Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
On beach
Hot tub on site
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Albion, CA
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Place, Navarro River Redwoods State Park
2 min walk
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Place, Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
33 min drive
Glass Beach
Place, Glass Beach
46 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
3 bathrooms
Downstairs Master Bath
Toilet · Shower only
Kitchen/Guest Bath
Toilet · Shower only
Upstairs Master Bath
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway
PLEASE READ: WITH VERY LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, BALEEN MAY NOT BE BOOKED TO SPLIT WEEKENDS OR CAUSE A FRIDAY OR SUNDAY SAME-DAY CLEANING SITUATION. THUS, BOOKING REQUESTS WITH ARRIVAL ON SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS OR DEPARTURE ON FRIDAYS OR SATURDAYS WILL BE REJECTED. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
Very private, luxury property with spectacular ocean views, perfect for a family outing or surprise intimate getaway.
This custom, gated blufftop home overlooks Albion's picturesque Navarro Beach, where the Navarro River meets the Pacific Ocean. Listen to the soothing sounds of the waves and marvel in the panoramic views from anywhere along wrap-around deck, including from the radiating warmth of the amazing, heated Galanter & Jones loveseat. Watch the sun melt into the Pacific while relaxing with a glass of award-winning, locally-crafted wine or cider. Grab a few fluffy towels, rinse off in the outdoor shower, and stargaze on a cool, clear night in the secluded, roomy hot tub, located on its own deck. Its 58 hydrotherapy jets will ease you into your getaway.
An established, popular vacation home on the Mendocino coast, Baleen - named for the blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) that can be seen from the deck during migration - was exquisitely furnished by a professional decorator and completely renovated from the ground up. It is a meticulous melding of comfort and serenity, and includes:
- two private, gorgeous bedroom suites (plus two queen-sized, customized sofabeds--one in each lounge) - 3 full bathrooms (complete with heated floors) - full gourmet kitchen - Speed Queen washer/dryer -A Lopi cast-iron gas stove with 3-sided bay windows (and remote) to curl up and watch the dancing flames from all angles on cold nights - no smoke and no scout badge required to start it! -A backup generator with automatic transfer switch to seamlessly provide power to entire house in the event of a power outage or shut-off - all the expected (and even unexpected) amenities of a luxury vacation home, including multiple flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth-enabled stereo, commercial cooktop/indoor grill, double wall stoves, granite countertops of rose quartz and labradorite, local artwork, designer furniture, bamboo flooring throughout the first floor, and a telescope for whale watching.
The activities you can enjoy are endless. Take a leisurely sunrise or sunset walk or brisk jog along the open, secluded stretch of sand below the house: access is just a minute's drive down the hill to free, beachfront parking. (There is no direct beach access from the house.) Travel a few miles south to Elk and experience the exquisite cuisine of chef Matt Kammerer at his 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in The Harbor House Inn. You can also head north for several miles to dine at one of several fine renowned restaurants like Ledford House. Then go for a stroll in downtown Mendocino, soak in the landscape, or take a drive up the coast. Try the award-winning Anderson Valley wines just east of Baleen. Experience Mendocino at a slow, inspired pace.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items 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.
If you move furniture, please carefully return to original position before departure, and If you break anything, please let me know.
If you want 1 weekend night during a 2-night opening, please understand I'll give priority to 2-night requests. Consider asking for 2 nights!
Golden Rule Policy: please treat Baleen as you'd want me to treat your home. :) Thank you!
Important information
You need to know
Property # 472683vb
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
Note from host: Events require separate discussion/pricing.
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
Albion
Located in Albion, this holiday home is on the beach. Albion River Bridge and Kelley House Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Navarro River Redwoods State Park and Greenwood State Beach. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.
Navarro River Redwoods State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Agate Beach - 25 min drive - 23.1 km
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse - 33 min drive - 28.7 km
Skunk Train - 41 min drive - 42.3 km
Glass Beach - 46 min drive - 43.7 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 115 min drive
Restaurants
Little River Inn - 16 min drive
Harbor House Inn - 7 min drive
Terra Mar Kitchen - 8 min drive
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek - 15 min drive
Maritime Cafe - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway?
As of 9 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway on 26 Dec, 2026 start from S$619, 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 Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Exquisite, Private Oceanfront Getaway located?
Situated on the beach, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.7 km) from Navarro River Redwoods State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Albion River Bridge and Greenwood State Beach. Mendocino Coast Massage and Greenwood Community Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful home with a breathtaking view right on the ocean. This house is fully stocked with everything you might need. Will definitely stay here again. I wish I could give it more stars!
House has a ridiculously amazing view, perched directly over the shimmering Pacific. The ultimate relaxing-and-do-nothing get-away facility. Well equipped, clean, very cozy and easy to find. Margie's responsiveness is off the radar. We plan on making this an annual stop for as long as feasible.
Gorgeous views, private setting, and everything you could possibly need to take in the beauty of this area! Our family felt cozy and welcome from the minute we arrived at Baleen. Whale watching from the deck and sunsets from the hot tub were highlights for sure. Margie was the kindest host and she went out of her way to recommend hikes and places to eat. Our family made forever memories and we plan to come back!
This is our favorite place to stay when we visit the Mendocino Coast! Clean, comfortable beds and linens, and a well stocked kitchen with all amenities provided. Best of all are the amazing views and beautiful sunsets!!
Host was very accommodating, the home was fully stocked, more than most, and the home was very clean and livable. We wish we could have stayed longer. Being ocean-front property and private was a super added bonus. The bummer was fog, early and late.
This is hands down my favorite vacation rental I have ever stayed in, and I cannot recommend it enough. The home is extremely comfortable and features a fully stocked kitchen with everything you could possibly need for cooking. The hot tub is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset, and the spectacular views are the true standout feature of the property. Between the excellent amenities and the breathtaking scenery, this stay was absolutely flawless. Don’t hesitate—just book it!
Fabulous property with incredible views!! This is our 5th or 6th time staying at this house in Elk. Margie is an amazing host. We hope to return many more times in the future.
I have stayed at many vacation homes on California's north coast, but Baleen is the most special one I've stayed at. The home is incredibly beautiful and comfortable, with lots of special touches. From the stocked kitchen, high quality appliances, soft/thick towels, beautiful bedrooms; to the amazing location, deck, view of the ocean (whales and sea lions) and excellent hot tub. Throughout my visit, communications with Margie were outstanding and very helpful. There was a fierce wind storm and power outage, but because the house has a backup generator, my visit wasn't impacted. Margie has created an amazing home and based on my experience, is someone that truly wants her guests to love and enjoy their time on the coast.
Thanks for the review, Mary. Would love to know offline why a star deduction. I heard only that you were blissfully enjoying your getaway during your stay. If any guest has a concern, I encourage them to please let me know during their stay so I can address it.
Our stay was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The accommodations were top notch and the beauty of the home were breathtaking. We couldn’t recommend this spectacular home more. This home lives up to the reviews and exceeded all expectations.
We had a fantastic stay at Baleen! The house was spotlessly clean, kitchen fully stocked, and everything functioned correctly/intuitively. The linens and bedding were fresh, the bathroom was immaculate, and even the smallest details (heated bathroom flooring) were well cared for.The space itself was incredibly comfortable and cozy. The living area was inviting, with various seating and incredible ocean views that created a calming atmosphere that made it easy to relax after long days of exploring the coast!Margie was very easy to communicate with, I highly recommend booking this place, I would absolutely stay here again!
We had a wonderful stay! The host was easy and a pleasure to work with—responsive and thoughtful. The house was very clean, well stocked, and included lovely little surprises like a heated outdoor chair and a clean, fully functional hot tub. But the real showstopper is the view—absolutely breathtaking and worth the trip all on its own. Highly recommend!
The property was even better than the pictures. Amazing views - just stunning! Kitchen was fantastic. It is perfect for a weekend getaway. Can't wait to return!!!
Robin R.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shayne M.
20 May, 2019
Great as always
House and location are amazing. Great as always!
Shayne M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
Thanks, Shayne. I love the fact that you and so many guests fell in love with Baleen during a prior stay and return time and again.. I'm looking forward to your next getaway with us.
My husband and I totally enjoyed our stay at Baleen. The setting is beautiful and we loved waking up to coastal views and going to sleep to the sound of waves. It was wonderful! Thank you.
Sandra H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun, 2023
Baleen is ideal for a romantic anniversary celebration. Thanks so much for your review, Sandy. Hope to see you again soon.
We had such an incredible stay this Christmas at Baleen. As always, Margie was amazing and goes above and beyond.
Emily L.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
About the host
Hosted by Margie Gear
A California girl who loves the North Coast, and enjoys sharing the luxury and beauty of her homes with visitors to this wonderful part of the the Golden State.
I've worked and traveled across most of Europe and some of Asia, and I've lived in Hawaii. My family is from Canada (we used to joke that I am the only US-born family member and can become president someday.) I keep coming back to California and its unrivaled beauty and liveability.
I am an active animal rescuer and I was on the Advisory Board of Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Rescue. I spent 14 years fostering and volunteering with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue. I have met wonderful, caring people through my work with them, not to mention some great birds!
I also volunteer my time - 30 years this year - to ALRP, which provides free legal representation to those living with or affected by AIDS or HIV here in the Bay Area. I am blessed and I like to pay it forward.
My mottos are 'Carpe Diem, Vita Brevis' and 'This, too, shall pass.' They have served me very well.
I am a hands-on host. I want to make sure your questions are answered and you have a great time while visiting Baleen. I encourage you to reach out to me before, during, or after your vacation with questions, comments, or suggestions.
I hope you try out my beautiful Mendocino home and are prepared to be spoiled and indulged.
Why they chose this property
Mendocino is a spiritual, lovely, relaxing and rejuvenating area. I knew this was a unique estate when I first saw it. It has been completely renovated with the finest finishes. Please enjoy!
What makes this property unique
From the heated limestone floors in the bathrooms to the rose quartz and Labradorite countertops and custom-made vanities, everything is top-notch and luxurious at Baleen. The front entryway boasts a locally-made black walnut bench from the Elk Art Collective. There are antique Chinese armoires and one-of-a kind artwork throughout. Come visit and be pampered.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests