Vacation Rentals by Owner

Rain or not...

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 01/26/12

We visited on a very stormy weekend, but even though we couldn't do much exploring on the beach, we still had a wonderful time. The views from the living room and kitchen table are gorgeous. The house is very cozy, and has all the essentials like a well equipped kitchen, cable and wi-fi, and extra blankets. There were also various toiletries in the big bathroom closet in case you forgot conditioner or something. The decor is charming, and the furniture was very comfortable. I highly recommend staying here.

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

Wonderful way to spend a new year!

Guest: Cathy (Vacaville)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

We had a wonderful week at the ocean..everything was better than what we expected. The weather was beautiful, and we had lots of private time at the beach. The beach house had EVERYTHING and then some! Great new TVs, ample cooking supplies, fun games and puzzles, and comfortable seating for a family. This is my favorite vacation house for sure! I'm booking another week for next year.

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

PERFECT!

Guest: Friends (Vacaville)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

A perfect location and beautifully appointed home. The listing is very accurate so we knew what to expect, but we were still awed by everything once we saw it in person. It was perfect for our gal's annual reunion getaway! We all agreed that we would rent this charming place again...in a heartbeat! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Nina!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming Oceanfront Cottage does not begin to describe this home

Guest: RQ (Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/27/11

My entire family stayed in this wonderful home in August 2011. From the moment we entered this wonderful home we felt as if we had lived there our entire lives. The sunsets were nothing short of amazing and the sunrise with the fog hovering about was just as delightful. My family has always gone to Destin, Florida for summer vacation, but I was able to talk them into California. My brother in law and niece were reluctant, but near the end of the first day they were both hooked. The home is beautifully decorated and anything one could possibly need is available. We will definitely return for future vacations. Thank you for opening your home to my family, we loved it!

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

Annual Family Vacation

Guest: Nancy (Rancho Cordova)
Date of Stay: 12/02/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Nina: What a wonderful home you have.. We immediately felt at home the moment we walked in. Your home is spacious and the perfect fit to our group. We like it so much we already booked it for the same time next year. Again thank you for sharing your home with us Nancy

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Fabulous vacation rental!

Guest: Taylor Bradshaw (SF Bay area)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

Nina, we *loved* this place! From the minute we walked in and said "oh, how cute!" ... it just kept going on and on. Every possible thing any one could have needed to have a comfortable, pleasant stay was there. The time and planning you put into making this a welcoming home, was very much appreciated. And the views were fabulous! We spent much time out on the deck and down on the nearby beach (which had easy access). We didn't leave the house area the whole time we were there. But if we had wanted to, there were lots of things to do within a short drive. We've rented many times in the Russian River area, but never, ever have we been in a house that was made this cozy and comfortable for its guests. You are a special lady and we will definitely be back in the future. We heartily recommend this vacation home to anyone who wants to enjoy the ocean and the incredible views there. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Awesome Location, Awesome Beach House

Guest: Laker Mike (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 01/08/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

My wife and I spent our 13th anniversary at Nina's Schoolhouse Beach Cottage and, hands down, it was one of the best anniversaries we've ever had. Nina was extremely helpful, communicated with me very well, and when we got there, everything was just as described. We felt right at home and spent a lot of time just relaxing there. And the views of the beach from the house...wow! Those pictures on the website are not fake...that's how it really looks! Thanks Nina for everything. We hope to return there soon and make your cottage our destination every time we travel up north. :)

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

40th Birthday with great friends

Guest: Kami K (Woodland, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/10

Nina your home is absolutely wonderful. We have been renting homes in the area for 15 years and have never had one so well stocked and so completely comfortable. The photos really do show exactly what it looks and 'feels' like. Even checking way in advance for dates to reserve your home, it was always booked... It was easy to see why once we got there! Your communication prior to the visit as well as after was just as great as the house. Thank you so much for sharing your piece of Heaven on earth, we cant wait to return. Kami, Woodland CA

