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The house and meadow perched on the edge of Tomales Bay

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Beach view

Washer

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Fireplace

Explore the area

Inverness, CA

Tomales Bay State Park9 min walk
Heart's Desire Beach11 min drive
Tomales Bay19 min drive
San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)113 min drive

Most relevant reviews

8/10 Good

We like the house very much. It is on a bluff overlooking Tomales Bay. We liked the fireplace as it was cold. The next ...

Jan 27, 2024

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Spectacular Location W/ Beautiful Private Dock on Tomales Bay

Enjoy a 180 degree view of Tomales Bay, Elephant Mountain, Mount Tam and a two acre sunny meadow, all while relaxing in front of the fire in our rustic but beautiful Bernardi designed mid-century redwood and glass living room. (Each bedroom has a bay view as well.) Walk down the meadow to a magical stairway in the woods that leads to the shore and pier. Feel free to bring your own watercraft to fully enjoy this remarkable location. Or just jump off the float for a refreshing swim. Chicken Ranch Beach is two minutes to the south and Shell beach five minutes to the north; and the beaches of Point Reyes as well as the lighthouse are just 15 minutes by car. The large brick patio offers the fullness of indoor outdoor living. Words cannot describe the beauty and serenity of dawn or dusk in this truly unique setting.

The stairs and pier are shared by Whitney family members who use the pier to swim and to launch boats. It is very unlikely that you will see any of us, however, as we access the property below and use those areas infrequently.

Keywords: waterfront, vacation, dock, near Point Reyes National Seashore ,quiet, views ,meadow, beach

Property manager

Dakota Whtney

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Beach view

Ocean view

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Children should be supervised closely.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

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

Long-term renters welcome

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Inverness

Located in Inverness, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Reyes National Seashore and Tule Elk Preserve, while Tomales Regional History Center and Tomales Town Hall are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Inverness, CA

What's nearby

Tomales Bay State Park - 9 min walk
Shell Beach - 16 min walk
Point Reyes National Seashore - 10 min drive
Heart's Desire Beach - 11 min drive
Tomales Bay - 19 min drive

Getting around

Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

‪Cafe Reyes - ‬11 min drive
‪Inverness Park Market - ‬8 min drive
‪Tony's Seafood Restaurant - ‬24 min drive
‪The Marshall Store - ‬25 min drive
‪Hog Island Oyster Company - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spectacular Location W/ Beautiful Private Dock on Tomales Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Spectacular Location W/ Beautiful Private Dock on Tomales Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spectacular Location W/ Beautiful Private Dock on Tomales Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spectacular Location W/ Beautiful Private Dock on Tomales Bay located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Tomales Bay State Park and Shell Beach. Heart's Desire Beach and South Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

mary r.

16 June 2024

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

Lovely time

A beautiful place on earth.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

30 May 2024

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

Enjoying Inverness.

Overall sense was that we were part of the family spending a weekend on the water. Comfortable, convenient, and very welcoming.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

27 Jan 2024

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

Pt. Reyes vacation

We like the house very much. It is on a bluff overlooking Tomales Bay. We liked the fireplace as it was cold. The next door cabin was a small issue. We could overhear their conversations unless they were inside the cabin which was a bummer. We had come for peace and quiet and every time they came out of the cabin and talked we could hear them while we were reading in the living room.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Andi C.

10 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Scenic location

We loved the location. The house has an amazing glass walled great room with fireplace which was the highlight of our stay. The bedrooms are accessed by going outside through a breezeway. Both of the bedrooms are very rustic and share a basic full bathroom which is the only bath for the entire house. There are some nice walks accessed right from the house without getting in your car. Nearby the Tap Room restaurant had fantastic, super fresh sushi! Nice surprise for a beer joint!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

7 Dec 2023

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

Best Place Ever

This property is a gem in what is my favorite place in CA. The house was built in 1952 by the family who still owns it. Unique architecture and stunning views of Tomales Bay. Bedrooms in separate building from living room/kitchen area. Huge parcel. The ambiance is casual and outstanding. If you like stark modern sterile black and white - then don't come here. If you like warm, cozy, spacious yet intimate then DO come here.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

charlotte w.

12 Oct 2023

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

We highly recommend Whitney House

As long-time visitors to Point Reyes, we highly recommend this comfortable, well-appointed and beautiful home. It has spectacular views along the waterfront, even if you never leave the property. It is also an unbeatable location for accessing all that this National Seashore offers. We will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katya S.

5 Sept 2023

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

Best of all

This is the most amazing rental property we have ever had the pleasure of staying in. It is a beautiful house, in an even more beautiful natural setting. The history of this place is palpable, instantly creating an atmosphere that is cozy, welcoming, and deep. We had wonderful conversations by the fire, shared meals on the patio with sweeping views of the bay, and got to dive off the dock for glorious morning swims. I cannot wait to come back here, and incorporate this magical place into our family traditions. Thank you to the Whitney family for sharing such a special treasure with us, allowing us to feel so welcome.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Craig R.

29 June 2023

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

Great View/ Unique Home

Step back in time to a 1950 era weekend vacation home. I wanted a great view with lots of privacy and that is exactly what we got. Grand children loved the swing and the walk to the pier.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martha H.

18 May 2023

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

Magical Retreat

Location is wonderful and having the dock for our kayaks and swimmers was ideal. Laying in bed watching the stars and looking across the bay at sunrise is hard to beat. We rented this house and one 2 doors away to accommodate our family & friends. Great weekend. We did meal preparation at the house and I have got to say they have the worst knives I have ever tried to use, cut my fingers before I could get through a carrot. I would bring a pair of kitchen shears and some knives next time! Other than that a good time was had by all.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

30 Apr 2023

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

Wonderful

Amazing as always. Thank you Deborah and the Whitneys!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

wendy p.

12 Apr 2023

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

The Best

We are all - from age one and a half to 74 -very very fond of this special house!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

15 Mar 2023

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

Pt. Reyes vacation home

It is a lovely property. We have stayed here before. I would like the owner to know that there should be some more newspaper for starting the fire.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Steve D., El Dorado Hills, CA

7 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Listing accuracy

Slightly Disappointed.

• Property was very clean. • Check in was fairly smooth, but cell reception is challenging in the area, and there were no instructions given as to how to access the property. Thankfully the owners picked up our call once we got reception and told us the property was open and the keys were inside on the counter. • Accuracy online listing... not great. I'm writing this aprox 10 days after returning so as not to over-react. Photo makes it look like the property is right on the water, and while there is mention of "magical stairway" there was no mention that the shore is aprox 50-80 Ft below, and there are 80+ steps and several turns. No way we could get our 2 person kayak down those stairs. Very disappointed in that, and certainly considered the location paying the rate we did. • Communication with owner, very good... we even locked the keys in the kitchen and they were able to get us back inside in no time at all. Thank you so much ! • Very good location, and aside from the distance above water. • Overall... felt like it was very much over-priced given distance above water. Doing my best to be somewhat positive, I'm always looking for the positives, and it would take something horrendous to provide a lower Review. Sorry for the honesty.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kali S.

3 Aug 2022

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

Simply amazing

One of my favorite stays ever, absolutely unbeatable location, beautiful home. So grateful to the family for sharing.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Clifford Y.

10 June 2022

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

Beautiful home in Inverness, CA, overlooking Tomales Bay.

This beautiful & scenic home in Inverness, CA overlooks Tomales Bay, has a huge back yard, with access to a secluded beach with an old wooden dock (for kayaking or wind surfing, etc.). Deer and other wildlife have access to this backyard and that's another reason this place is so unique.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bassem A.

25 Apr 2022

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

Relaxing in Inverness

We loved our stay in the Whitney property ! The wonderful views of Tomales Bay, the beautiful birds, trees, and lots of salamanders to chase for our son. And the quiet ! And the feeling of sharing in many happy family memories. We hope to come back.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey F., San Rafael, CA

10 Apr 2022

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

Wonderful weekend

This was our second visit and it is such an incredible house. We spent the day on the patio, down at the beach, and in the kitchen. The house and view are both beautiful.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

30 Mar 2022

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

A bygone era vibe with a stunning view and setting

You know you've entered another realm, another place and time at the Whitney House. The setting is awe-inspiring and the views are stunning. Nature and wildlife are literally right in your 'backyard'.... a constant source of connection and joy for us was watching nature unfold, right outside the windows... the birds soaring overhead, nest building and hunting food. Deer and a wild Turkey grazed in the yard. This is a special place, the memories, family connection and love are imbedded into everything. Don't even think twice, make the reservation and enjoy a simpler, relaxing trip back in time.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Libby W.

28 Dec 2021

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

A little piece of paradise

Thank you for having us! We had yet another beautiful Christmas holiday at your home, cooking delicious meals and enjoying the fabulous views while sitting aside a cozy fire.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Teresa B.

16 Nov 2021

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

Peaceful and beautiful home and location

We stayed 3 nights and really relaxed in such a peaceful place. We loved the view of Tomales Bay, the short walk up the street to Shell Beach, the changing light, the sounds of the gulls, the frogs and the wind. The house was so comfortable, with great seating in the living room and dining room, a fully appointed kitchen, and spacious bedrooms with nightstands on both sides of the beds and plenty of room in dresser drawers to put things away for an extended stay. The owner was super responsive and helpful. All around a great place to get away from it all.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

jake H.

9 Sept 2021

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

simple and spectacular

Old fashioned in the best way. The setting of a lifetime.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Giselle G.

25 June 2021

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

Beautiful property in an excellent location

We loved staying at the Whitney house. The outdoor space is great - huge lawn, ping pong table, gas bbq grill. It's such a great space to hang out with the family. The view of Tomales Bay is spectacular. The neighborhood is quiet and beautiful. Access to the Bay is truly a highlight. We spent a great deal of time in the water. Everything was easy, the kitchen was well stocked. We would come back again!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sandy L.

20 June 2021

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

Excellent Experience

The Whitney house is a lovely place for a family getaway. Our family stayed there for 6 nights and it was just wonderful. We played ping pong every night and the kids swam off the pier every day. The views are great from every room in the house and the property is huge. Communication with the owner, Dakota, couldn’t have been better. She was very kind and accommodating. We loved it so much we hope to book at least one more stay this year.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Isobel S.

14 June 2021

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

A wonderful spot in Point Reyes

This is a truly magical spot in Point Reyes, literally on the edge of the national park land. Waking up there every morning is a pleasure.

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne V.

31 May 2021

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

We love the Whitney House!

We stay at lots of Inverness properties and this is one of our faves.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Dakota Whtney

Hello my name is Nick Whitney and I was raised in Berkeley, California. and grew up coming to our family home in Inverness on weekends and summers.
I learned to swim and sail on Tomales Bay with my two siblings Kathleen and Pete we are now the owners of this family gem and are caretaking it for the use of generations to come.

Why they chose this property

Back in the 1930s my father, Jim Whitney, then a teenager, would walk from the village of Inverness the two and a half miles to Shell Beach climbing the hill just north of Chicken Ranch he would crest a hill above the bay and cross the most beautiful meadow. He told his young bride Deborah that if the land was ever sold he'd love to build a home and raise their family there. Fortunately, what had been McConnell's Dairy's pasture was soon subdivided and Jim and Deborah were able to fulfill their dreams. They raised three children there, Kathleen, Peter, and Nick. Deborah is now 97 and still spends time every summer at this wonderful retreat, as do Kathleen, Pete and Deborah's 10 grandchildren. Nick, his wife Elan, and their daughter Dakota manage the property.

What makes this property unique

This rustic family home is a great location for friends and families to just relax and enjoy the view or play a pick up game of whiffleball in the meadow. Our home appeals to every generation.
When you are staying at Whitney House it's easy to enjoy Tomales Bay and the numerous Pt. Reyes National Seahore activities because you are so close to the bay and beaches.
The large open living room and dining area make for memorable family dinners and then it's fun to curl up in front of the fire place and play a game or read. PLEASE NOTE: Gatherings of more than ten people are not permitted.