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Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

Cottage in Mill Valley with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

Cottage perched on a hillside facing east
Morning Fog in the Bay
view from upper deck
Skylights and light wall in main room
Dinning Table in Main Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 292.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Mill Valley, CA
  • Place, Sweetwater Music Hall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Muir Woods National Monument
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

One-bedroom, 2 full bathroom cottage is an ultra-charming, craftsman style home with magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay. It offers a fully equipped kitchenette, a lovely living room, a comfy bedroom, a full sized bed sleeping loft, a library /TV room and an ethereal work space. Sip coffee or wine from one of the double decks. Stay in to enjoy the view and birdsong or head out for a Bay Area adventure. Mt. Tamalpais State Park trails for hiking and mountain biking are right out your back door. Sausalito, San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, Muir Woods and the wine country offer some of the endless possibilities for day tripping. This is a place that is both relaxing and inspiring. A perfect writer's retreat (in fact, it was the winter home of a New York Times best-selling author) or for soulful restoration!

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 31
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
1-8 mo. considered / Pack ‘n Play crib available
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Events

No events allowed
ONLY guests on lease are to stay overnight.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non cigarette smoking allowed outside on decks

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
See the Checkout Instructions in the Welcome Book
1. Place all used towels / laundry in a pile on the bathroom floors. Please do not strip the beds, leave them unmade. 2. Return the key to the hook by the kitchen door before you leave.
There are detailed instructions re: Recycle and Trash at end of stay. If you have any confusion, leave it for the owner. Thank you.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Laundry: Access to W/D available for a fee of $40/week.
Cottage is NOT suitable for children. Infants (0-8 months) considered - Pack-n-Play available on request without fee.
If the guest wished to bring a pet, it will only be considered after the Pet Addendum is completed.

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
Note from host: ONLY guests on lease are to stay overnight.
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mill Valley

Located in Mill Valley, this cottage is in the city centre. Pier 39 and Embarcadero Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Bay. Bay Area Discovery Museum and Hyde Street Pier are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Mill Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Old Mill Park - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Sweetwater Music Hall - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Mount Tamalpais State Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 6 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 7 min drive - 4.3 km

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 26 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Equator Coffees - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mamahuhu - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Equator Coffees - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Le Marais Bakery - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Millie’s Crepe And Cream - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat located?

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Sweetwater Music Hall, Mount Tamalpais State Park and Muir Woods National Monument. Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Tennessee Valley Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 217 out of 221 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 221 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 221 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 221 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 221 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jerry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spectacular views. Great hiking in the area. Close to San Francisco. Very nice hosts. Enjoyed watching hummingbirds right out our window.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is terrific. It is a nest atop a mountain and you will feel safe and comfortable here. The views are great and the weather is fantastic, of course it is, it's Mill Valley! The retreat is very well conceived and appointed. You will lack for nothing here! The hosts were a pleasure.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

GlennB

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house had everything that one would want and the owner was very helpful and available. The location, architecture and character of the house reflected the area well. Close to Mt. Tam & Muir Woods. Beautiful views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy M.

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

Lovely stay

Lovely property with scenic mountain views.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tenley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is gorgeous; it's just a long way up the mountain! This is my bad, especially as I lived in Mill Valley for many years and should have known better. If you can drive up there and stay, relax, and hike, this is a dream location! Unfortunately, we had three kids staying in town at various places to corral, and family and friends to see, so we weren't able to really lean in and enjoy this very special place. PS I only gave the pool a 3 because we didn't see it and the site made me give it a number; I'm sure it was great. The hosts were lovely and gracious, and the cottage charming and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad F.

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

Beautiful propery and an amazing location

Spectacular property, wonderful hosts! We loved our breakfasts on the sunny deck and cooking in the well-appointed kitchen. The location, halfway up Mt. Tam, is nothing short of breathtaking. You can hike or ride your bike straight out the door; the trails are right there. Our lovely hosts, Marianne and Art, didn’t miss a single detail. Overall, just a wonderful stay and we look forward to coming back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

RUDI M.

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

Idyllic stay in the hills

Great location, beautiful environment We felt very welcome with freshly cut flowers in all the rooms. The owners were very helpful and friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone staying in Mill Valley.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was absolutely wonderful! The cottage was well equipped and every little detail was attended to. It’s what an all 5 star VRBO should be judged by. The decor was eclectic and charming. The kitchen had all the necessary items to cook and eat in occasionally . Each room had a fresh bouquet of flowers which is an extra special touch. The bed was super comfy and the bathrooms were wonderful and they had heated floors. The cottage was very quiet and close to a beautiful trail in Mt. Tamaplais. The views off the back porch were spectacular! The location was also great as we were close to Muir Woods, Sonoma, Point Reyes, and the beautiful CA coast. Our host was wonderful! We’d come back to this amazing, peaceful cottage!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kilo K.

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

Beautiful and peaceful

Hummingbirds, redwoods and piece of mind is what you will get while staying here. Marianne is a pleasure and so was the house, nothing but good things to say. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirk M.

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

Gorgeous and Wonderful Host!

We loved our stay at Marianne's special cottage. Near the top of Summit Drive (WOW!) and beautifully nestled among the trees at the top of Mill Valley, our stay was wonderf-FULL. Marianne is a terrific host; responsive and available as needed. And the property is just perfect - everything we needed!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martha S., Honolulu

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

Ju

My adult daughter and I do regular trips to the Bay Area and are repeat lucky guests of Marianne. Have recommended this most lovely and comfortable place to many. Plus, the setting and view is more than fabulous.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia I.

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

Peaceful Perch

What a wonderful spot, high in the hills above Mill Valley, with the Bay in the distance! The view was amazing, and the cottage on the whole was very comfortable, with everything we could need for a four night stay. You can walk to nearby hiking trails, and while the road up is a bit winding, once we did it twice, it was fine. Mill Valley is a great place to visit and Marianne's cottage was a perfect home base!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

victoria w., charleston, usa

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

Awesome Cottage, Wonderful Host

We loved our stay at the cottage. Spectacular views from either of the two decks, a well-equipped kitchen, an awesome library and 2 full baths. Easy access to SF, the wine country and all Marin County has to offer - Tiburon, San Anselmo, Muir Woods, Bolinas, etc. Hiking trails within walking distance. To top it all off, Marianne is a charming, helpful and knowledgeable host. Exceeded our expectations.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa C.

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

Nature-lover’s Paradise

My wife and I stayed in this lovely spot for a few days in February/March. We were looking for a beautiful, serene location close to SF and all of our expectations were exceeded. We were able to hike up from the property to see SF and the bay in the distance, and also had a great time exploring Rodeo Beach and Muir Woods. The unit had all of the amenities we were looking for and we were very comfortable. Marianne was helpful and friendly. Overall, it’s a gorgeous place to getaway with plenty of access to the town of Mill Valley, SF and beyond.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

AArdvarkPV

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

Forest retreat

The place was absolutely beautiful! My husband and I wanted a special place to escape our hectic lives for a few days that was peaceful, quiet, and surrounded by nature. It was exactly this. We love to hike and the trailhead was a short little walk right out the front door. Driving into such a sweet little town was a few minutes a way and San Francisco was less than 30 minutes too. Marianne (our host) was awesome! She was very friendly and helpful. It was a perfect getaway that brings a smile as I think often about the peace it brought staying in this lovely home. I absolutely would recommend and hope to return soon!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ANTHONY R.

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

Feels like Home

Marianne is the consummate host. She gave us all the information we needed before arriving, as well as a grand tour upon arrival. This is not your typical rental. It feels like you are in your own home. Charming and homey decor and a full kitchen which allowed us to prepare several meals. Opening the French doors onto the main deck makes you feel a part of nature. The house is nestled in the trees and far away from any noise or distractions. Just a short walk up the street leads you past redwoods and to trail heads that wind into the beautiful Tamalpais hills. Very much enjoyed our stay. Thank you Marianne.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlos M.

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

The perfect getaway

This immaculately kept house with two floors, two full bathrooms and two decks is JUST 20 minutes away from the city! Surrounded by nature with views of the city, It can’t get any better. You also have access to trails that can’t take you all the way to the top of Mt Tam or bring your gravel/mountain bike and ride up the fire roads. Couldn’t have asked for a better host experience either. Marianne and Art were delightful. And of course, Buster the dog was the cherry on top. Thanks for sharing your home and am looking forward to visiting again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina K.

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

Into the Woods

We came to Mill Valley for a weekend get a way just my Husband and I. Our hope was to hike, wine taste and have a peaceful to place to stay. We found all 3! Mill valley is a great little town to walk around in and enjoy a nice restaurant or shop at the local store and cook a meal and enjoy it on your balcony... we did both! The view from the balcony is just lovely! Right from our front door, we did a 10 mile hike into Muir Woods and back...which was spectacular. It is also a nice scenic drive to enjoy the Sonoma wine valley. Marianne and her adorable dog Buster were great showing us around her wonderful guest house. She was readily available for any questions we had and even lent us a sweatshirt ( hubby forgot his). We had an a very enjoyable weekend and would definitely come back. Thanks Marianne!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were met by our friendly host and shown all around. We were grateful that we were also allowed to use the washer and dryer as we were on a 25 day trip! Thanks, Marianne. All of the amenities were provided, the place is in a gorgeous location with lovely views. The house was also spotless and well-furnished. We would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the property! We came to Mill Valley to celebrate our 40th anniversary and visit my cousin. It was unique, peaceful and had a beautiful view. We will recommend this to our friends and family for a very special stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marianne's property was a beautiful escape in Marin County. With expansive, breathtaking views and an elegantly-appointed cottage, the space makes a perfect retreat for any traveler. Marianne was a gracious host; her tour of the property was extensive and informative, ensuring we were aware of all the amenities and features available to us. She was also able to accommodate sudden alterations in our travel plans - such flexibility was greatly appreciated! Her and her husband's warm welcome and recommendations for local hikes and restaurants made our stay all the more special. We will be returning!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning location with million dollar views, made even better by amazing host Marianne. I could not have picked a better place for a writing retreat, it was incredibly peaceful and quiet. There’s even a library with a very nice selection of books! I would 100% book this again and hope that I get to.
Breakfast on the patio, the scent of magnolias was the icing on the cake😁
I wish I could write here every day
Oh, happy day! Books, books, and more books❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was amazing. Our host was fantastic. The personal touches like the live flowers made it a very special weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

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

Piece of Paradise

Fantast views, home, owner. Perfectly appointed with lovely personal touxhes and fresh flowers too! Home away from ho.e, not a sparse shell. High quality linens and full kitxhen. Great hikes!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

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

Retreat among the redwoods

Near ideal property for anyone interested in experiencing Mill Valley hiking, shopping, etc. Very hospitable host and easy to work with. Property itself is very well equipped. Would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Marianne

Host profile image
We have lived on Middle Ridge for over 40 years. The cottage was our home while we were building our main house on the same lot. Now the cottage is a rental. We have met so many wonderful people who have stayed there over the years. Everyone who has lived there has enjoyed the brilliant space.

Why they chose this property

Our Mt. Tam perch has the best weather and some of the best views in town. You can walk out the door and be on a mountain trail in minutes or drive a few miles and be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

What makes this property unique

Our two level cottage is built on the Middle Ridge of Mt. Tam facing east. It has decks off of French doors on each level with dog gates to keep pets in or out. The downstairs bedroom is perfect place to tuck in for a dreamy night’s sleep – the morning light, birdsong and breezes will awaken you, unless you close the curtains. Walk up the spiral staircase to a great room flooded with natural light. This open area has a writing desk, kitchenette, napping loft, dinette and living room. In the adjacent room there is a library and a TV. Stay in, relax and enjoy the sweeping views or step out to experience any of the many adventures the Bay Area has to offer. Come and enjoy!

Languages:

English

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