Entire home

Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

Leafy fairytale entrance
entry hall
outdoor dining
feast/ indoor dining
kitchen view

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6250.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
Inverness, CA
  • Place, Tomales Bay State Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Tomales Bay
  • Place, Point Reyes National Seashore
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪63 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bunk Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

Brook Ness is a handcrafted home, a dreamy place next to a cool leafy stream and an ideal home base for exploring the pristine nature of Point Reyes National Seashore, from Tomales Bay coves to big ocean beaches, whale and bird watching, wild flowers, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking.

Brook Ness is one of the iconic, true Inverness homes in an area very like an old English village, with huge trees and shingled houses. You wake to the scent of bay laurel, the sounds of the fresh mountain spring and a chorus of bird song. It is enchanting, and only a 5 minute stroll through First Valley to town shops, and oysters at Salt Water restaurant and to the bay where kiters fly across the water.

Or going feral, you can cross the footbridge near the house, hike up the mesa where you'll find myriad trails climbing Mount Vision to kettle ponds and sweeping views of the headlands. The house is also perfect for cozy dinners, games, movies, reading and relaxing with loved ones. There is now high speed WIFI for longer stays/ remote work time, but it's a great place to get away from screens, and the rate is negotiable if staying longer.

Fun for family time and at the end of a short lane, safe from road traffic. There is a toy room and in fair weather an open outdoor space for al fresca dining under a huge oak. The hot outdoor shower makes it a breeze to de-salt after a day at the beach, and the hammock aloft the stream is a dreamy reading spot.

(A quiet dog is okay, but no unruly or loud dogs allowed.)

Also nearby/ 10 mins is the quaint town of Point Reyes, with its distinct Western feel and a bevy of eateries like Cowgirl Creamery and Brickmaiden Bakery. The soft serve ice cream at the Palace Market is a dreamy vanilla whip. Hog Island oysters and Tony's seafood for fish and chips are also delicious, a 30 min drive away. Bodega and the wild shore of Route One north also make for wonderful day tripping.

Keywords: Country House, Oysters, swimming and beaches, Writing Retreat, getaway, West Marin hiking, trees and clean air, quiet, whales and wild life, serene marshlands, gourmet food.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
It's magic for kids here.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Quiet dog under 20 lbs/ meticulous clean up
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please double check that all heaters and lights are turned off, and shut all windows to keep forest animals out:)
Please remake easy beds if have a few minutes.
No need to lock up house, safe out here:)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Absolutely no parties, guests other than on contract. Neighbors get upset and call. A cancellation on your end will be requested if planning a party.
No dog left alone in the house. Please only one quiet, small dog allowed.
No smoking inside or outside due to California fire problems. My neighbors are very strict about this.

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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Inverness

Located in Inverness, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore, 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 - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Point Reyes National Seashore - 8 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Point Reyes Hiking Trails - 8 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Shell Beach - 12 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Heart's Desire Beach - 13 min drive - 9.6 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Toby's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Hog Island Oyster Farm - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪The Marshall Store - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Due West - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bovine Bakery - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from Tomales Bay State Park and 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Shell Beach. Point Reyes National Seashore and Point Reyes Hiking Trails 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. 144 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 153 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cherrie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A quiet and beautiful stay in Inverness. We really enjoyed our stay. Short drive to nearby hiking trails.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house suited us perfectly with a well equipped kitchen, games and fabulous views into woods with plenty of peivacy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isabel A.

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

dreamy stay in inverness

We had the best time! The property is so beautiful and Margaret is a great host. I can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Devi S.

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

Amazing family trip

Came here with my friend and daughters and our dogs! Had the best time and went for lovely walks and enjoyed the beautiful windows and quiet woods. Loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian Y.

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

Large Family Home - comfortable

There is a large dining/family room/kitchen which is ideal for enjoying conversation while preparing large family meals.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

craig L.

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

Weekend retreat

Easy access to point Reyes. Fully stocked kitchen
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suki D.

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

Perfect for three generations

The house was perfect for a family gathering. Quiet area and within walking distant to town. It will be on my return list!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Paradise

A perfect place to enjoy Tomales Bay and environs.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrianne A.

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

A lovely time in a lovely location

Charming house in the middle of lush surroundings. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

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

Perfect getaway!

The house is incredibly unique and the property is second to none. Thank you for a wonderful weekend for me and my family!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edgar V.

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

Terrific property

The property is accurately described online. The host is responsive and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise C.

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

Lovely family home

This home is a perfect place for a family reunion or vacation. Set back in a beautiful wooded grove next to a creek. Plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax ad enjoy. Comfortable bedrooms. A very well appointed kitchen. Tons of laidback character and charm. Books and games. Convenient to hiking and exploring Tomales Bay and the coast. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

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

Perfect escape

What a beautiful property to match the magnificence of its surrounds! Well-appointed home, both expansive and cozy, clean, and beautifully furnished while also being fully functional (translation: not too fussy / family friendly). We felt right and home and rejuvenated after our stay (though we may now have a serious case of cabin envy!). Margaret was responsive and helpful, and their neighbors were friendly and welcoming, too. Highly recommend, and would love to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nikki A.

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

Multi generation joy

Our stay coincided with my son’s spring break and our celebration with my mom of her 80th birthday. It is tough to mix three generations but this house accommodated us. My mom was surprised that such a large house felt so cozy. My son loved the rope swing and the feeling of spaciousness. I loved that I could carve out alone time while still getting in lots of family time; meals and card playing at the dining room table was an every evening event.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian B.

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

Magical and easy

Margaret’s home in the redwoods was totally wonderful for us. The kitchen dining room, living area were expensive then beautiful and had a sense of the forest inside and outside and easy to make meals for the whole family together there. The backyard was wonderful with the rope swing that the two boys never got off of when we were there the creek to explore the berries to pack all the neighbors for so friendly and sweet and we use it as a homebase for lots of adventures in the area. Hikes and great restaurants. We so appreciate Margaret, and all her attention to details, and made us feel right at home we would gladly return.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin D.

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

Magical Getaway with Kids

Had a fantastic weekend away! Two families - four adults and four kids ages 7, 6, 4, & 3. The house, the yard, and the location were absolutely amazing! Some notes for other parents traveling with youngish kids: The bunkbeds do not have rails. You might want to bring a bed rail if you're worried about putting a little ones up there. No need to bring entertainment for the kids. So many children's books and lots of toys, plus some of the best nooks and crannies I've ever seen for hide and seek. The beautiful wood paneled bedroom is up a flight of stairs at the opposite end of the house from the bunkroom, but the other two bedrooms are right by the bunkroom. I wished we'd brought a couple nightlights to help children find us in the dark. It was a magical trip, and we're already talking about coming back. Thank you, Margaret!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house, so comfortable, many areas to relax. Margaret allowed us a later check out which was very kind. Amazing weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jana K.

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

Lovely Stay in the Big Lovely House

The Big Lovely House feels like visiting the home of a beloved, generous friend or family member. It’s exceptionally comfortable with plenty of room to spread out and for everyone to have space. The beautiful, lovingly worn hardwood floors, charming decor, forest views, and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful retreat. Our family of four adults found everything we needed to make our stay completely enjoyable: from a well-stocked kitchen to the most amazing book collection to jigsaw puzzles we enjoyed while catching up over the evening bottle of wine. Close to hikes, beach walks, and little markets and restaurants in Inverness and Pt Reyes Station. But also the perfect place for cozying up with a cup of tea and a stack of books. Highly recommend this magical, peaceful retreat in the woods of Inverness.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Naomi G.

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

Fantastic stay!

Perfect for our family, from grandparents to toddler. Such a cozy and comfortable base for exploring the surrounding nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

donna h.

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

Wonderful and Peaceful Stay!

Location was perfect! Comfortable home, we had everything we needed for a relaxing weekend. Peaceful and beautiful, we would definitely stay again. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

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

A week in the winter

Four of us stayed in this quintessential Inverness spot for a week’s retreat. The space was great for us and is an easy walk to town. This is a beautiful wood house with a burbling stream behind it. The 4th bedroom wasn’t pictured and is set up as a kids room with bunk beds and everything a kid could want! It also works for adults. The house was quiet, peaceful, and cozy, and well stocked, and we loved our stay
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel V.

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

Loved our stay!

We really enjoyed our trip to Inverness for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely get away for my family including 2 young boys and a little dog. We were able to unplug by the fire and have cozy quality time together. The house is incredibly charming and has everything you could possibly need. The babbling creek behind the house is so peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed hiking the area and being among the lush trees. There is tons to see in the afternoon and when we weren’t being adventurous we enjoyed long walks in the neighborhood and just being in the wonderful cottage. We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kuanie J.

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

Great, relaxing stay

This place is a pretty funky, cool maze layout with beautiful decor. The fresh air outside was unbeatable too. Most important, it was a perfect layout for our infant son to play around in, safely. The home feels well lived in, and wonderful. It also had all the amenities we needed for a wedding weekend. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nora I.

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

Beautiful Home and Setting

We gathered for my 60th birthday and the home could not have been more hospitable to me and my special group of friends. We laughed, cooked, and enjoyed the beautiful environment created by the host's details. The kitchen had beautiful glasses and dishes-- all ready to have a nice dinner. We all slept well and treasured every moment of being together. Thank you so much! It could not have been more perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderfulness in Inverness

We loved this place so much. It's surrounded by bay and redwood trees. Funky, in a good way.g9odbutbendlessl6 interestingly fabouslous.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Margaret

Host profile image
We are a family of avid outdoors-folk, sailors, hikers, naturalists.

Why they chose this property

We marvel at Point Reyes and the choices of fun fresh things to do in this boundless and well-protected natural preserve.

What makes this property unique

Heart's Desire hikes, Bodega Bay for a tour of Hitchcock's set for The Birds and crab salad in town, oysters at Hog Island, dinner in Point Reyes, the local farmer's market on Saturdays, walking Kehoe Beach for big tumbling waves, reading the paper at Drakes, blackberry picking in September...the list goes on and on!

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests