San Rafael Vacation Rental cottage

My family of three rented this cottage for a week in late August. Although the cottage has only 1 bedroom, the pullout couch in the living room allowed a separate sleeping area for my daughter, which worked perfectly for us. The online pictures looked good -- the cottage itself is even better. When we arrived, we found everything to be spotless and well planned. There were clean linens ready for the pullout couch, clean towels in the bathroom. The bamboo floors, stainless appliances, marble tiles in the bathroom, copper fixtures -- everything about the cottage is done with great taste, so you feel at home, not as if you're staying in a rental. The owner very kindly even made sure we had shampoo and coffee. The deck overlooks a wooded back yard and was perfect for morning coffee. We spotted deer more than once, too!

Coming from the east coast, we were totally unfamiliar with Marin County, but wanted to be close to San Francisco without being in the city itself. We picked a house in San Rafael, hoping to be within day-trip distance of a few things: San Fran, the redwood trees, and wine country. As it turns out, the location could not have been better! Getting to the city was an easy 15 minute ride, getting to Muir Woods was about the same. Napa is within an hour or so... Monterey was within 2 hours. We even spent some time in San Jose - all were within a reasonable distance. San Rafael itself is also a very nice little town -- not a lot of restaurants downtown, but we enjoyed breakfast in town more than once before heading out for the day. The grocery store near the house is pricey (if you're from the east), but has great selections and could not be more convenient.

All in all, a great house to rent for vacation. Location was ideal and the house itself was charming. I was happy to find the owner's main house on the same property (though, not really visible from the rental). As a tourist, it was great to be able to knock on the door and ask 'a local' questions. I'd recommend this rental to anyone wanting to visit the area!

We stayed in this marvelous place for one week this last August, and just loved it! It was sparkling clean, totally equipped with all the amenities one can think of (and more). The place is so quiet and peaceful. A excellent value for the money. The owner is very thoughtful too. This place is a gem. Highly recommended, an hoping to be back there in the near future.

my partner and I stayed in this property in the beginning of August. The house feels like a real tree-house as its built on a platform which reaches half-way into the crowns of the oak trees to the back of the cottage. The cottage is set well away from the owners' property and is very secluded and quiet. There's a wooden veranda all the way round the cottage - we enjoyed breakfast on the deck every morning. The inside of the cottage is very clean, stylish and completely unique. Its comfortable and well laid-out and we found there was everything we needed in the kitchen. The garden had loads of wild life: birds of prey, bats, deer, birds, squirrels but no wasps and other beasties. The cottage is situated a few miles out of San Rafael so you probably need a car (or motorcycle) - there's completely secure parking at the cottage - but there is a food shop just down the hill (7-10 mins walk) where you can buy a wide range of food and drinks. We shopped in the local super markets in San Rafael - the Wholefods place had great quality stuff. As we were touring on motorcycle we tended to eat at home in the evenings and there was a great range of easily prepared meals available - also try the Safeways a few miles away. The owner, Joe, is a top-guy. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, and if you ask him really nicely he may let you use his washing machine :-) Thanks for that, Joe :-) One wee useful addition to the cottage could be a table for the terrace although it's just one of these little 'would-likes'. The 'tree-house' for us was simply perfect - we cannot fault our stay in any way. We would love to go back and stay again - maybe next year. Heartily recommended. PS. Joe, we popped new batteries in the smoke detector as it was beeping :-)