Reviews for Sonoma Vacation Rental - VRBO 46877 - 3 BR Sonoma County House in CA, Gated,10 Acres; 2 Mi to Town Square, Pool, Spa, Views, Private

Runningwood Estate

Guest Harry
Date of stay 04/01/13
Review Submitted 05/07/13

We had a wonderful stay at Runningwood in Sonoma. The owner couldn't have been nicer and the house was beautiful, but the backyard was amazing! Nothing like having a glass of wine by the pool overlooking the Sonoma Valley. Only 10 minutes away from downtown Sonoma and its amazing restaurants. Definitely would recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic getaway in the wine country (also wonderful for entertaining).

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Barrell Tasting Weekend

Guest DSW
Date of stay 02/27/13
Review Submitted 03/13/13

We had a mini family reunion that coincided with the Wine Road Barrell Tasting Weekend. We lucked out with the weather and took advantage of the back patio by the pool. The house was everything that we expected and more. When you are there, you feel like you are miles away from town, but are in fact just about 5 minutes from the city square. Great location, the house perfect, and Rudy already had wood in the fireplace ready to go for the cool nights. Great house, great wine, and great people to share it with!

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

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Loved Our Stay in Sonoma

Guest Andi V.
Date of stay 02/21/13
Review Submitted 03/09/13

We stayed at Runningwood with our kids during their spring break. It was so gorgeous. We spent many hours on the patio overlooking the beautiful vineyards and mountains all around. The hot tub was great! With only a few minutes to heat up we relaxed and watched the sunsets. The kitchen has everything a chef could ever want. We hosted a little dinner party and our guests were amazed at all this rental had to offer. Rudy was a gracious host and we felt like personal friends when we left. We can't wait to get back there as soon as possible with more adult friends. We also had a little dog who loved the property. We had to keep an eye on her as there was much wild life, but she was very happy on the patio too!

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

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Fantastic Holiday Experience

Guest Nancy
Date of stay 12/24/12
Review Submitted 01/01/13

My family was so fortunate to have found Runningwood as a holiday retreat. The house was truly gorgeous and perfect for the five adults in our party. We love to cook together and the kitchen was perfect, large and open and very well stocked with every cooking utensil we could possibly need. We thoroughly loved using the hot tub each day. The landscaping was beautiful and the view from the patio magnificent---a great way to relax at the end of our days activities!. Upon arrival the owner made us feel very welcome, answering multiple questions about how to use the amenities in the house, the town's restaurants and the wineries in the area. We have already recommended this property to friends and family. We definitely hope to return to Runningwood at a future date and continue our exploration of the area.

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

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Exceptional west coast nest

Guest Big Apple Consultant
Date of stay 11/21/12
Review Submitted 12/28/12

There are too many special features of this home to capture in a concise review, especially when limited to 2500 characters. However, I will gladly give it a shot as this was truly a vacation to remember. We were pleasantly greeted by Rudy, the owner and builder, who showed us around the gated property describing all of the wonderful amenities. From the plentiful chopped firewood stacked and ready for a cozy fire in the second living room to the expansive kitchen awaiting culinary magic... Runningwood estate had everything one might need to escape the stresses of work and life. This spectacular abode lies hidden away from prying eyes and is just a short drive away from downtown Sonoma where a Whole Foods store is located. Our group of 6 adults had enough space to enjoy solitude to rest and relax, but were able to come together in the kitchen, dining room, or pool side to bask in all the glory of Runningwood. In evenings, we built a roaring fire to keep warm while taking frequent trips out onto the vast patio for star-gazing (nearly 360 degree of stunning views). The bedrooms were clean and adequately equipped with linens, TVs and bathrooms for plenty of privacy. I should bring attention to the amazing open shower in the master bath with two sitting areas and removable shower nozzles which will steam away your anxiety and clean one or more people no time. Even though the other bedrooms had private bathrooms, there was often a waiting line for the master shower or jacuzzi. Cooking at Runningwood made you feel as if you were suddenly entered into a Top Chef cooking competition. There was a great deal of counter space for food preparation, massive sub-zero refrigerator and freezer, dual range with ventilation and two ovens. There were also a wide variety of cooking utensils and pots/pans which afforded us the opportunity to cook a brilliant 9-course Thanksgiving dinner (*note* chefs not included so be prepared to roll up your culinary sleeves). The pool, hot tub, patio, and variety of deck chairs and loungers tempted us each day to lay out in the sun taking in sweeping views of Sonoma Valley. We were lucky enough to be outside on a day with a classic air show nearby and watched plane after plane fly over the valley. Runningwood estate is located in close proximity to many great vineyards so you can drive or even rent a limo to escort you from tasting to tasting. We would definitely recommend staying here. The only down-side is leaving.Thanks Rudy!

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

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Fabulous House!

Guest ......
Date of stay 11/01/12
Review Submitted 12/20/12

We stayed in this beautiful house for a girls' get-away weekend! The house could not have been more perfect. It was clean, comfortable, and had a well-stocked kitchen. The view was amazing. We would love to go back again soon!

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

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Wonderful Getaway

Guest Amy
Date of stay 11/01/12
Review Submitted 12/02/12

I visited Runningwood in early November with five good friends for a girls' weekend away. It was exactly what we needed. Calm, scenic, gorgeous, and completely relaxing. The house was even more beautiful than it looked in the pictures. It is also located in close proximity to both Sonoma and many wineries. The owner was very friendly, accessible, and easy to work with. He was quite accommodating with the few special requests we had. Overall, we had an amazing time and can't wait to return!

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

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Wonderful 4 days!

Guest Wedding bliss
Date of stay 09/20/12
Review Submitted 10/02/12

Rented this property for my family to stay during our wedding in Sonoma. The property far exceeded our expectations! One of the most beautiful homes I'm guessing in all of Sonoma. The view was incredible, the owner was very helpful & the house was very clean. We will definitely return!

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Dream Vacation!!!

Guest Alexis
Date of stay 08/03/12
Review Submitted 08/28/12

What a PHENOMENAL property!!!! The house looked just like the photos, and the view was even better than I thought it would be from looking at the VRBO ad. I organized a girls-getaway weekend to celebrate my friend's engagement, and we couldn't have imagined a better place to do it. This house had an amazing 360 degree view of the Sonoma Valley, we were able to lounge by the pool on comfy lounge chairs, play music outside, cook in a state-of-the-art kitchen, and enjoy the seclusion and safety of being tucked away with a secured front gate entrance. The bedrooms are also really nice, and the master bathroom has a huge bath tub, and shower. Rudy, the owner, was also very helpful and attentive to our needs, the place was nice and clean with plenty of towels. This was way better than any hotel we could have booked. We will definitely be coming back.

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

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Luxurious, comfortable private hillside home

Guest Lynn V.
Date of stay 05/31/12
Review Submitted 07/27/12

The views from Runningwood are breath-taking. We could see wineyards and the country hills with foilage for miles around us. We had a sense of total privacy, and yet the center of town was only minutes away! The home was obviously designed with comfort, luxury, privacy and an appreciation of nature in mind. The owner is personally involved in the upkeep and maintenance, which might explain why the home and property is in impeccable condition, with everything done in excellent taste and with the highest of quality. We felt the owner couldn't have been more helpful or accommodating, yet unobtrusive and invisible, during our visit. The entire experience was perfect and we intend to return again for a longer visit.

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Runningwood is an incredible experience of luxurious living amid scenic, peaceful, natural beauty!

Guest Lynn V.
Date of stay 05/31/12
Review Submitted 07/26/12

I spent four amazing days with my family at Runningwood and I can't wait to return. Next time will definitely be longer. The entire experience was relaxing and rejuvenating. Runningwood is located on a peaceful hillside with a breath-taking view of vineyards and surrounding countryside. The property is so private, we forgot we were only a few miles from the Sonoma town square. The owner was very attentive without being intrusive. It was obvious his first priority was that we have an exceptional experience at Runningwood. The home and grounds have been maintained to perfection, and everything from the interior decor to the beautiful outside landscaping is of the highest quality. I would recommend this rare and exceptional place for anyone who is looking for a high quality, luxurious getaway.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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What You've Been Dreaming About

Guest Alex G.
Date of stay 02/11/12
Review Submitted 06/20/12

As one might expect, I was originally drawn to this property by the stunning pictures. A beautiful home with a huge back patio and pool vaulting out over a picturesque backdrop of the Sonoma valley and surrounding vineyards. The pictures are indeed beautiful, but after spending a weekend at 'Runningwood', as the property is known, I can honestly say that the pictures simply can not do this place justice. I recently moved to San Francisco and with family coming to visit, I wanted to find a special place up in wine country that we could use as 'home base' for some wine tasting and vineyard hopping. I scoured VRBO and while many properties were appealing, none of them compared in beauty or value to what I found when I clicked on Runningwood. Further, the owners are exceedingly lovely people who are extremely warm, very responsive and committed to ensuring that your stay will be something that you remember for many years to come. In short, if you are coming to wine country, do yourself a huge favor and come give this property a look. You will be compelled to make an offer on the place, try to resist the urge; but please do yourself a favor and stay the weekend, you will be glad you did ... and I can assure you that you'll be back.

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

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Runningwood Estate

Guest Andrea
Date of stay 12/26/11
Review Submitted 01/08/12

Wow!! We (8 people) just spent three glorious nights at the Runningwood Estate. This was the forth time that I have had the opportunity to enjoy Runningwood, which is one of the finest vacation experiences on this planet. The home and the property are absolutely beautiful, and the views are stunning. The sunrises and the sunsets were out of this world! Whether we were preparing fabulous meals in the gourmet kitchen or relaxing in the pool and spa while listening to music from the magnificent indoor-outdoor sound system, it was divine, relaxing getaway. The owner, Rudolf Isch, has meticulously maintained the property. He is as warn, hospitable and accommodating as you can possibly imagine. I recommend this for a romantic getaway, a relaxing retreat or for that very special event that you want to remember for a lifetime. The whole experience is as close to being in heaven on earth as I can imagine.

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

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Stunning Property!

Guest Pedro & Monica
Date of stay 10/13/11
Review Submitted 11/01/11

This property is absolutely stunning in person, the pictures don't do it justice. The views from the house are incredible no matter in which part of the house you are. The landscaping is gorgeous and the little touches here and there (like the Koi pond) really take it up to another level. I spent a week here with my husband and his family and we never wanted to leave! I would definitely stay here again.

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

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Great place to get away!

Guest Jim
Date of stay 09/24/11
Review Submitted 09/28/11

My wife and I had a great time staying at Runningwood. Our dog had a good time as well. We highly recommend it!

Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners.

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Gorgeous house, gourmet kitchen and stunning views!!!

Guest Stephanie D.
Date of stay 07/21/11
Review Submitted 08/02/11

I rented the Runningwood property for a girls weekend in wine county and couldn't have had a better time! We were in love with the view from the second we walked on the property and spent every possible moment soaking it in by the pool and spa. The kitchen was fully stocked with all cookware and utensils we needed to prepare meals for the group and the accommodations were spacious and comfortable. We were just minutes from Sonoma Square and several great wineries. I highly recommend this property for anyone looking for a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

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

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Warm and inviting home with great views!

Guest SYD
Date of stay 05/20/11
Review Submitted 06/05/11

Our family enjoyed our stay, enjoying the views, the pool, and wildlife in an idyllic setting within minutes of Sonoma's town square. Everything was ready for arrival and our host was very responsive to our needs (late arrival, small dog, heating the pool).

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

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The most beautiful setting for a special event or just to get away

Guest Erika
Date of stay 09/13/10
Review Submitted 10/09/10

My husband and I rented Runningwood for one week and used the property for our rehearsal dinner and wedding. The home is beautiful and clean, and we had a very comfortable, relaxing stay here. For our wedding, this was the perfect location and setting. Just 5 minutes away from Sonoma town square, it was very convenient for our guests to stay nearby. The homeowner is very nice and accomodating, and he doesn't make you get portable toilets! He made every effort to meet or exceed our expectations so our wedding weekend would be perfect. He also worked with our vendors whenever we asked for his help during the planning process. The view from the property is gorgeous. We highly recommend this property for a vacation or for a special event with up to 100 people. It is expensive, but you most certainly get what you pay for!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Breath taking!!

Guest The DiSorbo Family
Date of stay 07/15/09
Review Submitted 11/01/10

My family & I decided to rent a home for our vacation instead of a resort hotel for the first time. We had not been sure of this being a good decision at the time, but decided to go with it & hope for the best. Well let me tell you, we are so happy we did. Not only was the house and view more then amazing, but the owner's of this property took it to a level we never imagined. From the first contact regarding the property, activities in the area, shopping, you name it, they helped us in any way possible. The care of the property & attention to detail by the owner's will bring us back to this area for vacationing as well has opened our eye's to a whole new way of obtaining vacation accomadation's. If you are looking for luxury, location & an oh! My God breath taking view you have come to the right place. Thank you to the owner's of this property for opening this home to our family, we will cherish these memories for rest of our lives.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

A Home Close to Our Hearts!

Guest Rachel Larson
Date of stay 08/18/08
Review Submitted 10/09/10

My husband and I spent a wonderful week at Runningwood with several couples over the week leading up to our wedding. We rented the home to both stay at and hold our wedding reception (just under 70 people for an added event fee) after our wedding at a local winery and it was beyond perfect! Rudolf and Tripod were wonderful to work with in what can sometimes be a stressful situation of wedding details... For most travelers, who are looking for a place to stay while visiting local wineries this place is perfect! One, it is a quick (minutes) drive to Sonoma square where there are plenty of great restaurants and some tasting rooms. Obviously there are many winery options all over the valley and Sonoma is a great spot where you can even choose to go a little farther one way to check out the Healdsburg or Napa wineries if you decide to venture out. But, the best part of this rental is the home and its amazing view. Pictures just can't do it justice! The house is nestled in the hills above Sonoma and the view during the day is gorgeous but at night the pool lights and lights throughout the valley make it equally breathtaking and surreal. The house has 3 bedrms (2 with larger beds and 1 with twin beds) and 3 bathrms (1 master with a separate shower/tub and toliet, a second with a shower and sink and I think a toliet, and a third with a toliet and sink). Two of the bedrms are on the top floor and have balconies that look out over the magnifacint view and the third bedroom better suited for separate sleeping adults or children is on the bottom floor. The pool and hot tub where great day and night activities and you can control the temperature of both. If choosing to stay more than a couple days for winetasting, definitely plan to spend one day lying around the pool with some wine and cheeses! Talk about relaxing! There is an indoor/outdoor sound system that we utilized often as well. The kitchen was a very nice size with high end appliances, great for any chef. The house, while close to town, feels quite isolated and Rudolf's house design takes great care in helping with this. There are a lot of strategically placed windows as well as the home's open design that makes it always feel so light and airy. My husband and I constantly think about coming back to this amazing rental! We obviously are biased but as 2 people that have stayed in some amazing places around the globe, we chose Runningwood for one of the most important days in our lives!

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

Owner response: We enjoyed working with James & Rachael!

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Gated,10 Acres; 2 Mi to Town Square, Pool, Spa, Views, Private [#46877] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (20)

Runningwood Estate

Runningwood Estate

Barrell Tasting Weekend

Barrell Tasting Weekend

Loved Our Stay in Sonoma

Loved Our Stay in Sonoma

Fantastic Holiday Experience

Fantastic Holiday Experience

Exceptional west coast nest

Exceptional west coast nest

Fabulous House!

Fabulous House!

Wonderful Getaway

Wonderful Getaway

Wonderful 4 days!

Wonderful 4 days!

Dream Vacation!!!

Dream Vacation!!!

Luxurious, comfortable private hillside home

Luxurious, comfortable private hillside home

Runningwood is an incredible experience of luxurious living amid scenic, peaceful, natural beauty!

Runningwood is an incredible experience of luxurious living amid scenic, peaceful, natural beauty!

What You've Been Dreaming About

What You've Been Dreaming About

Runningwood Estate

Runningwood Estate

Stunning Property!

Stunning Property!

Great place to get away!

Great place to get away!

Gorgeous house, gourmet kitchen and stunning views!!!

Gorgeous house, gourmet kitchen and stunning views!!!

Warm and inviting home with great views!

Warm and inviting home with great views!

The most beautiful setting for a special event or just to get away

The most beautiful setting for a special event or just to get away

Breath taking!!

Breath taking!!

A Home Close to Our Hearts!

A Home Close to Our Hearts!