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5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town

Family-friendly holiday home with water park and Hot tub

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"Whispering Ferns"
From of our home
Certified Wildlife Habitat
Kitchen
Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
Fort Bragg, CA
  • Place, Pudding Creek Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Skunk Train
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Glass Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

2 fold out beds

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 1 (Wave Room)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 (Forest Room)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 (Sky Room)

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town

"Whispering Ferns" is a three bedroom two bath home on five acres of mature forest. Our home sleeps ten in three queen beds, two twin beds and two separate foldaway beds. Children and pets are welcome. Our home offers easy access for wheelchairs. The property is 3/4's mile from the beach and one mile from the center of Fort Bragg.

Romance. Escape. Adventure. Relaxation. When we think of Fort Bragg, these words describe our state of mind. We love this quiet corner of California where the ocean greets the rugged Mendocino coast and the Pacific fog nourishes the lush forests.

Nothing calms the busy mind or rests a tired soul more than the harmony of waves washing on the sandy beach or pounding off the jagged rocks, or a hike amongst the towering ancient Redwood trees carpeted in emerald green ferns. Families, couples, and friends will find the perfect get-a-way here. The attitude is as laid back or as adventurous as you feel in the moment. We firmly believe that our favorite place on the planet can become one of your favorite places as well.

Nestled in its own five acres of towering forest, a heart beat away from the ocean – far enough for extra sunshine yet close enough to hear the roaring waves on a quiet night – Whispering Ferns offers the best of the Mendocino coast.

Enjoy your time outside as you savor the private retreat into nature. Watching ravens soar through the forest canopy, the year-round stream, acrobatic hummingbirds feeding on flowers, and deer nibbling tender grass is a delightful way to relax in this Certified Wildlife Habitat (by the National Wildlife Federation).

You can stroll through the dancing ferns and trees, just over the wooden bridge, to read in the gazebo by the stream. Continue meandering the path through the Whispering Ferns woods of mature redwoods, oak and cypress across another wooden bridge and back to the house.

Take a moment, or many, to daydream under the redwoods, join friends and family for a game of horseshoes, find a comfy spot to sip a warm drink on the 600-square-foot deck, play a game or have a snack in the hidden picnic area, or watch the rain through the glass ceiling of the enclosed sun room.

At night, roast s’mores over the open fire pit, relax in the soothing bubbles of the sparkling hot tub, or observe the awesome expanse of stars.

The home itself is an enchanting escape from the every day. You and your loved ones can relax together in the large, yet cozy living space with vaulted ceilings punctuated with pine wood, playing board games, reading and watching movies from the 18 feet of deep, comfy couch scattered with pillows and blankets. Cable, WiFi, and a 60-inch television offer entertainment and a connection to the outside world if you desire.

Preparing a meal or a snack is a joy in the well-appointed kitchen that boasts the newest amenities for your culinary adventures. Open kitchen design with custom hickory cabinets, five-burner double oven, extra large refrigerator, stainless pots and pans will delight the cooks of the vacation. Or you can barbeque on the large propane BBQ on the deck. Let us know if you have any culinary equipment requests and we can confirm it is available or make it so.

Special attention has been taken to assure a lush and sumptuous night’s rest (that could take you into most of the day if you allow yourself). Our mattresses, the same as offered in the finest hotels, are the foundation to a relaxing and yet rejuvenating night's sleep. Made with a multiple-inch layer of built-in gel memory foam, they are supportive and plush. All beds are furnished with brushed microfiber sheets, faux-fur plush down blankets, and fluffy duvets in silky soft materials. An array of pillows are available for all sleepers, so picking and choosing is encouraged. Extra blankets available as well as a myriad of throws.

Downstairs are two bedrooms. The “Wave” bedroom has two closets and an en suite bathroom. The queen bed is a unique, one-of-a-kind metal wave with driftwood-like four posters. The “Forest” bedroom is a luxurious and enchanting room with a deep, wood four-poster queen bed.

Up the stairs, just off the loft, is the third bedroom. The “Sky” room has a queen bed as well as a trundle day bed that makes up into two twin beds, and will make you feel like you are sleeping in a tree house.
There are also two additional foldaway beds.

Whispering Ferns was designed for wheelchair access, allowing wheelchairs to move fully underneath bathroom counters and a wheel-in shower. Easy access to the grounds via both front and back of property is offered and a ramp is located on the back from the deck. Wide doorways and hall allow easy maneuvering. Please ask for more information if necessary.

Although the home and grounds offer a beautiful get-a-way, it’s Fort Bragg and the Mendocino coast that are the lure. Fort Bragg is an oasis from the summer heat of the valley, but year round the Mendocino coast has much to offer. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, Fort Bragg has something for everyone any time of the year. The calendar is full of events and festivals, so be sure to plan your visit if there is something that you don’t want to miss.

The center of Fort Bragg is a quick five-minute drive from Whispering Ferns, convenient for amenities as well as fun. The village of Mendocino is 20 minutes south.

The area is a surrounded by redwood forests, fern canyons, and a beautiful rugged coastline with the most stunning beaches in the world. If you are adventurous, there is plenty to do – hiking, biking, kayaking, diving, fishing, horseback riding and whale watching. Outdoor magazine just named Fort Bragg one of 64 of the best cities in America for outdoor adventure.

Shopping in Fort Bragg and Mendocino is off the hook - books, toys, art, bikes, specialty foods, unique or quirky gifts, clothing, and on and on and on.

The restaurants are simply scrumptious. You can get the yummiest steak you’ve ever had at The Restaurant or a vegan meal from The Ravens in Mendocino. Then sample world-class brews from North Coast Brewery or wine at Pacific Star Winery.

The Mendocino Coast is an artistic haven and is the quintessential spot for writing, painting, drawing, photography, and reading.

Art galleries, museums, an aquatic fitness center, Mendocino Botanical Gardens and the Skunk Train are other outstanding offerings. We love helping others find the fun and adventure (whether mild or wild) in Fort Bragg and the Mendocino Coast.

We think you'll find Whispering Ferns an ideal home to serve as hub to your adventures on the coast. Our goal is for you to feel like Whispering Ferns offers so much peace, relaxation and comfort that it becomes featured part of your vacation memories.

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Private, quiet lane, ideal for children to play.
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Events

No events allowed
No large groups of people or any events
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Two pet limit $50 per pet per visit
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking on or near our property

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Set both propane monitor heater thermostats to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No events, weddings, wedding parties, parties or gatherings allowed. A fee of $30,000 required at time of booking if such event is to take place.
Within 72 hrs of booking, guest must confirm via inbox they’ve read and signed the rental agreement, or reservation may be cancelled.

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: No large groups of people or any events
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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

Fort Bragg

Located in Fort Bragg, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Triangle Tattoo Museum and Sea Glass Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Skunk Train and Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fort Bragg, CA

What's nearby

  • Pudding Creek Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Skunk Train - 3 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Noyo Harbor - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens - 7 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Glass Beach - 7 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 141 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Overtime Brewing - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪North Coast Brewing Co. Taproom & Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Denny's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jenny's Giant Burger - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at 5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 5 Acres of Peaceful Forest Retreat Minutes From The Beach And Town located?

This family-friendly Fort Bragg holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Pudding Creek Beach, Skunk Train and Triangle Tattoo Museum. Laguna Point Beach and C.V. Starr Community Center are also within 3 miles (5 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. 225 out of 242 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 242 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 242 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 242 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 242 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelli W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely and peaceful location. My kids enjoyed the fairy trail and gazebo back in the woods.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time. We built great memories. For our family as well as our new granddaughter. Look Forward to going back
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is great! It’s very clean and comfortable. The kitchen is fully stocked. The property is peaceful and beautiful! The location is wonderful, just a few minutes from town.The owner is easy to reach and communicated everything clearly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay. The grandkids loved the fairy and leprechaun walk. That made it so special for them. They left lucky charms for them. They were fascinated by all the banana slugs. We had visits from many deer and one skunk. Grandkids are already talking about our next mini vaca.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

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

Whispering Ferns

Always a pleasure to stay at the house with the family for a vacation. Close to the beach. Owner always professional, friendly and available to speak with if needed. We’ve stayed here multiple times and will continue to do so.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth H.

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

Wonderful secluded foresty beach getaway

The house/cabin was beautiful. Loved how it was tucked away in the greenery and gave the illusion of being in a forest when you were minutes from civilization and the beach. Such a relaxing atmosphere. Great place to vacation with children and friends. We will definitely keep this home in mind for repeat visits. The owners were responsive and helpful. Made us feel very welcomed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma S.

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

Relaxing Getaway

Beautiful home and great location. The property was very relaxing and minutes from the beach. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mason S.

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

Awesome Fort Bragg rental

Spent three nights here in June 2025 during a motorcycle trip with two other riders. Had high hopes, looked great online. It exceeded all our expectations, really nice place out in the woods. So quiet yet so close to town. Beautiful house, well appointed, nice kitchen for me to cook in, great communication from owners who really seemed to care that I enjoy my stay. Five out of five stars. Don’t hesitate to book this, it’s really great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

jana h.

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

Enchanting and cozy

This is a charming property, both inside the home and all around the property. The house is well-stocked, clean and very comfortable. And it is a quick drive to the beach. It is surrounded by beautiful, serene forest. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley R., Sausalito

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

Dream escape

Our group thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The property feels so private yet so close to town. We stayed in and cooked dinner every night and the kitchen was stocked perfectly and thoughtfully. We felt so relaxed! Can’t wait to come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Noëlle S.

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

Wonderful Vacation Spot

I can't say enough good things about this rental. From booking online to our actual stay we had spectacular communication from the host. The place itself was gorgeous - it was such a relaxing trip and the amenities made everything so comfortable. I don't usually visit a place more than once, but I am already looking forward to having another opportunity to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leeanna S.

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

Family gathering

This property could not have been better. It was perfect! Private, close to town and the ocean, clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrianna V.

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

Peaceful getaway in Fort Bragg

The house was as pictured and well stocked. We had everything we needed and enjoyed the picturesque views from the back windows/deck. Overall, the house was great for our group and was close to where we had other family staying. It was just a few minutes from town but felt like we were in our own secluded meadow. We hope to be back someday.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherri H.

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

Six ladies in our sixties

What an amazing place. Usually the descriptions over state what a property is. But not in this case. This house is amazing. It feels like a home. Everything you might need is here. We enjoyed our stay. When we were reading the guest book someone said that they had stayed there 5 times. If that doesn’t tell you something. The owner was quick to respond to our questions before and during our stay. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith F.

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

Tranquil wooded oasis

We had an amazing and relaxing experience. The house was exactly as shown, very clean and inviting. The yard and surrounding woods were beautiful. It felt like staying in our own private woods. From the doe and her two young fawns wandering the yard to the gazebo trail out back, we enjoyed just sitting on the back deck in the mornings before setting out to explore the coast. Highly recommend staying here if you are coming to the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas S.

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

Best Fort Bragg VRBO!

I would challenge anyone to find a better house rental in Fort Bragg. Close to the beach, and downtown, yet completely secluded in a forest. Very clean and big space, kitchen was great. Bathrooms were amazing, beds comfortable. Deck and hot tub were wonderful. Couldn’t have been better.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda M.

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

A great place for families

We had a wonderful time staying at Whispering Ferns. The location felt so remote and quiet but was really close to the town and beaches. There was plenty of space for our family of 6. The kitchen was fully stocked and had everything we needed to cook our meals. We enjoyed the games and puzzles they had to offer. The host was very responsive and very helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie C.

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

Private, cozy and clean!

This house was perfect for our family of 7. It was secluded, yet close to our favorite restaurants and fun things we like to do in Fort Bragg. We enjoyed the jacuzzi at night and made s'mores out back using the fire pit. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen P.

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

Peaceful and Relaxing

This was our third stay at Whispering Ferns and was just as wonderful as our last two stays. The home is very well equipped with all that we needed and the location is so peaceful and beautiful. We’ve now slept in all 3 bedrooms, and each room is comfortable provided us with a wonderful nights sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna C.

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

Fantastic Place!

If you're staying in Fort Bragg then this is the place to stay at. The house was very nice and incredibly clean. The only complaint we had was the remote control to the TV. The enter button was very difficult to push. Other than that, it was a perfect stay. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary O.

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

Amazing home

Loved everything about the house. The space, solitude, amenities, and beauty of the home and surroundings were perfect. In fact, each morning we had a deer who would come to the backyard. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

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

Review of Whispering Ferns

The house and property were both very nice. The house was well kept. We loved the visits from the deer and the jackrabbits. Sitting on the back deck, enjoying a cup of coffee was so very relaxing. The owner was very quick to respond with the questions we had. We would highly recommend this place and hope to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Briana S.

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

Perfect Ft. Bragg Home Base

We had a lovely time during our Northern California vacation. What a lovely reprieve from the East Coast heat and humidity!! Whispering Ferns is a beautiful, well-appointed home close to town yet off the beaten path. Sitting on the beautiful deck surrounded by towering redwoods, we spotted families of deer grazing, yellow slugs, frogs, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers Jeremy was very responsive and helpful. Kitchen was well appointed and the perfect spot to cook yummy dinners every night surrounded my family :)
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan B., Galt, CA

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

Beautiful Nature Getaway

We had an amazing stay at this property. The kids and dog loved running around and rolling in the grass and flowers in the back, and we took countless strolls to the gazebo on the hunt for Banana slugs. The property manager was very responsive and took care of everything we needed. The home itself was stunning and had everything we needed for the two families to stay. The location is perfect as well, just far enough to get back in to the trees and nature but close enough for a quick trip in to town. I’ll be keeping this place bookmarked since I know we will be back soon!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

THE BEST place to stay in Fort Bragg

Our visit at Whispering Ferns was amazing! The home was immaculate, the beds were comfortable, and the communication with Jeremy was effortless. The back deck does get a little slippery when damp, and the double doors were a tad tricky to lock, but that information was given prior to checking in. They take incredible care of their property and it was such a nice treat to have such a beautiful, cozy home to stay in for a few days. The kids (4&5) loved the forest of fairies and leprechauns. The dogs were happy to explore the magical forest with us as well. We all had a great time! The kitchen is well equipped and next time we will book for a longer stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jeremy

Host profile image
I grew up in the Sacramento Valley and my family and friends had always vacationed in Fort Bragg. During the summer it wasn't unusual to run into as many "neighbors" in Fort Bragg as in my little home town in Colusa County.

My husband grew up on the other side of the planet - England, right outside of London. He had only been in the United States for six years, but had yet to venture to the Mendocino Coast. When I met him, one of our first excursions was to visit Fort Bragg and my favorite slice of Pacific Ocean. He loved it as much as I did! The future was set in motion.

We always knew at some point, we would have our own retreat here. A place to escape, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the forest and the ocean. They say the happiest people in the world live within one mile of the ocean. I believe it with all my heart.

Why they chose this property

We looked at many homes, wearing out our patient realtor (Meghan Durban of Coast Realty), knowing what we were hoping for and being prepared to wait it out until we could find it. Pulling into the driveway of Whispering Ferns was all it took. We knew this was THE home for us! It immediately made us feel cozy, comfortable and welcome. We fell in love and we hope you will as well.

What makes this property unique

The first thing you'll notice, is a welcoming home nestled in towering canopy of cypress, redwood and oak trees. Like a fairytale. Curving through the garden are small paths enticing you to explore the property.

If you go forward you will come to the glass-ceiling sun room porch and into the home through the front door. Go right to find a secluded eating area that will remind you of camping out. Or, further to the backyard and over 600 square feet of redwood deck.

To the left you wander by rhododendron bushes taller than yourself to the horseshoe pit or further to a hammock strung between the redwoods. You will pass the sparkling hot tub as you walk the trail that meanders through the whispering ferns and swaying trees to the gazebo tucked away in the woods.

The gazebo is just over a small wooden bridge and overlooks a year-round stream. If you continue on the trail, you will weave in through the forest, cross another bridge, and make your way back to the yard.

The five-acre home, garden and forest is a Certified Wildlife Habitat. It is home to a large variety of wildlife including foxes, fish in stream, owls, all sorts of wild birds, deer etc. It offers peace and quiet, with nothing but the sound of ocean waves crashing in the distance, yet minutes from town offering all amenities.

The home is bright and airy, with privacy. Ample parking for cars and trailers. One bathroom was designed for wheelchair access under the counter and roll-in shower. Wide doorways facilitate exit and entry. The home was built with pride and is maintained with love and a deep appreciation for its wonders.

Languages:

English

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