Entire home

Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes

Photo gallery for Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes

Main gathering space
  Twilight at the entrance
Group gathering in the "great room"
Afternoon Tea or morning coffee in the Courtyard
Courtyard entrance and Carport off driveway

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Nicasio, CA
  • Point Reyes Hiking Trails
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Samuel P. Taylor State Park
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Novato, CA (NOT-Gnoss Field)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Double Futon

Bedroom 2

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes

Garden House is located in Marin County on the wooded flanks of Black Mountain overlooking the Nicasio Valley Watershed. The home is secluded on an 12-acre site, off a gated private road, surrounded by 120 acres of ranch land. This very special designed single story home is set among oak, bay trees, and an all year stream that flows to the valley reservoir. A few steps from the house stands a spring fed pond partially surrounded by redwood trees. A deck and a shaded picnic table are at one end of this tranquil pond. Adjacent to the house is a lovely vegetable and flower garden that guests may use to enhance their meals or just to enjoy its sights and sounds. This is the Backdrop for your stay at the Garden House. This house is designed for a great “Stay at Home” experience. It is a Space and a Place for a family gathering, a retreat or a group of several friends who simply want to stay home, relax and enjoy the company of one another. Many guests simply want to enjoy the serenity and privacy of the Garden House without having to venture out. However, the town of Point Reyes Station and the National Seashore are both a short drive away. The small three block long town has great restaurants and unique shops. And of course, The National Seashore offers whale watching, breathtaking beaches, miles of hiking trails and kayaking on Tomales Bay. The Seashore is truly one of the most unique places on earth. The home site consists of two buildings separated by a terraced courtyard. The main Garden House has a large central living space we call “The Great Room” as well as two bedrooms and two baths. The adjacent smaller space we call ”The Cheese House”, provides additional sleeping capacity. Up to 6 guests can be accommodated in the main house and 3 or 4 guests can be accommodated in this smaller unique dwelling. Thus, the whole space can accommodate 9 to10 guests. The modern, architect designed, main house features a distinctly furnished “Great Room” with 1,000 square feet of living space for guests that love to share food preparation and the whole cooking and eating experience. Central to this room is a custom built Ash wood table that comfortably seats up to 12 guests. The cooking and food preparation area occupies a commanding portion of the common space and is extremely well equipped. The kitchen features a commercial Wolf stove, Sub Zero refrigerator, dishwasher, custom stainless steel counters and an extensive pantry with an array of tabletop appliances. All the necessary cookware, tableware and flatware one could imagine are provided. Frankly, this is a "Foodie" paradise. There is a TV/Media Center with a sofa and twin Eames lounge chairs for relaxed conversation or entertainment after dinner. Soft gallery lighting focuses on artwork around the room depicting the landscapes and ranches of the Nicasio Valley. And of course, after dinner someone is likely to play the piano! The Master Bedroom Suite is large and very private with a king size bed. A stunning window wall with a Bay Tree view, dominates the space. The room has a TV/ Media Center and a small sofa that converts into a full bed for use in this room if needed. The adjoining large, private, well-appointed master bath with euro-style fixtures and large glass enclosed shower completes the master suite. The second bedroom located at the opposite end of the main living space has a queen bed. This room also has an integrated office /work space for the person that just cannot get away from "Work". It has an individual entrance off the south facing entry courtyard. The second bathroom, with a glass enclosed shower is adjacent to this bedroom. This bathroom is accessible by guests from the rest of the house. Additionally, there is a sleep sofa in the living area that can accommodate two people. The “Cheese House” is named only for its “wedge shape.” But speaking of Cheese, the surrounding ranch country has many renowned cheese tasting opportunities. This separate cozy house provides the added accommodations and is just a few steps away from the main house via an illuminated courtyard. The main floor has a queen bed, full bathroom with shower and a TV. It even has another coffee bar with a small refrigerator for those who want to be on a different schedule than the rest of the guests. The upstairs loft has a full size bed, though not totally private from the downstairs space; it is very unique and comfortable for two. The gated entry courtyard provides a large private outdoor space for guests to gather on the sunny side of the house. A shade canopy covers a seating area particularly comfortable for morning coffee and evening gatherings. There is a deck and terraced garden on the shade side of the house with a Gas BBQ, table and benches. Be sure to view all the photographs with descriptive captions as they provide a real sense of the Garden House and all it has to offer. Included in the photo gallery is a floor plan of the Garden House and its surroundings, which provide a clearer understanding of the unique spaces and their relationship to each other.If your needs require accommodations for more guests than the Garden House can provide or you would like to have two separate homes on the same property within easy walking distance to one another, please look at “The Tree House” also on VRBO. It is a two Bedroom two Bath house that can accommodate up to 6 guests. It can be found on VRBO by searching for listing ID #827297.

Property manager

Roger Fleck
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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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 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Nicasio

Located in Nicasio, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the bay. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Reyes National Seashore and Samuel P. Taylor State Park, while The Petaluma Library Museum and Petaluma Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Nicasio Valley Cheese Company and Petaluma Seed Bank are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Nicasio, CA

What's nearby

  • Point Reyes Hiking Trails - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Point Reyes National Seashore - 11 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Samuel P. Taylor State Park - 15 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Tomales Bay State Park - 16 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Tomales Bay - 39 min drive - 27.9 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 93 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Inverness Park Market - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Bovine Bakery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Tap Room - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Toby's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Rancho Nicasio - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Family and Friends Retreat at the Garden House in Point Reyes located?

Situated near the bay, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, Point Reyes Hiking Trails and Self Health Institute. Point Reyes National Seashore and Samuel P. Taylor State Park are also within 6 miles (10 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. 36 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina Y.

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

A lovely weekend retreat

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful vacation house! The property exceeded our expectations with its excellent amenities and stunning surroundings. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, making our weekend getaway truly enjoyable. We are grateful for the owner’s hospitality and will cherish the memories made here.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate G.

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

Amazing space for a retreat

This was the perfect place for our group of friends to retreat and regroup after a challenging few months. The property is extremely private and surrounded by open space; very near Pt Reyes where we did a 12 mile hike and had a wonderful meal. Just an excellent property; I'll come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nichole Z.

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

Beautiful Property

We stayed with kids, parents, and grandparents. The property worked for all ages. Beautiful grounds with a garden the owner encourages you to pick from, a small pond where the kids can see newts and you can have a glass of wine, and a kitchen and open living space great for hanging out and cooking a family dinner. Beds are comfortable and the kitchen is well stocked. The vibe exactly matches the small towns, farms, cheese companies, and beaches you've spent the day exploring.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

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

The Best

Roger’s house has been a regular family retreat the past 6 years. The house remains well equipped, is clean and extremely cheerful. Roger is a welcoming host and is very accommodating. Our highest recommendation.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

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

Peaceful and Stylish

Lovely spot for a family stay. Peaceful and serene! Roger is an nice gentleman and a good communicator. Short drive to Pt Reyes station!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

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

Nicasio vacation

We have stayed at this property multiple times over a number of years. Roger is the perfect host. The accommodations are clean and contemporary with a very workable kitchen. We are 10 and have all of our meals at the house. Our family loves this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine F.

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

Perfect escape!

We took a road trip with grandparents aunts and toddlers. We wanted some time away from the crowds and busyness of everyday. This was the perfect property in a great location close enough and far enough to everything we needed and went to see and do. The owners live on property lose by but it still felt private. Communication was great. The quality of the house was top notch. It had a lot of room and privacy for everyone. We would 100% stay again and hope to do so!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rose K.

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

Nicasio wedding weekend

The garden house and annex exceeded our expectations for our stay in Nicasio, CA. The adult 20 something’s stayed in the cheese house and my husband and I along with my 90 year old mother enjoyed the spacious rooms in the main house. We enjoyed cooking and bbqing in a very well stocked kitchen with all the high end appliances. The houses were situated among beautiful grounds—flower garden, pond w/Lilly pads and a porch to do yoga. We drove easily to the wedding in Rancho Nicasio and hikes along Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

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

Contemporary lodging

This is the 4th time we’ve rented this superb accommodation away from the crowds but adjacent to Pt Reyes. Roger is an excellent host with a keen eye for detail. We are 10 and the kitchen along with cooking utensils makes for a workable setup. The views from the house bring the outside in making for an idyllic environment.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill J.

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

Perfect location for us and the grandkids loved it. Clean and comfortable.

All good
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cydny R., Los Angeles

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

Beautifullg designed house, easy communication, incredibld grounds, thoughtful provisions

An extraordinary property that contained and hosted our party of eight for a perfect week of togetherness. The architecture is stunning and innovative. The kitchen is a joy for cooking together. Wonderful books. We clipped flowers, tomatoes and apples for our use. We gathered in the patio, dined by the pond. Access to store was easiee than expected. This was one of our best vacations, in part because of the beauty and care taken. Roger is a wonderful host: accessible, not hovering, quick to respond and open.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell T.

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

Great Place for Reunion

Stayed at this property as part of a friend's reunion and found the entire experience wonderful. It's spacious, well designed, very functional and surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces both on the property itself (garden + pond) and in the surrounding area (Nicasio Reservoir, alpacas farm, cattle ranch, winery, etc.). We especially enjoyed the great kitchen and large table for sharing meals. While secluded, the drive to nearby Point Reyes Station is very easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Era L., San Francisco

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

So wonderful to return again and again

We love the Garden House so much that it is hard to give it again five stars because we want to keep this magical place just for ourselves. This time we brought a couple of friends who stayed in the Cheese House. They fell in love with the place as well. Thank you Roger and Catherine for creating this wonderful place and sharing it with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W., Palo Alto, CA

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

Wonderful new years retreat

A lovely sanctuary
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

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

Contemporary setting

Third time at this fabulous, well equipped home. Gorgeous surroundings and close to Pt Reyes the host lives on the grounds and is accessible and engaging.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peter K.

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

Generous and relaxing space in a beautiful area

The property is very nice. A beautiful kitchen and great room to cook and hang out. All of the beds are comfortable and there are multiple futons which is nice. The house and bathrooms were all clean. There is a little pond near the house which isn't swimmable, but it's nice to sit by. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can walk down the road a bit. 10-minute drive to Point Reyes Station. Note: The owner lives on the property but doesn't feel intrusive as the house is not within earshot, but if you're looking for total privacy, you should be aware of that. He was very kind and helpful every time we interacted with him. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Maya D.

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

Beautiful getaway

A family group of 7 adults and 2 children stayed for a long weekend. The house is absolutely gorgeous, as are the surroundings. Kitchen is amazing. Communication with Roger was very easy. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tucker P.

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

Great escape

Roger was a kind and helpful host. The house was great - very well-appointed kitchen, bright and airy main living area. The property was great too - tucked into a hillside with lots of trees, far from any road noise, a great escape from city life but still only an hour from SF. Only 10 minutes from Point Reyes, which has a solid grocery store, and close to Point Reyes and Samuel P Taylor State Park. We’re very glad we chose to stay here.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

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

Family Vacation

We had a wonderful stay, with a family of multigenerational. It was the best place imaginable for our needs.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicole B.

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

Lovely property in Nicasio

The location of this property is amazing- nestled in rolling green hills (cows roaming nearby) and a 10 minute drive from Pt. Reyes Station. The place was clean and well-equipped, a modern converted shed, with a large common area, 2 bedrooms and baths, and a separate "cheese house" that offered an additional bedroom and bathroom. We had a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Nirvana in Nicasio

This was a case where the pictures did not do the property justice. It's rare that modern industrial architecture can convey warmth and comfort. This unique property, nestled in the verdant hills of Nicasio, is at once intriguing and inviting. There has been a great attention to detail that holds up even under close inspection. The home and grounds are impeccably maintained. It is clear that the hosts are dedicated to providing a setting that will leave a most memorable impression. I recommend this property without reservation.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Glorious Garden House

Our weekend at the Garden House will be unforgettable for its serene location, the resplendent great room where our family gathered for conversation, meals, laugher, games, music and dancing, the sublime quiet from our city climes, and the delightful and gracious hosts who made our stay so lovely. Thank you, Roger!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Francois B.

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

Two thumbs up 👍👍

Awesome stay with an awesome host 😊 great location, quiet but still super close to everything, if you love to cook and eat together, the long table is awesome 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth L.

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

Hidden Paradise

The Garden House is nothing short of spectacular. Not only is located in one of California's most stunning locations, but the house itself is positively stunning. You will never want to leave!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Beatrice K., Oakland, USA

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

A one-of-a-kind oasis you won't want to leave

The Garden House is exactly as listed, full of space, and nestled in the beautiful greenery of the valley. It's just a short drive to Point Reyes and a few different trailheads, but once you arrive you probably won't want to leave. Roger and Catherine were incredibly generous and helpful hosts, providing information, assistance, and even a spare cast iron(!) to help make our weekend stay easy and exactly what we wanted. There's such a welcoming, cozy vibe to the house and the property in general that it was just an incredible treat to get to enjoy it as a home for the weekend. I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived, and that's a testament to the intentional and beautiful space Roger and Catherine have created. A treasure!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

About the host

Hosted by Roger Fleck

Host profile image
My wife and I have lived on this property for 35 years. We share our lives with our very affectionate labrador " Ivy"I am an industrial designer by profession and I collaborated on the design and participated heavily in the construction of our home and guest house. We spend most of our time here on the property. We are available to aid in any way we can to make your stay enjoyable. Having us around can also be good as we can start the generator when the occasional winter storm knocks out the power.

Why they chose this property

Both my wife and I were raised in the East -- New York City and Detroit to be specific. We moved to the Bay Area 58 years ago and have lived in San Francisco, and for many years, on our sailboat in Sausalito. We have always loved Marin County, particularly Nicasio and the Point Reyes area. Many years ago, we were fortunate to find this 12 acre site overlooking the Nicasio Valley. We made it our home. Now in our golden years we want to share the magnificence of this place with others.

What makes this property unique

The Nicasio Valley is a very unique place within Marin County. We are surrounded by Cattle and Dairy ranches and designated un-spoiled open space. Our views are of the hills surrounding the Nicasio Watershed. We share a gated private road which provides us and our guests a safe secure and quite getaway.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests