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A country retreat near San Francisco

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Property grounds
Entrance and front garden. View from the street.
Entrance door
living room and dining room
Gas fireplace, 55' Smart TV, couch, sofa bed, DVD player, CD player, WIF

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Mill Valley, CA
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Sweetwater Music Hall
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Muir Woods National Monument
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Sausalito, CA (JMC-Commodore Center Heliport)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom near back garden

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

A country retreat near San Francisco

This comfortable, sunny and spacious house is located in a tranquil family neighborhood in the quaint town of Mill Valley in Marin County, an elegant and affluent suburb north of San Francisco
At only 6 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge and adjacent to Sausalito, it’s the perfect location to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing or business meetings.
The available space, on the ground level of the house, includes 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a large living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a laundry/pantry room, and front and back lush gardens.
There is a locked, although unoccupied, bedroom upstairs and a locked garage.
The 2 bedrooms have comfortable queen size beds with adjustable base, brand new top of the line mattresses, quality linens, down comforters, closets, dressers and flat screen televisions with cable and WIFI for streaming movies, Netflix and Hulu.
There is extra storage space.
The recently remodeled bathroom has a tub with shower, towels, toiletry and hair dryer.
The dining room seats six with French doors opening to the lovely back garden.
The living room has a new sofa-bed with a firm mattress that sleeps 2, a new electrical comfortable recliner for 2, a large leather couch, a gas fireplace with remote control, a 55” flat screen HDTV with Satellite / Cable, WIFI, Blue ray/DVD player and a CD player with I Phone dock.
The fully equipped chef kitchen has quartz countertops, plenty of cabinets, top of the line brand new appliances and cooking utensils. The laundry/pantry room has a washer and dryer, iron and iron board.
The patio has a gas grill with tools and a dining table for 6, lounge chairs to relax, a hammock, an outdoor heater and a beautiful garden with direct access to a kids and dogs park.
In the shed there are 2 mountain bikes with helmets and locks.
There is parking for 2 cars in the driveway plus street parking.
There is a pack 'n play crib with pillow and blanket, a high chair and a stroller available upon request.
The house is at walking distance from the bus stop for local buses and buses to San Francisco. It takes a15 minutes drive to the Ferry Service to San Francisco from Sausalito and Larkspur, 6 minutes to Golden Gate Bridge and 25 minutes to downtown San Francisco (traffic permitting), 10 minutes to downtown Mill Valley or downtown Sausalito, 15 minutes to Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Tiburon, Marin Headlands, 25 minutes to Stinson Beach or to the top of Mt. Tamalpais , 45 minutes to the Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country.
The Marin Airporter bus to San Francisco Airport is close by.
Hike or ride the bike (2 bikes provided) to Tennessee Valley Trail all the way to Tennessee Valley Beach. Explore the many great hiking trails and bike roads of Mt. Tamalpais or the surrounding open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats.
Biking and hiking local maps are provided together with maps of San Francisco. There is also a suggested detailed driving tour of San Francisco.
Ideal for:
Family vacations
Family visits
Business travel
Honeymooners
Nature lovers
Bikers and hikers
Adjacent to Sausalito and in close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, this quaint town of Mill Valley extends on the hills and canyons of the southern slopes of Mount Tamalpais, a heaven for mountain bikers. The proximity to tourist destinations like San Francisco, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach and the famous wine country of Sonoma/Napa makes it an ideal location to enjoy the beauty, the scenery and the many attractions that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. At the same time it offers a serene and relaxed country atmosphere. The numerous open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats that surround it are covered with countless trails ideal for hiking, biking and enjoy natural wilderness. Its charming downtown offers chic boutiques, an array of restaurants, coffee shops, the Sequoia Theater that hosts the International renown Mill Valley film festival and the Sweetwater Music Hall featuring a variety of live entertainment.
There is a brand new Harvest Market at one block from the house, 2 Whole Foods Markets, 2 Safeway, 3 shopping centers nearby: Strawberry Shopping Center, The Village at Corte Madera and the Town Center Center in Corte Madera.


Property manager

Thea
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Crib and high chair available upon request
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well behaved dogs allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
ONLY outdoor. Absolutely NO smoking in the house.
The house is provided with an alarm system that will be deactivated during the guests stay
There is one external security camera pointed at the main entrance.
All the COVID 19 rules and regulations for cleaning and sanitizing the house will be implemented after each guest stay. The owner will not be present

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 029857

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mill Valley

Located in Mill Valley, this holiday home is in the city centre and near the beach. Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Park. Check out an event or a game at Oracle Park, and consider making time for San Francisco Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Mill Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Tennessee Valley Trailhead - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Sweetwater Music Hall - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 9 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Golden Gate Bridge - 9 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 22 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Good Earth Natural Foods - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Equator Coffees & Teas - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A country retreat near San Francisco pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at A country retreat near San Francisco?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A country retreat near San Francisco?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is A country retreat near San Francisco located?

