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Entire apartment

Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio

Photo gallery for Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, DVD player, books, music library
Interior
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Outdoor dining
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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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 an additional $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner.

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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 450 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

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

Property is also known as

Estero Schoolhouse Studio
Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio Valley Ford
Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio Private vacation home

About the area

Map
Valley Ford, CA

What's nearby

  • Dillon Beach - 13 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Doran Beach - 16 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Links at Bodega Harbour - 16 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Bodega Harbour - 17 min drive - 18.9 km
  • Bodega Head - 25 min drive - 25.2 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa Station - 38 min drive
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fishetarian Fish Market - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Tides Wharf Restaurant & Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Bodega Bay Oyster Company - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Birds Cafe - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Boat House - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio pet-friendly?

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.

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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 54 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Virgina A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a good time

Great private time for sure So much to look at and perfect for hikeing andscouting
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful Haven

Our stay was restful and beautiful. We loved gazing at the green hills outside the sweet windows of the studio.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Quick Getaway

I enjoyed this quiet rural getaway that was only a short drive to some charming restaurants and lovely beaches.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Isolated resting place

Great place to get away and just rest and breathe the country air.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janet R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dont miss this spot!!

Awesome, super quiet and relaxing! Close to all spots we wanted to explore! Kitchen well equipped! Will stay again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Cecilia

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👍
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get away

It was very quiet and private. The location was central to all the quaint beach towns that we visited. And close to the redwoods for a beautiful hike.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

heavenly time away

very special peaceful place. I walked in and said, " I want a month here! "
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

MICHAELA G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ken Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for the price

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bridgette P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place for a writing retreat

I stayed here for a solo writing retreat. It was quiet, cozy, and I enjoyed watching families of deer and wild turkeys right outside the window. The cute little town of Valley Ford is nearby. The studio is small but perfect for 1-2 people.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

This was such a great place to unwind and unplug. The surrounding areas were beautiful, and the wildlife was amazing. Already trying to figure out a trip back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Wendy M., Pacifica, CA

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky spot

We had a nice day. The place had everything we needed. But, there was mouse poop here, and there. In general, the place could’ve been cleaner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great country studio.

I booked this studio for my wife and teenage daughters. It was awesome. Location is beautiful and super close to the beaches of Sonoma County. Stephen made the check in process very simple and convenient. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Steve K.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie T., Long Beach, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Getaway

Great little rustic studio in a lovely setting. Perfect for 1 - 2 people. Beautiful surroundings. Off the beaten path, but easy to access. Great place to get away for a few days. Studio was just as described. There were folks in the other 'unit' on the property , but we didn't even know they were there other than to see their car parked as we came and went. A few shops / eateries just up the road in Valley Ford (check out Estero Cafe for great breakfasts); quick drive to Bodega Bay (we were visiting UC Davis Marine Lab); easy jaunt to Sebastopol. Would definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Dawna J.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a gem in the jungle if you enjoy outdoors n don’t mind tiny cozy little space. It probably started with excellent design at first n overtime lack of maintenance. It left quite a few spots unfinished. Some walls had wood pieces cut out n looked like ready for some decorative tiles to be placed. The wall mirror had a missing corner etc. The place is clean though n the little fireplace is good enough to warm up the room. The kitchen is tiny but is equipped with all the spices, cooking oil n vinegar, pots n pans for light cooking. It even has an expresso pour over machine n a table top Melita drip dispenser for making coffee. It would be nice to have a good working sink strainer if no garbage disposal, and more luxury to have a portable dishwasher to keep the dishes clean. I did my best to hand clean the dishes n enjoyed reorganizing them better on the rack. However the tiny bathroom is the worst part of the place n definitely needs immediate fix ups. The hot water supply is insufficient that my shower became cold towards the end on both nights. The hot n cold water switches were loose n the shower head was missing. There’s a door casually painted as back wall but it doesn’t fit as a permanent solution plus its lock was worn or broken to the yard n bad for safety. It also has an odor either from toilet or drainage that needs to be flushed well with sanitizer or bleach. We come to this area often n this time we had a different experience other than staying in a hotel.
Outside look of studio
Excellent ground with plenty of space for human walks or pet runs.
Safe fenced side yards with bbq equipment.
Convenient parking
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Bobbi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A menagerie of farm animals

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Phyllis H., Chico California

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach air

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Ronald T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable and affordable getaway

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.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable Country Studio

Very comfortable studio in a nice country/farm location. Stephen was very good with communication - there was a bit of a hitch with our check-in time, but he let us know ahead of time (unfortunately I had not had a chance to check my messages). A couple of things to note: 1. I wouldn't recommend this studio for those who are highly arachnophobic. It's the nature of the location that spiders will quickly find a way in - they were mostly daddy long leg types. I don't mind having spiders around as they can take care of other pests, but for some they can cause a very strong reaction. 2. The bathroom is very small and might not work for some people with mobility issues. The toilet paper roll was already wet from the shower when we got there - they're right across from each other with only a curtain in between. There were two other rolls so we kept one in the medicine cabinet to take out and put back when needed. There's nowhere to keep your supplies for a shower besides the floor or wire shelves in the kitchen (there is a sliding door in between), so it may be problematic for those who have trouble bending. We didn't have much opportunity to utilize the outdoor areas, but they looked very nice. Overall we had a great time - thanks Stephen!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

2/10 Terrible

Katheryn M.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful country cottage

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely western Sonoma getaway

A great little cottage, equally well-situated for jaunts to Bodega Bay and the coast as well as to wineries closer to Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. We encountered an electrical issue during our stay, but Stephen was very responsive and resolved the issue as quickly as possible. Would return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024