Location: Sausalito, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (20 minutes to downtown San Francisco.) View Map
Accommodations: House Boat, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: Floating home
Featured home in California Home and Design magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle Home and Garden Section, and The Eye on the Bay TV Show.
This luxurious houseboat is located within 20 minutes of downtown San Francisco, 5 minutes from the golden Gate Bridge, two miles to the ferry landing for a 20 minute ferry ride across the bay to San Francisco, walking distance to miles of wonderful hiking trails, bike paths, walking paths through local bird preserve, easy kayaking on Richardson Bay, or a short walk to great restaurants. Deli/minimart closeby.
It is a spacious, luxurious, architect designed, unique redwood and glass houseboat with over 3,000 square feet of living space on three floors, with a hot tub off the master bedroom, an interior atrium with tropical plants, and a lovely roof garden for relaxing and entertaining, which includes a barbaque . Two bicycles and two kayaks are provided for your use. It is historic, (Pavoratti slept here), romantic and fun. Totally renovated with great attention to detail.
Mid Level: You enter into a vestibule and then continue on past a two story atrium into a a spacious living room and seated dining area, with quality furniture throughout. In the far right hand corners is a large window seat which can be used as a twin bed, that looks out onto beautiful Mt. Tamalpais. The state of the art kitchen has custom marble counters, professional stove, appliances, two-person eating counter. A beautiful Japanese bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub complete this floor. Tasteful travel artifacts abound as owners are a former diplomat and a travel executive with a background in anthropology.
Lower Floor: There is a suite of rooms which include a beautiful Asian room with sliding shoji screen doors from Japan and quality queen size bed. There is also an adjacent, comfortable sitting room with a pull out queen bed. The washer and dryer are located on this floor. There also is a spacious bathroom with shower/tub. Also on this floor is an apartment with a kitchenette with stove, refrigerator etc. and separate bedroom.
Top Floor: This floor has a very large, romantic master bedroom with high ceilings and gas fireplace, a king size four-poster bed, and two reading areas. Off the bedroom on one side is a comfortable reading room, while off to the other side is a balcony with a hot tub.
Roof Deck: A sturdy wooden slanted ships ladder takes you from the top floor to the roof deck with panoramic views over the top of the other houseboats, a yacht harbor, panoramic views of Mt. Tamalpais, and Richardson Bay. Furnished with a redwood table, umbrellas, chairs, chaises, cushions, gas barbecue, and potted plants.
Sieze this unique opportunity to experience the romance of houseboat living at its best!
Very unique, quiet, fun, and definitely an unforgettable vacation!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : In laundry room
- Dryer : In laundry room
- Linens Provided : Quality linens throughout
- Off Street Parking : Large parking lot reserved for houseboat owners
- Gas Fireplace (2) : One in the living room, and one in the master bedroom
- Beds
- King Bed : In the master bedroom
- Queen Bed : In the guest room
- Double Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed : This is a day bed in the living room
- Convertible Bed : Pull out sofa in sitting room off lower floor bedroom
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath : In bathroom on main floor
- Private Hot Tub : On private balcony off master bedroom
- Cable/Satellite TV : 40 inch Sony flat screen High Definition TV
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : In the master bedroom
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Next to the HD TV
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Next to the HD TV
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Professional quality stove, refrigerator, marble counters, etc. for a serious cook
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Extensive array of utensils
- Refrigerator : Frigidaire double door
- Dishwasher : Frigidair, very quiet
- Microwave (2) : One on master bed room floor One on lower guest room floor
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill (2) : A large gas grill on roof top, and a small gas grill on balcony off main floor
- Deck/Patio : On rooftop; Beautiful views and very private.
- Balcony (2) : 1 off main floor, and 1 off master bedroom
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : We are located in Richardson Bay, a part of San Francisco Bay.
- Mountain View : Looks out on Mt. Tamalpais, the largest mountain in the San Francisco Bay area. Many miles of wonderful hiking trails, all very close by.
