Riventides: North Coast Delight

Riventides sits atop peaceful Navarro Ridge overlooking the mouth of the Navarro River where it flows into the Pacific. The house has extended river and ocean views as well as a panoramic view of the forested ridges on both sides of the Navarro. We recently bought this dramatic yet serene dwelling with its two acres of land. We were enchanted by its views and its unusual combination of classical, creative, and rustic features. They all come together in what one friend characterized as “a rustic palace.”

The house is set back from the road by a long driveway with an adjacent grassy meadow. At the end of the drive, open a small gate and step into a delightful park-like courtyard reminiscent of those found in European country houses, complete with fountain. Enter the long foyer of the house and walk back to the living room, with its soaring cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace, and vaulted windows that beautifully showcase the ridge on the far side of the river. A balcony overlooks the living room from the second floor. To the right is the extended kitchen-dining area with river and ocean views, a high slanted roof, and a row of doors that open to the long covered back porch and generous backyard.

A number of vintage treasures have been incorporated into the house. The broad-board pine floors in the living and dining room hail from an old Singer sewing machine factory, the marble island counter top in the kitchen from the Berkeley Public Library, and the double doors at the front entrance are from a former Fort Bragg mercantile store. These harmonize well with the more contemporary elements, such as the industrial-style metal kitchen countertops and the stainless appliances.

The first floor has a large master bedroom suite with a huge spa/tub, enclosed tile shower, and an adjacent outdoor hot tub. There is also an ample guest room with attached bath. The second floor bedroom can sleep up to four with its bunk bed (lower double/upper single) and additional single bed. The second floor bathroom has an unusual tub/shower that is likely to delight.

Situated in Albion, Riventides is near many fine restaurants and only 8 miles from the town of Mendocino and its shops. Because it is very close to the junction of CA Route 128 and CA Highway 1, it also provides a wonderful base for experiencing the riveting beauty and other attractions all up and down the North Coast. We named the property “Riventides,” inspired by Tolkien’s “Rivendell,” a place of beauty, comfort and rejuvenation for Hobbits and Elves. We hope that with its open views of river, sea, ridges, and sky, its comfort, and its peaceful yet energizing ambiance, Riventides will serve a similar purpose for our guests!

We are lucky to have a very helpful but unintruisve caretaker for the property who lives in an apartment over the detached garage.

We have had to raise our cleaning rate for $150 to $175 to assure that our wonderful housekeeper is adequately compensated for the extra cleaning required by Covid.