This unique studio lies four miles inland from Dillon Beach, near Sonoma wine country and the staggeringly beautiful Sonoma coastline and beaches. The bucolic 1-acre parcel is home to deer, wild turkey, rabbits and many species of birds, who come to the many fruit and cypress trees on the property.
The building is the original stable for the 100-year-old Estero Schoolhouse. Natural wood throughout with French windows, bamboo floors, full tile kitchen., queen sized kitchen and fold-out sofa couch. The compact tiled bathroom includes shower, toilet and sink. This is a perfect writer's retreat or for anyone enjoying the beaches, towns, vineyards, or the many natural wonders of West Marin and Sonoma County. Park your car 15 feet from the front door. See families of cows just six feet across the fence from your dining table.
The studio shares the same acre and lies about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse. Both properties offer a great deal of privacy. The studio residents have exclusive use of their own south-facing brick patio, as well as the rear 1/2 acre of the property, which is filled with trees and meadow grass. Close to local wineries and breweries, or hike and kayak at Point Reyes national seashore! Enjoy exploring Bodega Bay, Dillon Beach, and the redwood forests 15 minutes away. The perfect getaway. Enjoy quality time with your travel companion or alone in this bucolic setting.
Guest access Guests can unload and park jmmediately next to the studio. Guests have exclusive use of the adjoining gazebo and deck as well as a bricked patio area to the south of the studio.
The schoolhouse, which sleeps up to six, is also available either separately or with the studio through VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/867988 Renting both listings together is recommended for those with larger parties,.
Other things to note 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.
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 and. furniture covers for your dog(s) and use them exclusively. Please note that while there is a fence surrounding the property, this is not a fenced in pet location where your pet can be left unsupervised and run free on the property.
Please check your belongings before you leave! Please be advised there is a $50 fee for any left items that require being returned.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No pets on furniture, nor chasing our wildlife
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
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
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
ALL GUESTS NEED TO READ AND AGREE TO THE RENTAL AGREEMENT, WHICH CONTAINS RULES FOR TOILETS, ENERGY USE, SURROUNDING PROPERTY AND SIX RULES FOR DOGS.
HOST MUST BE NOTIFIED OF PET(S) PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1987442vb
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
About the area
Valley Ford
Located in Valley Ford, this apartment is in a rural area and on a river. The Barlow and Heart's Desire Beach are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Russian River and Sonoma Coast State Park. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm are also worth visiting.
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary - 12 min drive - 13.2 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa Station - 38 min drive
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
Fishetarian Fish Market - 13 min drive
The Tides Wharf Restaurant & Bar - 14 min drive
The Boat House - 15 min drive
Bodega Bay Oyster Company - 8 min drive
Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
As of 9 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio on 12 May, 2026 start from S$198, 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 Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio located?
Situated in Valley Ford, this golf apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Dillon Beach, Potter Schoolhouse and Tomales City Park. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
If you want peace and solitude, this is the place. The bed was good, very quaint and cozy. Extremely easy access to the beach and multiple little downtowns.
The studio is quite adorable and has such a fun history. There are charming dairy cow and sheep farms all around which made us feel like we were in Ireland. The roads in the area do get flooded in heavy rains, so be cautions if vacationing during the rainy season.
The studio is cozy and tranquil. It has all amenities, including a full kitchen, in the small space. It is close to sights like Dillon Beach (beautiful sunsets), Bodega Bay and to dining/shopping spots like Sebastopol. The Valley Ford market, 4 minutes away, is good for the essentials. Stephen was a kind host and we had a lovely Thanksgiving stay. We will certainly be back.
The place is a bit out of the way but the road is good. Ultimate in privacy, quiet and peace. And stargazing. Full service grocery and restaurants 2 miles away. I met the owner Steve. Nice guy, full of helpful ideas.
This was our second stay at this cottage. The surroundings, for miles are incomparable, and with all the rain this winter the presence of new lakes, ponds and rivulets was incredible.
Shanta B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr, 2024
Thanks Shanta. We do indeed live in a magical area. Thanks for noticing and for coming back again.
Spent a few days here and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Also close to bodega bay for whale watching or visiting the beach. Schoolhouse has everything you need.
This sweet place was exactly what we were hoping for. Private, quiet, clean, simple and in nature. The cottage had everything we needed to be comfortable. The bed was very comfortable. Stephen is responsive and a great host. We will so be back to this wonderful spot. Just a short drive to the beach and amazing restaurants. We were very happy with our stay.
I stayed here for a solo writing retreat. It was quiet, cozy, and I enjoyed watching families of deer and wild turkeys right outside the window. The cute little town of Valley Ford is nearby. The studio is small but perfect for 1-2 people.
Bridgette P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul, 2022
Hi Bridgette, So glad you enjoyed your stay.. I'm happy to say that we do see a lot of writers. Please come back again. Stephen
The location was perfect, out of the way and near everything we wanted to see. Beautiful wildlife and gee tree at ocean sounds. Perfect spot to sneak away from the busy life and slow down and. Enjoy the surroundings. Thank you so very much for the pleasant stay!
MICHAELA G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug, 2023
Happy to share it with you, Michaela please come back again
This was such a great place to unwind and unplug. The surrounding areas were beautiful, and the wildlife was amazing. Already trying to figure out a trip back.
Lots of wildlife, from deer, turkeys, Hawks, quail and lots more. Short drive to Dillion Beach. We also hiked Pinnacle Gulch to the beach. Which no one was at the beach and the dog was aloud.
Ken Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Cecilia
30 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was cozy and comfy. Nice and quiet the TV had variety of stations. I’d like the fruit trees and the hills all around. I also liked the enclosed patio area to enjoy your coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. I would like to go back and stay a while👍
A great little cottage, equally well-situated for jaunts to Bodega Bay and the coast as well as to wineries closer to Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. We encountered an electrical issue during our stay, but Stephen was very responsive and resolved the issue as quickly as possible. Would return!!
We had a nice day. The place had everything we needed. But, there was mouse poop here, and there. In general, the place could’ve been cleaner.
Wendy M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct, 2023
Hi Wendy, We strive to keep the studio as clean as possible, given it is part of a wildlife sanctuary and ecosystem. We ask guests to not leave food out, so we don't have to put poisons out to kill the small volls that naturally live in this ecosystem. Our many guests with pets appreciate our zero poison approach. If you did indeed not leave out food overnight or during the day, then I'm sorry that you were disturbed by voll poop that got through our cleaning methods. Glad we had otherwise everything you needed to hopefully have a good time.
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 accommodation in a natural environment which offers hiking, kayaking, bicycling, numerous beaches, whale watching, redwood forests, Point Reyes National Seashore, and several historic towns, community events and shopping nearby.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests