Vacation Rentals by Owner

Brings out your inner child and inner artist!

Guest: BetsyC (Vienna, Virginia)
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.

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.

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

Charming and fun house

Guest: FreshAirFreak (San Francisco)
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!

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.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Barbara
Date of Stay: 04/26/11 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

nce I got the hang of the wood stove, it supplied warmth and coziness to the whole house in the evenings. I loved the upstairs bedroom and the room off to the side. It's soo lovely, I didn't even want to go out. I just stayed in Thursday and enjoyed the soaking tub, the sunshine, privacy, and the purple flowers. I got a little sun and a nap as the breezes came through the 2 doors I opened. The kitchen is very well supplied with appliances needed to eat in. (And the heated toilet seat was a pleasant surprise!) I cannot thank you enough for letting me spend time in your enchanted home. I loved all the art and hand made stairs and shelves. The tile work did not go unnoticed. You have wonderful neighbors and a tranquil setting.

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Enchanting

Guest: Lyn (S.F. Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

The cottage is amazing/delightful/magical - - hobbit lair decorated by faeries. I was completely enchanted by the cottage. I'll have fond memories of this vacation (April 17- 21) We simply stayed inside, reading, napping and taking our dog on neighborhood walks. I think it is called cacooning (sp??) The foggy mist and occasional showers completed the mood ! ( Bah Humbug to hot & sunny). I would LOVE to come back and stay longer than 4 days - -maybe go on day excursions to Pt Reyes etc. We have visited this area many times and know its delights, but have never stayed in an amazing array of antiques and collectibles that have been arranged with skill, so that they harmonize, and you feel that you are living in an art installation. It is well equipped, great location, friendly owners. Go on line and "google" Sha Sha Higby and watch her dance in one of her costume creations; that will give you a glimps of what you can see traces of in her cottage. Just GO and love it like I did.

Owner response:Thanks for the kudos!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Carol
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

Great Lodging! I got a much better sense of Bolinas,charming in a rustic way,I loved the local restaurant and the gorgeous house on the ocean

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Guest: Dave Laurie,Ella,Nelson
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

WE loved your wonderful retreat filled with your treasures..a magical close family time here. Merry Christmas

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Guest: David & Mateo
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Teams of strong butterflies came in the night to remove the roof,to show us the sky. We saw the moon sleeping,snuggled spaciously against the stars. White peacocks arrived before dawn to re-create the roof and shelter us again,covering our eyes like a blanket. In the foggy morning,grunting pot bellied pigs arrived with fresh hot coffee served on lacquered platters,then guided us giggling to the shoreline,where we departed on paper boats for our old home. We love it here. Thanks!

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Guest: Genevieve and Don
Date of Stay: 10/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

Thank you for letting us use your charmig cottage. We had so much explorig the area and relaxing by the fire at the end of the night. We loved how the house seemed so integrated with the surrounding nature. We loved the slippers and the tub. Our trip marked the first few days of our married lives together.

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Guest: Ledwich family,Perth Australia
Date of Stay: 10/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

Have had a great stay,we all have loved your cottage. The kids named it the Dolls Cottage. Such a unique place,with loads of treasures. Kids have voted- BEST HOUSE EVER! Hope Bolinas remains as is.

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Guest: Christian,Eric,Lily Soares
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

Had a lovely 56th birthday here at the cottage with my husband and 4 month old daughter. We went to Stinson and took a family bath in the Japanese Tub on day one. Yesterday we went up to Olema and Point Reyes Station,drive out to the lighthouse and Drakes Bay. We finished off the day with a cheese tasting at Cowgirl Creamery and oysters at Marshall Store. We had great weather and loved spending this time together. Thanks for having such a great,quirky little cottage for us to enjoy.

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B & B experience September 22 thru 27

Guest: me (CT)
Date of Stay: 09/21/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Charming cottage. Unusual and interesting accessories provide a creative environment in which to relax and enjoy northern California culture. Great things to do in immediate area with maps, articles and local guides available in cottage library. Would love to return. So much more to see and do with proximity to the ocean, National & State Parks and San Francisco close by. The Innkeepers have done a tremendous job in making my stay a memorable one!

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

Guest: Anne & Paul,Corvallis,Oregon
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

Your whimsical,homepun abode is an aesthetic adventure in itself. The weather overcast and dreary and it didn't matter. We appreciate your unpretentious hospitality and trust with your myriad of treasures. We had a blast! and as much as we coaxed the hobbit,he would not come out! Carry on Sha Sha and Albert!

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great vacation in a fairy tale cottage

Guest: mibert (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

We had such a great time over spring break. The house is fantastic - we love the loft, the stone hearth, the branch banisters, all the lovely windows, comfy bed and the great stove/oven. We loved being so close to town, the beach and hiking. We can't wait to come back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Solstice Magic Found Here!

Guest: Marielle vv (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/10

We truly had a wonderful time celebrating the solstice at this beautiful cottage. We felt quite at home, with all the amenities & comforts of home, and were delighted by all of the little nooks & interesting artifacts & details built into the house. I really enjoyed the outdoor soaking tub! Such a serene view & lovely secluded quiet. I really needed a little time away from it all, and would love to come visit again.

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

Guest: Dillon de Giue
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

Myself and the rest of my family are drinking a glass of champagne tocelebrate our togeherness. THanks for providing a fantastical setting to do it in. My personal favorite moment is how the space opens up whenwe enter the big roomupstairs after being squeezed in the stairway. I slept under the "eaves" and I highly recommenend it.

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Guest: Helen
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

I loved the sunshine in the top room and in the bathroom-really made me think about why we need shelter and what we use them for. Great woodwork!

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Guest: Goodman-Herrick
Date of Stay: 09/26/09 Review Submitted: 09/25/09

Yes - we very much enjoyed the cottage. And the walks to the beach. It especially impressed us that while the cottage is charmingly rustic, you paid attention to all the conveniences and comforts. Thanks!

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Guest: Jane43 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

The cottage was perfect: comfy, well-stocked, clean, interesting, and very close to the beach. We had a great time and would love to stay again.

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Guest: Bruce and Madelyn
Date of Stay: 11/16/08 Review Submitted: 11/15/08

Hi Sha Sha, Just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed our stay in your cottage. We had a really nice dinner one evening at the Coast Cafe, and the other night we drove back to Olema and ate at the Olema Farmhouse, which was also good. We enjoyed the warmth of the fire, and our cats sat on our laps as we read, while listening to Keith Jarrett on your stereo. The cottage was the perfect get-away for us, and we were very glad to have our cats with us. I trust you'll find everything in good order, and I hope we have the opportunity to come some time. Best regards,

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Guest: Linday,Richard and Cole Pursel
Date of Stay: 03/22/08 Review Submitted: 03/21/08

What and iddyllic home base for visiting Bolinas. Our 15 year old loved it just as much as we did. Thank you

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Guest: Lynette
Date of Stay: 03/17/08 Review Submitted: 03/16/08

We had a lovely time and enjoyed your home. Your home is cozy, just what we needed. And we enjoyed your decor -- it reminded us of some of our travels. We had to leave early Sunday morning so that I could work, so unfortunately did not enjoy the sun, but it was a beautiful ride home. Thank you, Lynette

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/08

Thank you, Sha Sha! We had a glorious time while in your magical cottage in Bolinas. On our last evening we had two deer in the back yard . . . Sandy and I are happy you found the cottage in good shape. We treated it as we would our own. Chuck and Sandy

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Guest: JJ. and Kevin
Date of Stay: 07/05/07 Review Submitted: 07/04/07

We loved our beautiful stay at your charmed and delightful nook. Thank you for sharing such a lovely spot. The sun streams were gorgeous. Our kitty Miss Viola Lee loved bird watching. Happy Anniversary

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Guest: Valentine & Devany Davidson
Date of Stay: 03/22/07 Review Submitted: 03/21/07

Sha Sha and Albert, Thank you so much for a wonderful visit in your precious cottage. The weather was grand and we enjoyed romps on the beach with the dogs. The bed was so comfey too. "Just a Minit" is a delightful place with so many interesting spaces and personal touches. We enjoyed the local floavor of Bolinas-love the way it has retained a quiet and natural way of coastal living. Thanks so much!

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Guest: Mark & Emma Lewis
Date of Stay: 10/14/06 Review Submitted: 10/13/06

Just wanted to let you know we loved your seaside cottage. What a wonderful place to retreat! We like to leave the places we rent in clean order before we leave (especially a house as nice as yours). Thanks again and thank you for the email.

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Guest: Behms
Date of Stay: 06/06/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

We are having a superb time!. Can we buy this house!

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Guest: Ashlyn & Charles
Date of Stay: 04/30/06 Review Submitted: 04/29/06

What a lovely place to spend our one year anniversary..the soft places to sit everywhere,the light, and bathrobes made it so cozy and welcoming! Thanks for the wine, and also breakfast supplies that were way better than "continental",firewoood to keep us warm-all so thoughtful.

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Guest: Kari,Ed & Huxley.dog
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

Many thanks for such a cozy retreat-we enjoyed using this special spot as our homebase. Your kindness-the half & half,dog treats, and jam-made us feel very welcome.

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Guest: Bryan
Date of Stay: 12/28/05 Review Submitted: 12/27/05

This home was perfect for my personal business retreat where I prepared,meditated,and set goals for 2006. Each room held a different aspect of my week from play and dance in the music room to rest and relaxation in the TV room to industriousness and reflection in the mainspace. The woodburning stove accompanied my journey throughout providing warmth and fuel to light my studies and burn away that which wasn't serving me in '05. And the hetergeneity of each room with its accompanying pillows,artworks, and accoutrements, served to remind me of how organically life unfolds,each room offering an archtectural surprise! I hope to revisit in '06 in preparation for yet another rich year. Thanks

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Guest: Bruce & Pattie & our dogs
Date of Stay: 12/24/05 Review Submitted: 12/23/05

We really enjoyed our Christmas getaway-the cozy cottage is perfect, we also enjoyed the rainey,rainy weather!

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Guest: Shane & Sherry
Date of Stay: 10/06/05 Review Submitted: 10/05/05

Thank you for your lovely cottage. It is cozy,warm, and charming and this town is perfect

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