Perfect Getaway

Guest: AcademicLib (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/29/11 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

We live in San Francisco, and we visit the Secret Garden Cottage at least twice a year - it's such a relaxing place to stay while enjoying Pt. Reyes. The cottage is very cozy, spotless, and well-equipped, and the gardens surrounding the house are beautiful. It's a perfect retreat from the city, and we feel so fortunate that we discovered it!

Owner response:Thank you for your glowing review! We are very happy to have so many guests choosing to return time and time again. Of course, return guests can take advantage of regular discounts.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Like Your Own Private Paradise

Guest: dolphinwatcher (Salisbury, MD)
Date of Stay: 09/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

We spent 5 nights at the Secret Garden Cottage, and what a delightful place. The cottage is very roomy, clean, and comfortable, with all the amenities that make it a perfect place to stay to enjoy the wonders of Point Reyes National Seashore. When you enter the beautiful gardens from your private parking area just outside the gates, you get the immediate sensation that you’re entering a quiet and secluded haven that leads to your cottage. The cottage entrance is through a large deck overlooking the lush gardens that are arranged to provide complete privacy to the guests as well as the owners. Even though the owner’s home is near by, this gives the sense that you’re in your own secret paradise, enhanced by the outdoor soaking tub that overlooks Tomales Bay. The tub along with a couple of cushioned chairs are situated in a separate covered gazebo at a high spot in the garden, and is an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening after a day of hiking. And you couldn’t ask for better hosts. Phil and Patsy are a delight to talk to and go above and beyond to make your stay perfect. Whether you are exploring the National Seashore or are just looking for a quite get away, we would definitely recommend the Secret Garden Cottage.

Owner response:Dwayne & Carol - thank you very much for your wonderful review of our place; we appreciate your feedback and the extra effort to post a VRBO review! We look forward to your next visit. Sincerely, Phil and Patsy

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Mini Camelot

Guest: Linda54 (-)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

We had the great joy of staying at the Secret Garden Cottage for two nights - which was not enough time. The first thing that you see is this beautiful garden that appears to go on forever with different pathways leading to small private sanctuaries. The house is stunning and inviting. You can feel the love and pride that the owners have put into the cottage and gardens. There is no doubt that we will return. Thank you so much, Patsy and Phil!!

Owner response:Thank you for your splendid review! We are glad you discovered the slightly hidden, but private sanctuaries in the garden; that's the beauty and intrigue of a Secret Garden. Patsy & Phil

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Point Reyes & Secret Garden Cottage

Guest: Visit: Travels with two.com website for more info (-)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

Start your journey in San Francisco. On a truly stunning Spring day, we snaked through the city and Golden Gate Park, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and wended our way along Highway 1 through Marin County’s Mt. Tamalpais State Park (pronounced Tammul-payiss and called “Mt. Tam” for short). After an hour’s hike through the forest and alongside waterfalls at the Cataract Trail near Alpine Lake (post to come), we pulled off Ridgecrest Road on the grassy bluff at Ballou Point for a picnic with an endless view of Bolinas Lagoon and the silvery Pacific. For a printable map of Mt. Tamalpais State Park, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. Stay in the bayside village of Inverness. In a happy coincidence, it turns out that the Inverness Secret Garden Cottage is not only perfect for a couple but is also owned by my dear friend Amy’s Aunt Patty and Uncle Phil. A couple years back we purchased a gift certificate from the Cottage for my in-laws (who are deeply in love with this area), and this time around my mother-in-law returned the favor for us. This one-bedroom idyll is 3/4 of a mile above Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Inverness’s woodsy version of a main drag. The romantic garden is full of fragrant surprises like a soaring, lemon-scented Himalayan magnolia that can probably be seen from space. The bathroom is tiled with deep green serpentine, the California state rock found clustered all around Mt. Tam. Though there’s an indoor shower, you could also take a bath for two out in a clawfoot tub perched above the garden with a soft, gauzy view of Tomales Bay. The brass bed is cozy (and also has a bay view), the kitchen fully outfitted, and the sitting room perfect for stretching out. A wide deck is set amongst the flowers, trees and twittering birds.

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Truly enchanting

Guest: Erik (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

The cottage itself is cozy and full of light and not pottery-barned (the sickening bane of these sorts of rentals). But its the garden that makes this place earn its name: totally lovely, at once exotic and keyed to the landscape. And the clawfoot tub in the open gazebo is a genius move.

