Just four miles from Dillon Beach, this unique studio offers a serene retreat amidst Sonoma wine country. With natural wood throughout, French windows, and bamboo floors, the space exudes warmth and coziness. Enjoy exclusive use of a south-facing brick patio and explore the surrounding acre filled with trees and meadow grass.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 342 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio
This unique studio lies four miles inland from Dillon Beach, near Sonoma wine country and the staggeringly beautiful Sonoma coastline and beaches. The bucolic 1-acre parcel is home to deer, wild turkey, rabbits and many species of birds, who come to the many fruit and cypress trees on the property.
The building is the original stable for the 100-year-old Estero Schoolhouse. Natural wood throughout with French windows, bamboo floors, full tile kitchen., queen sized kitchen and fold-out sofa couch. The compact tiled bathroom includes shower, toilet and sink. This is a perfect writer's retreat or for anyone enjoying the beaches, towns, vineyards, or the many natural wonders of West Marin and Sonoma County. Park your car 15 feet from the front door. See families of cows just six feet across the fence from your dining table.
The studio shares the same acre and lies about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse. Both properties offer a great deal of privacy. The studio residents have exclusive use of their own south-facing brick patio, as well as the rear 1/2 acre of the property, which is filled with trees and meadow grass. Close to local wineries and breweries, or hike and kayak at Point Reyes national seashore! Enjoy exploring Bodega Bay, Dillon Beach, and the redwood forests 15 minutes away. The perfect getaway. Enjoy quality time with your travel companion or alone in this bucolic setting.
Guest access Guests can unload and park jmmediately next to the studio. Guests have exclusive use of the adjoining gazebo and deck as well as a bricked patio area to the south of the studio.
The schoolhouse, which sleeps up to six, is also available either separately or with the studio through VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/867988 Renting both listings together is recommended for those with larger parties,.
Other things to note NOTE: WITH OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, IT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRED NOT TO FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN HUMAN WASTE AND TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET. All other items (floss, sanitary napkins, cleaning wipes, etc.) go into the trash can provided. Also note this is a rural location and a nature sanctuary, and for our many guests with pets, we don't use much poison, so those with zero bug tolerance should perhaps avoid this wooded bucolic acre.
PETS: There is a $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner. We are happy for guests to bring their pets with prior notification. However, for the comfort of future guests and for hygiene purposes, animals are not allowed on our furnishings or in the beds. Extra charges will apply if this occurs. Please bring beds and. furniture covers for your dog(s) and use them exclusively. Please note that while there is a fence surrounding the property, this is not a fenced in pet location where your pet can be left unsupervised and run free on the property.
Please check your belongings before you leave! Please be advised there is a $50 fee for any left items that require being returned.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Electric car charging station on site
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking outside only
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near the ocean
Next to a golf course
On a river
Things to do
Golf
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks 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.
Rules
ALL GUESTS NEED TO READ AND AGREE TO THE RENTAL AGREEMENT, WHICH CONTAINS RULES FOR TOILETS, ENERGY USE, SURROUNDING PROPERTY AND SIX RULES FOR DOGS.
HOST MUST BE NOTIFIED OF PET(S) PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: No pets on furniture, nor chasing our wildlife
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
Important information
You need to know
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
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Valley Ford, this apartment is in a rural area and on a river. The Barlow and Heart's Desire Beach are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Russian River and Sonoma Coast State Park. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm are also worth visiting. Visit our Valley Ford travel guide
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio located?
Situated in Valley Ford, this golf apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Dillon Beach, Potter Schoolhouse and Tomales City Park. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The studio is cozy and tranquil. It has all amenities, including a full kitchen, in the small space. It is close to sights like Dillon Beach (beautiful sunsets), Bodega Bay and to dining/shopping spots like Sebastopol. The Valley Ford market, 4 minutes away, is good for the essentials. Stephen was a kind host and we had a lovely Thanksgiving stay. We will certainly be back.
The place is a bit out of the way but the road is good. Ultimate in privacy, quiet and peace. And stargazing. Full service grocery and restaurants 2 miles away. I met the owner Steve. Nice guy, full of helpful ideas.
This was our second stay at this cottage. The surroundings, for miles are incomparable, and with all the rain this winter the presence of new lakes, ponds and rivulets was incredible.
Spent a few days here and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Also close to bodega bay for whale watching or visiting the beach. Schoolhouse has everything you need.
This sweet place was exactly what we were hoping for. Private, quiet, clean, simple and in nature. The cottage had everything we needed to be comfortable. The bed was very comfortable. Stephen is responsive and a great host. We will so be back to this wonderful spot. Just a short drive to the beach and amazing restaurants. We were very happy with our stay.
The location was perfect, out of the way and near everything we wanted to see. Beautiful wildlife and gee tree at ocean sounds. Perfect spot to sneak away from the busy life and slow down and. Enjoy the surroundings. Thank you so very much for the pleasant stay!
Lots of wildlife, from deer, turkeys, Hawks, quail and lots more. Short drive to Dillion Beach. We also hiked Pinnacle Gulch to the beach. Which no one was at the beach and the dog was aloud.
Ken Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Cecilia
30 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was cozy and comfy. Nice and quiet the TV had variety of stations. I’d like the fruit trees and the hills all around. I also liked the enclosed patio area to enjoy your coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. I would like to go back and stay a while👍
Cecilia
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Steve K.
15 Aug 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Will you like it, depends.
If you’re fancy folks you probably won’t be happy. If you like complete quiet, country living, wild life, a small bed, a few bugs, a small tree frog, and lack of deep cleaning, you’ll like it. The property is a work in progress. We’re seniors, enjoyed our two day stay. We spent most of our time sight seeing and eating out. We probably won’t stay again, the bed is to small.
This is truly a "farmhouse" stay. It is out in the country with cows grazing outside the windows, 3 deer onsite each day, a gaggle of turkeys, 2 tiny frogs inside the house, and a sweet domestic mouser cat named Gracie. The description of the property is accurate, it is somewhat rough, not elegant but comfortable. The absentee owner leaves the entire property in need of TLC. There is great potential but has been somewhat abandoned. The non-working fountain is a breeding ground for mosquitos, not good. Otherwise, it's an interesting place and we enjoyed ourselves while we stayed there.
Small, rustic studio in country side location. Very quiet and peaceful. Double bed was comfortable but too small. Tiny bathroom but it suffices. Kitchen was well stocked with all things needed to cook. Lots of spices and oil/vinegar supplied.
Couch could use an update but it works. Enjoyed the outdoor gazebo with the Kitty visitor. The grounds could use some TLC which was cleaned up on our third day there. All in all if you are not too particular this place might be for you. Steve the owner was very pleasant to chat with. He does not live on site but came to do some maintenance.
Phyllis H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Dawna J.
29 Sept 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Has good potential
Great location, quiet, cute. The place has so much potential for more. Really could use more frequent deep cleanings. Lots of dust, cobwebs, mice, and frog droppings. The advertising does say we will experience some bugs. I just would have expected the place to be cleaner and for more effort in preventing mice droppings on the dishes. I have a daughter who is extremely allergic to mice, and she would not have been able to stay at this location. Maybe be a little clearer about mice and frogs. Especially for the cost to stay here. Unfortunately, I probably will not be staying here again until the dep cleanings and pests are addressed.
Did we enjoy our stay? Abosutely. It was affordable, convenient and unique. Grounds, outside and patios do need some renovation. But it isn’t a “destination resort” if you want to make that to be the focus of your time. We didn’t. Too much to see and do nearby if you don’t mind driving. Would we visit again? Yes, we like exploring unique and different locations and enjoy the rural setting.
The host was OOT during our stay but stayed in contact if needed. He was accommodating to our arrival/departure timing.
VRBO photos give a good feel for the arrangement of the studio, but it is a studio. The photos show a very pristine studio and while we weren’t unhappy with the studio itself, the grounds and brick patio have shown some aging.
The location was convenient in our trips to Diilon beach, Bodega Bay, Sebastapol and Santa Rosa, etc.
While serviceable, the “compact bath” is akin to an RV or cruise ship shower/toilet. But, again, it is serviceable and is helped by multiple mirrors elsewhere. May be difficult for more than 2-3 people.
And, yes, there were deer and turkeys wandering around which we always enjoyed seeing.
Lots of clean linens. Comfortable bed. Kitchen adequately equipped. Could use a higher wattage microwave.
Plan to return again.
If you want peace and solitude, this is the place. The bed was good, very quaint and cozy. Extremely easy access to the beach and multiple little downtowns.
Fantastic host of a wonderful place to stay! Cozy, quiet and secluded. The surroundings are so bucolic that several times I could hardly believe the views.
The studio is quite adorable and has such a fun history. There are charming dairy cow and sheep farms all around which made us feel like we were in Ireland. The roads in the area do get flooded in heavy rains, so be cautions if vacationing during the rainy season.