Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer

Photo gallery for Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer

A spacious kitchen with a dining area, wooden flooring, and a large window providing natural light.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a striped sofa, a wicker chair, and a coffee table.
A living room with a fireplace, a white armchair, a red armchair, and a coffee table with books and a plant.
A cozy room with wicker chairs, a small table, and a potted plant.
A bedroom with two single beds, a dresser, a lamp, and a window with blinds.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Cook, dine, and unwind
    Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Van Damme State Park

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Internet
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Little River, CA
  • Place, Van Damme State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Little River
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Little River Inn Golf Course
    ‪8 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs bedroom

2 Single Beds

Upstairs back bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Captain Bed

1 Double Bed

Upstairs Master

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Downstairs bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Upstairs bathroom

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Little River

Little River is home to this holiday home. Kelley House Museum and Albion River Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Glass Beach and Van Damme State Park. Mendocino Art Center and Sea Glass Museum are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in Little RiverOpens in a new window
Map
Little River, CA

What's nearby

  • Van Damme State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • beach near Little River - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Little River Inn Golf Course - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Skunk Train - 22 min drive - 25.5 km
  • Glass Beach - 27 min drive - 26.9 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 125 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Goodlife Cafe & Bakery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Patterson's Pub - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Terra Mar Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mendocino Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Frankie's - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer ?

As of 15 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer on 25 Apr 2027 start from £899, 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 Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer located?

Situated in Little River, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Van Damme State Park and Little River Inn Golf Course. Mendocino Headlands State Park and Big River 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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic home. We loved our time. The kitchen is very well appointed and everything was spotlessly clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place. Had more living space then I expected. Great location, close to parks and mendocino. Easy access to beach and bluff trails. Host was very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is very charming, nicely decorated, and more spacious than we thought. We saw deers eating from the apple trees on the first evening. We also loved the hike to the bluffs that Dan and Lori recommended behind their house... such beautiful views! There are also plenty of nearby beaches and close to the attractions in Fort Bragg. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming home beautifully maintained and stocked with everything we needed for an enjoyable stay.

We loved staying in this beautiful home. Mendocino is a great town with a lot to offer. Hiking, restaurants and beaches.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed a short but very enjoyable stay at the Northbound Whale, thanks Lori! The house is so cozy and welcoming, we felt right at home. The beach is literally down the sandy trail, and there’s lots to do in the surrounding areas. We’d love to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

The most amazing house for a weekend getaway! This is our second time staying and we were just as impressed as the first.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very charming and well maintained 2 story house near Van Damme State Park. Kitchen was modern and clean. Two bedroom (including master bedroom) upstairs and one downstair all very clean. The furniture outside was very comfortable. There are other residents along the short road, but we felt a sense of privacy. Access is good to California Highway #1 and close by the town of Mendocino. Beautiful walk on the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail in Van Damme State Park along the Little River. I walked to the trail along the beach and into to park. Explored the coastline along the Spring Ranch part of the Van Damme State Park. We had dinner one night at the SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm a short walk from the house off Highway 1. Mostly we ate in Mendocino. A wonderful stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
All four of us older ladies really enjoyed our stay. The area was quiet, the house comfortable, and decorated so well. We loved the kitchen! The gas fireplace set such a nice atmosphere in the evenings. All-in-all we would definitely recommend. However please be aware that this might not be the best home for elderly individuals. The claw foot bathtub was not accessible for our elderly relative. Some of the other older ladies found getting in and out of the tub/shower challenging.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such an amazing spot with a great location and so much charm. Loved the modern kitchen but cozy vintage style of the home. The beds were very comfortable and despite being close to the highway it was very peaceful and quiet. Host was very good at communicating with questions. The true gem was the quick walk to Van Damme beach via a path of roses just right down the road. Kitchen came stocked with everything we needed. I fully forgot a handle of vodka in the freezer so hope the next guests will enjoy cocktail hour! I definitely look forward to renting this place again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jun 2026
Emily was a wonderful guest who made sharing our home a joy. Communication was easy and we appreciated the great care she took of our home. We would recommend Emily to any host and would welcome her back whenever her travels lead her to Mendocino County!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming !A wonderful escape
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So comfortable and spacious. Fun sophisticated nautical theme. Hosts extremely helpful with house information including access to beach and hiking trails. Kitchen has everything you could want. Really hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Women’s getaway

Northbound Whale House was the perfect place for for 5 women friends, who have been friends from college days since 1976! The house was beautiful, comfortable, and had everything we needed in amenities and plenty of bedrooms, including comfortable beds! We will definitely rent from Lori and Dan again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

GREAT

Just right!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and very comfortable- loved the location

This is such a charming spot to stay! We were super comfortable and enjoyed the fireplace on chilly mornings and the sunroom during the afternoons. It was well stocked with anything you’d need. We also loved the proximity to the beach - a quick walk to little river beach. We also could have easily walked to Vanne Dam park (next time!) It was lovely to hear the ocean from the house and wake up to the birds. Felt very private and quiet. The backyard had great outdoor furniture - lots of spots to relax and grill. Thanks and hope to be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Location

Charming home tucked off the main road. The kitchen, master and family room/sun room were great. However, we felt that the bathroom conditions were a bit off. One shower/tub for four adults combined with a very ,very small upstairs bathroom with no space for toiletries was the only downside. But, overall we had a great time albeit a short visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!!

Overall 5 star rating. Super comfy, nicely decorated, had everything we needed. If I was to split hairs, it would have been nice to have some type of container in the shower to put shampoo, soap, etc…. There was nothing there so it made showering a little inconvenient. When it warms up in the afternoon, it would have been nice if there were screens on the entryways as well as the kitchen window. Just food for thought, but we loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The 1863 Victorian home and the environs are perfect in every way. The beautifully remodeled home is consistent and beautiful in its interior design from furnishings, color pallet, adornments, patterned fabric to the floor coverings. The kitchen has all that is needed to make and bake from mixers, utensils, bowls and dishes. It stays warm inside with a gas fireplace that keeps the house toasty or turn it off and don a sweater. And yes, the beds are comfortable.We loved the easy access and twisted trail down to Van Damme beach and the Spring Ranch Trail behind the house with its 20 minute hike to a cliff overlook to the rocks and basking seals. Be aware the closest access to the Spring Ranch Trail behind the house is blocked off by a neighbor’s large gate and fence yet there is access around the corner on the other side of the inn around the corner on Rte. 1.The host leaves a comprehensive visit guide with all sorts of helpful information for the guest.Lastly, the home’s location is convenient to the anywhere you’d like to reach along the coast. On our short stay we enjoyed our hike and visit to Pt Cabrillo Lighthouse, exploring Mendocino and Gualala.At the Northbound Whale the visitor truly feels like a welcomed guest.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Wonderful House - But Beware...

We loved the house and our stay. The house was spacious, well equipped and comfortable. BUT, the main bathroom tub/shower is not good for anyone who is unsteady or has difficulty getting in and out of a raised elevated tub. There is no grab bar and the high shower head and hand held shower wand are not the best. The owners should install a new shower head and at least one or more grab bars. Or, better yet, replace the tub. Also, we assume the brown water coming out of the faucets was safe to use for teeth washing but not for other uses. Having the large 5 gallon water dispenser was great but a sign about the water service would have been helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded our Very High Expectations

I recently stayed in this home with my 90-year-old mother and my three siblings, and we couldn't have been more delighted with it. All five of us had our own private space to sleep in, with my brother taking the lovely little glassed-in front porch. What a bonus that was for five very set-in-our-sleeping-ways oldsters. The clearly new kitchen/dining area offered us the perfect hub -- oversized island, high ceilings, generous dining table, multiple windows with stellar views, and more cooking amenities and than my own home, not to mention any other house I've rented. The quiet country lane that this house sits on is beyond idyllic - in full view of the glorious Mendocino coast. The trail to the bluffs in back of the house is another bonus. And the owner of the house was a gem in every way -- responsive, helpful and generally lovely. I realize this sounds like an ad. I'm just a regular renter who is old enough to have stayed in dozens of rental properties, which I am notoriously particular about choosing. Doesn't get better than this one.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You Won’t Want To Leave!

This is such a special beach cottage. It is so cute and cozy! It’s beautifully decorated but not in a pretentious way. It feels like home and feels like a beach home. All the furniture is comfortable and makes you want to stay home by the fire and relax. The upstairs beds are super comfortable and gorgeous! I can’t speak to the downstairs beds but the bedroom is so sweet. So much love went into decorating these rooms to make it feel homey. The captains bed in the upstairs hall was adorable! I loved the selection of books and movies in there.I also appreciated the eco conscious choices in products and the well stocked kitchen. Bbq and fireplace both worked great. And I loved my soak in the clawfoot tub! The trail down to the beach is close by and not steep at all. It is a bit overgrown right now so be prepared for that. I had a hard time leaving this cottage, glad we had one foggy morning to enjoy coffee by the fire. With blue skies we sat in the sun room to enjoy the sea view through the pink roses. Gorgeous! Everyone in my family loved this choice. Even my teenager!
View from sunporch.
Captains bed with porthole window!
Trail across from house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place and great location
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great jumping off point very close to Mendocino Headlands Historic District, as well as beaches and the real treat for us which was Fern Canyon. The house was relatively clean and had everything you’d expect for a home rental. We had a little mishap with a fire alarm but the owners responded quickly via text. Also there are no views of the ocean from inside the house; perhaps the foliage has grown up since they added it to the description. They have a nice binder with info for local spots to explore and restaurants. WiFi worked great, beds were comfortable. It was so nice to open theWindow in the master and fall asleep listening to the ocean. I have added a few photos to the listing as well to fill in some missing and exterior angles.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Little River House

My bother and I spent time in this area when we were teen agers, loving the State Park at Van Damme and the lush beaches and headlands around the area. The town of Mendocino is a short two mile drive away for groceries and a charming walk around a beautiful, legendary town. This house would be wonderful for a family or friends to share! Loved it. Was up and down to the beach on the delightful trail across from the house at 7:00 am.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

We loved our stay at The Northbound Whale. There are many VRBO choices in the area. We felt this one felt much more like a friend's home than a rental--very nicely furnished and equipped. The location on a quiet lane above Van Damme Beach and close to Mendocino is great. We also had an opportunity to speak to our host and found her to be charming and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

August 2021 stay

The location is wonderful. You can walk to the ocean or do a 10 min drive to an amazing hike. The house is adorable. Decorated to perfection. It’s very cute. Super cozy and beautiful. There was no key when we arrived. We contacted the owner who did not respond for hours. She stated she was traveling. Which is understandable however in that case since she is running a lucrative business with her rental, she should appoint someone else for renters to contact . I had my baby with me and my fil who has brain cancer. We couldn’t stand outside in the cold for hours waiting for a key. My husband eventually found and open window and crawled through. Thank goodness there was no alarm. Another con was that we wanted to BBQ in her very cute outdoor area but there was no propane. Lastly she let me know after we booked and paid that we weren’t allowed to take a bath because of the drought and she went so far as to remove the drain stopper in the tub. We have a 2 year old who needed a bath. Overall it’s a great place however I do believe those small things could be improved.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
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