Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Scenic water view
Relax and unwind with top rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
Fireplace
A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Mendocino Headlands State Park
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Spa pool on site
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Barbecue
Explore the area
Mendocino, CA
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Place, Mendocino Headlands State Park
1 min walk
Temple of Kwan Tai
Place, Temple of Kwan Tai
2 min walk
Mendocino Art Center
Place, Mendocino Art Center
3 min walk
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Single Bed and 1 Child Bed
Loft
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 1/2
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village
Treat your loved ones to a totally unique and fun experience along the very special Northern Coast of Caliifornia, and particularly in the Historic Village of Mendocino. It starts with a lumber mill cottage from the 1880’s that still maintains its historical character, and yet, is lovingly updated to fit the warmth, comfort, privacy and entertainment requirements of modern day Mendocino living and vacationing.
Walk to everything, fine restaurants, casual cafes, functional and clever shopping, both commercial and organic grocery stores, plus a local farmers market, beaches, pub, Headland Trails, Mendocino Art Center, or walk over to the Mendocino Theater Company for the current play offering. How about just relaxing for hours and hours and hours, or laying on the grass on a southern facing exposure. Listen to the foghorns, or listen to the nothingness, watch the birds and the boats. In addition to the Indoor Master Bathroom with Tub and Shower, take advantage of the additional outdoor fun and private shower in the garden.
Make Rhubarb Pie with fresh rhubarb from the back yard, or just sit in the garden hot tub, morning, noon and night. This spot is the center of The Mendocino Universe. Let those nighttime lit up star-studded skies seep into your soul and come back as you need. Let you dogs explore everything, or just laze on the deck in the back yard.
This is a unique property in a unique setting. A true Old World Mendocino Property dating back to the 1800's, both in reality and feeling. In addition to our feedback via vrbo, you can scroll towards the bottom here, just prior to the photos, and find our over 130 feedbacks left in our visitor comments book at the cottage.
The property is 47 feet by 160 feet. On the front part of the property sits two separate buildings with a breezeway between them. In one of the buildings is the master bedroom with a queen bed and sitting area. Right next to this bedroom, just a few feet away, with its own door for privacy, is the small bedroom set up mostly for children. That bedroom is great for young children and babies, keeps them close, but separate and private. It has a low single full length bed and a childs sleeping loft. Included in this building is the master bathroom with shower and tub.
Across the breezeway is the kitchen and living room. The living room and kitchen are both heated by a wood burning stove as well as a propane wall heater. Firewood is provided. The living room has a 40 inch Sony XBR Flat screen HD TV with satellite. It has a Blue-Ray DVD Player, which also receives free NETFLIX Streaming movies. It has Wireless Internet.
Upstairs over the living room is a sleeping loft with a double bed and window facing south with ocean view.
The garden also has a private outdoor shower, next to the hot tub plumbed with hot and cold water. Such a delight!! Once you are in the hot water, the shower is even great in the winter. Speaking of winter, those can be some of the best times. If you hit it right, you might get a really big storm that will bring you right down to the elements, rich in depth, and wonderful in its nurturing power.
There is a deck with patio table and chairs, along with a barbeque and hot tub.
Every year we have a fairly large cadre of repeat customers. Generally speaking, couples and families are the ones most drawn to the intimacy of this setting and cottage. It can handle up to 5 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 5 children, and variations between.
We are always working on the property behind the scenes, upgrading, adding services, and generally making it more delightful and user friendly. We started a guest log about 10 years ago. We copied the visitors comments onto this web site. When people write reviews, they mostly write in the book at The Cottage.
So, to recap it all, If you are looking for a really comfy and down to earth home, centrally located, with all the modern amenities, ocean views, comfortable outside garden, with easy access to everything, with a multitude of sleeping possibilities, hot tub, embraces dogs, has character that dates back to the 1880's, is very private, and is in The Village (which we feel is the best choice for vacationing and visiting the area), is easy for couples, as well as for families, it is our pleasure to offer 'Garden Cottage'. As a side note, the website is listing us as 12 hours to respond to requests. That is a glitch, I am always on my cell phone and generally respond within minuets unless I am driving, etc. Always within an hour.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Mendocino
Located in Mendocino, this cottage is in the city centre and on a river. Kelley House Museum and Ford House Visitor Center and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Skunk Train and Mendocino Art Center. Sea Glass Museum and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are also worth visiting. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
Mendocino Headlands State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Temple of Kwan Tai - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Mendocino Art Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Kelley House Museum - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Agate Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 130 min drive
Restaurants
Brickery Pizza - 8 min walk
Goodlife Cafe & Bakery - 6 min walk
Little River Inn - 6 min drive
Waiting Room - 8 min walk
Terra Mar Kitchen - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village?
As of 15 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village on 17 July 2026 start from NZ$665, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Unique Vintage 1880’S “Garden Cottage” in Mendocino Village located?
Located in the heart of Mendocino, this cottage is steps away from Mendocino Headlands State Park and Temple of Kwan Tai. Mendocino Art Center and Kelley House Museum are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The location of the cottage is perfect! It was wonderful to be able to walk just a couple blocks to the ocean and a few blocks to the restaurants and shops in town. The landscaping is beautiful, the view from the lower deck is amazing, and we loved the hot tub! We had a great stay.
Perfect stay in perfect place. Lots of yard for dog. Close to coastal trails and views. Clean hot tub with outdoor shower! Nice to be in town. It’s an old funky place with lots of niches and decorated with eclectic mendo finds. Fun to explore. Slept well!.
This place checks all the boxes- great ocean and garden views, fenced yard for our doggies who loved it, excellent-clean hot tub, close to town, thoughtful accents and details throughout the property.
This property is a special treat. The charm of the 1880’s facade with modern upgrades makes it a one of a kind experience. The location, the views, the hot tub, the gardens made for a quiet and cozy weekend getaway to remember.
Nice place that's an easy walk to everything. Backyard area is super neat. Interesting setup with the bedrooms and bathrooms in one building and the kitchen and living spaces are in an adjacent building across a small walkway. Worked out well for what we needed. Check-in and check-out details in the listing on VRBO would be appreciated. Would recommend!
The place was perfect! So expansive, artistic, unique, and comfy. It was perhaps too big for just one person, so I am looking forward to returning with a larger group!
Mendocino is a picturesque town located along HWY 1 and this cottage was the perfect stop for us along our trip. The space is well loved and maintained as well as excellently decorated and appointed. It is clear and lot of love has gone into the cottage and if you’re looking for a unique stay that isn’t the typical rental house this is perfect. Check in and out was smooth and we had no issues at all. The property is in a great location and the town itself is very walkable so we were able to walk to dinner and breakfast. The one small thing we felt was missing was coffee grounds in the kitchen! But other than that small detail, which is easily fixed because there are plenty of places to buy grounds in town, our stay was splendid. I hope to get back to Mendocino one day as I would love to spend more time in the town itself. Overall a beautiful space that was perfect for my family.
This was our second year in a row staying here. We absolutely love it. The space is great for being inside or outside and you are so close to everything in this location. We will be back next year for sure!
We had a wonderful time in the Garden Cottage. The place is adorned with flowers and plants all around. It exceeded our expectations in every way. The cottage is comfortable, has a magestic garden and a stunning view of the ocean. This was a birthday present to myslef that I will remember fontly. Oh the outside shower and the jacuzzi under the stars was a cherry on top of another cherry. :)
I’ve traveled to Mendocino several times, and this was far and away my favorite spot. Amazing location, authentic, perfect. Love that kitchen & living are in adjacent building. A few minutes walk to everything. Can’t wait to return!
The Garden Cottage was everything we’d hoped for and more. Utterly charming in the heart of Mendocino Village, it delivered all the rustic, warm weathered-wood and timeless coastal garden and artisan ambiance that Mendocino is known for while also perfectly providing valued creature comforts like lots of hot water, great water pressure, more than adequate heating, new washer and dryer, nice kitchen appliances, a Hot tub, Direct TV, cozy rockers and lots of books. Spectacular Ocean and bay views from many windows, convenient walk-to-anywhere location. Easy Parking in front of property. Lush fenced yard with outdoor shower and bathroom by hot tub, lots of privacy. Our host, Ron, is responsive, friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Explicit instructions and helpful tips were sent by email and also found on the kitchen table. The cottage has a rich history and the meandering layout is fun and whimsical. You walk through those ivy covered gates toanother world and a way of life lost to time, a time that still seems to live in these walls and the effect is peaceful and calming. The down side is that you’ll never want to leave, you’ll lose your job and your mortgage will go into foreclosure. Thank you, Ron, for sharing your lovely cottage. It was perfect. We hope to return very soon. My puppy loved it too.
Another annual visit to this magical place, and it was as great as we remember. Loved the deck at the end of the garden with the view of the water and coastline—perfect size and sheltered from any wind! Can’t wait to come back next year.
Mendocino CharmerRon’s place was absolutely charming! Perfectly situated betwixt the little town of Mendocino and the breathtaking dog-friendly headlands. Kitschy and delightfully decorated; each furnishing and tapestry feels cozy and curated with care. Numerous seating areas with views of the Pacific are sprinkled throughout this magical secret garden. We spent most of our days outside with the pup - exploring the many places to journal, read, and sunbathe. The outhouse, outdoor shower, and barefoot-beckoning grass were big highlights! What an absolute dream! Thank you so much for sharing this treasure with us! Already making plans to come back for another birthday, very soon. This hidden gem of a place feels like you’ve taken a few steps back in time. So much thought has gone into the comfort & style of this home. The hot tub was sparkling clean with strategic hooks for towels & clothing. The sleeping quarters offers a luxurious number of towels, pillows, and extra blankets. From the brand new kitchen sink sponge to the thermostat settings, Ron has thought of every detail to create a truly delightful getaway. Twas the perfect place to slow down and find peace & restoration, surrounded by nature. PS: On the windiest day, a perfect birds’ nest blew down out of the tree next to the outhouse. (No eggs, thank gootness!) We felt it belonged with the house, so it’s tucked safely on the windowsill next to the driftwood and sea glass.
Great location and property! We enjoyed our stay thoroughly.
Max W.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by Ron Sieg
This is a photo of my wife Theo, our daughter Stina, and Myself (Ron), and was taken in May of 1983, the same month and year we became the owners and caretakers of this cottage and property. My wife still looks the same, but I look more like the Velveteen Rabbit, with certainly more grey hair, a few missing buttons and some tears and stitches along the way, and that is just fine. Our daughter Stina, is now 38, and we have a son Toby, 35. We all agree, we can sell anything, except Mendocino. After 38 years, we still get excited to go. This is a very special town, a very special area, and a very special property. We have put our heart and soul into this. We not only love to share it, we feel a responsibility to share it. It can be yours for a few days, a few weeks and some do for a few months, and then you leave, and we will take care of it until you come back.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with Mendocino, this cottage, and this property.
What makes this property unique
You just have to be here.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests