Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast - Mendocino County

See all properties

Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

Parking available
Fireplace
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Laundry

Explore the area

Fort Bragg, California

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
‪3 min drive‬
Noyo Harbor
‪6 min drive‬
Glass Beach
‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Other Space 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

About this property

Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast

Just a few minutes from Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Windrift Cottage is a perfect headquarters for your Mendocino Coast vacation. However, with all the home has to offer, you may be tempted never to leave the property.
A private but rugged path right off the backyard drops down to a secluded beach where you can spend the day in the sun and surf or elect to cozy up next to the fireplace and take in dinner and a movie before retiring to the hot tub with a panoramic view of the Pacific.
Enjoy the simplistic peace of Windrift's intimate, studio-style layout, with a leather sofa next to a gas fireplace, a wide-screen television with cable and DVD collection, a pillow-topped queen bed, and a small kitchen (mini fridge, two-burner stove, but no oven) with a high lounge-type table.
Please note: There is parking for one car only. - No children are allowed at this location, and although Windrift is pet-friendly, please note that it is limited to dogs only, with a maximum number of no more than 1
Windrift Cottage is an experience you won't want to end. Visit our website to see all the photos and details.

Property manager

Mendocino Preferred Vacation Rentals

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Laundry

Outdoor space

Parking available

Have a question?

Beta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Ask a question

Similar properties

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

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

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

About the area

Fort Bragg

Located in Fort Bragg, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Glass Beach and Jughandle State Natural Reserve, while Sea Glass Museum and Triangle Tattoo Museum are cultural highlights. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Skunk Train are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and cycling nearby.

Fort Bragg, California

What's nearby

Sea Glass Museum - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
Noyo Harbor - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
Skunk Train - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
Glass Beach - 9 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 138 min drive

Restaurants

‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
‪Cowlick's Ice Cream Cafe - ‬7 min drive
‪Los Gallitos - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast located?

Nestled on the beach, this Fort Bragg cottage is within 2 mi (3 km) of Jughandle State Natural Reserve, Sea Glass Museum and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Glass Beach and Caspar Headlands State 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

10/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

nancy m.

14 Apr 2025

Exceptional View!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a wonderful stay at Windrift Cottage! The only small hiccup, was in finding the cottage. There is a private residence that is the parking area. There is a small sign, pointing to a path to Windrift, but there is no sign on the Cottage that says Windrift. Minor detail. Our stay was so enjoyable! The view from the windows of the cottage are incredible! The spa looks out on an unobstructed view of beautiful waves and rocks in the ocean. If you are familiar with northern CA coastline, you will not be disappointed! There is so much privacy and very quiet area. Private beach shared by only a few homes. We were the only people on it. I appreciated that we could bring our pup. She loved it.

2/10 Terrible

Margaret C.

29 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Disliked: Listing accuracy

Beach access cottage, but not really

Pictures of the location were not up-to-date. It made finding the cottage difficult. The cottage was depicted as having a cozy living/dining area. In reality they had purchased a new, giant television that dominated the cottage. I would not have booked this Cottage if I had seen this out of proportion television. Also, signage advised that the hot tub had been serviced by an independent company after the last guest. There was also information stating the hot tub lid should be strapped down at all times. If the hot tub had been serviced before I got there, certainly the straps would’ve been in place. They were not. In fact, there was only one functioning strap. My assumption was that it had not been serviced and I therefore didn’t know if the chemicals had been adjusted/corrected thus didn’t use the hot tub.

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jake V.

2 Mar 2025

Windrift review

10/10 Excellent

Cathy H.

25 Feb 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Enchanting

The place was clean, view beautiful. The extra touches were great. Highly recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cali R.

17 Feb 2025

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

Valentines 2025

Perfect for 2. Extremely accurate discription. 0 disappointments. We will be coming back!!

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jenne W.

23 Jan 2025

Quaint Coastal Cottage

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Windrift Cottage is such a charming little coastal hideaway! It couldn't be in a better location, or have a more spectacular view. From the beautiful garden, the cozy fireplace, relaxing hot tub, comfortable bed, well stocked kitchen, to the sound of the crashing waves that lull you to sleep each night... it's a very special place! My husband & I have had the pleasure of staying there three times now, & we're already looking forward to booking our next visit with Mendocino Preferred Vacation Rentals. They're a great team - easy to communicate with, quick to respond, & genuinely happy to help. I would recommend booking a stay at the Windrift Cottage, or any of the other beautiful properties that they have to choose from!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

16 Nov 2024

Pacific respite

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

6 Nov 2024

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

Charming Get-a-way!

It is a charming little cottage and a perfect place to take our little dog. She had beautiful grounds to explore and run. The cottage is very clean and well-stocked with items you would need for your stay. A small fridge and only one working burner made it slightly challenging, but very doable. The Ocean view on the deck to enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail. We would love to go back again at a time of year that is not so foggy and rainy. It made it impossible to go down the path to the beach below. However, it was still a lovely and peaceful place to destress and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

3 Nov 2024

Review of Windrift Cottage

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 Oct 2024

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

Perfect venue for solo weekend

The cottage is quiet and private. Has everything needed for a solo escape. Particularly enjoyed access to the beach and watching the waves while reading in bed.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie Z.

20 Oct 2024

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

Wind drift cottage repeat

This is our second time staying at the property and looking forward to the next time!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave H.

17 Oct 2024

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

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jay B.

17 Oct 2024

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

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tim C.

27 Sept 2024

Top Notch Windrift Cottage

10/10 Excellent

Glenna R.

2 Sept 2024

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

Beyond beautiful!

This cottage is in a prime location with an unrivaled view of the Pacific Ocean and a mostly private beach! Already booked another stay. Heads up that there is a mini fridge only, no oven, no laundry facilities, but there is an awesome hot tub on the deck and a stunning view from there. The walk up area is a beautiful garden with whimsical art all along the pathway. So much to do and see in the area. Best restaurant in town is Noyo River Grill. Highly-recommend this cottage!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

31 Aug 2024

summer vacation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My wife and I have rented this cottage at least once a year for the past 30 years. It's a great little spot for two people, quiet, privet, just right.

8/10 Good

Lisa J.

17 Aug 2024

Disliked: Check-in, communication

Visit

It was a cute little cottage. The view was amazing! Since pets are allowed, there was a pet order lingering. The hot tub was a great location, however, there didn't seem to be much chlorine in the hot tub so we didn't use it. It was a good location for doing things around Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Staff at the Property Management office didn't really say much when I went to pick up the key. I was not impressed with their customer service.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Keri B.

13 June 2024

Amazing property

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We have visited the area a number of times and this was by far our best trip yet! The house and gardens are charming and magical. We spent most of our time on the deck and in the hot tub enjoying the gorgeous view. House and hot tub were super clean. The bed was soft and comfy and the fireplace was wonderful. We loved everything about Windrift cottage. Our search for the perfect romantic getaway has ended. Only place we will book in the Mendocino area. Can't wait to come back!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen U.

30 May 2024

70th Birthday Celebration

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This rental was in the perfect locatiin. We (dog included) loved the direct access to the beach and driving anywhere was a breeze. What a beautiful view from the deck, relaxing in the hot tub was divine. This wonderful place made turning 70 special!

10/10 Excellent

Dane C.

1 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage

This studio cottage is very nicely decorated and clean. The grounds are adorable. The view is amazing. We enjoyed access to the little beach below. The dorm refrigerator was inadequate for our needs and I had to work out of our ice chest as well. Over all we loved this place and will return.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Deborah W.

28 Apr 2024

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

Beautiful setting

It is a gorgeous setting. The house is dated and the amenities are sub standard (tiny soap, old worn sheets, etc), but the view makes up for it. We had a wonderful time in Mendocino.

Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

28 Mar 2024

Very special place!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Small, but warm and cozy. The weather doesn't matter, beautiful any way! Wonderful, dog friendly neighbors with a special state of mind. Beach and trail access great for the two of us and the dog! Limited kitchen, but doable. We will return!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

16 Mar 2024

Wonderful Getaway, Beautiful Place!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My boyfriend and I stayed at the charming Windrift Cottage for a much needed getaway. It had been raining for several days before our arrival, but the rain took a break just in time! We had beautiful, sunny weather every day!The grounds are enchanting, the cottage very well kept and clean. Tha jacuzzi was so relaxing. The ocean view is incredible and ever-changing. This trip couldn't have been better!This was my 4th time staying at Windrift cottage, but first time for my boyfriend. His favorite part was taking the trail down to the private beach below. So much fun! We will be back again!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

20 Jan 2024

Unbeatable view!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We stayed at Windrift Cottage 12-29-23 to 1-2-24. It is a warm and cozy place with an unbeatable view! The fireplace is great, the bed is overly soft but still comfy, and the kitchen has the basics. The path to the cottage is lighted at night. The path to the small beach is fairly easy to navigate. We love that the cottage is dog friendly. Overall we had a wonderful time! Tips for others: be sure and bring a swim suit and or a robe, as the hot tub is pretty exposed. Bring waterproof shoes to be able to cross the shallow creek and explore the whole beach.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Corey H.

19 Dec 2023

Happy anniversary

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mendocino Preferred Vacation Rentals

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast

Photo gallery for Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Other Space 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property

Windrift Cottage - An idyllic haven on the coast

Property manager

Languages

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS - bar none. Over 365 5 star reviews, everyone comes back.

SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS - bar none. Over 365 5 star reviews, everyone comes back.

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Fort Bragg

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

9.4/10

9.8/10

10/10

9.6/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

nancy m.

Exceptional View!

nancy m.

2/10 Terrible

Margaret C.

Beach access cottage, but not really

Margaret C.

10/10 Excellent

Jake V.

Windrift review

Jake V.

10/10 Excellent

Cathy H.

Enchanting

Cathy H.

10/10 Excellent

Cali R.

Valentines 2025

Cali R.

10/10 Excellent

Jenne W.

Quaint Coastal Cottage

Jenne W.

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Pacific respite

Karen D.

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Charming Get-a-way!

Wendy S.

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

Review of Windrift Cottage

Donna A.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller