Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views

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Take a dip! Heated pool available May–September for the ultimate vacation vibe.
Property video
Prefer cozy in the shade? We’ve got you covered.
Unwind with sunset views - your private deck is the perfect way to end your day
San Rafael is famously sunny! We do have cloudy days, but odds are good for sun!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Balcony
  • Dryer
The current price is NZ$726
includes taxes & fees
22 Jun - 23 Jun

Explore the area

View map
San Rafael, CA
  • Place, Marin Country Mart
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
The current price is NZ$726
includes taxes & fees
22 Jun - 23 Jun

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About this property

Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views

Relax here after FIFA. Private hillside retreat with sweeping views, heated pool (May–Sep), & a standalone guesthouse all to yourselves. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape, yet minutes from Marin's trails, charming towns, & easy day trips to San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma. Enjoy the privacy of a secluded getaway with the confidence of a top rated local host, personal recommendations, and a curated guidebook to help you experience the very best of the area. Marin's 1st Green Business Certified vacation rental.

Popular single-story place for recovering from medical care - close to Greenbrae Surgery Center, Marin Health Hospital, and UCSF Parnassus Hospital.

Separate building from main house. TV: Netflix, Hulu, PBS, more+!

Why do guests love the Casita experience?

- Sunset treetop views high above the twinkling lights of San Rafael
- Private entrance + separate building = your own peaceful, private retreat
- Large saltwater pool with a view (heated May–September)
- Marin experts – Get insider recommendations, a curated local guidebook, and personalized tips to help you make the most of your stay
- Exceptional hospitality from local hosts who genuinely love welcoming guests
- Guest favorite
- Remodeled, uncluttered, and thoughtfully designed space
- Central location with easy access to San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Marin trails, and waterfront towns
- Pet & family-friendly
- Dedicated parking
- Self check-in
- Early check-in available when possible—just ask!
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Streaming TV
- EV charging available (additional fee)

Marin's first Certified Green Business vacation rental. Sustainability is built into how we host, and I helped create Marin County's certification program for short-term rentals.

I'm happy to help you plan your adventure. I live locally, enjoy helping guests, maintain a curated guidebook and know Marin!

The Space
500 sqft 1-Bedroom Single-Story Guest House

Perfect For
• Couples seeking a peaceful getaway with pool access, privacy, and scenic views
• Solo travelers looking for a quiet retreat while exploring Marin, San Francisco, Napa, or Sonoma
• Small families (2 adults + 1 child) with space for a crib or air mattress
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests, including children

Living Room
Open floor plan with space for food prep and a table for two that doubles as a work-from-home office

Kitchen
- 2-burner electric stove & microwave
- Refrigerator & freezer
- Toaster, coffee maker, kettle, rice cooker
- Cookware, pots, pans, storage containers
- Dinnerware & silverware for 4 people
- Coffee, tea, sugar, creamer
- Basic spices, olive oil, paper towels

Bathroom
- Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand soap

Bedroom
• Sliding glass door opens to your private deck with treetop and city views
• Comfortable queen bed for restful nights and slow mornings
• In-unit washer & dryer
• Iron & ironing board
• Optional twin air mattress with linens
• Optional Pack-n-Play crib

Pool Area
• Large saltwater pool with panoramic hillside views
• Heated May–September
• Pool towels and toys provided
• Access via stairs from the Casita
• Shared only with our family, so it remains quiet and uncrowded

Heat & Air
- Bay breezes and shade from the trees usually keep the Casita cool, plus there are portable fans. (no air conditioning)
- Central heating

Accessibility: Works well for guests with a walker or limited mobility. Not wheelchair accessible. Single story, zero-step entry. 36-inch doors (do not open beyond 90 degrees). Bathroom NOT wheelchair accessible. Stairs to pool.

Conveniently located between San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma, with easy access to Marin's best towns, trails, and waterfront destinations:
San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge): 15 min
Downtown San Rafael: 8 min
Larkspur Ferry Terminal: 7 min
Marin Health Medical Center: 9 min
Greenbrae Surgery Center: 7 min
San Anselmo: 10 min
Sausalito: 20 min
Mill Valley: 25 min
Muir Woods: 35 min
Stinson Beach: 40 min
Sonoma: 35 min
Napa: 45 min
San Francisco (downtown) / Moscone Center: 40 min (or ferry!)

Special Note: Gender-Affirming & Abortion Care Support. If you’re coming to California for gender-affirming care or abortion care, ask about a discounted stay and post-op care package. We’re happy to help.

Travel Insurance Recommended. For max coverage, consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance

House Rules: Only registered guests allowed on the property – No parties.

Licensed Short-Term Rental, City of San Rafael.

You belong here! We welcome every guest—of any race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age—with respect, and without judgment or bias. We are 100% committed to inclusivity and to you feeling great about your time here.

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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 1 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR24-000044
Property # 3496045vb
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
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Frequently asked questions

Does Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views on 22 June 2026 start from NZ$726, 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.

Is Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views located?

Located in Bret Harte, this guesthouse is within 3 miles (5 km) of San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park, Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Book Passage are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

monica v.

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

The best

An ideal getaway. So quiet and serene. The pool is delightful. Clean and comfortable. Thank you for having us! We hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amelia J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Melodie was a great host and the property was wonderful, as described! Very clean, new construction and interiors, beautiful views, fully stocked kitchen, refrigerator and freezer, washing machine, lovely bathroom, comfortable bed and beautiful pool. Melodie provided posted instructions for all functional systems on the property to explain operations. In addition, Melodie put notable effort into providing sustainable products and practices on this property. I appreciate her attention to detail and ecofriendly priorities. I highly recommend staying at this property!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifu; clean space. We notified the hosts at the last minute that we were bringing our dog, and they had a bed and treats waiting. Very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay over the past weekend. Property is clean, quiet and offers great views on the drive up and from the pool area. Check in was communicated clearly and we had no issues accessing gate or front door. The Casita has a comfortable, roomy layout with lost of thoughtful touches. Our normally anxious pup loved the pet bed/toys and settled in quickly. Thanks for a great stay, Melodie!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Melodie is SO SWWEEEETTTTT! She left simple instructions and the place is PERFECT! Intimate, at the end of the road, nature views and a small private deck. Beautiful experience!!!!!! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marina N.

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

Lovely Stay

Exactly what I was looking for! I was visiting family over the holidays and needed a place to stay nearby. The Casita exceeded my expectations. Quiet, clean, easy check in, comfy bed, treats, toiletries and a great layout. Melodie is the most responsive host I’ve ever interacted with. I will absolutely stay here again on my next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jimmie M.

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

I will be seeking this place again

This place was like a retreat. I loved it. No traffic noise. Open windows. Nice cool breeze. A place to relax. It was awesome! I even saw a deer lurking about.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DE B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem of a property in beautiful Marin county. Super quiet and peaceful. Impressive views of downtown San Rafael. A clean and updated mid-century modern property that is cozy and it's own private balcony. A wonderful heated pool that is large enough for lap swimming. Host provided all the necessities along with snacks, premium coffee, and a bottle of bubbly. Onsite EV charger was convenient, just paid the local utility rates.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alee K.

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

Lovely respite less than an hour from SF

We needed an escape from fireworks in Oakland on the Fourth of July and this place more than delivered. It's quiet, the neighborhood is lovely and still accessible to day hikes, markets and food in the North Bay. The pool is, in a word, awesome. Warm and inviting, lots of fun stuff to play with like pool noodles and these toy water guns that 10-year-old me would've lost his mind over. Perfect summer activity.Melodie is a fantastic and attentive host. Check in was seamless. I also appreciate how accommodating she was for our dog. She offered a bunch of helpful supplies to make his stay with us more comfortable.Would gladly return to this property. Thanks again for a lovely summer stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025