Entire home

Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay

Photo gallery for Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay

Helen's House Living Room
Helen's House Dining Area
Dining
Living Room & Dining Area
Stone Fireplace

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Inverness, CA
  • Tomales Bay State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Heart's Desire Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Tomales Bay
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Novato, CA (NOT-Gnoss Field)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay

Helen's House is a cabin style home which has a large living room with a stone fireplace, dining area and king bedroom, all with picture windows which have scenic vistas of Tomales Bay. The home has a picnic area with wood slab tables and gas barbecue which also overlooks Tomales Bay and the State Park lands.

Located on Pierce Point peninsula at the entrance to Tomales Bay State Park, The Trees By Tomales Bay consists of two private vacation homes situated on 5 acres. The property features spectacular views of Tomales Bay and Abbotts Lagoon, and is surrounded on all sides by State Park and National Seashore.

Enjoy the solitude and peacefullness of our unique setting amidst bishop pines, oaks and beautiful vistas, or venture to the beaches and trails of Tomales Bay State Park (5 minutes) or the many vistas, trails, historic sites and beaches of the Point Reyes National Seashore (5-15 minutes).

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE comprises over 100 square miles, including 32,000 acres of coastal wilderness area. Estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal scrub grasslands, salt and freshwater marshes, and coniferous forests create a haven of 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline. Abundant recreational opportunities include 147 miles of hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, and numerous beaches, including over 10 continuous miles of unspoiled beach. Kayaking, biking, hiking, beachcombing, surf fishing, seasonal whale and elephant seal watching, bird watching and wildlife viewing are just a few of the activities awaiting your visit. Additionally, you can explore geology, Coast Miwok Indian culture or Lighthouse history by visiting the many historic sites within the park. Located just an hour’s drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Seashore is a great escape from a busy city life.

TOMALES BAY STATE PARK is comprised of a 2,000-acre day-use park which features four gently sloping, surf-free beaches, protected from winds by Inverness Ridge, the backbone of the Point Reyes Peninsula, as well as forests, fields, hills, meadows and marshes - each with its own plant life, including varieties of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. One of the finest remaining virgin groves of Bishop pine in California is in the park's Jepson Memorial Grove. Wildlife in the area includes foxes, raccoons, badgers, weasels, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, bobcats, skunks, wood rats, field mice, moles and other animals. There are also land and sea birds, including the spotted owl, quail, goldfinches, puffins, great blue heron, pelicans, ruddy ducks, woodpeckers, meadowlarks - and more. The park has hiking trails connecting all its bay beaches, and is a popular place for picnicking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, clamming and boating.



Keywords: Vacation Home

Property manager

Barbie & Jeff Fairchild
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Water view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
All guests staying in a short-term rental must be part of an existing single household unit. No outside visitors are allowed within the unit.

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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 024661

About the area

Inverness

Inverness is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park, 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.
Map
Inverness, CA

What's nearby

  • Tomales Bay State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Heart's Desire Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Tomales Bay - 13 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Point Reyes National Seashore - 14 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Marshall Beach - 50 min drive - 6.1 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Inverness Park Market - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Marshall Store - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Tony's Seafood Restaurant - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Hog Island Oyster Company - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Tap Room - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Vacation Home Overlooking Heart's Desire Beach at Tomales Bay located?

Situated in Inverness, this holiday home is steps from Tomales Bay State Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Heart's Desire Beach and Shell Beach. Tomales Bay and Marshall Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 176 out of 214 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 214 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 214 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 214 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 214 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday get away
Quiet, relaxing, beautiful grounds and views. Only minor "quibbles" are that a couple of extra towels would have been nice to have, and the furnace, while super efficient, was also loud
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful retreat
Another wonderful stay at Helen’s House. Restored, refreshed and rested!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Inverness Spot!
We have stayed at this property 3 times now, once in the Hi House and twice at Helen’s House and have had great experiences each time. The property is beautifully tended to, the views unparalleled and the house perfect for a weekend for a family of 4 adults. The kitchen is well-stocked, the beds are comfortable and the massive stuffed couch and chairs are the perfect spot for hunkering down if the weather isn’t good, to gaze at the bay and the deer visitors who wander across the meadow. We plan to be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivan d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway to enjoy Tomales Bay and Point Reyes
We spent a weekend with our 1.5 year-old. The property was great and had everything we needed for the weekend. Beds were comfortable, kitchen was well stocked, heat worked well. The property itself is gorgeous, very peaceful and perfectly situated to explore the surrounding area. It is not hard to find, butr reception is spotty towards the end of the drive so download a map or instructions to have available offline.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Eva H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Quiet retreat
Sweet place
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

cindy t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Stay
Loved Helen's house! It was perfect for our stay. The art on the walls was amazing! We loved the indoor and outdoor views. We went to three beach hikes and the house was well located for all hikes and easy drive to Point Reyes for bakery and dinner visits. Loved our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
privacy and splendor
gorgeous range of nature from the fogged-in PRS lighthouse to the radiant shies of Tomales Bay. thx!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

LEAH K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay
We had a wonderful stay at Helen's House. The views are amazing, the property is tucked away and private, and the house is very cozy. We ended up needing to extend our trip by a day and we greatly appreciated the flexibility.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely weekend in Helen’s House
The house is so beautiful and artistic with a gorgeous view. We loved the homey feeling surrounded by nature. We had everything we needed for a peaceful weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Haven! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This home and the property upon which it sits are truly gems! Minutes outside of the nearby map dot towns of Inverness and Inverness Park - this home is truly an offer of respite from the bustle of life. The view from the living room window is stunning (highly recommend watching the sunrise from the cushy couch!) and the heater quickly keeps you cozy when the coastal airs chills the area. Pt Reyes attractions are easily accessible by car. Thank you for a beautiful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Point Reyes stay
Nice place, lovely property, great view, very well-equipped kitchen. But the beds were too soft, ( except for the twin) and the place was crying out for better lighting. The overhead lights were way too bright, and there were no dimmers, and no lamps. What would otherwise have been a very cozy, lovely living area was oppressively overlit. I would also like to know why we were charged for an extra guest when the place was listed as sleeping five, and we were five people.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

lynne c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Pt Reyes property
Great location. Beautiful property. All was just right. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shaul H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Point Reyes
Secluded
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay in Point Reyes
The cabin was just as described. It’s in a very convenient location with a beautiful garden and beautiful view of Tomales Bay (when it’s not too foggy). We were 2 couples staying and were very comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need. Our only complaint—and it’s a minor one—is that we found the beds way too soft.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

mcalvello

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serenity and relaxation
I have had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful home several times and treasure coming back as often as I can. Comfortable, clean, quiet and peaceful. Already miss the experience and eager to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
X
X
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
Lovely, peaceful venue. Simple and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh and Fox G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful time
We had a lovely stay here for a couple nights. Calm evenings by the fire and watching the sunrise through the dining room window were definite highlights of our outing. We would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a calm getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benji W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil beauty
We came to Helen’s House for a family reunion in my late dad’s favorite place (Inverness). It was just as nice as I remembered it being the first time we stayed here many years ago. We had a peaceful 4th of July BBQ in the beautiful garden with the rest of our family who were visiting from MA. The location can’t be beat if you’re looking for a peaceful respite within striking distance of all of Point Reyes’ best spots (Abbott’s lagoon, kehoe, Tomales point, etc.). It’s also right next door to Heart’s Desire, which was an added bonus. Hope to be back again in the near future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
Gorgeous views & garden, nostalgic, not far from some great hikes and the water, clean & homey, and had everything we needed. We enjoyed our stay & recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay at Helen's house
Cozy house with wonderful views and beautiful grounds. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Marcos E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place - Bad Bed/Shower/Living Room Chairs
Great place. Proximity to Tomales State Park - fantastic. View - lovely. The queen sized bed is beyond soft. The full sized is better. The twin is best (if you like something firmer). The living room chairs look inviting - but they're totally unsupportive and replacing the cushions would make a world of difference. Comfort is subjective. The shower could be safer. It's a tall step up and there are no safety strips on the floor of the bathtub to prevent you from slipping. As someone who recently had his hip replaced, this was disconcerting! Could easily be solved. The hosts were extremely responsive, and whoever Helen is, thank you Helen!! It is a magical place.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
Comfy beds, great views
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing cottage
What a perfect original home on beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peak Experience
Incomparable natural beauty, quiet and peaceful, pristine redwood cottage, artfully decorated. Perfectly framed views from every window. Couldn't have been better. Greeted by a doe and her fawn in a field of daffodils.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Barbie & Jeff Fairchild

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This property was purchased by my grandparents and is now owned by our family. We grew up here enjoying the beaches, trails, nature and beauty, and hope to share it with our guests.

What makes this property unique

Helen's House is a beautiful rustic retreat that offers a getaway from the hectic daily grind and allows one to get back in sync with the peacefulness of nature. We are away from it all, and in the middle of it all being surrounded by the Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests