Romantic Private Estate/Fantastic 180° Whitewater Ocean Views

Our family of four, with two young boys (6 and 9), drove from Vancouver, BC with stops along the Oregon coast and stayed for 7 nights in Aug 2011. I found the reviews here to be accurate and everything as expected regarding the location, layout, and amenities. Barbara was very helpful and she made sure that our experience was a smooth one.

We loved the home and setting and will return again. I would recommend it where you're looking to relax and getaway. My one critique: the BBQ has seen better days and should be refreshed or replaced (although it didn't stop us from using it every day!).

The views from the main living spaces and large deck are perhaps better than the pictures. There has been so much care in the selection of furnishings, appliances, art, and tiling and how it all comes together...it makes you feel good to be there. I described it to my wife as the first IKEA free home I've been in for years! The third bedroom has a full bathroom, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and TV as well as a separate shaded patio and sitting area which would be handy if you were travelling with another couple or in-laws. There is a full wash/dryer combo and nice garage.

The home is situated on a quiet side road with a great and unobstructed view overlooking Cooks beach. Cooks is an easy and pleasant 5 minute stroll. The path down has been improved by the local preservation society and has steps cut out and a landing area. Nearby Gualala is a small town but has several restaurants, a good espresso place, two markets, a sports/recreation store, pharmacy and two gas stations. Everything you need. Other nearby beaches include Anchor Bay (for the best skim boarding) and Schooner Cove which is also very nice (also an easy stroll from the road).

Other: Elk sometimes wander through the backyard, the bird feeder attracts beautiful birds. San Fran is 2.45 hours drive and you could include this in your plans. PCH1 offers spectacular views driving either direction. On this part of the coast there is often fog that rolls in and out depending on conditions. It can set down on the beach during the day and move back or dissipate quickly or slowly, you just never know. Only 500 feet back it could be blue skies and sun. All weather providers were inaccurate when it came to Gualala. I think they measure from the airport which is set back and less susceptible to the mist. This shouldn't dissuade you, just something to be aware of.

This was as beautiful in person as it was online. Our only problem was that it was sold and escrow had closed and had new owners that were in Europe. I don't know if it was because it was between owners but there was no TV/Satelite reception, and although the view was gorgeous I would have liked to have seen the news at least. Also there were a few other troubles, the broiler in the kitchen did not work, I had to figure out the trouble with the garbage disposal, I couldn't find the garage opener from the instructions and had to talk with the realator to find out where the garage opener was. The internet also didn't work again I don't know if it was because it was between owners. The house overall was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves greatly, but I do wish everything worked without a hitch. I'd rent this house again if it is still available.Also some extra towels would have been nice.

We spent a week at this wonderful property just before Thanksgiving 2009. Beautiful home, excellent views of the ocean from every room. Perfectly appointed and exactly as described. Thank you for sharing your home with us.