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Idyllic Mill Valley cottage next to Muir Woods

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Idyllic Mill Valley cottage next to Muir Woods

Terrace/patio
Exterior
TV, fireplace
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 469 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Dryer
    Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Mill Valley, CA
  • Mount Tamalpais State Park
    5 min walk
  • Muir Woods National Monument
    7 min drive
  • Old Mill Park
    8 min drive
  • Sausalito, CA (JMC-Commodore Center Heliport)
    17 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Mill Valley

With a stay at this cottage in Mill Valley, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais State Park. .This cottage is 10.6 mi (17.1 km) from San Francisco Bay and 11.7 mi (18.8 km) from Golden Gate Bridge.

What's nearby

  • Mount Tamalpais State Park - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 7 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Old Mill Park - 8 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Sweetwater Music Hall - 8 min drive - 5.2 km

Getting around

  • San Francisco Station - 28 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Equator Coffees & Teas - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Super Duper Burgers - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Le Marais Bakery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mixt - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Mamahuhu - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Idyllic Mill Valley cottage next to Muir Woods

Situated on a secluded 1 1/2 acre garden paradise our cottage is nestled amongst the giant redwood trees that have been the focus of authors and explorers for generations. Walk or take a short drive to Muir Woods, our cozy cottage is ideal to write your memoirs, commune with nature, write that book or binge watch Jack Ryan.

We would love to tell you how wonderful the home is but those who have stayed here have left reviews that we hope you find more telling.

This once in a lifetime cottage escape is just minutes from famed Muir Woods, Mt. Tam and sits atop some of the best hiking trails in all of Northern California.

An escape retreat for hikers, naturalists, explorers and those wanting to immerse in a redwood forest surrounded by overgrown gardens and canopies of nature and light.

If you want to hike Muir Woods, you can walk from the house to Canopy Trail - one of the nicest. It’s a short drive to Muir beach and the Coastal Fire trails, and a not very long drive to Stinson.

Is this home for you?
Yes if you seek privacy, beauty, serenity. This is where one comes to escape the noise and immerse in nature. This is not for you if you’re seeking luxury, modern, spacious, suburban.

The cottage is private, peaceful, and quiet. Past guests have shared this was a fantastic, idyllic, cozy cottage that fulfilled all of their hopes and went beyond expectations. The decor, cleanliness and location was beyond great. With high speed wifi and gas starting wood burning fireplace, you may not need to leave in order to recharge and reconnect with nature, with your significant other or yourself.

***The road getting here is windy, but once you're here we guarantee you will not want to leave. Our description will be helpful as will our photos, but hundreds of reviews also tell the story of what this cottage in the woods has meant to nearly every single person who has stayed here.

Our dream like cottage is set on a 1 1/2 acre "park-like" setting with a beautiful and diverse garden. In fact the previous owner was a botanist who brought in rare & non native plantings. What may at first glance appear as overgrowth is an intentional landscape plan that promotes height, depth, color, and an array of fragrances.

This mountain home retreat is situated on a hill with beautiful views of the valley, and the Bay. It offers a ladder-to-loft hideaway for an extra 2 people (in addition to the quaint master bedroom).

A fireplace in the living room will truly bring you comfort and warmth in any season.

Note that our washer/dryer is below the home (in a basement like room) - meaning you'll have to exit the main door and walk outside to reach the room in order to perform wash/dry.

Please note: Access to the property is down a narrow street and requires a 3 mile drive up the famed Mt. Tam and Panoramic Highway arterial streets. Once here you are guaranteed to find peace, quiet, relaxation and no desire to ever leave our mountain retreat and hideaway.

A Note About Our Weather/Climate:
For most times of the year, we are blessed with perfect Northern California weather. Cool mornings and evenings and warm and pleasant mid day and afternoon temps.
Please note, that the home is located in a “banana belt’. The fog can be blowing in heavily on the mountain but at our place it can be beautiful and sunny. It’s actually pretty weird!

Property Details:
Number of floors in the property: 2
Living Area: 800 sq. ft.
Number of bedrooms: 2
Number of bathrooms: 1
Number of beds: 2
Master Bedroom: Main Floor/Queen bed
Loft: Upstairs Loft/Full bed
**THE LOFT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN ** this is a ladder climb up

We kindly ask that the couch not be used as a bed.

KITCHEN AND DINING:
Available in the property: Refrigerator,Stove,Oven,Microwave,Dishwasher,Coffee Maker,Toaster,Dishes Utensils,Pantry Items
Dining area seats: 4
Is there a child's highchair available: No
Important details regarding "Kitchen and Dining": 2 Extra dining chairs in Master bedroom closet if wanting to fit 6

ENTERTAINMENT:
Available in the property: TV, Streaming Device, Satellite/Cable, Internet, Wireless Internet (Continuous access in the listing), Games, Books
Total number of TVs: 2
Location of the TVs: Living Room & Primary Bedroom
Guests should be prepared to login *and logout on the smart TV apps with their own accounts
The living room is a 43" smart tv with preloaded apps (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney)
The 40" Primary Bedroom has a Roku Device.

UTILITIES:
Available in the property: Central Heating, Washer, Dryer
AC IS NOT NECESSARY - even during summer season in the home.

SAFETY IN THE PROPERTY:
Safety Checklist: Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher
How many smoke detectors?: 1
How many carbon monoxide detectors?: 1

Distance from the property to the beach: 10 miles to Stinson, 5 miles to Muir Beach
Important detail regarding "Outdoor Features": Sitting "pad" with chaise and umbrella that is separate from the house and looks towards the Bay (although the Redwood trees have grown up considerably in the last few years and have blocked most of the water view)

As much as is necessary. We are available nearly 24/7 before and during your stay but only if and when you need assistance. Otherwise the home is all yours. We also want to make this a unique experience and not just like a run of the mill hotel. We may text hello from time to time to ask how the stay is going. We may drop a gift for you or welcome present (like a dessert) to make your stay just a little bit sweeter. We are just a bit old fashioned when it comes to that kind of thing (customer service) and in a day and age where everything moves so fast and is so digital, we like to take a step back and slow things down a bit -- at least just enough to say hello in person, to shake your hand and thank you for choosing our home for your vacation needs.

We use Air Concierge hospitality management for all guest interactions.

Sun Trail leading up to Stinson beach, or a hidden hike that leads you all the way through the magical hills of coastal valley to Muir beach... Grab a bite at the end of your hike at Pelican Inn at Muir beach, and watch the surfers, or enjoy a stroll on the beach.
Go the other direction - and find some of the most unique and sophisticated restaurants that the Bay area has to offer... Molina is one.
Beerworks is the other. And a dozen others. You pick
Legendary Sweetwater for some rocking and rolling, and a dive bar 2AM club down the hill.

The location of the house is fantastic. The Dipsea stairs are just down the block, and for the adventurous, offers downtown Mill Valley by foot. (By car, it is a 3 minute drive.). Muir Woods, Muir Beach are both less than ten minutes away, with hundreds of miles of stunning hiking trails immediately adjacent to the house.

Mt. Tam Legends & Myths

Excerpted from a Mill Valley Herald article:

Praising Mt. Tamalpais, Marin’s Holy Mountain

In the classic Mountain Play “Tamalpa” a beautiful young Miwok maiden falls in love with an Indian prince. When he abandoned her, she walked to the top of the mountain nearby and died of heartbreak. As she sobbed, the mountain heard her intense sorrow and took pity. When finally she died, the mountain was so moved by it changed its form, taking on the supine shape of her body and become the SleepingLady, our dear Mt. Tamalpais.

The Hopis from Arizona used to travel up the West Coast gathering supplies. They always tried to make a stop at a Mt. Tamalpais beach to gather Kachina shells. These shells were considered very religious and worn only by the Kachina dancers and dolls. Grandfather David Monongye, the Hopi elder and holder of the Prophesies, gathered the shells as late as 1973 by offering prayers and sweet grass offerings to the Goddess of the Ocean to deliver up a good supply. Needless to say, that while on other occasions the beach offered few gifts, on this occasion the beach was filled with little white mounds of Kachina shells.

During the 1980’s, as more and more people from all over the world discovered the quiet beauty of the woods surrounding the peak, several momentous religious events happened on the Mountain. The Dalai Lama of Tibet paid a visit to the mountain several times, once to pray for peace with others at the very peak.

The highly publicized Harmonic Convergence of 1989 had Mt. Tamalpais as one of the center points of the convergence. People gathered from around the West to meditate in its woods and held ceremonies for the healing of the earth.

Mt. Tamalpais Image Copyright (c) Jason Armstrong and used w/permission

There are buses that take you back from Stinson if you choose to not hike back.
You could hop on a bus to Sausalito from the bottom of Dipsea steps, about 15 minute walk from the house.
Uber service is a quick and easy way to get around the area as well. They'll come get you at the end of your hike!

San Francisco is only 30 minutes away and a delightful drive through Golden Gate Bridge.

Mill Valley Depot is just a short drive away -- (less than 5 minutes). Catch commuter buses to San Francisco or head into picturesque Sausalito. While there, adventure over to Alcatraz or Angel Islands via ferry.

It's an approximate 40-50 minute trip by car to San Francisco International Airport. The Oakland International Airport can be reached in approximately 45-60 minutes.

Muir Woods; 10 min by car to entrance ; 45 minutes to walk

Mt. Tam: 2 min by car to entrance off Panoramic Highway

Our driveway/parking can accommodate 2-3 cars - however please note there is approximately a 50-75' path to reach the home from the location of the cars. This is a relatively flat and well lit area but travelers should note.

Our property is great for children, although under the age of 9, and due to our loft area, we would suggest the home is not suitable.

Security deposit required: $3000 refundable 14 days after check-out
Make yourself comfortable in this cottage, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take in the views from a garden.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property manager

Air Concierge

Languages

English, Portuguese

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Combined shower/bath
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Energy-saving switches
  • Unit size: 742.7 sq ft (69 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 081109

Property is also known as

238769
Well Appointed Private Cottage in Your own Personal Park

Idyllic Mill Valley cottage next to Muir Woods Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 80 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marc C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
My wife and I stayed at this wonderful cabin in the woods for two weeks. The cottage is clean, well equipped and cosy. The cottage has so many windows that it makes you feel like you are outside. We love to trail run, so this was a perfect place to stay as it is close to so many amazing trails. The property managers were great. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Balazs B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing cottage in the middle if red woods
Superb location, romantic cottage, we enjoyed our stay here very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful location
We didn’t expect it to be high up the hill but it certainly was peaceful. We had a wonderful time. Thank you so much!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property, wonderful hospitality
Perfectly situated amongst towering coastal redwoods, it feels like a rustic escape, in the shadow of Mt. Tam.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Elizabeth G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and clean
I would give them an overall of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Really clean, quiet and beautiful. It’s close to the places we wanted to visit; remote yet convenient. I just wish the contract (though understandable) was sent with the initial booking via text since you can’t click on the link with the Vrbo messaging. Other than that, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kellie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy secluded cottage amongst the redwoods
We had a lovely stay, it's the perfect spot for a quiet getaway and close to many hiking trails. It's tricky to get to for those not familiar with Mill Valley roads, but once you arrive it's a really cute place.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlyn O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly incredible
Everything about this property is incredible. The location tucked away in the redwoods is unlike anything else. The space is exactly what we needed as a family of three with a 7 year old. The view as the sun rises and sets is unforgettable. We were able to get to Muir Woods park, Muir beach, and the quaintest town in America, mill valley, in about 10 min. We took many of the restaurant recommendations and had great meals. The beds were very comfortable ( and we are picky bed people!) and the lookout point made for the perfect place to have a peaceful reading afternoon. We were so sad to leave and are already planning a trip back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

John R.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Muir valley cottage
Highly don’t recommend this place. They cancelled on us late the night before our arrival. Unable to speak to the host directly as they “declined” to talk. We had to scramble to find another place to stay creating a stressful trip. DO NOT BOOK!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Location for Hiking
Hiked the Panoramic Trail to the Sun Trail for sunset. Hiked down into Muir Woods on the Canopy Trail. Hiked down the Tenderfoot Trail to Mill Valley and back up the zig zag trail. Hiked three times to the top of Mt. Tam via different routed including Hogback trail, Fern Creek Trail and Temalp trails. All without ever getting the car. Just fantastic location. Fireplace is best ever. Secluded, private and close to Mill Valley but the hiking ... hiking is just really the best ever. Top recomendation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

chris b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Woods
Good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable and rustic
Liked the views of the redwood forest from every room, every window!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shane T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our favorite place
Perfection!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great private location
We had a fabulous time at this house hidden in the mountains by Muir Woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mill Valley Hidden Gem
Our family of four absolutely loved our stay at our VRBO It is nestled among the breathtaking landscapes of Mill Valley. This charming VRBO retreat, where seclusion and quaintness come together in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable escape. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the surroundings. The house is discreetly tucked away amidst lush greenery, providing the ultimate sense of privacy. The property has beautiful trees surrounding the area offering a private oasis. During our stay, we explored the wonders of Mill Valley. We visited the beautiful Muir Beach and took a hike through the enchanting Muir Woods. I suggest you book that early and get a parking pass. We went at 9:00 am and it was perfect timing. As we were leaving, it got very crowded. This is the perfect spot to visit Napa, San Francisco, and Sausalito. From start to finish, our VRBO in Mill Valley was a perfect experience for our family. If you seek a place where time slows down and worries fade away, this secluded and quaint retreat is the perfect choice. The owner was great at communicating with us and we knew what to do every step of the way.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Anjali P., Los Gatos, CA USA

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cute cottage but not during a rare heat wave
We really enjoyed the location and privacy of this cottage! Unfortunately when we arrived the place had no ventilation and has no AC. It was about 90 degrees out! Overall a nice stay once things cooled off.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Corey P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location!
My wife and I can't say enough positive things about our stay. The property is tucked away and is an oasis within the redwoods right outside the back door. The host was quick to respond during the booking process as well as while we were enjoying the property. We'll definitely be back as the proximity to Muir Woods, the dipsea trail, Mill Valley, and local beaches can't be beat.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice location, but could be much more comfortable for the price
Beautiful location but EXTREMELY difficult to find at night and the road is so narrow that two cars cannot fit. In fact we could barely navigate our SUV in & out of driveway. Plan on driving a small car. Additionally, all the furniture looked nice in pictures, but it was in fact uncomfortable and felt cheap - maybe all of it is IKEA. The second room is up a ladder, and the mattress up there is not a real mattress - very uncomfortable. The downstairs bed is comfortable though. Bathroom and kitchen clean and nice- in fact the whole place is clean. Outside area is beautiful and relaxing. We did leave an item in the house and although the management company was extremely slow to respond and help- ultimately with my persistent calling they did follow through and we managed to get our item sent to us. They were polite and friendly throughout- but were difficult to reach and didn’t follow up for several days each time I called and left message
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Redwoods heaven.
Spectacular stay near Muir Woods in the super charming town Of Mill Valley. The best vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony D., Kula, Hawaii

Liked: Cleanliness
Unbelievably beautiful property
Came for a weekend for a daddy/daughter adventure in San Fran. This place is storybook beautiful. Felt so nice after a busy day in the city to come to this serine, peaceful, quiet home. Owners were amazing to work with. Can't say enough good, HIGHLY recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rakib J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolute Zen
I came up with my family for 5 days and it was absolutely amazing. I worked a few days and the internet access and speed was flawless. We enjoyed the access to nature and the property it self has some of the most amazing views. The home is clean, well appointed extremely cozy. We had the best time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Khristin D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mill Valley visit
Truly a peaceful sanctuary. We were here during one of the many atmospheric rivers of the year so did not get to enjoy the patio, however we couldn’t get enough of the interior. So comfy, cozy and windows offer stunning views of the redwoods. Great location, 10 min from town. Can’t wait to come back! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect in every way
What a lovely little house in the redwoods! Everything spiffy and tidy. No troubles at all. Bed very comfortable, everything you need in a kitchen. Plenty of places to hang coats and clothes. Hidden from the road and secluded. Even though there was plenty of rain and quite cold at times, the house was cozy. The cost is on the high side but worth every penny. The location is perfect, too. Short ride into town with tons of eatery choices. It is right off the Panoramic Highway which has breathtaking views of the Pacific. If you like to hike, you will be in heaven. There are so many trails. Be sure to take one that goes to Muir Beach or Stinson Beach. Oh and there is the best little place for a glass of wine and a view of the Bay right around the corner, Mountain Home Inn. Don't miss.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden cottage
This property is a little slice of heaven. It is nestled in the woods, and is a quiet retreat to get away from it all.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Renee W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Redwood hideaway
Modern, adorable and immaculate cottage hideaway in Northern California’s misty, magical redwood forest. Steps from Muir woods and hiking trails all around the property. Very well appointed and we appreciated the tea and coffee left out for us when we arrived! We had a fantastic stay and would certainly plan to stay here again on our next visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tina F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
This property was just as presented in the pictures. Quiet and beautifully nestled in the trees. The location was ideal for access to the nearby beaches, redwoods and charming downtown Mill Valley. We’ll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022