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, this holiday home is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Golden Gate National Recreation Area and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Mount Tamalpais State Park. Muir Woods National Monument and Sweetwater Music Hall 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. 267 out of 284 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 284 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 284 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 284 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 284 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

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

Visiting family

We had a most wonderful stay at Thea’s house. So cosy and well equipped! Super sweet location!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bev B.

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

Peaceful retreat

The house is super clean and located in a quiet neighborhood with little car traffic. The house was well stocked and soft toilet paper and comfy beds. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

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

Great Visit to Marin County

We were in Mill Valley for a big family celebration. Our family of five (two adults, three kids - age 11, 15, 16) stayed at Thea's place. We had a great time. It was comfortable for all. The garden is beautiful. The location is ideal. So central to so many great locations. We enjoyed meals in Mill Valley and Sausalito. Hikes to Mt. Tam and Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Muir Woods. And day trips to SF and up the coast to Stinson Beach, Bolinas and Point Reyes. We also just enjoyed hanging out and cooking at "home" at Thea's cozy house, especially at the dining room table with beautiful views to the garden and in the back garden. Bedding, beds and furniture were comfortable. My 15 year old son slept on the pull put couch in the in the living room. He said it was comfortable. Kitchen and laundry room were efficient, convenient and well stocked. At times, five people and one bathroom was challenging, but we knew ahead of time this was the case and made it work. Communication with Thea was excellent. Thanks for a great stay. We hope to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great spring break

Stayed in Mill Valley do to some hiking for spring break - close to Muir Woods and city is right around the corner. Easy to find, very convenient. Access to playground was a surprise and exciting for the kid. Highly recommend, we had a wonderful trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olga P.

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

A wonderful retreat

We had a fantastic stay at Thea’s home! The house was charming, inviting, and fully stocked with all the essentials for a perfect weekend getaway. The location was absolutely beautiful—nestled in a lovely neighborhood and just minutes from incredible hiking trails.Thea was a wonderful host—very responsive and accommodating. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night’s sleep after a day of exploring. Our favorite spot was the dining area, which offered a stunning view of the backyard and garden, making every meal feel extra special.We’d absolutely love to stay here again! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful and well-appointed retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

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

Great stay!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the location was ideal for us. The best part was letting our dogs out the back gate right into the dog park and playground. Great for families with kids and dogs. Thank you, Thea!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frode R.

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

Lovely vacation house

Beautiful clean house in a nice and quiet neighborhood. Well stocked kitchen and bathroom. Host was kind and helpful. We would love to visit again!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

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

Enjoyable Thanksgiving week

We very much enjoyed our stay at the Mill Valley property. The house is conveniently located and plenty of space for our family. It is well appointed, and Thea was very responsive when we contacted her.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

galen n.

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

Easy and comfortable

The house was clean, beds were comfy, kids had easy access to the park the house shares a fence with.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee M.

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

Warm and welcoming host and home

We had a wonderful stay in a prime location with our three kids. The host was attentive and responsive, offering insightful advice about how to get the best out of our time in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorrie G.

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

Lovely Fall Retreat

My friend and I very much enjoyed our retreat at this VRBO. The house was spotless, the beds are very comfy, with fresh, fluffy bedding. The kitchen is well stocked with cooking gear, as well as essential staples like oil and vinegar, spices, etc. The back garden is beautiful and a great place to watch birds. The dining room is pretty spectacular, with a large table and a full wall of windows and glass doors to enjoy the back garden and birds. Centrally located for trips out to Point Reyes, Marin Headlands, or into San Francisco. Hope to return someday. Location on narrow, neighborhood street made parking slightly tight, but space for two cars in driveway.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

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

Very restful

It was exactly what we needed!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wolfgang S.

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

Family Holiday in Mill Valley

Our Mill Valley cottage was lovely, well appointed with a delightful back garden. We enjoyed our host's welcome surprise - a delicious local wine.A perfect location for touring thd north bay area, wine country, Muir Woods, hiking trails with great views!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

G D S.

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

Thea's VRBO

Well stocked kitchen, beautiful back courtyard and very convenient location! Thea is great to work with and very responsive!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan W.

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

Comfortable home in great location

We stayed here for one week with the intention of using the house as a base to see the coast of Marin County/Point Reyes and to visit friends in Sonoma. The location was perfect for those trips, but it was also a pleasure to come home in the late afternoons/evenings to the very comfortable house and its interesting gardens. Everything we needed was provided, and the pictures on the VRBO site portray a true picture of what you can expect if you choose to rent the property. We were sorry to leave!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

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

Muir beach vacation

Thea was great and the house was awesome. Our daughter loved the playground next door and we enjoyed coffee and wine on the beautiful patio.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosy A.

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

Hope to be back soon!

Thea communicated thoroughly and thoughtfully. The space was perfect for my five and six year old children. Clean, lots of space, perfect backyard for hide-and-seek, well stocked kitchen, and great location next to playground and dog park.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David O.

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

Nice place in good area

House is nice with beautiful garden backyard. Park is right behind the house so couldn’t be more convenient for kids or dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nic D.

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

Wonderful stay in Mill Valley

The property is beautiful and private, with a tranquil and extensive back garden. It was convenient to Muir Woods, the Presidio, and Sausalito and a good home base for more far-flung destinations. Thea was an excellent communicator and a kind host. It worked well for a long weekend in the Bay Area with our kids and my dad.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chan N.

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

Wonderful Return Stay

It was our second time staying at Thea's lovely home. Our family of two kids enjoyed everything from the park right off the back yard, to the nifty recliners in front of the tv, to the backyard hammock and lounge chairs. The kitchen is very well stocked and the dining room is sunny with a great view of the garden. The location is ideal for young families looking for easy access to the city and the east bay, while staying in a quite, kid-friendly area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stapleton A.

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

Great Stay

Very cute. Great location. Very nice. Only negative was patio furniture was dirty and falling apart so couldn't really take advantage of the beautiful garden. Overall - We would like to stay here again next time we are in town.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margo H.

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

Great house/nice location

This home . Well stocked kitchen. Great location to get to San Francisco or for hiking and Muir Woods. Owner was prompt with returning messages. Not a country retreat but compared to a stay it SF it is. Is a suburban house is a quiet neighborhood. Playground area for children and dogs behind the house. Comfortable beds. Shower pressure good. Wifi was good. Never had to use the heater or A/C.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

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

Wonderful Stay in Mill Valley

Our family had a wonderful time! The house was beautiful inside and out. The gardens are incredible and the access to the park was perfect for our littles. It was a wonderfully convenient location to a number of greater SF excursions or necessities. Would 100% stay again if given the opportunity.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Leslie H.

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

Close to everything

Beautiful property with easy access to all the sites. Thea was very attentive and could be reached easily.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline B.

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

Lovely weekend in Tam Valley

We had a really fantastic stay at Thea's house in Tam Valley! The house was in the best location - a short drive over the hill to Stinson Beach, and within walking distance to one of our favorite grocery stores, Good Earth. A lovely, quiet neighborhood, and right next to a wonderful park where we took our dog to run and play with other local dogs. The house was super clean and provided lots of space to spread out and relax. We had a mix of weather...mostly beautiful sunny days, but also one day of cold rain. We used the back garden patio to read, enjoy the sun, and play with our pup. We also used the wonderful fireplace to warm up on the cold day. The kitchen was great with plenty of space for two people to cook, and my husband loved the thoughtful coffee set up. We will definitely be back to Thea's place for future visits to Marin. She was super responsive to texts or questions, and a most gracious host. Thank you so much for making a pet-friendly space so welcoming and enjoyable! We absolutely loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Thea

Host profile image
I have been living in this beautiful area for 40 years. I know it very well since I have been working in the local tourism industry for 25 years and will be happy to provide you with all the information you may need to have a great vacation! I am not going to be present during your stay but will be available via phone, e-mail or text. I am a nature lover and, if you are too, you will find suggestions for hikes nearby and excursions around this area. Being a dog lover I understand the importance to share a vacation with your best friend. If you are a responsible dog owner and your pet is well behaved, both of you are going to really enjoy the house!

Why they chose this property

Although the property is located very close to the city I love the tranquility of this area and the proximity to beaches, forests and mountains. A very relaxing place without crime, noise and pollution.

What makes this property unique

This is the perfect place to relax and rest after a fun filled day of sightseeing and exploring the magnificent region with all its amenities,

Languages:

English, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests