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Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access

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"Every morning and evening, I would curl up in a warm blanket on the captain bed, soaking in the sun and often spotting a family of quails, rabbits, foxes, and deers"
7 person hot tub with powerful jets for a relaxing time watching the milky way.
"Hands down one of the most beautiful places to stay in all our trips to The Sea Ranch. Nirmal and Kevin were truly gracious and wonderful hosts. Loved the ocean views, the miles of walking trails, and the hot tub. Can’t wait to come back!"
"The 6 captain beds with those huge bolsters created plenty of space to spread around either sitting or reclining and taking a nap"
"It was really nice to have a living room where we could spend  several relaxing evenings catching up with friends, sipping wine and solving puzzles"

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8208.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
The Sea Ranch, CA
  • Sea Ranch Golf Links
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Walk On Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Shell Beach
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access

Welcome to The Cottontail Inn, a preferred destination to unplug, uncork, and unwind at The Sea Ranch. We offer a blend of modern amenities with the warmth of a rustic abode and easy access to trails, a golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, beaches, tide pools, and more. Following your outdoor pursuits, relax with a glass of wine on our patio, watch the sunset, curl up with a book in our loft, or soak in our private hot tub and watch the Milky Way on a clear night.

The Northern California community of Sea Ranch was developed in the early 1960s by architect and planner Al Boeke, who envisioned a community that would preserve the area’s natural, rugged beauty and coastline and would be based on ecological principles with minimal impact on the native environment. To carry out this vision, Boeke assembled a creative team of some of the most noted designers of the time: architects Joseph Esherick, Donlyn Lyndon, Charles Moore, and Richard Whitaker; landscape architect Lawrence Halprin; architectural photographer Morley Baer; and graphic designer Barbara Stauffacher Solomon. The first residences were a designed by the architecture firm of Moore Lyndon Turnbull Whitaker (MLTW) and today over 2000 homes, including The Cottontail Inn are remarkably intact and true to the original design intent.

At the Cottontail, an open layout plan seamlessly integrates the gourmet kitchen with an inviting dining and living room that is accentuated by Douglas fir-lined pitched ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of The Sea Ranch Golf Links against the backdrop of the majestic redwood forests. Expect to be entertained by deer, foxes, hares, quails, and various birds. The living room is flanked by patios on either side, serving as ideal spots to sip your coffee, soak in the morning sun or chill out with a glass of wine and a book in hand. Adjacent to the living room is an entertainment/tv room that sports a collection of board games and classic movies. A set of winding stairs lead to the loft with an adjoining deck that affords a higher vantage point for appreciating the expansive landscape or witnessing the majestic sunsets on a picturesque northern California landscape.

The massive kitchen island clad in Neolith stone and a 6-burner Blue Star cooking range aim to inspire the culinary chef in you. The two additional wall ovens make it easy to host get-togethers during the holidays. The Clementi wood-burning stove is not only effective in keeping the space toasty in chill weather but also doubles up as an oven for roasting dinners or having a pizza night. Enjoy an assortment of craft coffee and tea at the beverage bar or let loose the mixologist in you to spin up some craft cocktails. Browse our eclectic collection of cookbooks and craft cocktail recipes for inspiration.

The master suite hosts a king-sized bed, while the ensuite bath hosts a double vanity, a shower, a bathtub, and a water closet. The guest bedrooms host queen-sized beds and a shared bathroom equipped with a washer/dryer. The beds are equipped with premium Sleep Innovation mattresses and pillows and soft bed linen, as well as black-out shades for those who wish to sleep in late. The bathrooms have bath linens, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap. The courtyard hosts a 7-person hot tub for your exclusive use and a space to unwind outdoors with some protection from the winds. The house is equipped with a Tesla EV charger as well as solar panels and energy storage to tide over power outages. Wifi is extremely fast and reliable, for those looking to do work or stay connected while at Sea Ranch.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy easy access to the charming Salal trail and the ocean bluff trail that leads to the Gualala Point Regional Park, several beaches, tide pools, and vista points to watch the seals, birds, and whales, depending on the season. The Sea Ranch hosts over 50 miles of hiking trails. Bring your bike along, if you wish to enjoy miles of road or mountain biking. You can also rent kayaks at the mouth of the Gualala river. If you golf, the 7th hole of The Sea Ranch Golf Links is right in our backyard, and the club is only a leisurely walk away. Access cards are available for up to 5 guests to the three recreation centers that host a swimming pool, tennis courts, saunas, and locker rooms. The Ohlson center also sports a volleyball court and space for shooting hoops. Downtown Gualala is just 2 miles away and hosts two supermarkets, two gas stations, a video library, a vet, a gym, a post office, a bank, two ATMs, cafes, restaurants, and boutique art galleries and shops.

