Vacation Rentals by Owner

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, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a View!

Guest: Charles & Marlies K. (-)
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, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Harry H. (-)
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: 01/13/09

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!!!

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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, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Memphis Traveler
Date of Stay: 02/21/08 Review Submitted: 02/20/08

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!"

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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, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: The Donnelly Family (Webster, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/16/07

Fabulous! We rent a lot of vacation homes and this was the absolute best. Beautiful. Nothing but the best in terms of craftsmanship and kitchen essentials. Everything has been thought of and included. Most relaxing vacation in years. Highly recommend Serendipity. Thank you to the wonderful homeowners for a fantastic vacation experience.

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Guest: Jim Eisenhardt
Date of Stay: 07/29/06 Review Submitted: 07/28/06

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) The Northern Califonia coast has always been a favorite spot for us and now we have found the best of the best. Anyone can creat a showhouse, but you have created a place of solitude and welcome. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Guest: Stephanie and Abe Singer
Date of Stay: 05/06/06 Review Submitted: 05/05/06

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) Dear Rick and Teresa, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home.We love visiting here. Tuesday evening we were relaxing in the hot tub, enjoying the view, when we saw a whale for the first time! Wednesday we went fishing on the beach. We saw at least 3 whales swimming up the shoreline - we ran along the beach to keep up with them as they were spouting and jumping out of the water. They played close to shore in the area where the river meets the ocean for at least an hour. Breathtaking! We also saw couple of seals playing in the waves. It was such a fun day!This morning we saw the whales again from the deck. We can't stop watching them! We had a delicious lunch at Cypress and the whales entertained us throughout our meal. What a show!

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Guest: Holly Hummer (age 13)
Date of Stay: 03/11/06 Review Submitted: 03/10/06

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) I had a really good time staying in this house! Everything about it was really cool. The beds were really comfy and the hot tub was really nice! We even made ice-cream in the ice-cream maker! At the beach, we found some cool shells and rocks, and had fun climbing the rocks. I also liked the nearby towns- the movie theater at Point Arena was really cute! Oh yeah! The bookstore here was really good! It was so small, but had such a great selection of books!Thanks again for the awesome house!

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Guest: Timothy Gravigan
Date of Stay: 12/30/05 Review Submitted: 12/29/05

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) What a total sanctuary! We laughed, danced, played, hung out in our bathrobes all day, watched marathon movies, and just plain relaxed. I am so thankful for the refreshing- the beautiful views, the soothing sounds of the ocean, the deer sightings, the intimate meals shared, the insulation from a roller-coaster paced life, the new perspectives found. Serenity, tranquility... Thank You

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Guest: Debbie and Craig
Date of Stay: 05/16/05 Review Submitted: 05/15/05

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) "Stunning, spectacular, sensational!" How can you adequately describe the glee from when you first catch sight of this incredible home? It is the most perfect home we've ever been in. From the incredible view of Sonoma's breathtaking shoreline to the stragically placed skylights to the radio controlled weather station to the elevated queen beds overlooking the ocean to the thoughtful property owner who thinks of your every need (before you do)- we could go on & on but you get the picture. It's like a dream being here- one we'll remember all our lives. Thanks so much for letting us share your palace. May all who read these words ejoy Serendipity as much as we did.

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Guest: A & E S
Date of Stay: 02/24/05 Review Submitted: 02/23/05

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) Thank you for our preview of heaven. Anthony (age 87) and Eveline (age 86) Smith (Note from owner: This is both the shortest and most powerful of all of the wonderful comments in our guestbook)

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Guest: K and B S
Date of Stay: 02/14/05 Review Submitted: 02/13/05

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) The best Valentine'S Day ever! Hooked, line and sinker.... We are officially addicted to this place. It is, however, very humbling to stay here. We are building a house now and we look around at Serendipity and see all these amenities that aren't in the budget! Oh well, I guess we'll have to come back soon. This place is a world class treasure!!! (2nd stay)

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Guest: P.&S. S.
Date of Stay: 12/30/04 Review Submitted: 12/29/04

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) We have lived around the world, have rented holiday homes in many countries, none finer than this! You seemed to have thought of everything! To make Serendipity available to the public is more than generous-thank you. We will return.

