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A country retreat near San Francisco

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Property grounds
Entrance and front garden. View from the street.
Entrance door
living room and dining room
Gas fireplace, 55' Smart TV, couch, sofa bed, DVD player, CD player, WIF

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Mill Valley, CA
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Sweetwater Music Hall
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Muir Woods National Monument
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Sausalito, CA (JMC-Commodore Center Heliport)
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom near back garden

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

A country retreat near San Francisco

This comfortable, sunny and spacious house is located in a tranquil family neighborhood in the quaint town of Mill Valley in Marin County, an elegant and affluent suburb north of San Francisco
At only 6 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge and adjacent to Sausalito, it’s the perfect location to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing or business meetings.
The available space, on the ground level of the house, includes 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a large living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a laundry/pantry room, and front and back lush gardens.
There is a locked, although unoccupied, bedroom upstairs and a locked garage.
The 2 bedrooms have comfortable queen size beds with adjustable base, brand new top of the line mattresses, quality linens, down comforters, closets, dressers and flat screen televisions with cable and WIFI for streaming movies, Netflix and Hulu.
There is extra storage space.
The recently remodeled bathroom has a tub with shower, towels, toiletry and hair dryer.
The dining room seats six with French doors opening to the lovely back garden.
The living room has a new sofa-bed with a firm mattress that sleeps 2, a new electrical comfortable recliner for 2, a large leather couch, a gas fireplace with remote control, a 55” flat screen HDTV with Satellite / Cable, WIFI, Blue ray/DVD player and a CD player with I Phone dock.
The fully equipped chef kitchen has quartz countertops, plenty of cabinets, top of the line brand new appliances and cooking utensils. The laundry/pantry room has a washer and dryer, iron and iron board.
The patio has a gas grill with tools and a dining table for 6, lounge chairs to relax, a hammock, an outdoor heater and a beautiful garden with direct access to a kids and dogs park.
In the shed there are 2 mountain bikes with helmets and locks.
There is parking for 2 cars in the driveway plus street parking.
There is a pack 'n play crib with pillow and blanket, a high chair and a stroller available upon request.
The house is at walking distance from the bus stop for local buses and buses to San Francisco. It takes a15 minutes drive to the Ferry Service to San Francisco from Sausalito and Larkspur, 6 minutes to Golden Gate Bridge and 25 minutes to downtown San Francisco (traffic permitting), 10 minutes to downtown Mill Valley or downtown Sausalito, 15 minutes to Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Tiburon, Marin Headlands, 25 minutes to Stinson Beach or to the top of Mt. Tamalpais , 45 minutes to the Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country.
The Marin Airporter bus to San Francisco Airport is close by.
Hike or ride the bike (2 bikes provided) to Tennessee Valley Trail all the way to Tennessee Valley Beach. Explore the many great hiking trails and bike roads of Mt. Tamalpais or the surrounding open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats.
Biking and hiking local maps are provided together with maps of San Francisco. There is also a suggested detailed driving tour of San Francisco.
Ideal for:
Family vacations
Family visits
Business travel
Honeymooners
Nature lovers
Bikers and hikers
Adjacent to Sausalito and in close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, this quaint town of Mill Valley extends on the hills and canyons of the southern slopes of Mount Tamalpais, a heaven for mountain bikers. The proximity to tourist destinations like San Francisco, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach and the famous wine country of Sonoma/Napa makes it an ideal location to enjoy the beauty, the scenery and the many attractions that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. At the same time it offers a serene and relaxed country atmosphere. The numerous open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats that surround it are covered with countless trails ideal for hiking, biking and enjoy natural wilderness. Its charming downtown offers chic boutiques, an array of restaurants, coffee shops, the Sequoia Theater that hosts the International renown Mill Valley film festival and the Sweetwater Music Hall featuring a variety of live entertainment.
There is a brand new Harvest Market at one block from the house, 2 Whole Foods Markets, 2 Safeway, 3 shopping centers nearby: Strawberry Shopping Center, The Village at Corte Madera and the Town Center Center in Corte Madera.


Property manager

Thea
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Crib and high chair available upon request
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well behaved dogs allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
ONLY outdoor. Absolutely NO smoking in the house.
The house is provided with an alarm system that will be deactivated during the guests stay
There is one external security camera pointed at the main entrance.
All the COVID 19 rules and regulations for cleaning and sanitizing the house will be implemented after each guest stay. The owner will not be present

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
Property Registration Number 029857

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mill Valley

Located in Mill Valley, this holiday home is in the city centre and near the beach. Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Park. Check out an event or a game at Oracle Park, and consider making time for San Francisco Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Mill Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Tennessee Valley Trailhead - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Sweetwater Music Hall - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 9 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Golden Gate Bridge - 13 min drive - 14.7 km

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 22 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Good Earth Natural Foods - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Equator Coffees & Teas - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A country retreat near San Francisco pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at A country retreat near San Francisco?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A country retreat near San Francisco?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is A country retreat near San Francisco located?

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, this holiday home is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Golden Gate National Recreation Area and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Mount Tamalpais State Park. Muir Woods National Monument and Sweetwater Music Hall 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. 264 out of 281 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 281 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 281 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 281 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 281 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spring break
Stayed in Mill Valley do to some hiking for spring break - close to Muir Woods and city is right around the corner. Easy to find, very convenient. Access to playground was a surprise and exciting for the kid. Highly recommend, we had a wonderful trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olga P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful retreat
We had a fantastic stay at Thea’s home! The house was charming, inviting, and fully stocked with all the essentials for a perfect weekend getaway. The location was absolutely beautiful—nestled in a lovely neighborhood and just minutes from incredible hiking trails.Thea was a wonderful host—very responsive and accommodating. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night’s sleep after a day of exploring. Our favorite spot was the dining area, which offered a stunning view of the backyard and garden, making every meal feel extra special.We’d absolutely love to stay here again! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful and well-appointed retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the location was ideal for us. The best part was letting our dogs out the back gate right into the dog park and playground. Great for families with kids and dogs. Thank you, Thea!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frode R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely vacation house
Beautiful clean house in a nice and quiet neighborhood. Well stocked kitchen and bathroom. Host was kind and helpful. We would love to visit again!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable Thanksgiving week
We very much enjoyed our stay at the Mill Valley property. The house is conveniently located and plenty of space for our family. It is well appointed, and Thea was very responsive when we contacted her.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

galen n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy and comfortable
The house was clean, beds were comfy, kids had easy access to the park the house shares a fence with.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Warm and welcoming host and home
We had a wonderful stay in a prime location with our three kids. The host was attentive and responsive, offering insightful advice about how to get the best out of our time in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorrie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Fall Retreat
My friend and I very much enjoyed our retreat at this VRBO. The house was spotless, the beds are very comfy, with fresh, fluffy bedding. The kitchen is well stocked with cooking gear, as well as essential staples like oil and vinegar, spices, etc. The back garden is beautiful and a great place to watch birds. The dining room is pretty spectacular, with a large table and a full wall of windows and glass doors to enjoy the back garden and birds. Centrally located for trips out to Point Reyes, Marin Headlands, or into San Francisco. Hope to return someday. Location on narrow, neighborhood street made parking slightly tight, but space for two cars in driveway.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very restful
It was exactly what we needed!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wolfgang S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Holiday in Mill Valley
Our Mill Valley cottage was lovely, well appointed with a delightful back garden. We enjoyed our host's welcome surprise - a delicious local wine.A perfect location for touring thd north bay area, wine country, Muir Woods, hiking trails with great views!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

G D S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thea's VRBO
Well stocked kitchen, beautiful back courtyard and very convenient location! Thea is great to work with and very responsive!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable home in great location
We stayed here for one week with the intention of using the house as a base to see the coast of Marin County/Point Reyes and to visit friends in Sonoma. The location was perfect for those trips, but it was also a pleasure to come home in the late afternoons/evenings to the very comfortable house and its interesting gardens. Everything we needed was provided, and the pictures on the VRBO site portray a true picture of what you can expect if you choose to rent the property. We were sorry to leave!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Muir beach vacation
Thea was great and the house was awesome. Our daughter loved the playground next door and we enjoyed coffee and wine on the beautiful patio.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hope to be back soon!
Thea communicated thoroughly and thoughtfully. The space was perfect for my five and six year old children. Clean, lots of space, perfect backyard for hide-and-seek, well stocked kitchen, and great location next to playground and dog park.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place in good area
House is nice with beautiful garden backyard. Park is right behind the house so couldn’t be more convenient for kids or dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nic D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay in Mill Valley
The property is beautiful and private, with a tranquil and extensive back garden. It was convenient to Muir Woods, the Presidio, and Sausalito and a good home base for more far-flung destinations. Thea was an excellent communicator and a kind host. It worked well for a long weekend in the Bay Area with our kids and my dad.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chan N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Return Stay
It was our second time staying at Thea's lovely home. Our family of two kids enjoyed everything from the park right off the back yard, to the nifty recliners in front of the tv, to the backyard hammock and lounge chairs. The kitchen is very well stocked and the dining room is sunny with a great view of the garden. The location is ideal for young families looking for easy access to the city and the east bay, while staying in a quite, kid-friendly area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stapleton A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Very cute. Great location. Very nice. Only negative was patio furniture was dirty and falling apart so couldn't really take advantage of the beautiful garden. Overall - We would like to stay here again next time we are in town.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margo H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house/nice location
This home . Well stocked kitchen. Great location to get to San Francisco or for hiking and Muir Woods. Owner was prompt with returning messages. Not a country retreat but compared to a stay it SF it is. Is a suburban house is a quiet neighborhood. Playground area for children and dogs behind the house. Comfortable beds. Shower pressure good. Wifi was good. Never had to use the heater or A/C.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay in Mill Valley
Our family had a wonderful time! The house was beautiful inside and out. The gardens are incredible and the access to the park was perfect for our littles. It was a wonderfully convenient location to a number of greater SF excursions or necessities. Would 100% stay again if given the opportunity.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Leslie H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Close to everything
Beautiful property with easy access to all the sites. Thea was very attentive and could be reached easily.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely weekend in Tam Valley
We had a really fantastic stay at Thea's house in Tam Valley! The house was in the best location - a short drive over the hill to Stinson Beach, and within walking distance to one of our favorite grocery stores, Good Earth. A lovely, quiet neighborhood, and right next to a wonderful park where we took our dog to run and play with other local dogs. The house was super clean and provided lots of space to spread out and relax. We had a mix of weather...mostly beautiful sunny days, but also one day of cold rain. We used the back garden patio to read, enjoy the sun, and play with our pup. We also used the wonderful fireplace to warm up on the cold day. The kitchen was great with plenty of space for two people to cook, and my husband loved the thoughtful coffee set up. We will definitely be back to Thea's place for future visits to Marin. She was super responsive to texts or questions, and a most gracious host. Thank you so much for making a pet-friendly space so welcoming and enjoyable! We absolutely loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Garden
Our stay at Thea's house offered more than we expected. The back patio and garden were spectacular. The house was centrally located. We'd like to come back and stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This place is a hidden gem. We felt as if we were staying at a Italian Villa. There are lush gardens front and back, the decor of the house is relaxed, warm and inviting, there was even a bottle of wine welcoming us ! San Francisco is just a bridge ride away, J & M Timmons
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Conrad H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marin County
Our trip was amazing. Thea’s house was perfect for us. It has everything a family needs. The kitchen was well stocked. The yard and gardens were beautiful. We brought our dog and the property borders up to a dog park with a private entrance from the backyard. All of that was perfect. Mill Valley is a great location as well.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Thea

Host profile image
I am Italian and I have been living in this beautiful area for almost 40 years. I know it very well since I have been working in the local tourism industry for 25 years and will be happy to provide you with all the information you may need to have a great vacation! I am not going to be present during your stay but will be available via phone, e-mail or text. I have 2 large dogs who stay in the property sometime when there are no guests. Please feel free to contact me with any question. Although I am fluent only in English and Italian I will be able to exchange written communications also in German, French, Spanish and Portuguese. I am a nature lover and, if you are too, I can give you suggestions for hikes and excursions around this area. My dogs are my best friends and I understand the importance to share a vacation with them. If you are a responsible dog owner and your pet is well behaved, both of you are going to really enjoy the house!

Why they chose this property

My husband and I bought this property 20 years ago and put a lot of work in it to make it spacious and comfortable. His green thumb and artistic nature transformed a yard of gravel and cement in a lush garden with trees, shrubs and flowers everywhere. Although the property is located very close to the city we love the tranquility of this area and the proximity to beaches, forests and mountains. A very relaxing place without crime, noise and pollution.

What makes this property unique

This is the perfect place to relax and rest after a fun filled day of sightseeing and exploring the magnificent region with all its amenities,

Languages:

English, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests