The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa!
A wonderful riverfront property with a short walk to the beach - The Sandy Star started life as a traditional Russian River home with wood paneling and floors throughout. Under new ownership, and a complete remodel, the house is bright and light with ample charm and character. Hand painted murals grace 3 bedrooms and modern conveniences and cheery artwork liven up the kitchen, bathrooms and living spaces. And outside is as delightful as inside at this riverfront escape!
The beautifully remodeled and bright kitchen faces the living room and sometimes dining space. A long counter seats 6 guests in bright orange tall chairs, all the better to laugh and joke with the "kitchen staff" and enjoy each other's company. Stainless steel appliances - fridge, stove and oven, dishwasher, microwave and coffee maker - and oodles of counter space make cooking a pleasure at The Sandy Star. And there's ample storage space for your sundries. Sip a cup of coffee or tea in the kitchen's seating nook while supervising breakfast preparation.
Or linger in the living room with a glass of wine. From the sectional sofa, leather chair and rocking chair you can snug in front of the electric fireplace or turn and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV. Behind the sofa, the console converts into a dining table to seat 6 comfortably or 8 tightly. If the weather is nice, though, you'll want to eat outside! The crowning glory of the living room is the full wall of windows that fold open to the deck!
With two outdoor heaters, large picnic table with umbrella, propane BBQ and stunning views of the river - everyone will want to hang out on the upper deck! The newly built decks hover in the redwoods for a mix of shade and sunshine. Mosey down the stairs to the lower patio and deck to the 6 person hot tub (which is available 7 am to 10 pm, only) and outdoor shower.
Up a short flight of stairs from the living room, each of the three bedrooms has a queen bed and unique murals painted by a local (Bay Area) artist. Two bedrooms face the river and overlook the back decks and hot tub area while one bedroom faces the street of this quiet residential neighborhood. There's a full bathroom with double sink/vanity, cheery colored walls and subway tile shower with rain shower head. Off the hallway the washer and dryer are tucked into a closet.
The fourth bedroom is the kid's room - on the main level, just off the kitchen with a double/twin bunk bed with and views to the river. There are games and toys in the drawers and a door to the huge back deck. A second full bathroom with tiled shower and rain shower head is next to the kid's room and kitchen.
A short mosey down a path leads to a fantastic neighborhood beach. You can cut through the backyard or walk around the house to the public easement which serves as a wide path to the river. A double kayak and canoe are locked in the lower backyard for guests to use between mid-June and the end of September, conditions permitting. Stop to pick blackberries in the summer but look out for poison oak. This beach is accessible nearly year-round.
Know Before You Book:
Maximum Occupancy and Quiet Hours: The maximum occupancy at The Sandy Star is 8 people. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Outdoor amplified sound is prohibited at any time.
Quiet Hours and The Hot Tub: The Sandy Star is in a close-knit residential neighborhood. To maintain a good relationship with our neighbors - and remain in compliance with the Quiet Hours mandated in the Vacation Rental Ordinance - guests are welcome to use the hot tub until 10 pm when the hot tub is set to shut off. After that time, please relocate to the upper deck or inside. The hot tub has power only between 7 am and 10 pm.
Parking: On-site parking is permitted for a maximum of 3 vehicles. There is space for up to 2 cars in the driveway and an additional car on the street in front of the house. The garage is not available for guests. RVs, trailers and campers are prohibited, per the Sonoma County Vacation Rental Ordinance.
EV Charger - Available upon Advance Request Only. The Sandy Star has a TurboCord Electric Vehicle Charger with designated 240v NEMA 6-20 outlet. The TurboCord has a standard SAE J1772 plug and works with most electric vehicles sold in the US. The cord is made available to guests who request no earlier than 1 week in advance of their arrival date. In the case of reservations made within one week of arrival, the cord can be requested at the time of booking.
Bed Sizes: First Bedroom: Queen Bed; Second Bedroom: Queen Bed; Third Bedroom: Queen Bed; Fourth Bedroom: Twin/Double Bunk Bed.
Heat Source: Central Heat and Electric Fireplace with a remote.
Rec/Game Room: The game room is an unheated, uninsulated space. Temperature varies throughout the year.
A/C: The house does not have air conditioning. Being near the coast, the nighttime temps drop and just opening some windows is usually enough to cool the house.
Stairs: Exterior Stairs - there is a short flight of stairs to the front door and another short flight of stairs from the back deck to the lower deck, hot tub area and playroom. Interior Stairs: There is a short flight of stairs from the living room area to the upper level with 3 of the bedrooms, full bathroom, and W/D.
Beach and River Access: The Sandy Star faces the Russian River and a fantastic neighborhood beach. There are two ways to get to the path to the beach. First, you can take the stairs from the back yard by the hot tub and go through a gate in the lower yard. Second, walk out the front yard and turn right, immediately onto the path. Either way, it's a very short walk to the beach and river.
Docks & Boats: Docks and beaches are seasonal only and available from mid-June to mid-September providing the summer dams are in. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and rowboats that are provided in some of our homes are also available from mid-June to mid-September only. The river is usually too swift for boating in the winter and many docks and beaches are under water until late spring.
Work from HERE: A desk, chair and lamp sits in an out-of-the-way spot in the living room - adjacent to the large back deck. Advertised Wifi Speed: 600 mbps
Sonoma County TOT Number:1511N Sonoma County Vacation Rental Permit: ZPE15-0543
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Relaxing retreat in the redwoods-not recommended for partiers..
Guerneville
Relaxing retreat in the redwoods-not recommended for partiers..
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Guerneville
Located in Guerneville, this holiday home is on the beach. Pee Wee Golf and Arcade and Porter-Bass Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Russian River and Armstrong Redwoods State Park. Rubicon Adventures and Sebastopol Center for the Arts are also worth visiting.
Armstrong Redwoods State Park - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
Korbel Winery - 7 min drive - 6.1 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa Station - 29 min drive
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Northwood Restaurant - 7 min drive
Rainbow Cattle Company - 3 min drive
Koalas Fine Food - 3 min drive
Tiki Bar at the r3 - 3 min drive
Stumptown Brewery - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa!?
As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa! on 19 May 2026 start from £609, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa!?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is The Sandy Star - Enjoy Russian River Views and Access - Soak in the Spa! located?
Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Pee Wee Golf and Arcade, Johnson's Beach and Russian River. Northwood Golf Club and Porter-Bass Vineyard are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay here! My 2 year old and 7 year old loved the play area, we all enjoyed hanging out and eating on the deck, the kitchen was well stocked and the beds were comfy. I loved the fireplace - it made hanging out in the living room so cozy. The hot tub always staying warm was a nice surprise - we thought we’d have to heat it for hours before getting into it the first evening, but it was already ready to go. My dog and my mom’s dog had a great time, and I really appreciated that the back deck and hot tub area are fully fenced in, so I didn’t have to worry about them getting out.
We loved our stay at Sandy Star! Great cozy house, yet plenty of room for everyone. Everything was perfect…clean house, great layout, amazing deck, and right on the river. Would absolutely stay here again!
Erica W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Feb 2025
Hello Erica, Thank you for taking the time to review the stay and for being such terrific guests. We are so happy you enjoyed it!
Great house, had well stocked kitchen and great outdoor spaces to enjoy the river view. Check-in was a breeze and we had all the info we needed for the house. Lovely space for a friends getaway or a family vacation.
Alexis A.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2023
Hello Alexis, We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you for being fantastic guests :)
Stayed with family members ranging from age 6-80. Nice property with good location. Easy access to downtown Guerneville. The rec room is perfect if you’re traveling with children.
Kevin M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2023
Hello Kevin, We are so glad you all enjoyed your stay! Thank you for being amazing guests :)
The Sandy Star is a beautifully put-together home on the Russian River. It offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing with friends and family. My dog and I had a wonderful time, and my friends loved the experience too. Amazing customer service as well. The folks on the other end of my text messages were super friendly and professional. We’re already planning our return, can’t wait to come back!
Reuben B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jul 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It was a pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to your return.
We stayed here for a long weekend and it was absolutely perfect. The fireplace and the accordion window wall make for beautiful scenes no matter where you look. The beds were all very comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked with kitchenware. Will definitely return!
Christopher F.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct 2022
Hello Christopher, We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you for being great guests! We would love to host you again :)
The Sandy Star is a gorgeous spot! My husband, son, and I traveled with my extended family (8 of us total from ages 1-84!) and the Sandy Star was perfect for our needs. The deck is tranquil and lovely and we found the space to be perfectly appointed with everything we needed to be comfortable for our five-day stay.
We loved the hot tub and the proximity to the river - it feels like you have your own private beach down at the shore!
We're already talking about when we can come back.
Claire A.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2024
Hello Claire, Thank you for taking the time to review the stay. We're happy you enjoyed it! We would love to host you again :)
We had such an amazing stay at this home. All of us agreed it would be our go-to spot for our annual Russian River vacation. It was great having a separate playroom for the younger kids. The property is so close to the river access we didn’t have to stress about packing a full days worth of snacks or floaties. Communication w the owner team was easy and they were quick to respond to any questions or concerns.
Rebecca C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug 2024
Hello Rebecca, We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! It is a great area to stay in and we are happy you appreciated the home and its surroundings. Thank you for your kind words and for being such fantastic guests! We would love to host you again :)
Amazing River property with Redwoods on the property. Looks out over the Russian River, cute little neighborhood, open floor plan and 4 rooms so we all had a bed. Kitchen is well equipped for cooking or plenty of local diners nearby. Weather permitting town is walking distance as well. Great little 9 hole golf course nearby called Northwoods tucked among the Redwoods. The restaurant there has a nice grill and all the fryer food was great.
Sean K.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Dec 2022
Hello Sean, We are elated you had a wonderful stay at The Sandy Star! Thank you for being fantastic guests!
We just stayed at this amazing property for memorial day weekend. It was so clean, stylish, and maintained. The kids spaced, toys and games were definitely a plus. We loved the convenience of being able to order take put but also how fun it was to cook and gather by the kitchen area. The beach area right in front os a bit deep for kids due to the recent rains, but lots of amazing beaches close by. Awesome hpttub too! Thank you!
patricia C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jun 2023
Hello Patricia, We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you for being wonderful guests :)
Lovely property right on the river. The interior is filled with thoughtful and interesting design choices, from the fixtures to the furniture to the art on the walls. The downstairs play room was great for kids. Ours were very happy with all the book choices. There was a minor issue with the hot tub when we were there, but the property manager responded promptly and all was well.
This home is GREAT!!!
*Excellent Layout
*Excellent Kitchen. It lacked in some areas of utensils (But dont all vacation homes?) We were prepared for this & brought the fancy stuff (mixer, cuisinart, serving trays, etc) For typical vacation use (limited cooking) this place has what you need!!
*Fabulous backyard & EXCELLENT for pets!! It is well secured & so clean!!!!
*Fireplace made us cozy & comfortable. We did not use the accodion doors as it was too cold so the indoor/outdoor vibe can only be appreciated in warmer weather.
*This place has sleeping accomodations for more than is listed. The play room (which has a touch of a musty basement smell-- A difuser fixed this) has 2 double futons and 2 mini cotts for kids.
*The beds are not good. If you have a great bed at home, then these beds are a big let down. Im a tough customer here, but it must be said that this is the area that needs improvement. They also need to supply more blanekts and pillows. The beds in the playroom have no sleeping supplies & there is no extra to cuddle up on the couch with.
*Parking is Limited!!! We had permission for day guests as we are local and wanted to eat as a big family. We parked 2 cars at Safeway and got by easily. Beach access is right next to home so there is zero wiggle room for cars. Very narrow streets. That being said, I should add that we parked 2 Full Sized crew cab trucks easily.
*This is a GREAT home that I would absolutely rent again!!
Erin S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Dec 2023
Hello Erin, Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to write your review! The Sandy Star sleeps 8 people comfortably and the playroom is not considered as a part of the sleeping arrangements. We’re available if you have any questions before, during, or after your stay. We want to make sure you know we’re here for you as our guest at any time. You were wonderful guests and we would love to host you again!
Gorgeous home right on the river. Home has everything you need: bbq, outside heaters, canoe, kayak, river chairs. Best location! We will definitely be back. Thank you!
Julie D.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
L H.
27 Mar 2019
Amazing!
Everything was clean, nice and new. Didn't need anything that wasn't provided. View of river is great. The kids loved the playroom downstairs. Everyone in our group left happy and relaxed. We'd stay again, for sure!
L H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Michael J.
12 Dec 2017
Lovely House on Russian River
My family and close relatives spent Thanksgiving at the Sandy Star and had a wonderful time in the house. The house is as advertised, and, if anything deemphasize the AWESOME back deck. We were fortunate in that the rains held off and, as a result, enjoyed many hours of relaxing sunset views and conversation on the deck.
Inside, the house is in great condition, with a really well stocked kitchen. Everything that we needed for cooking a Thanksgiving meal was there, so less involved family dinners shouldn't be a problem at all. Our toddler especially loved the play room in the basement, and had a ton of fun with the assortment of toys down there.
Overall, we had a great trip and would definitely stay again.
Michael J.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
greg t.
29 Sept 2017
relaxing
It is a great home.Well stocked and very clean.Has a great view of the Russian River from it's deck.Has beautiful redwoods around the house.Really enjoyed staying there.
greg t.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Gayle P.
20 Sept 2016
The cutest house in town!
First off a shout out to the Management company who made the whole process simple. They answered questions extremely quickly, were accommodating and friendly. That small town feeling was there.
The House was redone from top to bottom, fun, stylish, artistic and comfortable. The attention to detail shows and we loved it! Beds and linens are great. The Kitchen well stocked. The deck is beautiful.
The walk down to the river was pleasant, and short.
The only thing that I think could be a detractor for some is that there is no yard and its too far to walk to town. Otherwise, this house is really a gem. Guernville did not disappoint, we had great meals at Boon, and the Market. The pie and ice cream are great at the bank. There are enough shops worthy of a stroll, the river was beautiful, and the Redwoods pleasant in summer.
Gayle P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jeannette O.
23 Jun 2016
This place was a perfect place for us!
My friends and I rented the home for a bachelorette weekend. We had 7 women, 2 infants and 2 kids. We all had room to sleep and hang out. The patio deck is the best aspect of the home. There are folding glass door that allow you to open up the entire living room to the patio. The kitchen is also well designed and allowed several of us to cook and hang out. The kitchen also has both recycling and composting.
Access to the river is a short walk down a public access path. The path leads to a fairly large course sand beach.
The home decor is very inviting. It is sharp and clean, but very inviting.
I would definitely recommend!
Jeannette O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2016
About the host
Hosted by Russian River Vacation Homes
We are Russian River Vacation Homes, a part of D&G Equity Management, Inc., a family owned and locally owned/operated property management company.
Our Story: In 1980, D&G founders and owners Michael and Patty saw a need in the area for habitable, affordable housing. At that time, many of the little cabins along the Russian River, originally built as summer cabins, were unsuitable for year-round occupancy. D&G assisted property owners with fixing up and renting their cabins. As the largest property management company in western Sonoma County, D&G Equity Management continues to be a staple in the Russian River community.
Russian River Vacation Homes is an off-shoot of D&G. One fine day in 1985, Michael's client, Bob, asked "Hey Mike, can you rent my cabin out just for the week or weekend instead of by the month?" Michael said "Sure!" and Russian River Vacation Homes was born. As renting vacation rentals became more popular, Russian River Vacation Homes grew into a full-time business with its own office. Today, Russian River Vacation Homes professionally manages over 60 high-quality vacation rentals.
We strive to make each and every stay the best one ever. If you have any questions or concerns about reserving or staying with us, please don't hesitate to contact us! We are here to help.
Why they chose this property
Guerneville is the largest town on the Russian River, and has a variety of excellent restaurants and shopping. There are many wineries within 15-20 minutes. Guerneville is also home to the amazing Armstrong Woods, and it's just a quick drive out to the coast! Guerneville is a fun and free spirited town that makes for a great getaway!
What makes this property unique
Why we love The Sandy Star!-
The Sandy Star is a beautifully remodeled riverfront home with all the modern amenities you could ask for. Just a few steps to the river, with amazing views, you'll be able to relax, and enjoy your vacation among the redwood trees on the Russian River.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests