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Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River

Photo gallery for Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River

view of house from river
New yard
New firepit
Lower deck and new yard
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 683.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Monte Rio, CA
  • Northwood Golf Club
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Bohemian Grove
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Johnson's Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River

Rustic Wildwood Gardens (Cert No. 721N), is a lush and serene haven located on the banks of the scenic Russian River. Adults, children and pets will enjoy the one-acre lawn and garden of hydrangeas, fuchsias, birch trees and willows under the shade of the majestic redwoods. Follow a short private path a few feet from the lower deck down to the river and to the right to swim, play or launch one of the house kayaks. There are three sundecks on which to relax and read a good book, listen to the birds, watch the wildlife on the lazy river or enjoy the hot tub with spectacular views. Wildwood Garden has something for everyone.

Wildwood Gardens is delightful and relaxing every season of the year.

In summer, enjoy Monte Rio’s 4th of July fireworks from the hot tub, or from the spacious lawn. Build a campfire in the fire pit on the lawn and enjoy the long summer nights. Wildwood Garden is secluded from other houses in the area so you can enjoy your private oasis. There are nearby restaurants on the river in Monte Rio and you can walk to them in ten minutes.

Fall still has warm days and nights and most of the tourists have gone home, but they miss one of the best times to enjoy the sunsets on the river that attract thousands of small jumping fish. Watch the birds as they migrate south.

Winter is perfect time for a cozy and romantic weekend to enjoy the fireplace, a good book and a glass of wine while watching the wildlife and river float by. Take a long soak in the Jacuzzi tub and feel like all of your worries have washed away with the river.

In spring, the gardens erupt with hydrangeas and flowers and greenery abounds.

This water front house has a short private path to the Russian river, just a few feet from the lower deck. Depending on river conditions, in the summer there is a beach to the right at the bottom of the path. Guests may use any of the boats and life safety vests that Wildwood Garden provides. [Boat use is prohibited in the high water winter months, usually between November and April.]. Because the river is constantly changing our bank we do not guarantee easy beach access.

The house is rustic cabin but well appointed. Both bedrooms have queen size pillow top beds. The master bedroom has a wood burning stove and a patio door that opens to the deck area with hot tub and river views. Pillows and extra linens are provided for the large sectional sofa that is so comfortable that some guest’s prefer to sleep in the living room in front of the fireplace. There is a small loft overlooking the living room for the kids. Our permit allows six overnight guests.

The living room/dining room has vaulted wood ceilings and accent lighting. There is a flat panel TV above the fireplace, with streaming services, and a large sectional sofa. WiFi is available throughout the house. From the living room and bathroom you can access the river view redwood deck that spans the riverfront side of the house and a large picnic table and comfortable chairs expand your living space to the outside. The hot tub and BBQ are also on the riverside of the deck.

The kitchen has everything you will need to feel at home. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi tub, separate shower and plenty of fresh towels. The house is equipped with an on-demand water heater so the last person in doesn’t have to worry about getting a cold shower and all of the rooms have recently upgraded heaters. For those staying extra days, a washer dryer is available.

You can spend a leisurely afternoon wine tasting at nearby Martinelli and Korbel wineries or dozens of other smaller wine boutiques. Enjoy a 9-hole game of golf at the nearby Northwood public golf course or bring (or rent) your bikes to explore the breathtaking road to the river’s end at the Pacific Ocean in Jenner. Cyclists from all over the world now explore the Russian River backroads and you are just as likely to hear “bonjour” or “ciao!” as “good day” or “hello.” Antique shops and art galleries await in Healdsburg and Sonoma. A short drive takes you to the quaint hamlet of Occidental with century old Italian family restaurants established when the town was a booming railroad outpost.

Please note for guests booking on a Thursday or Friday, our gardeners will usually spend about 1 hour mowing and trimming the lawn.

Property manager

Ron Lopez

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Quite Hours: Sonoma County Regulations mandate quite hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., no amplified music.
Parking: Sonoma County Regulations limit the number of guest vehicles to 3.

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Monte Rio

Located in Monte Rio, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Potter Schoolhouse and Fort Ross State Historic Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Northwood Golf Club and Sonoma Zipline Adventures. Pee Wee Golf and Arcade and Rubicon Adventures are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Monte Rio, CA

What's nearby

  • Northwood Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Bohemian Grove - 6 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Johnson's Beach - 11 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Korbel Winery - 12 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Park - 24 min drive - 13.1 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa Station - 34 min drive
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rainbow Cattle Co. - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Guerneville Taco Truck - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Koalas Fine Food - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Korbel Winery - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Boho Manor - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Russian River and Monte Rio Public Beach. Rio Theatre and Northwood Golf Club are also within 2 miles (3 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. 145 out of 182 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 182 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 182 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 182 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 182 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vicki H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Russian River Adventure
Our first trip to Sonoma County and we couldn’t have found a better location. The area was so beautiful and diversified with quaint towns surrounding it on the ocean, in the vineyard areas ,in the Redwood Forests , and on the Russian River. Fabulous place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Lissa R.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

R B.

Liked: Communication
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Kathy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation on the River
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Terry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing
Small inside, but very clean and comfortable. Quiet and peaceful, we had a good stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Philip B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
We enjoyed our stay at the property. The only downside was the lack of hot water in the shower. Otherwise nice!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic River House
We had a lovely and relaxing stay on this river front house. Being on the water was a joy and it was so easy to pop down to the river and play. The hosts were very helpful, too. There was a small hiccup with the propane and the hosts went out of their way to fix the problem and communicate with us.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joni S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cori F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great escape near the river!
Staying at a property right on the river was a treat! I've been to the area many times and having the direct access to the river made for wonderful views but also so convenient for kayaking and floating. The outdoor property was our favorite but the house was tidy, check in process easy and great for a weekend getaway with friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tien V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake house
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Time at the River!
This is our second time staying at Wildwood Gardens. Had a great time with family and friends, everyone loves the scenic view from the house!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfection!
The setting is gorgeous and private. The outdoor space is amazing. The kitchen is really well stocked. We enjoyed a relaxing week of preparing delicious meals, playing board games, swimming, reading, and enjoying one another's company. Thank you for a perfect opportunity for mom to spend some quality time with her adult children. We all loved it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Vivian L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Stayed 5/27-5/30
Not sure how the current review from Laura M who claimed to stay there May 28 of this year as I never saw her in the house with me and my husband lol. But I can tell you the photos of this property are not current and you need to check with the host before you check in to make sure you’re getting what you paid for, hopefully things have changed since we left this property end of May. I have learned my lesson call the host first to make sure what you see online is what you’re gonna get in person. The house was clean. check in was easy communication with host was good and thanks to me now have access to the small beach to the river. The host had a tree service come out in the evening on our second day to take away the tree. The hot tub was great we made the best of it as we could for our short stay but like I said have learned my lesson call first to confirm what you see online is current. You don’t want any surprises on your vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay in Monte Rio
We had a great time in this lovely little house right on the river. The house is well appointed and close to the town center. The large property is so beautiful and peaceful. We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jolynn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
Beautiful spot on the River! Perfect for up to 4 people. Anyone more would be very tight. Early May is too early for boating, but it would be wonderful for that later in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

wendy f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
This was a perfect place for us! 4 adults and one 5yo. Cabin and yard are very charming and private. Short drive to the coast with beautiful beaches and the river is awesome. Just around the corner from the cabin is access to a river beach. Would definately book here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Can’t wait to return
At the end of our stay my friends and I agreed we would be back. It was a wonderful weekend enjoying beautiful clear skies with a view of the river during the day and next to the fire under stars at night. Loved the tiered deck and open grassy area. The hot tub was enjoyed by my friends. Inside was clean and cozy. We didn’t cook much but instead opted for pizza from downtown. Although the kitchen had everything we needed and the microwave and coffee pot appeared to be new the stove was slow to heat but did the job for frying an egg. We didn’t use the grill, which also looked new, however, that’s where I would recommend spending your time cooking so you can get the most out of the river view and the outdoors.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Riverside
We met our daughter and her partner there on a road trip up the California coast. The house is on the river, but it rained everyday, so we did not have a chance to experience the decks and great back yard. The house is old and a little worn, but warm and cozy, we had a fire the whole time we were there. Only 1 bath but 2 good bedrooms and a nice living room dining area were just fine for 4 adults. Close to a store and eating establishments
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Respite
My wife and I are foster parents as well as we have very demanding jobs. We have found that vacations, even just a weekend away, are paramount to our happiness and success. This spot was perfect for a weekend away. Thank you so much for having us at the river. It was lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Angela H.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Strange odor filled the home
The location was fantastic with a wonderful property on the riverfront. Unfortunately, there was a strong, unpleasant odor that filled the place in all the rooms. We cleaned the floors, Febreezed everything from the curtains to the lampshades, burned candles but couldn't rid of it. The smell was in the walls, furniture, curtains, lampshades, etc. We spent alot of time outdoors as a result which was ok with the hot tub, riverfront views from deck and firepit. The home has potential but needs alot of TLC from years of neglect it seems.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming and beautiful cabin
We had a great stay! Our group was 6 adults - I would not recommend that many adults for the stay, 4 would be more comfortable. That said, the couch and pullout worked! On the river it is a spectacular place. The kitchen is a bit small and outdated, but worked just fine. Hot tub is beautiful overlooking the river. It was a sweet time.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dominique T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Top comfort and location
We were at this place for 3 days during fall. 3 adults plus 2 dogs. Location is perfect if you want to visit north, south, east or west and almost downtown. Along the river with private access which is very convenient. Very comfortable house, big balcony and huge garden. Even if it was in fall, we used the canoe, and we enjoyed the hot tub afterwards. TV night and games perfect. The only things I would improve are the mattresses/spring boxes and the electric range (some burners don't work very well).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Icy beauty
Lovely and quiet. Thank you very kindly!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eddie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Russian River Getaway
We enjoyed this property immensely. Would have booked more days if we had known. Quiet and idyllic, wonderful small kayaks, the river was very safe and manageable at this time of year - swam with our dog and paddled around with the boats. The beach access was not as open as the photos made it seem, but we managed it nonetheless. We will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Ron Lopez

Host profile image
We are a family of four, plus our beagle Max. We love to travel.

Why they chose this property

We have traveled extensively, but love the Russian River as the ideal vacation retreat. We love kayaking, the towns of Monte Rio and Occidental, the redwoods and our local wineries.

What makes this property unique

As the name implies, we love the large lush grounds and gardens at Wildwood Gardens on the bank of the Russian River.

Languages:

English