A Surprisingly Wonderful Vacation Home

Guest: MemphisTravelers (Memphis, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/19/08

We love Northern California. Medocino has been our favorite for years - so we were hesitant when we decided to venture South to Gualala. But, we must admit this place is absolutely a gem. Spectacular Views, Lots of Sunshine, Abundant Wildlife and the quality of this home is tough to beat anywhere. Like others here, we stay in lots of homes when traveling and traditionally stay in the very best we can find. But, 'Serendipity' is a masterpiece of fine living. Secluded, yet easily accessible to all this area offers. Fine Shopping, Great Massages, Dining, Parks, Canoeing and Beautful Beaches. Wineries are all over the area and you'll love a glass in the relaxing hot-tub, that like the rest of the property is well positioned for privacy and views. In todays world it's kinda neat to spend some time in a home powered in part by solar energy - and realized you have sacraficed nothing in comfort, and leave feeling a bit smarter in the process. Ethan Allen furniture, hardwoods, granite and stone...this place is perfect for any length of time, any time of the year. Lastly...a vacation is hard to forget when you come home refreshed and feeling you had made a great choice. The owners are available, helpful and the perfect hosts - although you may never actually see them. Every detail is perfect and the beds are to die for. If you like the best - you'll love this place!

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

Just what we needed Bueatiful

Guest: Jewel (San Jose. CA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/11

My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by getting away for a week in Gualala and staying at the beautiful Serendipity home. I loved it. This little town on the pacific coast was just what I was looking for. Gualala is a beautiful place to get away from the hectic city life and just enjoy all of God's beautiful creations around you. The home we stayed in was perfect. With all the windows through out the house and in every room we know the owners didn't want to waste a moment of that beautiful view. My husband and I even saw a whale from off the deck of the home. We were totally excited. I want to thank them so much for sharing their home with those of us who are not so fortunate to own a second home at such a beautiful place. Also want to mention the house is stocked with everything one could possibly need and more. We are used to taking our family to Lake Tahoe every winter and do have to bring quite a bit with us as we have been going to the same cabin every year and know what they have and do not have and we came to Serendipity with all the types of things we would normally take for our Tahoe trips and found that everything was already there. I would advise those coming to Serendipity to only bring those things you personally can't be without and nothing else as this house probably already has it. If they don't there are a couple of nice little markets that are within a 5-10 minutes walking distance. Also know that most of the area is on cliffs and bluffs so most beaches you visit will require you to walk a little and maybe a bit of climbing but it was well worth it to enjoy these secluded clean beaches. The sunsets are awesome. Be sure you have enough memory on your camera disk as you will get some great pictures. The views here made me look like a professional photographer. I can't say enough about our stay here. I no doubt will be back.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

What a View!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/11

We stayed at this lovely home Sept 2010. WHAT A VIEW!! The house is great for 2 couples and takes just a short walk to the small town of Gualala. It took 2 days of leisurely driving to get to the house from Portland Oregon. This area is very relaxing and the beach was great for picking up draft wood. Thanks for the use of your great home!! (sorry this took so long to write)

Owner response:Thanks so much, Chick and Marlies

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

Awesome home and location

Guest: marti (middletown)
Date of Stay: 09/27/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

I know it's a very overused term these days, but in its true meaning it is the only single word that describes Serendipity. The home is elegant, yet primarily comfortable, with all your needs anticipated: books, movies, music, beach chairs, every kitchen gadget, binoculars and telescope to view the ocean from the huge windows. The view is stunning from every room. I cannot express the peace and tranquility that descends on even the most anxious and harried human (me!) once you've settled into this house. Make sure your stay is long enough, because you'll never want to leave.

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

FABULOUS!!!!

Guest: SusieC'sYa (Beale AFB)
Date of Stay: 04/07/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

This home FAR exceeded our expectations! Perfect in every way! VERY relaxing (almost Zen), every detail thought out, and WOW at the view. I really think that all I needed to pack was a bathing suit for the hot tub since everything was already provided (right down to the soft spa robes and the board games for the kids). This is now our "Home-away-from-home" and we will be returning as often as able and as long as you continue to rent "Serendipity"!!! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!

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

Wow

Guest: 2009SMO (Richmond, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

Serendipity is the name of the house and it truly is! We had two couples and it was perfect. The house is well appointed and although they do not show bathroom pics they are are very nice and well appointed. The CA coast was new to me a little chilly for July but not bad. The hummingbirds visited everyday all day long, we did not see any whales, dolphins, or seals but I think that it is possible in April and May according to past visitors here. Perfect location walking distance to town, grocery store and restaurants. You will need a car for sure and coming from Indiana it took a little while getting use to the curvy roads, and driving as a sport, watch out for the deer, cows, and cyclists on the road. Two nice grocery stores, a little pricey coming from the midwest, but probably normal for CA. Our only disappointment was the kayaking in from Adventure Rents, there was not near enough water in the river we hardly paddled, and did a lot of walking with the kayak. : ( Overall a absolutely wonderful vacation spot and PERFECT HOME. Thank you to the owners for an amazing place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/22/09 Review Submitted: 06/22/09

5/26/09 through 5/30/09 We spent a wonderful short week at Serendipity. The house itself is a craftsman's dream . I have spent many years in construction and this house is something very special. I would love to meet the people that built this house....they obviously took great pride in what they were building. Serendipity is set up on a high bluff with fantastic views out the various windows. I am usually good for 15 or 20 minutes in one spot but I spent many pleasant hours sitting on the bench window seats watching all that was happening outside along the river and ocean. There is a whole assortment of creatures carrying on their daily lives in the maritime environment just steps away. The whole Gualala area is fascinating. We visited redwood forests, rhododendron forests and miles of unspoiled Pacific coast line. We took a day trip to Anderson valley...one of the less overrun wine areas. The area has a number of good restaurants, good super market, bakery and very pleasant people. The whole area is lightly populated with fantastic natural scenery. There is a lot to do here if you can get yourself away from the window seats. Rick and Teresa are great owners and very concerned that things are right. If you want a sound bite....understated classy in a beautiful enviroment .......everything here gets better the deeper you look. I love this place and I am a hard man to please on things like this. Thank You Theresa and Rick Clay

Owner response:Thanks so much, Clay and Kathy

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

We were thrilled to rent Serendipity for our annual "Woman's Group Retreat" this January, 2009! WOW, what a home, is all we can say. Five "wine and foodies" from Sonoma entered Serendipity on Friday night and were instantly entranced by the beauty and quality of the home. Two sumptuous bedrooms and an ample living room housed us all in our decadent weekend of cooking, drinking, eating, walking and soaking in the hot tub (O.K. we did do lots of Scrabble, and watched some football... but other than that our agenda was "cook, drink, eat, repeat!". Random comments: the comfort and luxury of home in a divine vacation location; amenities as nice or nicer than your own home; house situated with the most beautiful view of the entire Gualala beach; luxurious bed linens; nice walking trails; exceptionally well-equipped kitchen; excellent gas stove and oven; sharp knives and multiple cutting boards; every gadget know to gourmet chefs; multiple binoculars and telescopes for bird watching, whale watching and stargazing; copious amounts of bedding and linens, including many robes to use for the hot tub; child friendly and equipped (many games and puzzles), but almost too nice for kids (and this comes from 5 moms!). To sum up, this was truly an exquisite home with a tremendous view. Best for two couples having fun, or a truly romantic getaway, or a girl's group or maybe men's group. I can't stress enough home much this is a huge "step up" from the typical rental spot. The owners truly built something special both for themselves and for those of us lucky enough to spend some time here!!!

Recommended for:

Serendipity

Guest: Amit (Fremont, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/17/08 Review Submitted: 08/26/08

The home is amazing. Very well furnished. Beds were very comfortable. The views from the home were breathtaking. The town of Gualala is nestled in between the Coastal Redwoods and the Coastline. My Fiance and I had spent an amazing relaxing week at the home. We went kayaking in the nearby Gualala River and went hiking in the Redwoods. Also, you can hear hear the soothing sounds of the ocean all day & night. I would definately recommend this home for couples or even families.

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

Guest: Memphis Traveler (Santa Rosa Ca)
Date of Stay: 02/21/08 Review Submitted: 02/21/08

Review Rating: 5/5 Review Text: "We love Northern California. Mendocino has been our favorite for years - so we were hesitant when we decided to venture South to Gualala. But, we must admit this place is absolutely a gem. Spectacular Views, Lots of Sunshine, Abundant Wildlife and the quality of this home is tough to beat anywhere. Like others here, we stay in lots of homes when traveling and traditionally stay in the very best we can find. But, 'Serendipity' is a masterpiece of fine living. Secluded, yet easily accessible to all this area offers. Fine Shopping, Great Massages, Dining, Parks, Canoeing and Beautful Beaches. Wineries are all over the area and you'll love a glass in the relaxing hot-tub, that like the rest of the property is well positioned for privacy and views. In todays world it's kinda neat to spend some time in a home powered in part by solar energy - and realized you have sacrificed nothing in comfort, and leave feeling a bit smarter in the process. Ethan Allen furniture, hardwoods, granite and stone...this place is perfect for any length of time, any time of the year. Lastly...a vacation is hard to forget when you come home refreshed and feeling you had made a great choice. The owners are available, helpful and the perfect hosts - although you may never actually see them. Every detail is perfect and the beds are to die for. If you like the best - you'll love this place!"

Recommended for: