Location: Guerneville, Russian River, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (About 70 miles from the Oakland & San Francisco airports)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Sunroom, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-10)
Keywords: House
Moon River, recently remodelled and updated, is a 1965, enchanting Sea Ranch style, 3 bedroom 2 bath house. 1800 feet square, it is constructed of redwood and Douglas fir, and sits on a bend on the beautiful Russian River.
The hot tub on the deck has the very best, panoramic views of the river. In the evening it catches the light of the Japanese deck lanterns. The stainless propane BBQ is large enough to cook a turkey, not to mention a whole fish!
And you are right ON the river. The deck, kitchen and the River bedroom have the best views of the river. However, thanks to many windows in Moon River, the trees and sky are viewable from inside the house all day!
On the backyard riverbank, we have planted/replanted native Russian River plants such as creekside dogwood, thimbleberry, wild native rose, salmonberry, spicebush, California wild currant to name a few! Russian River native grapevines are entwined around the deck supports, and turn beautiful colors in the fall. There are also non-native plants. A easy, meandering path leads you to the water's edge where you have direct, private access to the river.
Moon River is a nature paradise! There is always something beautiful to watch: Great blue herons, fish-eating Ospreys, White Egrets, Tundra "Whistling" swans, Cormorants, Merganzer ducks, wood ducks, mountain quail, pond turtles, and even rare river otters can be seen fishing and playing in the water in front of Moon River. Steelhead, Chinook, and Coho salmon occasionally leap out of the water. Bring your binoculars!
Moon River's interior decor mixes modern with antique Japanese furniture, and fun, rewired 60s lunar lamps. All three of Moon River's bedrooms have plush carpeting, comfortable, queen-sized beds, ample closet space, multiple pillows, comforters and high grade linens.
Both sofa sleepers are queen sized, and are located respectively in the living room and the sunporch. Five couples can each have their own queen bed. Each adult guest receives their own personal 3-piece towel set, and also a spa towel.
The well-equipped, full kitchen has durable & user-friendly equipment, and also quiet energy-efficient appliances. Plentiful hard anodized high-end cookware makes cooking a feast fun and easy. The Heath stoneware dining service is attractive but sturdy. There are also many serving bowls, platters and utensils.
Both full, moonscaped bathrooms have radiant-heated stone floors for those cool nights. One bathroom has a Kohler "hatbox" toilet, the other a Toto toilet. Both are not only cool and high functioning, but also conserve water as well. Both bathrooms have high interior (and exterior) windows, providing additional daylight, yet preserving privacy.
At night, the living room glows due to wall sconces, which cast light up and down. You can create any mood you want, thanks to sophisticated, updated circuitry, and many three-way switches. Most bulbs are fluorescent. The dual pane, low-e, high-end Marvin windows & sliding glass doors not only insulate well, but also keep sound out (or in)!
Moon River is on a short, quiet little lane on the less-well-traveled side of the river, about a mile and a half east (upriver) of Guerneville. I hope crickets don't make you nervous? For those who like to walk or bike, or have small children, it is an ideal location. Pee Wee miniature golf is right down the road, where bicycles may also be rented during the summer. There are also tennis courts, and a kiddie playground. You can easily walk to Guerneville over the old bridge.
We offer three (3-person) canoes, a floating dock with a swim ladder, and a single river kayak. And paddles, and life vests. These are available for your enjoyment during from the spring through the fall months, weather/conditions permitting.
We welcome & support respectful guests of all lifestyles, races, sexual orientation, & belief systems. Supervised kids are welcome! Your well-behaved pooch will have a terrific time!
Please feel free to contact me - Heidi - with questions by phone at 510-654-8031. Thank you!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : high efficiency washer & dryer in upstairs laundry room.
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Linens, bath, kitchen and beach/spa towels provided.
- Garage : Two garages under the house, connected together by locking door. Interior stairway access fr. garage.
- Wood Stove : Great wood burning stove, with wood & kindling provided.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : ALL beds are queens, including sleeper sofas.
- Convertible Bed : Two queen sleeper sofas: one in living room, the other in sunporch.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub
- Cable/Satellite TV : WIFI (Wireless Internet) Sony Integrated Home Theater w/ Vieira 42" Plasma HDTV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Foosball
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Full gourmet kitchen has river views, custom-made Douglas fir cabinets, redwood countertops, Jenn-Air stove w/ downdraft exhaust, quiet efficient disposer, and double granite sink. Special Japanese tansu for wine and drink glasses.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : High quality, hard-anodized set of pots & pans of all sizes; salad spinner, rice cooker, waffle maker, electric hand mixer, toaster (bagel-sized), blender, spice rack w/ spices, coffee grinder, coffee maker, electric teapot, stainless cutting knife set, multiple cutting boards, glass salad bowl set, multiple "moonscape" bowls and platters for food prep & serving; baking, loaf & cupcake pans, cookie sheets, & a cool half-moon cheese platter, serving trays, basic cookbooks, and non-perishable cooking staples renewed on a regular basis.
- Refrigerator : Large stainless Kenmore fridge with large freezer, exterior water access.
- Dishwasher : Quiet energy-efficient Kenmore Elite dishwasher.
- Microwave : Easy one-button features.
- Catering Available : I can recommend excellent local caterers.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Stainless propane BBQ grill on deck. BBQ cooking tools provided. Extra filled propane tank on hand.
- Deck/Patio : Outdoor deck furniture, tables & chairs for al fresco riverfront dining. Spiral staircase to backyard above the river. Broad, easy path with some steps down to river.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Riverfront property with great views of the river. (No street between house and river.) Excellent broad path down to water's edge to private floating dock and watercraft, available spring through fall only. Portable summer chairs & towels provided.
- Communications
- Telephone : Phone in each bedroom, plus one in kitchen.
- Broadband Internet : Cable internet connection for your laptop. Guests need W-Lan connection. No computer equipment available other than connection.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : WIFI available.
- Other Amenities
- Sturdy attractive dish & servingware by Heath; stemware & drink glasses in special Japanese "drink" tansu; cloth tablecloth, napkins & placemats available; multiple sets of silverware available; ample closet space in each bedroom.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : We love dogs but please, no puppies or unhousebroken dogs.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : No age minimum, but children must be supervised at all times.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking absolutely NOT allowed, not even on deck. FIRE HAZARD, especially in the summer.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- All year round: day trip to upscale Healdsburg (20 minutes away) by way of road with excellent wineries; historical Fort Ross; great winetasting at Russian River, Sonoma & Napa wineries; day trip to San Franciso, Sausalito, Geyserville, or just go up & down the coast. Sea creature watching at Jenner. In spring, summer and early autumn, canoeing, kayaking, PeeWee golf, regular golf, farmers markets, shopping. Fall: tour the multitudes of wineries, see the beautiful fall color of the grape leaves, enjoy the excellent weather of the Russian River area. Winter: Whalewatching, hire a limo for winetasting, stay indoors and bake, visit the spectacular wild Pacific ocean.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
JAN - MAR:$680 for 2 nights...1680/wk...3rd nt...FREE! MLK & Pres Day excepted.
APR - MAY 24:$770 for 2 nts...$2180/wk...$330...3rd nt. Easter excepted
MEM DAY - LAB Day:$890 for 2 nts...$2380/wk...$390...3rd nt 7/4 & Vinemans exceptd
SEPT 4 - OCT 31:$770 for 2 nts...$2180/wk...$330...3rd nt.
NOV 1 - DEC 31:$680 for 2 nights...1680/wk...3rd nt...FREE! Tnxgv & Xmas excepted
Three or four night minimum on holidays. (Discount does not apply.)
9% OCCUPANCY TAX
"Small party" discounts available; discounts for only using 2 bedroom available.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2005
Heidi is in the arts & management. Jim is in landscaping & nature. They are involved in animal rescue, and both love to cook. Jim specializes in Italian and Chinese cooking, Heidi specializes in Indian and Persian.
Why the Owner Chose Guerneville
We fell in love with the house.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Right on the river, with an excellent view of it. House large enough for big groups, but cozy enough for smaller ones. Location close to downtown Guerneville, yet location feels remote. Appeals to adults and children, House truly provides excellent venue for fun and relaxation, both summer and winter.
Property Photos
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- View of river from hot tub, looking upriver. - Guerneville House Rental
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- Deck table & chairs overlooking river - Guerneville House Rental
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- Spiral staircase off deck down to backyard - Guerneville House Rental
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- Spiral staircase, stone steps & easy path down to river
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- Three canoes & one kayak available. Floating dock
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- View upriver from Moon River's floating dock.
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- Dining room, river in background
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- Living room w/ leather queen sleeper sofa set & Sony Home Theater
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- View through kitchen sliders, river in background
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- Dining table inside under the "moon" light chandelier.
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- Light streaming down from high cathedral windows in kitchen.
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- Master bedroom w/ Calvin Klein comforter, art deco rug & Japanese tansu
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- River bedroom w/ Calvin Klein linens, Japanese tansu & river view
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- Sea Ranch style 60s house w/ many overhead windows & lots of natural light
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- Moon River's "back yard", photo from the middle of the river
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- Moon River at night, photo taken halfway down the path to river
Traveler Reviews (29)
Even better than expected.
Guest: Billy
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 11/18/11
Review Submitted: 11/29/11
I just returned to San Francisco after a long weekend at this house with several friends. The photos don't do it justice -- we arrived to find the main room and deck even larger than they appeared, and all the rooms had comfy furniture and great beds. The kitchen is very well-stocked with all the pots, pans, and bowls you could possibly need, and we spent lots of time cooking on the grill and lazing in the hot tub. Heidi was very easy to work with and I'd happily go back. We all agreed the house was the perfect venue for our small get-together and we hope to return next year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+.
Wonderful House for a Group!
Guest: Betty
(Reno)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11
Review Submitted: 11/14/11
A group of us stayed at the house for the Annual Food & Wine Affair a weekend ago and absolutely loved it! The floorplan feels big thanks to all the glass around the vaulted roof, making it feel like you're in a treehouse! All ten of us were able to sleep in beds and we had a great little dinner party one of the nights. The house felt very secluded and we never even saw a neighbor, so felt like we had a lot of privacy. The house was clean and organized and well thought out for a large group. Loved the cute lamps in each room and the glowing rock lights too! Would definitely stay again!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Delightful!
Guest: jl
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 10/21/11
The house was fantastic. Forget the idea of damp river rental with bad kitchen supplies and furniture. Moon River is not that.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Girlfriends weekend reunion!
Guest: Suellen
(Pleasanton, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
Beautiful property...spacious, lots of windows, well-appointed kitchen, comfortable beds(even the sofas were comfortable) very user friendly and easy to get to. Seven other women and I enjoyed our weekend at Moon River, reminsicing and enjoying the amenties after 40 + years. Some of us had gone to high school together and others of us went back to elementary school in the 1950's! This was the perfect place to cook our meals, wine taste and enjoy the outdoors! Can't wait to go back! The owner, Heidi, was friendly and responsive and ALL the directions for use of the property, including directions were clear and precise. Easy to leave things in good order! Thanks for a GREAT weekend!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Best Rental Ever!!
Guest: Bryan
(CT)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10
Review Submitted: 10/20/10
This place was fantastic. Three couples occupied the house for a week of wine tasting, and couldn't have been happier. The deck and views were perfect for morning coffee and afternoon sun, the canoes were a blast (protip: paddle upstream first), and the accommodations were top notch. I can't describe how COMFORTABLE this place is!! We certainly didn't want to leave.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Started well, ended in disappointment
Guest: Lukas
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10
Review Submitted: 10/19/10
We rented this house in September for a 10 person, 3 dog weekend. Heidi was really accommodating in helping get everything set up and she was a great communicator when we were doing the payments, the contracts, and the boat waivers. I also appreciate that she was open to 3 dogs. The house itself is pretty, not all IKEA-ified, roomy, has an amazing kitchen, lovely view, and probably I would be raving way more if we had gotten a sunny weekend. Ours ended up overcast. Here's a tip if you rent this house - make sure everyone in your party gets together to read & understand how to use/maintain/store the hot tub. The settings on it are really tricky, a lot of people don't know anything about hot tubs, and you really really don't want to mess it up because if you do (and we did) you will be charged an additional $125 hot tub cleaning fee above the already non-refundable $150 cleaning fee that was part of our booking. We noticed the hot tub was getting murky but without instructions about what to do if this happened, we didn't have any idea what action to take. So we accepted having to pay this cleaning fee. However, there was an additional accusation after the rental that we had broken the hot tub cover (we didn't) and also a never-explained statement from Heidi that she was also going to deduct from our deposit for "extra laundry" that her housecleaner had to take home and bring back. In trying to close up the rental afterwards with Heidi her communication kept getting worse and worse, she took forever to get back to me, and never once answered what "extra laundry" there could be. Everything in the contract and user information binder stated to not do any house laundry. We used only 4 of the 5 beds and most of us brought our own towels. We didn't find a secret linens closet full of "extra" towels and bedding and mess it all up. So how come the normal usage of linens/towels (not even all the towels were used) by 10 people for a weekend house rental required taking more money from our deposit for imaginary laundry? I am really disappointed that things turned out this way. We kept the house clean, took out the garbage, locked everything, kept our dogs clean, put everything away, and did our best to be good renters and I feel very mistreated in the end. The lack of communication after the fact was the most frustrating. It's a nice enough house, and a good location, just don't assume you will get your entire deposit back.
Owner response:Lukas, I sincerely regret having to pass on the hot tub "scrub out" fee to you. However, the water was so dirty, my cleaner could not see the bottom. And to answer your question, no, we do NOT drain the water after every checkout. However, the hot tub is cleaned after every check out. I realize the spa is a little user-unfriendly, which is why there is an entire page of detailed instructions about it in the Guest Notebook at Moon River. I wish you had called when you noticed the water becoming cloudy. There are 2 reasons for cloudy hot tub water: being in the wrong setting (in which case the water gets cold,) or excessive exuberance/partying with the hot tub.Since you did not complain about the hot tub water being cold, I suspect the latter. In the rental agreement, (including yours) we ask that you let us know if something is not working properly, because "we cannot fix something if we don't know it is broken...we want everything working for you as best as possible." I WANT to be helpful...but I needed you to tell me you needed help. The long distance phone service at Moon River is free. And communication is a two-way street. I apologize about not getting back to you more quickly. I was in the middle of moving. The extra $15.00 dollars in cleaning fees deducted from your security deposit (on top of the scrub out fee) that you were contesting, seemed to not be worth arguing about. All in all, each member of your party had to pay an extra $14.00 each. Since you all seemed to have a great time, I hope it was worth it? Heidi
Recommended for:
Great vacation house
Guest: Kent
(Berkeley CA)
Date of Stay: 07/19/10
Review Submitted: 07/29/10
Moon River is awesome. I rented the house for a family reunion with my two sisters and their five kids (ages 11-16) and every body had a great time. There is really something for everybody here. We spent hours and hours on the deck, in the two huge hammocks, on the dock, and in the river. Moon River has two canoes and a kayak so most of us could be on the river at the same time. It feels very peaceful and private and yet is close to town, including the Safeway. Every night we cooked dinner and then ate on the deck overlooking the river. Bring bikes because there is a really fun, easy ride from the house up to Armstrong Woods State Park (about 2 miles) where you can see 1300 year old redwoods. The house is beautiful and roomy, with comfortable beds and a great kitchen that is fun to cook in. A lot of thought has gone into the house and everything worked like a charm, including the internet and the hot tub and the BBQ. Heidi was super helpful and conscientious and knows the house very well. We will definitely be back!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Girl's Weekend at Moon River
Guest: South Bay Girls
(Rancho Palos Verdes, California)
Date of Stay: 01/16/10
Review Submitted: 04/20/10
Moon River was so beautiful! 10 girls got together there for a much needed reunion. The vineyards were close by and there were several restaurants near the home. The house was clean and well stocked with everything we needed. I think our favorite part was the spa overlooking the Russian River. A little jacuzzi time with a glass of wine, good friends and a great view - you can't beat it! The owner Heidi was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this property to a friend.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/17/09
Review Submitted: 10/17/09
I just returned from a long weekend at Moon River with 7 other women. Let me say, it was the perfect house for such a weekend. The house has a very open feel to it, lots of space and very comfortable sleeping arrangements. I highly recommend Moon River. Good location, directly on the Russian River, very accomodating owner. It was perfect!
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/09
Review Submitted: 09/01/09
We stayed at Moon River for a bachelorette party and found it to be extremely clean with a very well stocked kitchen. It housed 9 girls very comfortably. The deck has a fantastic view! The owners were very easy to deal with and refuded my damage deposit within 24 hours of us leaving the house. VERY organized! I highly recommend Moon River.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #95902
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