Location: Cotati, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (7 miles south of Santa Rosa)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
Keywords: House
THE SAGE HEN - Treat yourself to a quiet stay in a Tahoe-like setting for less than the price of a hotel room. Just an hour from San Francisco, this is the home of traditional jazz musician Lu Watters (1912-1989).
The immaculate brick home is fully furnished with old world Tuscan elegance, leather furniture, Italian artwork and tile throughout. Enjoy the 44-inch plasma TV with Bose sound system or listen to Lu Watters recordings from the days of his nightclub, Hambone Kelly's. Utilities, large capacity washer/dryer, natural fiber linens included.
Easy access to highway 101, the Sonoma/Napa wine country hot spots in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Napa Valleys, Sonoma State University, coastal beaches, Valley of the Moon, Russian River resort area, and the giant redwood forests.
Lu built his home in what he called "the wilds of Cotati" when he retired from performing in his famous Yerba Buena Jazz Band. Located in a park-like setting with trees Lu himself planted decades ago. An amateur geologist, it is not by chance he chose to build his house on bedrock, unlike the fancy architects of San Francisco who built mansions on landfill along the marina.
THE SAGE HEN takes its name from "The Sage Hen Strut," a popular song Lu wrote on September 11, 1944, on his way to Hawaii on the SS Antigua, three days prior to composing Hambone Kelly. Lu had had his fill of celebrity by the time he settled in Cotati, preferring to open his home to the wild bird population rather than his two-legged fans. The coastal gulls were on a first-name basis with him, as he took regular trips to feed them hot dogs while he combed their beaches for stones and driftwood. His grounds are still a sanctuary for wild turkeys, mockingbirds, hummingbirds, and raucous bands of blue jays, which Lu distinguished as "the west jays and the east jays."
While not exactly wild, Cotati is still small enough to overlook, making it a peaceful retreat for anyone who wants to explore California's wine country.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Lanai
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Bose Sound System
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Hot-air Ballooning, Gliding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$200 deposit
$225/night (2-night minimum)
$1,200/week
$3,800/month
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
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- Entry - Cotati, Sonoma County Home
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- Kitchen - Living Area - Cotati, Sonoma County Home
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- Kitchen - Cotati, Sonoma County Home
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- Bedroom -
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- BBQ Area
Traveler Reviews (29)
Our Holiday Stay
Guest: Kathleen & Nick
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 12/31/08
Review Submitted: 01/06/09
My partner and I booked the Sage Hen for the holidays. The place was immaculate and looks exactly like the pictures, so you know just what you're getting. We loved sitting by the fire and being able to cook meals at home instead of going out to eat every night. It was also in close proximity to the freeway, wineries and beach. I would recommend this property to anyone that wants a stress free stay in a beautiful location.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Great Stay!
Guest: sdfreed
(San Diego)
Date of Stay: 11/07/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
We went to a wedding in Petaluma, it was only about 7 miles away. Couldn't have asked for a more comfortable place. It was a great experience for my family to stay on the property. We actually stayed in both units, the studio first while waiting for the main house to be vacated and cleaned from another guest. Both units were clean and had everything you needed!
Recommended for:
Great place!
Guest: Steve C.
Date of Stay: 08/21/11
Review Submitted: 09/02/11
Ron is easy-going and helpful, and the place is just what we needed. Two couples enjoying wine tasting and home cooking. The kitchen had everything we needed. I wish they had a gas grill, because I'm not an expert in using charcoals. Other than that, it was perfect.
Owner response:Glad you enjoyed your stay. We got that gas grill Steve.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Tranquil
Guest: Pam
(Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11
Review Submitted: 07/31/11
My husband and I needed a place to stay en route to Davis in May. The property came highly recommended. The owners arrived shortly after we did and were hospitable in keeping us entertained while the house was being cleaned for our stay. Well worth the wait. After visiting a nearby grocery store we enjoyed a relaxed evening. Quiet like we do not experience in our suburban neighborhood. The next morning, arising early, I strolled the grounds. I came to the conclusion that the Sage Hen would be a great place to nurse a broken heart or write a book or just get away from it all. We took a relaxed car ride thru wine country. Beautiful. I would love to go back and would highly recommend this vacation getaway as a fine place to stay. Thanks, Ron and Brook!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Wine Country trip
Guest: Debbie
(Winston-Salem, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 07/27/11
The Sage Hen was very clean and the kitchen was well stocked. We had everything that we needed for our stay in the house. It was very comfortable for 2 couples and the location was great. The history of the house was very interesting, and of course the great wineries. Hope to return to Cotati and the Sage Hen soon.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Absolutely wonderful vacation spot!
Guest: None
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
We had a wedding to attend and so my husband, son and his friend stayed at the beautiful Sage Hen. The owner is located at the property and were very wonderful to all of us. The grounds are so gorgeous and the Lou Waters history is very fascinating. We would certainly come back again. It would be a great place to hold a family reunion, or a beautiful wedding. The location of it is quiet but extremely convenient. It's a real find and I can't wait to go and stay there again! Nancy Berry
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
An exceptional stay at the Sage Hen
Guest: Virginia
(Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 11/03/10
Review Submitted: 01/01/11
My husband and I traveled with another couple to the Sonoma area for 5 days. We were looking for a home base where we could make our own breakfast and dinners, had separate bedrooms for each couple, 2 bathrooms, clean and comfortable. I became the hero of the group when I found the Sage Hen. The house was exactly what we wanted! The second bathroom not having a shower wasn't a problem for getting ready. Everything was impeccably clean. We thoroughly enjoyed using the well-equipped kitchen - there were even a few food staples left that we used (and we left some for others to use, as well). Both bedrooms were comfortable. The layout had great flow, the house was private and safe. Occasionally we saw other friendly guests on the property that gave us a wave. Although it was a bit of a drive to get to the places we were visiting it still felt central to so many areas. There were two entrances to the house, which was handy for bringing in groceries. We want to thank Ron for a wonderful stay and fabulous, quick & friendly communication in addressing any questions we had prior to our visit. We hope to visit again!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
mjford
Guest: palmdesert
(Palm Desert, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/10
Review Submitted: 11/10/10
My son and grandaughter live in Rohnert Park. When visiting once I stayed at Sage Hen. I was a little apprehensive about staying alone so I visited the property and met the Owner. It was a very safe and secure setting and the owners were on-site but obscure. It felt good to know they were nearby. The location was perfect and the accomodations were above expectation. Beautiful kitchen and lovely grounds for children to playl Very peaceful and relaxing. I wanted to stay longer, return often and find a place just like this to retire. It is lovely. I cannot wait to return. This could be my home away but it is always rented! I guess everyone feels the same way.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Sweet, small town Cotati retreat.
Guest: P
(Trabuco Canyon)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10
Review Submitted: 11/04/10
We have stayed here and at the cottage several times. They are both extremely well appointed with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The grounds are sweet with flowers and many bird feeders. Ron is a laid back, thoughtful host, never intrusive and always helpful. Centrally located for wine tasting, the coast and San Francisco day trips. We look forward to returning in the spring!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+.
Wine Country Central, Clean and Close
Guest: Les
(Riverside)
Date of Stay: 10/14/10
Review Submitted: 10/26/10
The town of Cotati is quaint and I recommend making it over there. The Sage Hen was immaculate and the kitchen is fully furnished. The house has a nice open feel to it and our stay was so much better than previous hotel experiences. The grounds are well maintained, the barbeque picnic area came in handy and was clean. The front of the house has a nice covered porch and the front of the house faces away from other properties on the lot so you have privacy. The owners are nice, and available if you need them but keep to themselves. Everything was in excellent condition and we will deffinitely stay there again when in the area. The pictures are a very good representation of the house and property. The location is central to several different areas, we visited Napa one day, Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley another day, and Geyerserville and north of Healdsburg the next. So location couldn't have been better.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #70421
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