Vacation Rentals by Owner

Roan baby, Peregrine, a Tsunami and intertidal bowling balls.

Guest: Mark (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 03/13/11

We just returned from four days at the Preserve. The carriage house was clean, well equipped, and close to town. Frank was extremely gracious and informative. He is also a talented craftsman who incorporates antiques into his rentals, including recycled wood and stained glass. The new giraffe house even has stained glass windows. Ask for a tour of the new lake cottages. The work he is doing here is important and he is clearly passionate about breeding these magnificent animals. I recommend this place to anyone interested in animals or antiques for that matter. We (me, wife and two daughters) had a great time. Find a local to tell you about Bowling Ball Beach. We got to name a newborn Roan-Check on Darwin for us, will you? Allow three hours from S.F.

Owner response:Darwin is doing wonderful. He and Rhonda are still in the barn due to some rainy weather but he is running, bucking and kicking and ready to romp. We are glad that you spent time at B Bryan Preserve for your vacation and I wish I had been home to meet you. Darwin is on Facebook if you want to see a picture. Judy

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding place to stay

Guest: Tom and Karen (Pleasanton, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

We had a wonderful time and Judy and Frank were very welcoming. Upon our arrival, Judy led us on a tour of the carriage house and grounds. She pointed out the chicken coop and encouraged us to take some fresh eggs and the vegetable garden for what ever pleased us. We took the animal tour on the first day and happened to be the only guests that day. Judy gave an overview of the history of the B Bryan Preserve and their animals. We ventured out on foot to meet the first group of zebra and antelope. We then climbed in the Land Rover for short jaunts to the further pens. Photo opportunities are outstanding and you really get the chance to see the animals up close as they interact with each other while they feed. The carriage house was nice and comfortable. It is a second floor "apartment" so you do need to climb stairs to enter, but it was well furnished and clean. All the amenities listed in Features were there and in working order. The pictures represented the place well. The second bedroom is very small, but it was enough for our two teenagers to share with one in the bed and the other in a sleeping bag on the floor. Families with toddlers need to be mindful of the stairs and would be best to block the path. The carriage house was our home base for local excursions to the Point Arena Lighthouse, Stornetta Falls, and Manchester Beach. We also took an hour drive up the coast to the Fort Bragg area. My wife has already recommended the place to her friends on Facebook.

Owner response:We really enjoyed Tom, Karen and their 2 boys. They even went on a tour with us the second day. Thanks Tom for mentioning the stairs and the toddler concern. Something, this "non human" mom hadn't thought about. We hope to see you again. (Take that trip to South Africa!!)

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

Guest: Jeanette & the Girls (Ukiah,ca)
Date of Stay: 10/20/09 Review Submitted: 10/20/09

This was our first annual girls weekend,and did we ever find the best place to spend it at! We enjoyed all the animals. The tour was very informative. The cottage was very comfortable with breathtaking views of the flower gardens from every window. Thank you so much for your hospitality! We can't wait to return.

Owner response:I am so glad that you chose us for your first annual girls weekend and hope you keep up the tradition. You ladies were great guests.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/19/08

I had stayed here with my husband a year ago and wanted my college-aged kids to experience it too. So, guess what I requested this year for Mother's Day? As expected, both kids were completely charmed by the place. They found the animals and their personalities fascinating and liked knowing we were supporting their preservation. We also loved Pt Arena and liked being able to bring our two dogs. A treasured weekend!

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Guest: The Briggance Family
Date of Stay: 08/23/07 Review Submitted: 08/22/07

Thank you for creating such a special place! It isn't easy with 3 boys ages 17, 11 and 4 - to find a place to stay upon which all ages agree. But your preserve is one such place. Each of us fell in love with the animals, henhouse, gardens, even Frank's posters! You thought of everything for a comfortable stay and we had a wonderful time here at the lighthouse, the beach, kayaking down the river! We will certainly tell friends about the preserve and our youngest member is looking forward to the introduction of Giraffes.

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Guest: Mitch and Maggie Braff
Date of Stay: 08/20/07 Review Submitted: 08/19/07

What a terrific surprize~~~~ We called the day we wanted to come and lucky for us, it was available. We had NO IDEA what a treat this place would be. The apartment is perfect - our daughter loved her room. THe animals were unique(to say the least) and Frank and Judy are amazing hosts.

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Guest: Cara and Tony Merla
Date of Stay: 08/17/07 Review Submitted: 08/16/07

We love the animal!!! Especially outside our kitchen window. We can't wait ot come back! Thank you! Fred the rooster is beautiful.

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Guest: The McGregor Family
Date of Stay: 08/15/07 Review Submitted: 08/14/07

What a place to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It was stupendous! To know that people still care and want to preserve the world we live in. It is a beautiful place where our children could play and we were able to enjoy each other. Baily says"it's our pleasure to come here. Ihope mommy antelopes grow babies this year". Spencer says "I want to come back." He will miss Fred.

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Guest: Sarah and Jeff
Date of Stay: 08/06/07 Review Submitted: 08/05/07

Beautiful grounds and amazing animals. We truly enjoyed our stay. Thank you for your fantastic hospitality. We plan to come back soon. Can't wait for the Giraffe.

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Guest: Greg and Gulten
Date of Stay: 07/13/07 Review Submitted: 07/12/07

We loved every minute here. Beautiful gardens, animals, building. And the most delicious eggs we have ever had. Wish we could stay longer, but will be back.

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Guest: Burton Segall
Date of Stay: 04/04/07 Review Submitted: 04/03/07

What beautiful animals! Very nice apartment. Thank you for taking care of these wonderul beasts and for putting me up for this stay.

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Guest: Christopher, Valerie and Delaney
Date of Stay: 03/25/07 Review Submitted: 03/24/07

What a perfect place to stay on the North Coast. Thank you for your beautiful accomodations (Perfect for us), house and grounds and most of all your preservation effots. The animals are clearly happy and thriving. We look forward to future visits and watching the herds and collections grow. Giraffe! How exciting. I pray it comes to be without any glitches. I so appreciated exposing Delaney to these African species. Thanks!

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Guest: Bill, Katie and Catlin
Date of Stay: 03/19/07 Review Submitted: 03/18/07

We had a wonderul time. Only truly relaxing vacation we've had in years. Our 9 year old was rarely bored. The animals were amazing. We can't wait to go home and make our scrapbook. We;ll be back for sure. Loved every second of it.

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Guest: Angie and Jon
Date of Stay: 03/03/07 Review Submitted: 03/02/07

What a unique vacation at an extraordinary place. Thank you Frank and Judy for an amazing encounter with your animals and the wonderul hospitality. We are envious of your dedication to conservation and this beautiful paradise you've created. We look forward to coming back and seeing some fo the new arrivals and we will definitely be raving about this place to our friends. Thank you for a warm and inviting place to stay, great conversation over wine and the beautiful scenery... and all you do for animals!

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Guest: Michael and Margie Wilson
Date of Stay: 02/14/07 Review Submitted: 02/13/07

Frank and Judy have created not only an African wildlife sanctuary, but a unique haven for us 2-legged creatures as well. The beautiful house and grounds of this 110 acre National Historic place are truly a Mendocino hidden treasure! Enjoyed acompanying Frank during feeding, learning about conservation efforts and future plans and sharing some great wine and conversation after. The future expansion of the grounds, acquisition of new animals and solar energy plans are exciting! A wonderful experience - gracious hosts, comfortable accommodations-a unique getaway, which we will recommend to our family and friends

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Nyla and Jeff (Davis, California)
Date of Stay: 02/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/18/07

We enjoyed our stay at B Bryan Preserve immensely. We loved the animals--it was a pleasure to see all of their personalities unfold as we watched them. We had the special treat of seeing two one-week-old Angolan Roan Antelopes and a very pregnant Grevy Zebra mare (due anyday). The grounds were a botanical wonder as well--beautiful. The carriage house apartment was extremely comfy, well-equipped, and charmingly decorated. Point Arena was also charming and the lighthouse views were to die for. We hope to return soon!

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Guest: Marc and Barg Brogdon
Date of Stay: 12/29/06 Review Submitted: 12/28/06

We were very impressed when we got here. What a beatutiful place! The apartment is great and we loved the breakfast basket of goodies. Frank and Judy are such wonderul people and we enjoyed going with them to feed their beautiful animals. We will definetly be back! We will also tell our friends about this little place of paradise. Hope to be back in the spring.

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Guest: Don and Barb Berry
Date of Stay: 11/20/06 Review Submitted: 11/19/06

A great sequel to our Kenya Safari in July! The roan and sable were new to us. Lovely well kept grounds and accommodations. Very hospitable. Wishing you continued success in all your conservation efforts.

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Guest: Dl and Sharon Wyche
Date of Stay: 10/02/06 Review Submitted: 10/01/06

WOW!! What a wonderful experience. We have learned so much. Looking forward to the announcement of new babies in the years to come. We are taking home some VERY special and unique pictures of all your animals. Thanks again, Frank, for your pleasant conversation. Stay healthy.

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Guest: Susan and Ed
Date of Stay: 09/02/06 Review Submitted: 09/01/06

What a beautiful place, such a relaxing weekend. Thank you, Judy and Frank, for providing us a restful stay AND for all your hard work to save these very precious species. This is truly a unique place. Can't express enough gratitude for your thoughtfulness as hosts and your well informed discussions about the animals in your care. Hope there will be some room in the future so we can come back

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Guest: Stu and Diana Ryan
Date of Stay: 08/20/06 Review Submitted: 08/19/06

A fantastic up close and personal view of African Antelope. A first again before we're 60 years old. Thank you for the luxurious accomodations and being gratious hosts. We look forward to hearing about the giraffe arrival. Congratulations on providing a unique and comfortable experience. We WILL tell all of our friends.

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Guest: Bo b & Mary Butera
Date of Stay: 08/05/06 Review Submitted: 08/04/06

Judy and Frank. We are so lucky to have found your hidden treasure. We can't wait to come back. you have created a wonderful experience for your guests. All the best. Bob and Mary

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Guest: Hoover Family
Date of Stay: 05/28/06 Review Submitted: 05/27/06

Thank you for a wonderful stay. The kids loved the animals. They loved collecting eggs in the morning for their breakfast. We found 3 in the hay and 2 in the coop. Your garden and home is beautiful. Mavourneen is from South Africa and the children have been on safari so it was great becoming reaquainted with the kudu, sable and zebra.

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Guest: Hoover Family
Date of Stay: 05/28/06 Review Submitted: 05/27/06

Thank you for a wonderful stay. The kids loved the animals. They loved collecting eggs in the morning for their breakfast. We found 3 in the hay and 2 in the coop. Your garden and home is beautiful. Mavourneen is from South Africa and the children have been on safari so it was great becoming reaquainted with the kudu, sable and zebra.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Debbie Degrazia-Ajlouney (San Ramon, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 04/23/06

My husband and I had a great time at B Bryan Preserve. Came over July 4th weekend. A ton of events in the area. Great Fireworks at PA pier and cute small town parade. The apartment is wonderful as well as the property and animals. Highly recommend

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Cheryl and Cobb (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 04/05/06

What a wonderful time. The apartment was great. Frank and Judy gave us plenty of time on the personal tour. Had a fire built for us in the barn. We had fresh eggs each morning. Could'nt have asked for a better place to stay. Close to the quaint town of Point Arena, great deli in town as well. Lighthouse, ocean, etc.. Perfect.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Charlene_HAC48298 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 04/05/06

What a unique place to vacation!!! The accomodations were perfect. Well stocked kitchen was good for eating in. The animals are fantastic and the grounds were beautiful. I picked flowers every day. Highly recommend.

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Guest: Rick and Teresa Denniston
Date of Stay: 02/19/06 Review Submitted: 02/18/06

What a wonderful place. We are honored to be on of your first guests, thouroughly enjoyed every moment. Lying in bed, watching the Kudu, Roan and Zebra in the morning was a special treat. You did a great job decorating and equipping. We will be recommending highly. Thanks so much for the house and grounds tour. I'll get Frank a copy of the photo of the zebra kicking him in that special place soon. :)

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