This cozy farmhouse (called the Schoolhouse) at Stemple Creek Ranch in West Marin is not to be missed. It is a few miles from the ocean and boasts two bedrooms, a private yard with garden and covered patio, and views of the countryside that stretch for miles. We also have three other houses onsite for bigger groups (Cottage for 2 is "Rustic Studio Cottage" and Cabin for 4 is "Rustic Cabin" and Farmhouse for 10 is "Zia's Farmhouse).
Stemple Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated organic cattle ranch in Tomales, CA, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. We raise grass-fed and grass-finished beef and lamb and pastured pork.
This farmhouse is a refurbished old house with tons of charm. There are 2 bedrooms plus a queen-sized bed pull out couch that is very good quality and very comfortable, and a beautiful private garden and covered patio.
The ranch is just a few miles away from the town of Tomales, less than a mile away from Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway), and a great home base for exploring Marin or Sonoma Counties.
Please note: no pets, no smoking, no open flames. We have a smart TV but no cable.
We have two other rentals and an on site manager - they are in the same general vicinity. While it is possible to come to the ranch and not see another person, we can't promise that.
The house itself, a front yard with outdoor seating, parking.
As little or much as our guests want. We do not live on the Ranch, but there are other houses on the ranch where other people live and we do work there on most days.
Stemple Creek Ranch is in the heart of the cheese, wine, oysters, and coastline of both Marin and Sonoma Counties. Visitors love to go kayaking, hiking, and enjoy the local wine, oysters, and cheese.
There is plenty of parking at the house. There is no public transportation in the area, a car is required for getting around.
There is Verizon and AT&T cell service. We do have satellite-based wifi on the ranch. There is also a local cafe, the Tomales Deli, that has free wifi.If you want to order beef or lamb from us (Stemple Creek Ranch) please let us know 10 days in advance, and we can have it there for you when you arrive.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Professional photography not allowed on site without prior approval.
Events are not permitted on site without prior approval.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Petaluma
Located in Petaluma, this cottage is in a rural area. Potter Schoolhouse and Children's Bell Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary and Cayman Practice Range. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm are also worth visiting.
Tomales Regional History Center - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
Dillon Beach - 13 min drive - 13.8 km
Tomales Bay State Park - 19 min drive - 16.3 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa Station - 35 min drive
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Bodega Bay Oyster Company - 7 min drive
Two Rock Pizza Diner - 13 min drive
Two Rock Coffee Co (USCG) - 17 min drive
Halleck Vineyard - 24 min drive
Tracen Lower Galley - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch?
As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch on 5 Jul 2026 start from £340, 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 Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Charming Farmhouse on Organic Cattle Ranch located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Tomales Town Hall, Tomales City Park and Tomales Regional History Center. Dillon Beach and Pelican North Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Although the ranch is somewhat remote it is centrally located for exploring rolling countryside of Marin or heading west into Sonoma or north into Mendocino or hanging out in the garden with the quail.
I loved staying here. It happened to be a windy few days so we enjoyed listening to the wind in the grass and trees. It was lovely and very peaceful. The house is adorable and the kitchen had all the tools and appliances we needed! Loved this place.
The school house is in a stunning spot with lots of privacy. We loved our time here. A lot of thought has gone into the property, the kitchen is well stocked and everything was in good condition. We loved the surrounding views and coutryside. We will definitely stay again
We had a wonderful stay at the Schoolhouse! What a perfect respite from our day-to-day busy schedules. The stars in the dark night sky were an added bonus.
This is the perfect place to get away from busy life. It’s so quiet and calm here I would definitely come back. They also had steaks in the fridge for us and that was awesome.
Simply amazing. From the location to the amenities, this was a fantastic stay. Hesitant to tell friends and family about this gem as we want to keep it all to ourselves! The perfect quiet and serene getaway.
We wish we could have stayed longer. The grounds are beautiful. They have fun swings that my boys loved. The house was clean, cute and very comfortable. The garden was gorgeous. We loved it! Great place for a small family or anyone who likes beauty and solitude.
Quintessential Marin Ranch Cottage. We spent the last 3 days of April 25 at the 'Schoolhouse' @ Stemple Creek Ranch. The cottage is well appointed and comfortable. The garden surrounding the cottage is especially impressive and we spent as much time as possible there. But really not enough. Also can't not mention the Quail and Turkey that seemed to always be around. All this and great weather.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May 2025
Thank you so much for staying with us!! I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit.
If you want peace and quiet in a secluded spot, then this is the place. It was beautiful and a wonderful spot to get away. They don't host big events at the same time as they rent out cottages individually, which is nice. Well-appointed kitchen; very clean; comfortable.
We loved our stay at "the Schoolhouse." The ranch is secluded and quiet. The house was clean, well equipped, and a perfect place to gather. We watched the moon rise through the old cypress trees and enjoyed waking up to fog in the morning. Local dining spots like the Tomales Bakery and Rockers Oysterfeller were good and a short drive from the ranch. We even encountered a small herd of cattle being driven up the road on our way out. Kids loved it! Would definitely return on future trips to the area.
My husband and I made the stay during our anniversary trip and we absolutely loved the “Schoolhouse”. The cottage garden surrounding the premises were beautiful and tranquil. The walking path up the road to the eucalyptus trees refreshed my whole heart, as it had breathtaking views for miles, with only the sound of the trees. Lisa was very responsive and we met a kind hearted “Anne” who also works on the ranch. We ordered some beef which we have yet to cook and eat, but no doubt it will be delicious as you can see the care and respect for these free grazing animals. We’d like to do the tour some day and will absolutely come again. There are two other available cabins right near the schoolhouse and everyone was respectful and quiet. We read they also have a larger home to rent out and we will consider that for a family outing. Everything was clean, and multiple kitchen items available. Lisa’s recommendations were spot on for eateries and the bakery…morning bakery items at Route One were delicious.Only one item missing and that was wash clothes. I still have this VRBO the best rating as I simply used the hand cloth and you cannot beat the serenity and beauty this home offers. We will be back!
This property is just amazing. At times it is hard to remember that this lovely cottage is inside a massive working family owned ranch. The setting is magical and the cottage was very well appointed and super clean. It seemed like everything was all brand new - or remodeled space that was the family's former "very real" school house.
Property owners went out of their way to introduce my animal loving 7 year old to the farm animals! You might get to catch a peek of baby lambs and sheep, calves and cows, piglets and sows - not to mention the sheep dogs and barn cats!
The property is hidden away near the town of Tomales. Which by the way has a wonderful bakery etc. We spent time in Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay. Super easy drive.
I suggest you plan ahead and purchase some of the farms products: beef, pork and lamb. They will have it waiting for you in the fridge! It doesn't get more farm to table than that!
If you want to hear birdsong and look out at rolling green acreage and a lot of livestock, this is the place! My bff and I came for a little retreat, and absolutely loved it. We also got some of the SCR meat, which is phenomenal. And everybody was very friendly and helpful. The ONLY thing I would say is that owners REALLY SHOULD add hand-railings for the outside concrete steps. I am on crutches, and I took a fall, with nothing to grab on to.
We only stayed on the property for one evening, but it is nicely appointed and very comfortable. We played a few board and card games together. We easily fit two couples into the queen beds. The grounds are a treat, and awaking to cows grazing on the hills is a delightful experience. This land is a part of an agricultural land trust for Organic farming. What a treat!
Very quite for an evening with friends. The place was big enough and it was comfortable. As mentioned in the listing it is well isolated and warm up very fast.
It was easy as pie to rent the house and just a beautiful setting to spend some time. Easy access to town and the beach. Just wonderful.
andrea B.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
About the host
Hosted by Lisa and Loren Poncia
The Poncia Family owns and runs Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales, CA. It is a fourth generation organic cattle ranch that raises grass-fed and grass-finished beef and lamb and pastured pork. We also have a full large event venue on site, including a beautiful restored barn, event kitchen, and outdoor poatio space. For more info see the Stemple Creek Ranch website.
Why they chose this property
Tomales is a great jumping off point to every thing West Marin and Sonoma Counties have to offer - great food, wine, local cheese, oysters, Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, and the Sonoma Wine country.
What makes this property unique
This cabin is located on a 200+ acre organic ranch. Come enjoy the quiet and peaceful countryside with everything West Marin and Sonoma has to offer!