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

Guest: Gwenna McGrath (Chico CA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/09 Review Submitted: 09/16/09

3,000 characters is not enough space to say all I would like about this experience. A family can walk into this place with a bag of groceries and some clothes and be set. It's amazingly like being in your own home. We spent the better part of a week here, had family pop in from all over the country and held our wedding ceremony here. We had planned the event for down on Schoolhouse Beach, but discoverd a lovely outcropping on the edge of the parking lot that looked across the Pacific and it's rocks, etc. The weather was wonderful and we were even graced by a whale playing and spouting RIGHT off the shore at the end of the ceremony! We spent the week walking the beaches, playing games (TONS of them in the home) and checking out the local filming locations of The Birds. Thanks again Nina and you're an awesome lady. :) Gwenna, Rob and family

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Amazing Vacation

Guest: NM (CA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

We just got back from a week at Bodega Bay. The house is everything that the information promised and more. It was very comfortable for five adults and it was very well stocked with all the necesiities. We loved the view from the living room and the walks on the beach. Close to a lot of wineries and we did a lot of wine tasting but the best part was getting back to the house and sitting in the living room and watch the waves break on the rocks. Thank you Nina for the great service and we will definitely be back.

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

Guest: Rosie6 (California)
Date of Stay: 05/14/09 Review Submitted: 05/14/09

Fabulous house, fully equiped with fantastic views. Though it rained more days than not it wasn't cold. What better place to be but sitting in the living room watching the ocean! Thanks for sharing with us!

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Guest: Buzz and Clare (Waltham, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

This lovely cottage has a magnificent view which changes by the hour culminating in gorgeous sunsets. We are long time users of VRBO and this is by far the best equipped home we've rented. From the Chicago cutlery to a box of tissues in every room to the furnishing of all supplies (other than food), we lacked for nothing. It was a great location to use for Russian River valley explorations and wine tastings. Thank you, Nina, for allowing us to share your home.

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Guest: Jean Nelson (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/22/09

On March 13, 2009 the six of us long time friends traveled to Nina's home for a long birthday weekend. The home and views are just like the photos in the write-up about the property. We had a wonderful time celebrating in the cozy comfortable home and specially enjoying the many views. Thank you Nina and we hope to return for more memories.

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Guest: Sue Barstow (San Anselmo, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 12/13/08 Review Submitted: 12/13/08

Hi Nina, I meant to email sooner, but work and life got crazy when I returned from our weekend at Bodega. We ALL loved your home. Yearly, my girlfriends and I rent a house on Stinson Beach and always have fun. The houses are nice enough..fancy "beach" houses that are certainly not inexpensive to rent. SO, we couldn't help but compare our Stinson experience with the Bodega experience in your home. It's a bit hard to explain our feelings. Let me just say we walked into your home and got a warm, welcoming feeling. You don't have a beach house, you have a true home that happens to be at the beach. With your antiques and comfortable, inviting furnishings, I commented (and everyone agreed) that your home was a home that anyone of us could have grown up in. The fact that it happened to have the most amazing view of the ocean, was the icing on the cake. I mentioned to everyone that I shouldn't have been surprised at the happy, welcoming feeling of your home, because I got the same impression from the tone of your emails and speaking with you on the phone. All of us had a great time and I hope you will allow us to rent it again sometime next year. Also, you supplied everything anyone could ask for. We had more than enough towels, paper products, etc. Our Stinson rentals NEVER have this amount of items to make the stay easier. Well, I won't ramble on anymore. I just wanted you to know you have a real gem and I hope you continue to rent it for a VERY long time. To make it absolutely perfect, we had clear, sunny and mild temperatures. Couldn't ask for more!!!!! Thank you, Sue

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Guest: Pat R. (Apple Valley Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 10/11/08

My wife and I just returned to Minneapolis (Apple Valley), Minnesota and realized that we forgot to write in the guest book. So, we didn't have the opportunity to expound on what a fabulous time we had. The Bodega Beach House is absolutely lovely. Nina has done such a great job of decorating it and making it so cozy and comfortable. The antique furnishings are beautiful, and the art work and decorating is way beyond what one might expect to find in a vacation rental. As nice as the house is described on her web page, it exceeded our expectations. The views are amazing, sunny or misty. Nina thought of everything in equipping the house with absolutely anything a guest might want or need. Her specific directions and suggestions were extremely helpful.We especially enjoyed the collection of maps, restaurants menus, and things to see and do. We added a few recommendations of our own to the collection. The town of Petaluma, especially the "old town", was very nice. Great shopping, restaurants, and even a Premium Outlet center for those who are looking for bargains. Weventured as far as the Napa Valley, loved the town of Calistoga (sp.???), drove to Mendocino, Fort Ross, and took the Valley Ford Road to the quaint town of Occidental, a beautiful drive and a pretty village, complete with a good English Pub. We took a number of day trips and spent many relaxing evenings at the House. Oh,and the Cape Fear Cafe in Duncan Mills, and the Sizzling Tandoor on the Russian River were amazing. A suggestion for folks staying for a week or so, (we stayed 8 glorious days), and who don't want to eat out all the time; we found the Safeway in Petaluma ( on Washington about a mile east of Hwy 101) to have the best prices by far of any market in the surrounding area, especially if you join their "club", which is free. Then you can get large discounts on wine and beer, plus many food items in the store. This was one of the best vacations we have ever had, and we travel a lot. We will definitely return again in the future. Thank you, Nina Mourning!

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Guest: Bill and family1 (Springfield Missouri)
Date of Stay: 06/12/08 Review Submitted: 06/12/08

I know the feeling when searching for that perfect vacation property. Have I made the right choice is it really as decribed? Folks we travled 1800 miles to get here. And this place is stunning the owners have gone above and beyond to make sure your stay is a plesant and comfortable one. Thanks guys for a fabulious place to call home for a week.

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Guest: Virginia2 (Sebastopol, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/30/08 Review Submitted: 04/30/08

My heart is still full with the joy we experienced while staying in your beach home. We felt as tho we were special guests watching over your home while you were away on holiday! Mom (94) was thrilled to spend a week with me, 2 of her grandchildren (my 2 adult "kids") and various friends who came for short visits during our stay. Although I left a note in your guest book, I just want you to know how much I appreciate all you did/do to make our stay a PERFECT one! We LOVED your home & the warmth & comfort it offered us! On a side note, I love to cook & create in the kitchen...and you provide all the necessary items to do just that! Thanks again & again! We look forward to returning to your beach home! We'd LOVE to stay a month, but doubt we could find a full month before 2010!!! Take care & thanks again! Virginia

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Guest: Kent Sorensen (-)
Date of Stay: 12/17/07 Review Submitted: 12/17/07

My adult son and I spent a delightful weekend at this charming seaside cottage. It turned out even better than the positive comments I had read on the wedsite beforehand. We plan to return.

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A Legacy of Love

Guest: Dana Lauren (Cameron Park, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/12/07 Review Submitted: 01/05/11

Our family has been staying at Nina's beach house (or so we've dubbed it) for over a decade. We haven't been able to make it out there in the past few years, but over the years we've been at least half a dozen times and had the most amazing experiences. Our children's fondest vacation memories are dedicated to our time at the beach house. We love to just simply hang out, visit the beach, paint, read and when the kids got older, watch 'The Birds' at night. I've taken artist friends out there for retreats and my favorite painting spanning my 15 years as a professionat artist is "Calla Lillies" which was painted at the dining room table from Calla Lillies picked off the side of the road and arranged in a vase. We look forward to a few more decades of visits to our special little beach house and we love Nina to pieces.

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

Guest: jason urban (Ancaster, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 08/09/07 Review Submitted: 08/09/07

We had the most amazing weekend at the cottage, enjoying the views, the cozy cottage, the company and the wines we purchased from our trip. Definitely a place we would go back to and thanks so much to Nina to making it so accomodating.

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Guest: Julie 2 (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/24/07 Review Submitted: 07/24/07

How lucky we were to find such a fantastic beach cottage. The home is clean and comfortable. Small town, friendly people. Wished we would have stayed longer and will definetely be back someday. Nice owner, easy to work with.

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Guest: E.Y. (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/07 Review Submitted: 03/14/07

Enchanting location-- directly across the road from a secluded little beach and located along a string of dramatic seascapes and pleasant hiking trails. The house was well-stocked and very comfortable for our group of six. All in all, a wonderful stay.

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Guest: J.Y. (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 11/14/06 Review Submitted: 11/14/06

We just enjoyed our most relaxing vacation ever at this wonderful beach cottage. The cottage was well-stocked with all the household basics and the comfortable furnishings made us feel right at home. The owner was very accommodating to provide anything that might need attention however for our stay, everything was already perfect.

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Guest: Barbara Camacho-Turner (Sacramento/CA)
Date of Stay: 10/20/06 Review Submitted: 10/19/06

Had the absolute best experience renting both with the house and with the owner -- the home is indeed charming and magical. Fawns were frolicking all around the back! The beach is DIRECTLY across and is a total geological wonderland! Very spacious, very clean, very comfortable and very loved by me! Thanks again for such an great place for my family to revel in!

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Guest: nam1 (new york, ny)
Date of Stay: 10/11/06 Review Submitted: 10/11/06

we had a great time. incredible view, comfortable accomodations ... a perfect weekend. thank you!

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Guest: Sandra Fairchild (Tempe, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 09/29/06 Review Submitted: 09/29/06

Celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary at this lovely home. We all loved this house. The beds were so comfy that I wanted to stay in them all day. But, there's so much to see and do in the area, that I had to drag myself away to enjoy the beach, wine country, the Russian River, etc., etc. I would highly recommend the home, and can't wait to get back as soon as possible!

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Guest: patty yoon (new york, ny)
Date of Stay: 09/29/06 Review Submitted: 09/29/06

breathtaking views from the living room; cozy, comfortable and CLEAN house with a lot of character! I would definitely return.

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Guest: The Schmidts1 (Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 09/28/06 Review Submitted: 09/28/06

What a wonderful place. The view was great as the house has a wonderful ocean view. The house is fully stocked with everything you need. Beach toys for the kids. Beach chairs. Tons of games in the house. The furniture is very nice and the house is beautifully decorated. We had a wonderful time, Thanks Nina! The only thing we regretted was that we did not stay longer.

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Guest: Warren B. (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/30/06 Review Submitted: 08/30/06

We enjoyed this home very much. Great location, comfortable furnishings and all the amenities we needed. Excellent communications from the owner.

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Guest: Cammie Sahyoun (Lincoln/California)
Date of Stay: 08/13/06 Review Submitted: 08/13/06

We had a wonderful vacation at this adorable beach house. The view is priceless. The house itself is very clean and cozy. We are planning on making it a yealy vacation!

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Guest: Elaine Luecke (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/29/06 Review Submitted: 07/29/06

A great get-away on Highway 1 with great views and cool ocean breezes. Everything you need is in the house from shampoo to Ziploc baggies. I definitely recommend it!

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Guest: M. Kunert (Reno,NV)
Date of Stay: 07/28/06 Review Submitted: 07/27/06

This house is lovely. Very clean and well stocked. It has a beautiful view and the sunsets were awesome. Will definately return.

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Guest: Sharon H.1 (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/19/06 Review Submitted: 07/18/06

We had a wonderful time at this cozy home across from the beach. The owner's photos of the property are very representative of the condition of the home. It has the look and feel of a "home" rather than a beach "rental". It is also well provisioned and maintained.

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