all your family and friends who came to visit while you were here. Your gracious offer to leave your beautiful photographs until your return next winter was a warm and kind gesture appreciated by all my guests since your departure. Bob has quite the eye for capturing the wildlife and beauty of the Las Pilitas Valley. I look forward to your return in the fall and sharing more stories of all your summer adventures.

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

Beautiful Weekend in Wine Country

Guest: The Gomers (Evanston, Il. USA)
Date of Stay: 10/07/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

The Windmill House was a perfect place for me to celebrate a birthday with my husband, my daughter and her husband, and my 18 mon. old granddaughter. We loved the peace and quiet of the area, the beauty of the rolling hills and vineyards, the gorgeous stars at night, and the comfort and cleanliness of the house. We were able to use the extra room off the living room for the baby's bedroom, and the 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms were comfortable and spacious for the 4 adults. Berenice was gracious and helpful, and recommended the Range Restaurant in Santa Margarita for my birthday dinner, and it was a fabulous meal! We're from Chicago, and the Range would compare with some of the finest restaurants there. We also loved Tina's for breakfast--warm and friendly, with great country food. We enjoyed wine tastings in the area, and visited nearby Santa Margarita Lake, which is gorgeous. And Berenice's gift of super fresh eggs from the farm down the road made for a great breakfast Sunday morning. We all hated to leave the beauty and quiet of the Windmill House, and hope that we can return again someday.

Owner response:It always does my heart and spirit good to know guests so enjoy the peaceful beauty and the quiet countryside that is my neighborhood. I am blessed to be able to share this slice of California paradise with so many visitors from both near and far. From a world class restaurant such as The Range and the down home country friendliness and good food at Tina's Place to the lively Thursday and Friday night live music at The Porch, and complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peak's Winery and Pozo Valley Vineyards and honey, vinegar and root beer tasting at Seven Sister Trading Post, the town of Santa Margarita has so much to offer visitors. Visit Rock Basin Vineyards and you can take home memories of this special place too.

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

Spacious Family Friendly Country Get-Away

Guest: EFB (Encino, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/04/10

I stayed Fri-Mon with my husband, our two young children, and my parents. The home was just perfect: clean, spacious, abounding with cabinets and drawers to hide away clutter, a well-stocked kitchen, and windows galore from which to view the beautiful surroundings and take in the fresh air. High recommend for families with children (B's dogs, the wonderful gated yard, clean patio area, and adjacent sheep farm are an added bonus!) and/or anyone needing a quiet getaway. Twenty minutes to SLO and not much further to anywhere else in the area, it's definitely country living, but much-welcomed seclusion for us city folk! B is a wonderful host, helpful in many regards, and welcoming. Would recommend without hesitation and would return again in the future.

Recommended for:Families with young children.

Wildflower weekend

Guest: Mr Pool (Huntington Beach)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

What an excellent find this lovely house was. The home is really well equiped with every thing anyone could need, and it is very clean. "B" is an outstanding host! "B" offered to get anything we might need, which we didn't since the house is so well equiped. The location is beautiful, and well worth the 10 minute drive off of 101, a very pretty drive as well. Having a garage is a extra bonus, as is all the oak chips for the BBQ. We can't wait to come back, and recommend this rental.

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

Would go back in a heartbeat

Guest: Sabrina and Philippe (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

We have nothing but great things to say about our stay at the Windmill house. Berenice was friendly and informative from the beginning. She has the perfect balance of being approachable and accessible and also giving you your space and privacy. The house was very clean, and has a large fenced in yard which was perfect with our two young kids of 3.5 and 1.5 years old. The vines were right there, as well as sheep, tadpoles, horses. At night you can hear the toads by the stream. It is truly the perfect country getaway, easy drive to SLO, Morro Bay, Santa Margarita Lake. This was a wonderful VRBO experience, I really hope we get to go back very soon.

Owner response:Sabrina & Philippe: I so much enjoyed your visit and sharing my little slice of paradise with you and your kids. I know you really enjoyed interacting with the animals and I had a great time showing the kids all the aquatic life in the big irrigation pond. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you all here again soon. Berenice aka: "B"

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+, families with young children.

Guest: Rebecca Quintana (Bakersfield, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/10

B The weekend getaway was just what we needed and your house was just right! The clear skies and fresh air was a wonderful change for us. Thank you for showing us the pond and the toad eggs and for letting the kids pet the dog! The kids loved it! We will be back.

Owner response:Hi Rebecca & Family: Thank you so much for reminding me not to forget how lucky I am to be able to share the fresh air, blue skies and starry nights with such wonderful people like all of you. The kids were great and I truly enjoyed showing them the new life forming in the irrigation pond. I'm glad they had fun, too! Berenice, aka: "B"

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