- Communications
- Telephone : local calls ony
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Password provided upon arrival
- Other Amenities
- Two Fireplaces, High speed internet access, Hot, cold, filtered water taps, Whirlpool bathtub, Private Hot Tub off master bedroom, Two bicycles, Two kayaks.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children : Not suitable for very young children who could fall down stairs.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Napa and Sonoma wineries, Pt, Reyes Wilderness area, San Francisco for theatre, zoo, Golden Gate Park, Oakland, University of California at Berkeley, UCSF, Kyacking,
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
35 day minimum, email Wilford.Welch@gmail.com for details
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2001
Why the Owner Chose Sausalito
We enjoy living "on the docks" in Sausalito. We moved here from Belvedere, CA. because we found the houseboat community filled with interesting, creative people with a casual, unpretentious, active, lifestyle. Being only 20 minutes by car to the middle of San Francisco for cultural, educational and social activities, and less than an hour from Napa and Sonoma and the beautiful wine country, are all big plusses. Hiking is five minutes away and the restaurants are great nearby. We feel we have the best of many worlds right here. We call our houseboat "Dol Khayam, a Tibetan phrase which loosely translated means "A place of rest, in the midst of a busy world". That is the feeling we hope for all our guests.
Owner's Map of Sausalito
Wilford is a former U.S. diplomat (China), author, (The Tactics of Hope), and public speaker. Carole's background is in anthropology. In 1991, Carole founded a successful travel company that takes clients to exotic international destinations where indigenous people continue to live in traditional ways. While there we explore the healing and belief systems of the indigenous elders. We both have a lifetime of international travel and work behind and in front of us. Our home reflects our interests.
Property Photos
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- Houseboat as featured in California Home + Design Magazine - San Francisco, CA Vacation Houseboat in Sausalito
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- Dock entrance to houseboat with hand-carved bench from Bali - San Francisco, CA Vacation Houseboat in Sausalito
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- Kitchen with gas appliances and hardwood accents, looking toward bar area - San Francisco, CA Vacation Houseboat in Sausalito
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- State of the art kitchen with custom marble counters
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- View of living room with deck access, gas fireplace and widescreen television
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- Cozy window seat on mid-level is also a twin bed
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- Entryway atrium with tropical flora
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- Kohler appliances and detail in bathroom on mid level
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- Mid-level spacious living/dining/kitchen area
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- Romantic upper level master bedroom with four post bed and cozy stone fireplace
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- Granite countertops in sunny master bathroom, on top level
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- Rooftop deck view looking toward historic Mt. Tamalpais and Marin County
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- Gracious Asian style guest room with queen sized bed, sitting room and bathroom
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- Guest suite sitting room with pull-out queen size bed in couch
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- Outside deck view of Mt. Tamalpais and the houseboat community
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- View of houseboat community in the evening with famous San Francisco fog
Traveler Reviews (10)
Best "Home Base" for Sightseeing in Northern California
Guest: Carol and Stan
(Columbia, South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
First, the owners are accommodating to the point you feel like family - thank you Wilford and Carole for sharing your beautiful home with others! It is everything and more than what is portrayed in your description and photos! Second, the home is gorgeous and although filled with treasures from across the world and a book collection to die for, it was comfortable and homey, down to the gas fireplace in the living room, which you WILL use in the mornings with your coffee. And we can't forget the oh so comfortable bed and linens to dream the night away after a long day of whatever! The inside of the home is filled with life in the form of live plants and flowers, including orchids and a banana tree (still not sure if this is real). The kitchen has all the amenities you need and a grocer/deli/restaurant within 2 minutes walking distance of the home to purchase supplies to cook the entire week if you don't enjoy eating out in the many local restaurants (we recommend Tommy Wok's and Sushi Ron). And last but certainly not least, there's the rooftop "lounge" and/or the "private" hot tub to enjoy after long days of hiking and sightseeing or just lounging. Kayaks and bikes available for use right at your front door, too, although we did not take advantage of these items - too busy on the CA1 locating new and exciting places to hike. Third, you can travel CA1 everyday from here and hike to some of the most beautiful locations known to man. The farthest we drove was 47 miles and that took us to Pt. Reyes National Seashore and the lighthouse there. We highly recommend renting a convertible to visit this beautiful Northern California destination. May your visit be as pleasant and wonderful as ours!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
Guest: Donna & Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 09/02/10
We absolutely appreciate having the opportunity to enjoy your home. You have an amazing collection of artifacts and the most beautiful home in the area. We really enjoyed the deck upstairs, the cozy atmosphere and the collection of books. This was a first-time experience for all of us and everything went so smoothly. We truly felt at home here - thank you again!
Recommended for:
Guest: Tammy & Charlie
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10
Review Submitted: 09/02/10
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home with us! We really felt so comfortable here, it was like home away from home. This is our second visit in this house, we have stayed many places and this one is without a doubt the best!
Recommended for:
Guest: Mary D.1
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/08/08
Review Submitted: 09/08/08
I trust all is well and you are re-settled into your marvelous abode!! We truly enjoyed our stay and hope to have the opportunity to do it again sometime soon. -- August 2008
Recommended for:
Guest: Janet M.1
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/08/08
Review Submitted: 09/08/08
Our stay was delightful and the houseboat just great. I'm racking my brain to think of some kind of improvement, but nothing comes to mind. The kitchen in particular was wonderful--everything we needed was there and although we didn't cook every night, when we did we knew we'd have the utensils to do it right. -- July 2008
Recommended for:
Guest: Tammy R.
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/08/08
Review Submitted: 09/08/08
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at your houseboat. Thank you so much for sharing your house with us. It had a real welcoming feeling when we arrived. It was like staying with friends. -- July 2008
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/09/08
Review Submitted: 08/09/08
Our stay was delightful and the houseboat just great. I'm racking my brain to think of some kind of improvement, but nothing comes to mind. The kitchen in particular was wonderful--everything we needed was there and although we didn't cook every night, when we did we knew we'd have the utensils to do it right. The deck was lovely, beds were comfortable.......I'll try to come up with a complaint but it's going to be hard.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/25/07
Review Submitted: 06/25/07
This is a delightful home and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to stay in Southern Marin. Pros: The house is filled with beautiful artifacts from various eastern cultures and is well stocked with books. The middle floor provides ample dining and living room space for a large family while the top and bottom floors house both bedrooms and quiet sitting rooms. It is not obvious from the text, but there is both a queen bed and a pull out sofa on the bottom floor. The hot tub off the master bedroom is AMAZING - private yet open to the sky it allowed my wife and I to take a relaxing dip in the tub every night. The freeway access can't be beat allowing for quick trips down into the city or up into northern Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. There is a deli/grocery a short walk from the houseboat. Cons: If your dream is to stay on a houseboat that feels like a boat or to be isolated from everyone, alone on the water this rental is not for you - this houseboat is simply a (beautiful) home moored alongside a dock. Other: Parking is a little wonky - everything nearby is theoretically reserved for long term marina residents...but I parked near the boat for a week without problem. Also, the owner expects renters to be met by a friend of the owner upon arrival and departure. This was not a major issue since they were very accomodating, but it is different and may pose a problem for those with particularly early or late arrival/departure schedules.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/14/06
Review Submitted: 08/14/06
What a delightful way to vacation. We traveled to SF from Florida to visit family and friends for a reunion in northern Marin. Having family in Marin and the City this was the perfect "Spot" for us. The houseboat was everything we expected and much more. It was very spacious and comfortable for a grown family of five. When you think of a vacation rental usually what comes to mind is a sparcely furnished and supplied home. This is like going home, only to someone elses. The views were fabulous, the location was very central to the Wine Country or San Francisco. We would definitely return on a future trip to California. Absolutely top drawer. Excellent and a great value. Thank You !!!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #79742
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