Owner response:Thank you very much for your kind and articulate review; June is one of our favorite months on the coast. We look forward to your return visit. Phil and Patsy, owners

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

Second Time, Still Stunning

Guest: Barb (California)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

This was the second time we've stayed at the Secret Garden Cottage and the charm, beauty, and serenity of the place was just as memorable as the first. We can't recommend this lovely home enough. It is one of our favorites and we've rented more than 25 VRBO homes across the country! For being "just" a 1-bedroom, open floor plan, the cottage feels much larger than what the photos depict...it is very spacious and always filled with light (even in the winter!). It has everything you need for a short or long visit (we stayed 4 nights the first time in winter and 7 nights the second time in spring). And whatever you feel is missing, just call the owners and they are there immediately to deliver whatever it is you need. (And when I told Phil we were kayaking, he lent us a lunch cooler and old flip flops/sandals so we wouldn't end up with muddy ones we'd have to pack!). The cottage is immaculately clean (I saw only eco-friendly cleaning supplies too) and well stocked (never ran out of paper products or other supplies). The kitchen and pantry have all the basics you need to make meals (decent selection of pots/pans/dishes/cutlery, also olive oil/seasonings/teas/coffee/cereal/even fresh fruit!). The bed is SO, SO comfortable as are the couch and chairs in the sitting area. We ate on the deck overlooking the lush garden every chance we got, and if it was too cold out, we ate at the dinning table next to the warmth and glow of the fireplace. Simply lovely. The fireplace is wonderful....a flick of the switch and you've got instant ambiance (you can see the fireplace from anywhere in the cottage...even while in bed!). The outdoor tub is NOT to be missed (and neither are the soft robes provided) and be sure to spend at least a few minutes every day on one of the several benches throughout their gardens. You'll be glad you did. The location is ridiculously perfect for exploring Point Reyes National Seashore. And while the cottage is just off the main road that takes you anywhere, it is tucked away down a private road so you NEVER hear another car drive by or even see the neighbors. The owners' home is near the cottage but they totally respect your privacy, never stopping by unannounced (they will call you ahead of time). Oh, and leave the bottled water behind. The water from the tap is the best you'll ever taste. Phil and Patsy are also very responsive to emails and a pleasure to deal with. You will not be disappointed when you rent the Secret Garden Cottage.

Owner response:Thank you very much for the great review! We sincerely appreciate the care you take with our cottage and property and the your enthusiasm for the many outdoor activities available in Point Reyes and Inverness. And as always, return guests take advantage of a 10% discount weekends or weekdays. Phil Jonik & Patsy Faulkner, owners

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

Great Find in Marin County

Guest: bob&mary (Washington)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/11

When visiting the Bay Area we usually stay in San Francisco and make excursions to outlying areas, particularly the wineries. On our last trip we decided to include a brief stay in Marin County, wanting to take advantage of the hiking, kayaking, and beach combing that's easily accessible. After perusing hotels, motels and B and B's, we stumbled on the Secret Garden Cottage, located in Inverness – what a find! As you enter the cottage, you are awestruck by the spaceousness resulting from the high ceilings and windows. The décor is so tasteful, a mixture of antiques and upscale modern comfort. Everything is pristine, with the visitor's needs in mind. (Loved that fresh coffee in the morning after a deep sleep on a hugely supportive bed and soft, fresh sheets and bedding!) Everthing is designed to bring the beautiful environment into the living space and fill you with serenity. I just couldn't stop looking and taking it all in. We were only here for an overnight, but the experience left us with the definite desire to come back. Even the gardens, trees and shrubbery were beautiful and it was the middle of winter. If you happen to book when the owners are available, consider yourself lucky. They are world travelers, and exceptionally gifted in their design, implementation and maintainance of this striking environment. It's very fun to talk to such pleasant and knowledgeable folks.

Owner response:We're glad you found us!... and we appreciate your great review. We hope you have a little more time on your next trip, and remember w offer return guests a 10% discount weekend or weekday.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: N & A, Oakland, CA (-)
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

Your place is oso magical, peaceful, and romantic - we can't wait to come back!

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Guest: J & Y, Santa Fe, NM (-)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

What a lovely, tranquil space! The cottage is cozy and beautifully put together. Much thought obviously went into setting this very special place up! Namaste!

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Guest: A & T, San Francisco, CA (-)
Date of Stay: 06/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

Thank you for a beautiful stay at the Secret Garden Cottage! our 2nd visit. We got engaged in the bathtub during our first visit and we came back for a 2nd time to get married on McClure's Beach!

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