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Guest: G.&.B.
Date of Stay: 11/25/04 Review Submitted: 11/24/04

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) Thank you for sharing your warm, lovely and awesome home. Like so many, we found ourselves looking for excuses to stay in rather than go out and about. The beds are a true delight and the window seat was perfect for nesting and napping. Kudos on the kitchen and all of it's toys. You put so much thought and effort into it and it shows....First Class! We enjoyed shopping at the Surf Market but also got great steaks and fresh crab at Gualala Market. Again, we thank you for allowing us in your home. Although we gave some serious thought into not leaving and letting you have the sleeper sofa if you wanted to come up.

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Guest: K.&B. S.
Date of Stay: 11/05/04 Review Submitted: 11/04/04

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) Wow! What a beautiful house! Every detail of the house is immaculate! Even the smell of the house is wonderful. Kipp thinks every guest should try "the Nap" sandwich at Cafe La La. We purchased an oil painting from Craig Gilliland at the Spindrift Gallery. The views and the sounds of the crashing waves have kept us indoors at Serendipity for most of our stay. Thank you so much! We will be back!

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Guest: M.K.
Date of Stay: 08/20/04 Review Submitted: 08/19/04

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) We were in awe of the cathedral window framing the ocean. I was excited to "hear" the hummingbirds and seethe attracted to your special flowers. Wearing the robes to the hot tub felt like we were at a luxurious spa. This morning I have already seen a family of quail. Thank you so much.

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Guest: N.&A.
Date of Stay: 08/18/04 Review Submitted: 08/17/04

( Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) Your house is great and the view is superb! You could not have picked a better location to build it! We enjoyed everything and esp. being able to have meals at "home": enjoyed the hot tub and much more. Thank you for letting us use your welcoming home. We cherish our stay here and we will keep good memories of it.

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Guest: E.&N. G
Date of Stay: 08/15/04 Review Submitted: 08/14/04

Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) I'm listening to the sound of the waves as I write this late at night. They have lulled us to sleep and carried us gently through the last eight nights. Each night I've passed time on the deck- marvelling at the stars when the sky is clear, bathing in the damp when it's foggy. Tonight is clear and a meteor shower is treating us to a light show. Your house- your home- is a joy. Every convenience and comfort has been anticipated. The architecture is a marvel and the decoration is inspired. Nature, however, takes center stage. How many types of birds live here? We've seen so many. Then our friend Sandy came face to face with a doe near the deck. I've enjoyed your planting and benefitted from a glorious show of summer flowers. Thanks to your very complete kitchen we rarely ate out. We two couples (and one young adult) are fond of cooking so we took advantage of it all. It felt like home. It's been a lovely, refreshing week. We wish you the best with Serendipity and we look forward to retuning here. (Additional note.) I have rarely stayed in a home where I felt so at home, so quickly. I would like to congratulate the owners on their vision, and also congratulate the architect and builders in bringing that vision to reality. E.G.

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Guest: D,S,&N. J
Date of Stay: 08/15/04 Review Submitted: 08/14/04

(Note: all Homeowner added comments have been copied from the Guest Book at Serendipity) As your first official guests,we can only say thank you. Your home is beautiful and set in a truly magical place. Nine days seemed a long time but it has gone too fast. During our stay we toured wineries,went kayaking (twice) and just relaxed and rejuvenated our souls. We have seen bald eagles, osprey,cormorants,otter, seals,sea lions, dolphins (from your deck) , quail, deer, and whale spouts. Thanks for having the bird and wildflower books! We enjoyed the telescope for our bird ID, dolphins and stargazing. Your attention to detail in this home makes it a memorable and wonderful experience. Thank you so much. P.S. Had the Senior Ctr. abalone breakfast on Sunday. Now my daughter loves abalone too! Also had fantastic dinner at St. Orres.

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