Entire home
Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.
Family-friendly holiday home in Valley Ford
Photo gallery for Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.





Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 6 1600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Valley Ford, CA
- Dillon Beach13 min drive
- Doran Beach16 min drive
- Bodega Harbour17 min drive
- Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)45 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.
Sitting in a valley three miles inland from the Pacific Ocean within the Estero Americano Watershed District, the schoolhouse is crafted with original 100-year old wooden paneling and features. A bright sun room & outdoor patio allow you to appreciate this unique rustic setting with bucolic surroundings.
The Estero Schoolhouse
This charming, romantic, turn-of-the-century converted wooden schoolhouse sits on an acre of fruit, cypress, cedar, and pine trees. A uniquely-peaceful ecological garden, surrounded by gently rolling hills of west Marin.
The structure was built in 1915 as the Estero District Schoolhouse, for children of the surrounding ranches. . It features beautiful interior design with mahogany staircase and redwood accents. A cathedral living room ceiling frames beautiful garden views. An enclosed south-facing solarium overlooks a lovely brick courtyard and fountain. Open sided staircase and loft make upstairs bedroom suitable for only adults and older children. Small children can safely use the downstairs bedroom, bathroom and other areas.
The property sits in a peaceful valley two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean within the Estero Americano Watershed District. The one acre parcel holds the original schoolhouse and the former stable, which housed the horses and cart which picked up the local students. The former stable has been converted to a fully self contained studio, which sleeps three and which is also available for rent.
The house is crafted with the original 100-year old wood paneling and framing. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light. A fully functioning grand piano is set in the center of the living room, under a mahogany staircase. The vintage kitchen with adjoining breakfast area contains everything you will need to prepare delicious family dinners or a lunch spread. The sunroom offers a beautiful place to sit for breakfast, afternoon tea, yoga, or meditation. The garden and rolling hills surround you – a place for dreaming and reconnecting with the harmony of nature and the land.
There are two private bedrooms with queen-sized mattresses, and an additional queen sized bed in a corner of the living room. The schoolhouse comfortably sleeps six.
This wooded acre is great for anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the slow pace of country living. The land is kept in its natural bucolic state, allowing for deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, owls, raptors and a wide variety of birds to live in the trees and high grass of this wooded acre. A bird watcher's delight. We provide binoculars for animal viewing.
Guest access
As guests, you will have full access to the main house, front garden, roof deck, solarium, and bricked patio. We sincerely ask that you respect and care for this charming home, its property, and neighbors.
On this one acre property, there is a fully separate studio, (the former horse stable for the schoolhouse) which sleeps three and sits about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse, and offers both properties a great amount of privacy. The studio is also available either separately or with the schoolhouse, through VRBO, https://www.vrbo.com/1987442. Renting both together is recommended for those with more than six guests. We offer a 10% discount for rentals of the house and studio together.
Other things to note
WITH OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, IT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRED NOT TO FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN HUMAN WASTE AND TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET.
All other items (floss, sanitary napkins, cleaning wipes, etc.) go into the trash can provided. Also note this is a rural location and a nature sanctuary, and for our many guests with pets, we don't use much poison, so those with zero bug tolerance should perhaps avoid this wooded bucolic acre. Open food should be placed in the refrigerator at night to discourage bugs or vols.
We encourage you to arrive prior to dark to see the surroundings. It will also make your stay more comfortable to arrive while there is still light. Entrance and driveway lights are just inside the front gate, under the antique streetlight on the left side. Cell phone service is good with T-Mobile, available but spotty with Verizon. Internet service at the house is excellent. Please know where you are going before leaving the Petaluma area in case you lose phone or GPS service. Nearest gas is in Bodega Bay (11 miles to the north) .
PETS: There is a $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner. We are happy for guests to bring their pets with prior notification. However, for the comfort of future guests and for hygiene purposes, animals are not allowed on our furnishings or in the beds. Extra charges will apply if this occurs. Please bring beds for your dog(s) and use them exclusively.
Please check your belongings before you leave! Please be advised there is a $50 fee for any left items that require being returned.
The Estero Schoolhouse
This charming, romantic, turn-of-the-century converted wooden schoolhouse sits on an acre of fruit, cypress, cedar, and pine trees. A uniquely-peaceful ecological garden, surrounded by gently rolling hills of west Marin.
The structure was built in 1915 as the Estero District Schoolhouse, for children of the surrounding ranches. . It features beautiful interior design with mahogany staircase and redwood accents. A cathedral living room ceiling frames beautiful garden views. An enclosed south-facing solarium overlooks a lovely brick courtyard and fountain. Open sided staircase and loft make upstairs bedroom suitable for only adults and older children. Small children can safely use the downstairs bedroom, bathroom and other areas.
The property sits in a peaceful valley two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean within the Estero Americano Watershed District. The one acre parcel holds the original schoolhouse and the former stable, which housed the horses and cart which picked up the local students. The former stable has been converted to a fully self contained studio, which sleeps three and which is also available for rent.
The house is crafted with the original 100-year old wood paneling and framing. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light. A fully functioning grand piano is set in the center of the living room, under a mahogany staircase. The vintage kitchen with adjoining breakfast area contains everything you will need to prepare delicious family dinners or a lunch spread. The sunroom offers a beautiful place to sit for breakfast, afternoon tea, yoga, or meditation. The garden and rolling hills surround you – a place for dreaming and reconnecting with the harmony of nature and the land.
There are two private bedrooms with queen-sized mattresses, and an additional queen sized bed in a corner of the living room. The schoolhouse comfortably sleeps six.
This wooded acre is great for anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the slow pace of country living. The land is kept in its natural bucolic state, allowing for deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, owls, raptors and a wide variety of birds to live in the trees and high grass of this wooded acre. A bird watcher's delight. We provide binoculars for animal viewing.
Guest access
As guests, you will have full access to the main house, front garden, roof deck, solarium, and bricked patio. We sincerely ask that you respect and care for this charming home, its property, and neighbors.
On this one acre property, there is a fully separate studio, (the former horse stable for the schoolhouse) which sleeps three and sits about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse, and offers both properties a great amount of privacy. The studio is also available either separately or with the schoolhouse, through VRBO, https://www.vrbo.com/1987442. Renting both together is recommended for those with more than six guests. We offer a 10% discount for rentals of the house and studio together.
Other things to note
WITH OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, IT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRED NOT TO FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN HUMAN WASTE AND TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET.
All other items (floss, sanitary napkins, cleaning wipes, etc.) go into the trash can provided. Also note this is a rural location and a nature sanctuary, and for our many guests with pets, we don't use much poison, so those with zero bug tolerance should perhaps avoid this wooded bucolic acre. Open food should be placed in the refrigerator at night to discourage bugs or vols.
We encourage you to arrive prior to dark to see the surroundings. It will also make your stay more comfortable to arrive while there is still light. Entrance and driveway lights are just inside the front gate, under the antique streetlight on the left side. Cell phone service is good with T-Mobile, available but spotty with Verizon. Internet service at the house is excellent. Please know where you are going before leaving the Petaluma area in case you lose phone or GPS service. Nearest gas is in Bodega Bay (11 miles to the north) .
PETS: There is a $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner. We are happy for guests to bring their pets with prior notification. However, for the comfort of future guests and for hygiene purposes, animals are not allowed on our furnishings or in the beds. Extra charges will apply if this occurs. Please bring beds for your dog(s) and use them exclusively.
Please check your belongings before you leave! Please be advised there is a $50 fee for any left items that require being returned.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo
If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Bright Home 800 Feet from Salmon Creek Beach w/ Wood Stove & Pool Table
Bright Home 800 Feet from Salmon Creek Beach w/ Wood Stove & Pool Table
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Outdoor space
8.0 out of 10, (44 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
See rules posted for pets.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Make sure propane stove, range & oven are off.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Valley Ford
Located in Valley Ford, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Potter Schoolhouse and Children's Bell Tower are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit The Barlow and Heart's Desire Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.

Valley Ford, CA
What's nearby
- Dillon Beach - 13 min drive - 10.6 km
- Doran Beach - 16 min drive - 18.6 km
- Links at Bodega Harbour - 16 min drive - 18.6 km
- Bodega Harbour - 17 min drive - 18.9 km
- Bodega Head - 25 min drive - 25.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Fishetarian Fish Market - 13 min drive
- The Tides Wharf Restaurant & Bar - 14 min drive
- Bodega Bay Oyster Company - 8 min drive
- The Birds Cafe - 15 min drive
- The Boat House - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Stephen Olsson

I am an independent filmmaker and television producer, and run a non-profit media organization. I take pictures, tell stories, and share other cultures with the world. I've lived in several European countries, as well as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jamaica and Ukraine. I like to help people enjoy this unique property, and the surrounding area, to have memorable experiences in this special place.
Why they chose this property
A wonderful historic schoolhouse, in a lovely natural setting, in one of the most beautiful areas of northern California.
What makes this property unique
Unique house in a natural environment which offers hiking, kayaking, bicycling, numerous beaches, whale watching, redwood forests and several historic towns, community events and shopping nearby. Point Reyes National Seashore and
Languages:
English, Spanish
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback