After regularly staying at the same Sea Ranch vacation rental for the past 10 years, my wife and I decided to take a chance on something a little different. Any apprehension that we had in doing so disappeared the second that we entered the wonderful and welcoming Pelicans' Nest. Its unassuming yet inviting exterior hides an expansive and enchanting interior. An impressive lodge-like rock wall anchors the spacious and super comfortable living room, and holds a huge fireplace with the most adorable andirons ever. It's connected to the wide open and well-appointed kitchen by a dining area with a table large enough to enjoy a meal, a board game, and a puzzle...all at the same time. Each of its four bedrooms have their own cozy vibe, and the master boasts a roomy en suite bathroom area and convenient sliding door access to the top notch hot tub just outside. The long wall of picture windows along the back of the house provide beautiful views of the very private tree and foliage-lined backyard, and glimpses of the rocky coast and ocean in the distance. The wrap-around deck allows access to the fenced backyard and the fenced side yard, both of which are big enough to give a dog – or in our case, a cat who thinks it's a dog – plenty of room to stretch their legs without you having to worry about them running off. (That goes double for kids, we'd assume.) Though conveniently located just a few minutes north of "downtown" Gualala, it felt nicely secluded, especially with hiking and beach access trails just a short walk or drive away. We had a fantastic and relaxing time at Pelicans' Nest, and our only regret is that we weren't able to stay longer. Thank you, Marcie, for your warm and responsive correspondence – you made a couple of new renters feel like returning guests.