The entire house is available and accessible for the guests (except the garage and a few locked closets and cabinets). The private hot tub is located in the courtyard for your exclusive use. Information on your smart lock access code and for reserving the pools and tennis courts will be shared a week before your check-in date.

We try to be very responsive yet non-intrusive. Our home is a labor of our love. Our inquiries are aimed at taking care that the guests we host value and cherish the amenities we provide and that they empathize with and respect our efforts in doing so. We live in a very friendly, yet very quiet neighborhood that prides itself on being light on the land and in harmony with nature. We love the constant sound of the ocean waves and the strong winds as they caress the pines and the grassy meadows. We are a "dark skies community" that prefers downlighting and turns down the evening lights to appreciate the stars, carelessly scattered gems on the dark fabric of a clear night sky.

We are proud to have partnered with OwnerRez, a preferred software partner of Vacation Rental Channels, to manage our guest experience through API integration. Following your reservation on your preferred vacation rental channel, you will receive requests to sign a rental agreement and process a credit card authorization hold of $1000 as a security deposit released 14 days from your check-out, subject to any deductions for damages or HOA fines.

We request that you observe the following during your stay, without exception.
* No Pets
* No Smoking
* No Shoes in the house.
* No loud noises that would inconvenience our neighbors.

Violating the following will attract severe fines from our HOA, which will be deducted from your security deposit.
* No speeding above 25mph on any Sea Ranch roads off of Hwy 1
* No smoking (Of any material anywhere on the Sea Ranch)
* No drones, including on private lots and yards.
* No trespassing (Avoid private lots and yards. Keep to the roads and trails)
* No loud noises or excessively bright lights.

We charge an additional fee per guest per night for reservations involving more than six guests.
The video monitoring is limited to the home's exterior areas to ensure guest security and seamless orchestration of our guest experience.

Typically check-in time is 4 pm, and check-out is 11 am. We do our best to accommodate requests for early check-in or late check-out, subject to guest reservations and the schedule of our cleaning crew.

We observe an honor system in the consumption of condiments and spices and request that you either replenish what you use or leave an appropriate monetary contribution to us replenish them.

Over 100 five-star reviews say that you will like it here!

1524

Property manager

Nirmal Merchant

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Service animals must comply with California Depart
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No Pets, No Smoking, No Parties, No Shoes inside the house
Respect Sea Ranch as a Night Skies and Low Noise community.

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
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 3541N

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sea Ranch

Located in Sea Ranch, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Salt Point State Park and Gualala Point Regional Park, while Alinder Gallery of Photography and Studio 391 Fine Art Gallery are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
The Sea Ranch, CA

What's nearby

  • Sea Ranch Golf Links - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Gualala River - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Walk On Beach - 7 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Pebble Beach - 9 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Shell Beach - 14 min drive - 6.2 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 127 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Blue Canoe Coffee & Tea - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Gualala Seafood Shack - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cove Azul Bar & Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Black Door Mexican Cuisine - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Trinks - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Coastal Elegance & Modern Retreat w/ Hot tub and Bluff-trail access located?

Situated in Sea Ranch, this golf holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Sea Ranch Golf Links and Gualala River. Gualala Point Regional Park and Gualala Bluff Trail are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas P.

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

Beautiful stay

Had a great time! Well stocked kitchen and short walk from the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

David G.

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

Cottontail at Sea Ranch

The best experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Iolanda M.

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

Exceeded expectations!

We absolutely loved our short stay in this home. It was spotlessly clean and beautiful. The location was great for our family to get outside and explore nature, including several deer right outside the window! Can't wait to go back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alessandra G.

Awesome coastal modern retreat

Our family had a marvelous time at the Cottontail Inn, despite the horrendous storms that impacted the area & beyond. We were thankful to discover that this property is equipped with Tesla Power Walls, as well as the more typical propane operated water heater & oven. Nothing was lacking, from comfortable furnishings to well appointed kitchen & vast array of games/dvds, the owners have thought of virtually everything to ensure that one’s stay is truly unforgettable!

10/10 Excellent

Cati Y.

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

Perfect Sea Ranch Get-Away

If you like to cook, relax and enjoy beautiful scenery, this is the place! We were hard-pressed to think of a kitchen tool that wasn’t provided. The owners thought of every detail. The beds were very comfortable and the location (1-minute walk to the bluff trail) was perfect! We made good use of the huge hot tub and did some impressive star-gazing during our soaks. The owner could not have been more helpful or responsive when we had questions. I felt like I was dealing with a friend. Stay here - you won’t regret it!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Thanksgiving at Sea Ranch

beautiful property, perfectly equipped kitchen, common area perfect for informal gatherings, spacious dining table, comfortable TV area and "private" upstairs work area, comfortable beds, gracious and very responsive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Marwan K.

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

Good Sea Ranch spot.

Solid place. Excellent reliability from the host. In these days of VRBO flakes, reliability is key. Very stylish house with decent amenities. Great kitchen. As far as rentals go, you wont get many kitchens like this one.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Theresa D.

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

Fantastic Retreat

The Cottontail: the definition of "vacation." An amazing home in all the surrounding nature, including the most incredible views of The Milky Way.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Desiree I.

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

Book It!

We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more at Sea Ranch. It had everything to keep our family busy; tennis, swim, golf, hiking and biking. Our accommodations at Cottontail with Nirmal as our host left nothing to be desired! Not only is the home immaculate with beautiful decor, the kitchen is fully stocked so plan to eat in at least a couple of nights! We loved sharing family meals in the beautiful dining room followed by lots of choices for game night! Thank you Nirmal! Everything was impeccable! Also, to note, the property is located on the northern side, so access to Guala was extremely easy and that was a perk!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heidi H.

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

Whales!

How do you not love a spot where you can watch the whales spray? Perfect location, incredibly comfortable beds and clean bedding and floors. Professional management that responded to every request during our stay. Great memories up at Sea Ranch!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

MIKE C.

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

CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN

Incredible home in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Well appointed, comfortable, easy to access, communicative hosts, everything you would need for a relaxing time with friends and/or family. Close to hikes, beach, lodge...can't wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

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

Picture perfect

Lovely house in a lovely location! Would stay again and recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn B.

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

Lovely stay

Beautiful home, wonderful hosts who went the extra mile to make our stay special. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl H.

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

Excellent all the way around

Clean, attractive, just as pictured. Best kitchen in a rental that I’ve ever experienced. Location and communication with the owner also excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas D.

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

Three day getaway

My wife and I stayed at the Cottontail Inn with our 3 year old daughter for three days. Everything was perfect! Beautiful house and area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nanka S.

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

Tranquil, lovely location.

We had a great family stay in this lovely VRBO. We enjoyed the proximity to the many trails nearby, especially the trail along the scenic creek which ends at the Pacific and connects to the coastal trail and the State Park trails nearby. There was ample room for four adults and two children. The kitchen is well equipped. The hot tub was wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda M Owen O.

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

Just Perfect!

We loved the house, the kitchen, the yard, and all of the small details. We would definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tamara P.

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

February Birthday Weekend

Our weekend centered on cooking, running, hiking, and playing board games together. The kitchen was large and well-equipped. The house had great access to seaside trails.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

linda l.

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

Spectacular

We absolutely loved everyone about our stay. Our hosts have a beautiful home with beach and wooded views. The wildlife you can see here is amazing. It’s close to everything you need. Once we got here, it was hard to leave. It’s a very comfortable home designed for conversation and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

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

Love Sea Ranch

My family loved hanging out together in beautiful Sea Ranch. Tons of wild life this time. Wonderful long walks.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mindy G.

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

Immaculate home!

The Cottontail house was exactly as pictured and thoughtfully appointed with everything you could possibly need for your stay. We enjoyed cooking meals in the chef's kitchen. Beds were super comfy with lovely soft linens and plush towels provided. Lots of nice details! The owners were extremely responsive. We would definitely like to stay again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Herk K.

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

Clean, updated home with modern touch

My husband and I stayed here with our three children. It was nice and clean and plenty of space for us. Nirmal, the owner, was very easy to work with. It was an easy walk to the rocky ocean side. All amenities worked well (just remember to turn on the hot water ;) It’s fully stocked but limited usable cabinet space if you bring a lot of your own groceries/supplies. I loved all the plants in the home and the small upstairs play area where you could soak up some sun. The hot tub was also a nice added bonus. A very sweet get-away from the busyness of life. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin K.

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

Beautiful property

The house itself is very well maintained and exquisitely decorated. Great kitchen. Location is great too. Just a few steps to the ocean side trails. It is only a few minutes drive from Gualala in case you need to run to the store (Surf Market recommended). Hope to return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark J.

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

Fantastic stay at Sea Ranch

This was easily one of the best rentals we've ever visited. Nirmal and Kevin have put tremendous care and love into every detail of this wonderful house. Everything is high end and tasteful, convenient without being ostentatious. It's a true pleasure to spend time in such a place anywhere, let alone in a location as gorgeous and peaceful as Sea Ranch. We'd love to stay there again next time we visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deb B.

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

A perfect getaway

The house is beautiful and in a lovely location. It was a great getaway to both work (excellent WiFi) and relax (lovely hot tub, gourmet kitchen, close to the stunning bluffs). Nirmal is an exceptionally good communicator. The house is well appointed and tastefully decorated. I’d love to come back with my family!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

About the host

Hosted by Nirmal Merchant

Host profile image
Avid VRBO guests are now graduating to becoming hosts! We have been at the receiving end of the generous hospitality of many a VRBO hosts and thought it was time to return the favor. Cottontail - our home at The Sea Ranch, is so named because of our fascination for rabbits and hares. We have nurtured Cottontail to be a reprieve/haven for us to retreat from our otherwise busy lives and to pursue our passion for good food and wine in the company of family and friends. Though we live and work in the Bay Area, the Sea Ranch is where our hearts and souls live or at least ache to go back to. We are delighted to be bringing to our guests, the same joy and bliss that Cottontail brings to us.

We are an easy going pair who love traveling and meeting interesting people around the world. We go great lengths to enjoy good food and wine and our kitchen is host to a lot of our attempts to replicate the same stimulus to our senses. In addition to gastronomic pursuits, our trips indulge our desire to spend time with our friends, get soaked in rich cultures or simply enjoy nature while hiking or underwater - scuba diving.

Why they chose this property

They say - "If you are lucky enough to stay at The Sea Ranch, you are lucky enough!" We were looking for a getaway home away from the city and were drawn toward The Sea Ranch due to its unique blend of art, design, architecture, culture, environmental consciousness, and strong community. Having scouted over 40 homes in the Mendonoma area, we found The Cottontail to be just right for us. The location afforded you the best of The Sea Ranch with easy access to the bluff trail, the Salal trail, the Gualala river and regional park, Sea Ranch golf links, views of the redwood forests, and businesses in downtown Gualala. The house itself has strong bones and just the layout we wished for, with a great room integrating the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, which is flanked by the master suite on one side and two guest suites on the other. We could see ourselves creating several cherished memories hosting family, friends, and neighbors for get-togethers.

What makes this property unique

The Sea Ranch is blessed with being located in the "banana belt" - meaning it is likely that it is still sunny here when the coast north and south are not. It is also guaranteed that if it is foggy here, the coast north and south are definitely fogged in. In short, we have more sunny days. The Sea Ranch is a 12 mile long HOA that holds its members true to the motto of the founding architects - Living lightly on the land. The planners made it a point to leverage the natural topography and layout streets and commons that afford a unique picturesque view of a gift that The Sea Ranch has to offer - be it the ocean, the meadows, or the thicket of redwoods on the ridge. At The Cottontail, you get a little of everything, the ocean, the golf course, and the redwoods in the distance along the ridge. The large windows in the living room offer a glimpse of wildlife with visits from deer, hares, foxes, and an occasional raccoon or bobcat. Replenish the bird feeder with local seeds from AARF and grab your binoculars to enjoy an array of birds from sparrows, warblers, finches, jays, mourning doves, red-winged blackbirds, swallows and the family of quails that lives in the trees on the property. Don't miss the hummingbirds during the flowering season.

Languages:

English