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Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay

Photo gallery for Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay

A well-maintained garden with a wooden bench, several Adirondack chairs, and string lights.
A rural scene with a dirt road leading to a red barn.
A long dining table set with candles, glassware, and napkins.
A kitchen with a wooden bar, stools, a large window, and a stainless steel range hood.
A white colonial-style house with a front porch, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Marshall, CA
  • Place, Tomales Bay State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Point Reyes National Seashore
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Graton Resort and Casino
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Den

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Our listing is for vacation rentals *only*. If you're interested in hosting a wedding, retreat or event of any type, please contact us directly. **

Our family's beautifully renovated 1864 farmhouse, surrounded by towering eucalyptus and cypress trees, on 166 certified organic acres, on the shores of Tomales Bay. Our house is a 30-second walk to the beach, perfect for launching your kayak and watching spectacular sunsets.

Sleeping: Our home accommodates 10 (total, adults and kids): 4 bedrooms upstairs, each with queen bed; plus a queen pull-out sofa in the downstairs den. Comfortable beds and luxurious bedding. Two shared full bathrooms (1 upstairs, and 1 downstairs).

** PLEASE NOTE: Our listing is for vacation rentals *only*. If you're interested in hosting a private event of any type, please find us online and contact us directly. Thanks you. :) **

Kitchen: Fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, coffee, tea, spices, and more.

Entertainment: Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and DVDs, lots of board games and lawn games.

Outdoors: BBQ, patio, upper and lower porches for chillin’, lots of room to hang out (inside and outside), including hammock in the garden. Beach on Tomales Bay literally a 30-second walk from the house. Enjoy a bonfire and an incredible night sky (with no light pollution), which Michael will setup for you.

All in incomparably-beautiful surroundings. Seriously, this place is magical.

For hosting events at our ranch, please inquire, as there may be additional fees.

Eating: West Marin is a foodie Mecca, including Nick’s Cove, Hog Island Oyster Company, Marshall Store, Rocker Oysterfellas, Osteria Stellina, Cowgirl Creamery, Heidrun Meadery and so much more. Pick up some pastries at Route 1 Bakery (Tomales) or Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes Station). Or, cook at home with our terrific kitchen. Shuck and BBQ oysters on our patio. Or … ask us about having an incredible local private chef prepare a glorious meal.

West Marin is a slice of paradise – kayaking on the Bay, hiking in the Point Reyes National Seashore, home to artisan cheeses, fresh local oysters and a serene country escape (but still only an hour’s drive to SF or Wine Country).

Want to know more about Marin County's rich environmental, sustainable agriculture and organic food history? Just ask siblings Vivien and Michael Straus - we can share stories about the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) - co-founded by our mother Ellen; stories about launching Straus Family Creamery (owned separately by our brother) and the local artisan cheese scene (Vivien created the CheeseTrail map and app). Want to talk about psychic phenomena? That's Michael's department :)

Come out to Marshall - the only town where the population minus the elevation equals the speed limit.

Pets: Sorry, NO pets allowed.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No additional daytime guests (gatherings, parties, events, etc.) without prior approval; additional fees may apply.
Quiet hours: 10pm - 9am
Please refer to our Rental Agreement for other rules, terms and conditions.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 509504vb
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 and a first aid kit
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

About the area

Marshall

Located in Marshall, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Cayman Practice Range and Bodega Harbour Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
View more Holiday homes in MarshallOpens in a new window
Map
Marshall, CA

What's nearby

  • Tomales Bay State Park - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Point Reyes National Seashore - 27 min drive - 26.1 km
  • Graton Resort and Casino - 42 min drive - 48.9 km
  • Russian River - 51 min drive - 56.9 km
  • Charles M. Schulz Museum - 53 min drive - 60.9 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hog Island Oyster Farm - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Nick's Cove - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Tony's Seafood Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Marshall Store - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dillion Beach Cafe - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?

As of 3 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay on 26 August 2026 start from NZ$6,302, 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 Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay located?

This Marshall holiday home is on the beach, 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Tomales Bay State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park and Tomales City Park. Tomales Regional History Center and Tomales Town 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. 98 out of 98 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 98 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julia D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible stay! Authentic feeling farmhouse with beautiful grounds. We enjoyed access to the beach right across the road with our little kids. And even though the road is right there, it’s minimally trafficked and you don’t hear much noise. The surrounding area is such a magical part of the world.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 April 2026
Enjoyed hosting you and your clan, Julia! Love from the ranch, Michael & Vivien
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host Michael was amazingly helpful and responsive to deal with a couple of issues that emerged.Once again, our family had a wonderful time staying several nights at the Straus Family Ranch.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 January 2026
We loved hosting John and his crew again!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Fabulous Farmhouse

Perfect gathering place for family and friends
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2021
Thank you. 💕
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an absolute treasure! This house, the stories and family history, the views and surroundings are stunning. We enjoyed every minute of our time staying here. Michael is a such a wonderful host, we appreciated his time walking the property with us, setting up a bonfire, and sharing the barn and ice cream too. Vivien left us persimmons from her farm. These memories will last a lifetime! Thank you, I hope to be back.
A photo of the barn at night
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Alexander K.

Absolutely beautiful location with charm and character.

The farm house is beautifully done. Modern amenities- great for a group. Only wish we had more time there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
So nice to have you! Best to you both.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ariel B.

Beautiful home for weekend getaway

This house is very comfortable and was perfect for a nice weekend on the coast. Four bedrooms upstairs and nicely furnished rooms downstairs make it very cozy and it was hard to leave after the weekend.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
It was a pleasure to host you and your group, David! // Michael Straus
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura E.

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

Beautiful Views

We had a wonderful relaxing visit with beautiful views in a peaceful setting. Only negative was the misinformation about availability of a kayak on site. You have to go elsewhere and rent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2025
Great to host you and your family! Apologies for the miscommunication ... we just looked at our listing description and see that it didn't clearly explain that we partner with a local kayaking rental company who'll rent kayaks to our guests. That's now updated with corrected information.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Linda G.

Beautiful spot to vacation

The home was very comfortable and the area is a great vacation spot. Lots to do or even better you can spend a lot of time relaxing. Hosts very friendly and accommodating. Home is ideally suited for families. Lots of room for the kids and nice little beach across the street. Highly recommended. We hope to go back!!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Linda - It was wonderful to host you and your family ... and thanks again for helping me round up that cow back into the field (before she had a chance to wander out to the highway!!) // :) Michael (and Vivien)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John C.

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

Reconnecting with the Land

We have stayed at a number of wonderful places in the Tomales Bay area over the years, mainly in Inverness. But the Straus Family Ranch experience gave us the deepest experience of the land and its history. The deep personal connection that the owners, Michael and Vivien Straus, have with the place and their warm enthusiasm for sharing it make the place exceptional.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jamis m.

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

The best ever

We travel a lot and this was simply the best for our big family. No negatives at all. Even the placement of the toilet paper dispensers was perfect which is basically how I grade a place These were A+.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2024
We loved hosting you and your family! And we can’t wait to dine at your restaurant! 😂
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

Straus Home Ranch wonderful week long stay

We had a relaxing and wonderful time with friends spending a week in the Marshall area, paddle boarding, bike riding, reading, and eating! The house had all the comforts of home and then some, more ways to make coffee than even we have! It is also furnished tastefully and fully. The Straus family little history book is charming. We are all so lucky that the Staus family settled in Marshall and that Elen Straus and Phylis Faber founded MALT.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
We, too, are grateful fo mom, Phyllis and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust! :)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

a little piece of magic.

We had the pleasure of staying on the farm for a short time. The family is so sweet and accommodating. The house was in immaculate condition. We had a photoshoot just up the hill and the property is beyond gorgeous! I would highly recommend a weekend escape to this little piece of magic. It truly felt like home away from home.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark Y.

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

Peaceful getaway

We had such a wonderful stay during our house remediation and it felt like a home away from home in this relaxing setting. Michael and Vivien were quick to answer our questions and help us with anything we needed. The house has so much character and was beautifully attended to with soft beds comfortable linens and fully stocked kitchen. The barn, bay and outdoor games were enjoyed by all. Thank you for having us stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2020
It was wonderful to have you. So happy to be able to share.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann G.

Mary Ann

We had a fabulous family weekend at the Straus Home Ranch. The pictures hardly do justice to the charm of this ranch. It is such a comfortable well appointed home! We arrived to flowers in every bedroom, bathroom and the dining room. What a nice touch! You have made this a very inviting home for a get away with friends or family. We hope to return in the very near future!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you, and looking forward to seeing you here again!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Marie G.

Unique, Charming Home with Incredible Attention to Detail

Nine of us women had a ladies weekend at this house and we had an incredible time. The house is perfectly decorated in a charming, fresh, and cozy way. Vivien and Michael are wonderful hosts, easy going and really helpful. We really appreciated all the attention to detail and loved every minute we spent in the beautiful house. You can see the cows out in the field, which just makes you feel immersed in the experience. I will definitely come here again!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
'Twas a pleasure to host you and your crew, Marie! Hope y'all had a great run up Clark Road!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Hayley J.

Will undoubtedly return!

Vivien and Michael were so lovely and accommodating. I celebrated my 30th birthday in the shed on their ranch in one of the biggest El Niño storms of the year. They were so helpful both with the set up and break down, making sure we were fully equipped with everything we needed. This is a gorgeous property- I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. We will undoubtedly return!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thanks for being such a trouper during such rainy weather and for christening the new floor in our shed. Hope to see you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stacey F.

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

Lovely weekend

We had such a great weekend at the Strauss Home Ranch. Our kids (ages 4 and 6) loved playing outside and visiting the chickens. Vivien gave us an incredible tour, which we all loved. The home is so comfortable and well-appointed. It had everything we needed. We ended up spending much more time at the house than originally anticipated. Our kids just wanted to play in the yard and at the beach across the street. Our only wish is that we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2021
Thanks for coming to stay. Both we and the chickens enjoyed meeting you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie M.

Three generations - one Happy Mother's Day

The space was perfect for two grandparents, two couples and three little ones (6, 4 & 1). The children enjoyed the cows, fun toys, and the yard -- the adults enjoyed the well supplied kitchen and comfortable beds -- and we all enjoyed the peace of West Marin. I read my grandchildren Vivien's book about talking to cows (and even the adults learned something about bovines). Best was being licked by a young cow when they visited us at the back gate.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Oh Bonnie...a belated thank you. We're so happy that you came to stay (and got licked by a cow!). :)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Yuan W.

Beautiful place and lovely hosts

When I first visited Straus Home Ranch for a wedding site visit, I knew immediately this is the one! The hosts: Vivien & Micheal, were the best hosts you could ask for. They always answered our questions within 24hrs and provided so much information & details, which made the entire planning process stress-free. During the wedding weekend, they made sure we had everything we needed for both rehearsal & wedding events. Our guests were impressed by the beauty of this place and our families had a wonderful stay in the ranch. We love this venue and would certainly consider come back to this area!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you, Yuan ... it was a pleasure to share the ranch with you, Mike, your family and friends! Warmest wishes and congratulations!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

Very Special & Spectacular Property

We stayed here with family from out of town and found the Straus family’s historic home to be both beautiful and comfortable. Vivien and Michael both made a point to warmly welcome us and make us feel right at home. While at the ranch we enjoyed the beach, pretty garden, bonfires with s'mores, and colorful sunsets from the living room. We had a wide variety of age groups with us and everyone had a wonderful time. Breathtakingly gorgeous Dillon Beach is nearby and we also enjoyed Route One Bakery, Nick’s Cove, and Due West restaurants. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to stay at this ranch with my family and made such nice memories. Thank you, Straus family!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2023
It was so nice to have your smiling group, so open to exploration, at the ranch. And we really love seeing kids being able to enjoy all the farm has to offer. Thank you for visiting! Vivien and Michael
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kelle K.

Glorious Historic Home, full of magic and beauty

The Straus Home Ranch will forever be a magical place where dreams come true. Our New year's Eve wedding was picture perfect​ and full of charm, love and happiness. Our guests fell equally in loved with this venue and shared our passion for the area and all of its riches. Michael and Vivian, the venue hosts, are as lovely as this wonderful home they grew up in, and quickly felt like old friends with their incredible hospitality and genuine kindness. Whether for a wedding, family reunion, small get together or just a weekend out of the city, the Straus Home Ranch is the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Rest assure, we've already booked our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
It was so great to have you - and your friends and family. We loved that you came in spring on the farm tour, where we got to know you. By the time you arrived and after emailing back and forth for months, it just felt so right. Happy to have met you. Congratulations!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Looking forward to our next visit!

In this vintage-meets-modern farmhouse, there are no crocheted quilts and no teddybears. What you get is pristine comfort with all the amenities thrown in. Our stay was perfect, from the mattresses to the views. The house is spacious, immaculate and enchanting. By day we found kayaking, hiking and beaches all within convenient reach. By night we lingered in the welcoming kitchen and sat hours around the reclaimed redwood table under the stars. Our spirits were rejuvenated; we reconnected to a slower, more natural pace. We left with a sigh, looking forward to our next opportunity to visit.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
We're so happy that you experienced the tranquility and magic of our ranch, Tomales Bay and West Marin! Looking forward to seeing you again. // Michael Straus
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Truly amazing!

We rented the house for my friend's (very low key) bachelorette! And it was beyond amazing! The house was lovely - recently renovated; retained the old world charm while also being beautiful and cozy neat, with some of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in ... ever! And the setting is stunning - the house is surrounded by the water of the bay and beautiful pastoral hills. And last (but definitely not least) - the owners were phenomenal - provided wonderful recommendations for our stay, giving us a fascinating tour of the history of farming, both in Marin and of their family (ask about the cult story - it's fascinating)! Would definitely return!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
A pleasure hosting you and your group!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Couldn't ask for more.

In searching for the venue for our wedding, the beautiful Straus Home Ranch immediately caught our attention. And, after touring the gorgeous grounds with the kind and accommodating Vivien and Michael, we knew without a doubt that this was the place for us. When the day came for our intimate gathering of family and friends, the beautiful surroundings proved to be the perfect place to celebrate our special day. Viven and Michael were genuinely happy to help and be available for questions or concerns that arose. Our guests couldn't stop talking about what a perfect event it was. From the towering eucalyptus trees, the charming interior decor, the bay-front beach--we had a wealth of incredible places to spend our weekend. We can't imagine having our wedding anywhere else, and we couldn't recommend this property more highly.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
We loved having you! What a great couple of people we met and we're thrilled you could tie the knot at our place. May your life together be stupendous. Come back and visit anytime! Vivien, Michael, and Miriam
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne V.

Beautiful and comfortable!

We filled the house with adults and little kids for several nights over New Years Eve and it was fantastic. We had several serious cooks in our group and they all enjoyed the kitchen, which is roomy and well-stocked. The nights reached a low of 27 degrees, but the heater in the house kept all of us snug. The hosts made it known that they were available if we needed them, but otherwise we never saw them and really felt like we had the place to ourselves. The beds and bedding were very nice. We bought some of the pre-stocked items for sale, such as ice cream and apple cider, and used the house iPad with ease to make the purchases. In warmer weather, we plan to return so that we can make use of the outdoor seating and BBQ, and maybe get a tour of the pasture land. Overall this is a beautiful old farmhouse that has been tastefully and lovingly restored.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you fully using our home. We really like sharing it. Happy New Year to all of you. Hope to see you again so we can take you for a walk in the pastures (when it's a little less chilly!).

About the host

Hosted by Vivien & Michael Straus (siblings)

Host profile image
We are three siblings - Vivien & Michael co-manage the day-to-day, and Miriam and her family live back East). Should you be interested, and if the timing works out to give you a walking tour of the farm, we've got plenty of stories - including when Viv and Michael helped launch Straus Family Creamery; and when mom co-founded the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, or Miriam driving a tractor into the manure pond (oops, Miriam, are you reading this??).

What makes this property unique

You won't find another property anything like this ... and everyone who has visited the farm (over many decades) has immediately fallen in love with both the house and location.

Languages:

English, Russian
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