The Bolinas Cottage-Just a Minit!

• Just a Minit

  Just a Minit

  • Guest Cactus Ed
  • Date of stay 05/13/13
  • Review Submitted 06/10/13
  We had a great time ! Just a Minit is the essence of quirky. Perfect for our taste. We hope to return.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

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• A Different but Charming Spot

  A Different but Charming Spot

  • Guest D & L
  • Date of stay 05/25/13
  • Review Submitted 06/05/13
  Just A Minit is an extension of the beautiful and unique artistry of performance artist/sculptor Sha Sha Higby. To be honest, you need an alternative and open mindset to accommodate this surreal yet cozy habitat. It reminds me of being on a psychedelic schooner and that's a compliment. My wife and I had a delightful time there, especially loving the cozy bedroom and upstairs area where we spent a fair amount of time lounging. Although the outside space is a bit cramped, it is only a five minute walk to the quirkily pleasant downtown of Bolinas and the spectacular, not to be missed, Bolinas Beach. Overall, I recommend this spot and the environment that surrounds it.

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

  Owner response: Thanks so your aesthetic comment,had to come from another artist. The back of the house is on the edge of a 40 acre quail reserve with no houses so that part is expansive. It is the tiniest lot in Marin County on record as it was just a garage in 1890-1910,so the front has only a small enclosed garden area for pets.

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• Artfully Appointed & Comfortable

  Artfully Appointed & Comfortable

  • Guest RB P.
  • Date of stay 01/01/13
  • Review Submitted 01/27/13
  The rooms of this cottage are small, but each one is an enjoyable space with charming details that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the owner. The upstairs in particular has lots of great light from large windows and skylights that also give a great view of the stars at night. In addition to the wood stove, there are many details that added to our comfort during a chilly January week stay, such as radiant heat under the living room rug, an outdoor soaking tub with lots of hot water and a heated toilet seat! The cottage is well located -- a short walk to beach and the town of Golinas. It made a good base for us to hike around Muir Woods as well as further north on Pt. Reyes. The place was clean and the owner very helpful, especially in going the extra mile in sending us a charger we left in the cottage and needed for the rest of our trip. We would recommend this place to others as a good value for the price.

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

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• unique opportunities and challenges

  unique opportunities and challenges

  • Guest cadenarich
  • Date of stay 12/28/12
  • Review Submitted 01/03/13
  arrived dec 28th--cold windy wet day and even colder nite. unfortunately, i didn't quite know how to light the fireplace and spent the nite shivering under the blankets with my doggies on our inflatable mattress i usually bring. then my luck changed and ChaCha showed up the following morning and VOILA---she lit that fireplace with ease and for the following 3 nites--i had a wonderful warm and cozy time in this sweet and slightly strange hideaway. me and my doggies spent a lot of time in the upstairs bedroom and reading room. the tv in the ground floor is way too small for my comfort--also, you have more room to lay around in and more room for my 3 doggies. POSITIVES; unique home, fantastic hot water pressure for a relaxing shower or tub soaking, heated toilet seat--gotta keep it in the up position when not in use, full sized fridge and great working old fashioned stove. if your looking for more pots and pans--look above the kitchen door, nice sized tv and internet connection, very close to the beach and small towncenter--5 minutes tops, if you love coffee--its loaded with coffee making gadgets--not a coffee drinker myself, the owners are not cheap with the firewood and only ask that you bring kindling to start the fireplace...i love bacon and learned that the fireplace also loves bacon drippings-makes fire starting very easy, very relaxing atomsphere and once you warm up--very cozy....i am a wimp in cold weather so maybe i over react to cold!! NEGATIVES: the bottom floor is older and quite drafty--so build a solid fire and spend your time upstairs. the only thing about the upstairs is GETTING UPSTAIRS via the indoor stairs from the living room...half way up the stairs YOU WILL HAVE TO HUNCH OVER--not a big deal if your flexable,,,difficult if you are not---no worries--use the outside stairs to go up and down. i plan to stay at the cottage again during the warmer weather as i think i would enjoy it even more in warmer times. yes, it is a bit pricy--but i actually think its worth it. i did not try the outdoor soaking tub. i only met ChaCha, and i gotta tell you that she is rather unique and we bonded instantly.... they are not intrusive and if you don't call them, they will leave you alone...i love the privacy OH YEA.... tons of surfers..must be something in the water:):) highway 1 is shorter in milage-just more curves--next time i will go up the 101 to Pataluma and down to Bolinas--beautiful farmlands and small towns--more relaxing trip.

  Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thanks for the lengthy comment always appreciate it. Unfortunately you were there during an uncommonly cold night and our electric warming rug which your pups would have loved was in repair. But we thought with 3 heaters in the house available and the wood stove it would be enough. When you light the wood stove when it is clean like that with no ashes it takes a little patience. I wouldn't use bacon grease because it is so dirty,and leaves a bacon smell residue that is hard to get rid of. My father used to scrumple up a bunch of paper between 2 medium side pieces of wood,pile some kindling on that and a larger piece of wood on top and give it plenty of Oxygen (cock door when starting), or you can gradually increase the amount of wood,making sure the flues are open giving the fire oxygen.We have since replaced the heating rug and that has helped with warming the downstairs. They commonly use them in Japan.Was the heated toilet seat too hot?You also did not find or turn on the electric blanket which we have on the bed which was available to use too. Usually we receive the guests so we can give people tips,but it was my Father's 90th birthday so we were only available by phone.We have to warn people to plug heaters into the wall sockets directly not extension cords. Anyway it was delightful to meet you. Really enjoyed it. Hope you come back. Repeat customers get 10 % off unless it is a major Holiday. You were the perfect person for the house and I hope you made it to the city too.

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• Welcome weekend away

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Welcome weekend away

  • Guest Andy,Seth, Cyndy,Sadie,
  • Date of stay 11/02/11
  • Review Submitted 12/21/12
  celebrating birthday with birthday sister,husband,6 year old daughter, and our doggy. Loved all the little niceties, details,eclectic artwork,stove,and heaters,lacey curtains,beautiful big bathtub,and more. Walked the pPalomarin trail to Bass Lake yesterday and today we are headed to Limatour and back home. BOO Thanks for the lovely spot and the heapful signs and instructions.

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• Such an unusual Hobbit Habitat

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Such an unusual Hobbit Habitat

  • Guest Jane
  • Date of stay 11/02/12
  • Review Submitted 12/21/12
  complete with Shrine. Born and raised in S. City,I have always wanted a place on the ocean,your lovely cottage gave me that experience if only for a few days. I brought many of my projects to while away the stromy days in the cottage. However that sun,the warmth the winter waves would tempt me to walk and explore and appreciate the local area. So although there was not much watercolor done on this trip,I ate a half round of cowgirl Red Hill cheese and a dozen fresh oysters. My treasure trove of images are locked in my mind for future paintings. I have spent hours studying the struccture and mechnics of waves,the vrious pastel colors captivated by foam on the waves' surface and the long assessing gaze of surfers as they search the horizon. I have weathered the most dramatic rain storm of my memory in this tight cozy cottage and thoroughly enjoyed the sounds of thrashing trees and crashing waves. The fire was cheerful and blazing,comfort in the story night. Sorry I did not get to do more. I will certainly come back again. I will keep an eye out on the internet for more of your creations and performances,as they too are magical and poetic.. I wish a part of my trip could have included getting to know you a bit. Your house,scrapbook,and vibe is intriquing,and hints of commonalities we may have. Blessings on you and your cottage.

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• Love Bolinas

  Love Bolinas

  • Guest Allison
  • Date of stay 06/25/12
  • Review Submitted 07/06/12
  Had another wonderful, relaxing stay at Just a Minit. All the little but important things are taken care of for you . . . shampoo, body lotion, coffee beans, beach towels (even for the doggie), flip flops for getting out of the soaking tub (wonderful!), warm blankets and quilts. The beach was great for walking the dog and beachcombing. We especially enjoyed the four hummingbirds that darted around the trees and blackberries in the backyard. Thank you, Sha Sha! Four nights is not enough. We hope to stay much, much longer the next time! We LOVE the cottage.

  Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thanks for taking your time to write this. I always like to know if people are happy! We try to personalize the house and make it special.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Mystical Cottage

  Mystical Cottage

  • Guest Becky
  • Date of stay 06/22/12
  • Review Submitted 07/02/12
  I loved staying in this wonderful and mystical cottage. We had so much fun exploring Bolinas and taking some relaxing soaks in the backyard. Our dog had a great time too!

  Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.

  Owner response: Thanks,oh good you used the outdoor soak tub.

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

• Brings out your inner child and inner artist!

  Brings out your inner child and inner artist!

  • Guest BetsyC
  • Date of stay 01/11/12
  • Review Submitted 01/17/12
  Thiis wonderful little house gives new meaning to the word quirky. Every window is different, the stair banisters are made of reused brass bed parts and natural wood branches, and art surrounds you. The rooms are small but the whole effect is cozy. Children of any age will delight in the little maze of spaces, nooks, balconies, doors, stained glass windows, and staircases. We especially enjoyed the wood burning stove, and cooking on the 1920s range. Beach is a 3 minute walk in one direction, and the village of Bolinas a 3 minute walk in the other direction. As Easterners, we were looking for a genuine "California experience" for our two teenage children, and found it here. Two nights didn't even give us enough time to see everything in the house, much less the area--next time, we will rent for a week at least.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Well that makes it all worth it to rent and prepare our cottage for fine guests as you. It was my childhood fantasy and I made a dollhouse just like it when I was a child.

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• Charming and fun house

  Charming and fun house

  • Guest FreshAirFreak
  • Date of stay 12/06/11
  • Review Submitted 12/13/11
  Sweet house, good vibes, easy walk to town and ocean, and clean. But can be quite cold so bring warm clothes to layer, starting with a silk teeshirt, and you'll be fine. Also, kindling for the fire is a necessity!

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers, tourists without a car.

  Owner response: We are a coastal town and if we have a cold snap which is the days that you stayed then downstairs you have to keep all the heaters running . We have heated rugs and toilet seat and fans to circulate the air and a woodstove that you have sit with at first to get it started.This house was built in the 20's downstairs.Mostly all year round it is plenty warm as we are in California but if the outdoor temperature drops into the 30's at night then it is best to layer clothing which is what people do out here.December on clear nights can be cold.But if it rains it is fine.

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Additional information about rental rates

We charge 10% tax on top of the above rates and $100 cleaning.If you have over 4 people there will be at checkin and additional $25 per night charge for each person over 4. We have a midweek special in June for $175 a night!

Monthly 28 day rates in the winter are $2500.00,spring and fall $3500 and summer $4850.

Fees:

• cleaning: $100
• Pet Fee: $25 + tax
• convenience fee: $18
• Refundable Damage Deposit: $200
• Tax Rate 10%

Cancellation policy:

Please read, complete, sign and return a copy of this form with your check to the address above. Or reply by email that you agree to terms.You may also bring cash. Keep 2nd copy in your possession for reference while occupying the cottage. Address: The house is located at 3 Spring Avenue, Bolinas, (Marin County) California. Telephone: The telephone number is 415-868-9594. Use: The maximum number of occupants allowed, including children over 12 months of age is 4. The number of occupants in your party will be ___ persons. for 2 nights, Smoking: This is a no smoking house. Check-In/Check-out Time: The check-in time is after 3pm. The check-out time is 12 noon. A later check-out time is possible depending upon when the next guests will be arriving. In any case, if you should need more time, you must make prior arrangements as someone may be waiting to clean the house for the next guests. Linens: Bed linens and bath towels are provided Cancellations: A thirty (30) day notice is required for cancellation. Cancellations that are made more than thirty (30) days prior to the arrival date will incur no penalty. Cancellations or changes that result in a shortened stay, that are made within 30 days of the arrival date, forfeit the full advance payment and reservation deposit. Cancellation or early departure does not warrant any refund of rent. A $75. administration fee is charged for cancellations but may be applied to a change of dates. Damage / Reservation Deposit: A reservation deposit of $250 is required. You may give a credit card number for the deposit. The deposit automatically converts to a security/damage deposit upon arrival. The deposit is NOT applied toward rent; however is authorized on your credit card, it is fully refundable within (14) days of departure, provided the following provisions are met. — No damage is done to unit or its contents, beyond normal wear and tear. — No charges are incurred due to contraband, pets or collection of rents or services rendered during the stay. — All debris, rubbish and discards are sorted & placed in recycled and trash dumpsters, and soiled dishes are cleaned. — All keys are left in the barbecue and unit is left locked. — All charges accrued during the stay are paid prior to departure. — No linens or items in the house are lost or damaged. — NO early check-in or late checkout. — The renter is not evicted by the owner (or representative of the owner), the local law enforcement. Cleaning: Guests are responsible for the following before departure: — Replace all furniture where found upon arrival. — Leave all dishes and cookware clean. — Take the garbage out and deposit it in the cans provided. — Turn off appliances and lights. — Check that all doors and windows are securely locked. __$10 KEY FEE IF KEYS ARE NOT RETURNED Someone will come in after your departure to do general cleaning, vacuuming, cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms. If excessive cleaning is necessary due to the condition of the house or if any of the above items are not done, an additional amount may be with- held from your deposit based upon the amount of time required to correct the problems.Parking: Parking is limited to two (2) vehicles. Vehicles are to be parked in designated parking areas only. Parking on the road is not permitted with discretion. PLEASE LEAVE DRIVEWAY CLEAR FOR NEIGHBORs. Any illegally parked cars are subject to towing; applicable fines/towing fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. Soaking Tub: No children under the age of 12 permitted in soaking tub without supervision at any time. When using the soaking tub, remember there is a certain health risk associated with this facility. Use at your own risk Fireplace: The wood stove is a vented wood log fired firebox . Firewood is provided. Barbeque: Guests need to bring kindling and charcoal for the outdoor grill. Storm Policy / Road Conditions: No refunds will be given for storms. Mountain roads can be curvy and steep. WE DO NOT REFUND DUE TO ROAD CONDITIONS OR ROADWORK OF ANY KIND or any inconvenience resulting thereof. Water and Septic: This cabin is on the sewers. The mineral content in the water is high. During a drought or rainfall, the sewer may have an odor. Plug the drains in bathroom or kitchen if necessary,this will solve the problem. The sewer system is very effective; however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. DO NOT FLUSH anything other than toilet paper. No feminine products should be flushed at anytime. If it is found that feminine products have been flushed and clog the septic system, you could be charged damages of up to two hundred dollars ($200.). Animals: Pets are permitted only with prior approval. $40. per pet fee is assessed (included). Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up any/all pet refuse. Pets are not allowed on furniture at any time. Any evidence of pets on furniture may incur extra cleaning fees. All pets must be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and all other vaccinations. Heartworm prevention is highly recommended. All pets are to be treated with Advantage or similar topical flea and tick repellent three (3) days prior to arrival. Fleas and ticks are very rampant in this area and can cause harmful/fatal illness to humans and pets. All items above are the sole responsibility of the pet owner. The cabin owners assume no responsibility for illness or injury that humans or pets may incur while on the premises.

If you have any questions please contact the owner.