A perfect mix of beauty and function!
Submitted: August 14, 2012
Stayed: August 2012
We rent vacation homes often and this is one of the best we've encountered. On this trip, we were three families (6 adults + 6 children), so space, privacy, and onsite activities were key for us. The Gump Estate delivered all of that, and more.
From a functional perspective:
-Location: It's rural enough to feel like an escape without being inconvenient. Bud's meats is 5 min away and grocery stores like Oliver's, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's are 15 min away. The Santa Rosa Marketplace (Target, Old Navy, etc.) and takeout restaurants are also 15 min away. Spas are a 15-30 min drive and golf 5-10 min away. We also took a day trip to check out the Healdsburg wineries (35-45 min away).
-Layout: The main house is a nice gathering spot where early birds/night owls can relax without disturbing anyone. The four bedrooms in the pool house and cottage each had ensuite bathrooms and separate exits...very handy. It's also nice that the entire property is gated, so we didn't have to worry about the kids getting out or locking up each night.
-Amenities: The beds are comfortable with high quality linens. The pool is beautiful, but the size and style of the hot tub is remarkable. My husband was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the grill and we all enjoyed cooking on the 6-burner Viking stove. I liked that I could hook up my iPod and turn music on/off in different parts of the main house (inside/out) with the touch of a button. The wifi and cell reception were decent, especially considering the location.
-Activities: The kids enjoyed playing on the lawns and in the bocce ball court. We all enjoyed the pool in the afternoons and the hot tub once the temperatures started to drop. The kids also loved picking the delicious apples and blackberries that were ripening on the property.
-Service: The owners were very responsive to questions before and during our stay. The gardens and amenities were beautifully maintained.
Finally, this place is simply magical. The scale of the main house with its soaring ceilings and huge windows is from another era. The setting up on the hill reduces traffic noise and provides wonderful views. The decor is tasteful, but comfortable and not over-the-top. The grounds are blessed with mature growth like rows of apple trees, patches of lavender, and gnarled grape vines - this must have taken decades of planning and maintenance. It's a special place and we miss it already!
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