Apartment

Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio

Photo gallery for Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio

Studio and Kitchen
Kitchen with gas stove
Queen bed in main room
Light-filled living space
Dining area seats

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 341.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Valley Ford, CA
  • Bodega Harbour
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Doran Beach
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Dillon Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio

This unique studio lies four miles inland from Dillon Beach, near Sonoma wine country and the staggeringly beautiful Sonoma coastline and beaches. The bucolic 1-acre parcel is home to deer, wild turkey, rabbits and many species of birds, who come to the many fruit and cypress trees on the property.

The building is the original stable for the 100-year-old Estero Schoolhouse. Natural wood throughout with French windows, bamboo floors, full tile kitchen., queen sized kitchen and fold-out sofa couch. The compact tiled bathroom includes shower, toilet and sink. This is a perfect writer's retreat or for anyone enjoying the beaches, towns, vineyards, or the many natural wonders of West Marin and Sonoma County. Park your car 15 feet from the front door. See families of cows just six feet across the fence from your dining table.

The studio shares the same acre and lies about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse. Both properties offer a great deal of privacy. The studio residents have exclusive use of their own south-facing brick patio, as well as the rear 1/2 acre of the property, which is filled with trees and meadow grass.
Close to local wineries and breweries, or hike and kayak at Point Reyes national seashore! Enjoy exploring Bodega Bay, Dillon Beach, and the redwood forests 15 minutes away. The perfect getaway. Enjoy quality time with your travel companion or alone in this bucolic setting.

Guest access
Guests can unload and park jmmediately next to the studio. Guests have exclusive use of the adjoining gazebo and deck as well as a bricked patio area to the south of the studio.

The schoolhouse, which sleeps up to six, is also available either separately or with the studio through VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/867988 Renting both listings together is recommended for those with larger parties,.

Other things to note
NOTE: WITH OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, IT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRED NOT TO FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN HUMAN WASTE AND TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET. All other items (floss, sanitary napkins, cleaning wipes, etc.) go into the trash can provided. Also note this is a rural location and a nature sanctuary, and for our many guests with pets, we don't use much poison, so those with zero bug tolerance should perhaps avoid this wooded bucolic acre.

PETS: There is an additional $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner.

Please check your belongings before you leave! Please be advised there is a $50 fee for any left items that require being returned.

Property manager

Stephen Olsson
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No pets on furniture, nor chasing our wildlife
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
ALL GUESTS NEED TO READ AND AGREE TO THE RENTAL AGREEMENT, WHICH CONTAINS RULES FOR TOILETS, ENERGY USE, SURROUNDING PROPERTY AND SIX RULES FOR DOGS.
HOST MUST BE NOTIFIED OF PET(S) PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Valley Ford

Located in Valley Ford, this apartment is in a rural area and on a river. Potter Schoolhouse and Children's Bell Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm.
Map
Valley Ford, CA

What's nearby

  • Bodega Harbour Golf Links - 13 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Bodega Harbour - 14 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Doran Beach - 14 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Dillon Beach - 22 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Bodega Head - 24 min drive - 21.8 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa Station - 38 min drive
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Tides Wharf & Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fishetarian - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dinucci's Italian Dinners - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Birds Cafe - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Bodega Bay Oyster Company - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio 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 Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Estero Schoolhouse Guest Studio located?

Situated in Valley Ford, this golf apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Dillon Beach, Potter Schoolhouse and Tomales City Park. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 37 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful country cottage
This sweet place was exactly what we were hoping for. Private, quiet, clean, simple and in nature. The cottage had everything we needed to be comfortable. The bed was very comfortable. Stephen is responsive and a great host. We will so be back to this wonderful spot. Just a short drive to the beach and amazing restaurants. We were very happy with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virgina A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a good time
Great private time for sure So much to look at and perfect for hikeing andscouting
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful Haven
Our stay was restful and beautiful. We loved gazing at the green hills outside the sweet windows of the studio.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Cecilia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was cozy and comfy. Nice and quiet the TV had variety of stations. I’d like the fruit trees and the hills all around. I also liked the enclosed patio area to enjoy your coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. I would like to go back and stay a while👍
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shanta B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
This was our second stay at this cottage. The surroundings, for miles are incomparable, and with all the rain this winter the presence of new lakes, ponds and rivulets was incredible.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely western Sonoma getaway
A great little cottage, equally well-situated for jaunts to Bodega Bay and the coast as well as to wineries closer to Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. We encountered an electrical issue during our stay, but Stephen was very responsive and resolved the issue as quickly as possible. Would return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

andreas g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice quiet getaway location
Spent a few days here and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Also close to bodega bay for whale watching or visiting the beach. Schoolhouse has everything you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Quick Getaway
I enjoyed this quiet rural getaway that was only a short drive to some charming restaurants and lovely beaches.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dont miss this spot!!
Awesome, super quiet and relaxing! Close to all spots we wanted to explore! Kitchen well equipped! Will stay again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Little Hideaway
Great little hideaway on the backroads of Valley Ford. Would stay in this rustic little studio again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Get away
It was very quiet and private. The location was central to all the quaint beach towns that we visited. And close to the redwoods for a beautiful hike.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
heavenly time away
very special peaceful place. I walked in and said, " I want a month here! "
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

MICHAELA G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway
The location was perfect, out of the way and near everything we wanted to see. Beautiful wildlife and gee tree at ocean sounds. Perfect spot to sneak away from the busy life and slow down and. Enjoy the surroundings. Thank you so very much for the pleasant stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ken Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for the price
Lots of wildlife, from deer, turkeys, Hawks, quail and lots more. Short drive to Dillion Beach. We also hiked Pinnacle Gulch to the beach. Which no one was at the beach and the dog was aloud.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
This was such a great place to unwind and unplug. The surrounding areas were beautiful, and the wildlife was amazing. Already trying to figure out a trip back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bridgette P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place for a writing retreat
I stayed here for a solo writing retreat. It was quiet, cozy, and I enjoyed watching families of deer and wild turkeys right outside the window. The cute little town of Valley Ford is nearby. The studio is small but perfect for 1-2 people.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Wendy M., Pacifica, CA

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quirky spot
We had a nice day. The place had everything we needed. But, there was mouse poop here, and there. In general, the place could’ve been cleaner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great country studio.
I booked this studio for my wife and teenage daughters. It was awesome. Location is beautiful and super close to the beaches of Sonoma County. Stephen made the check in process very simple and convenient. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Dawna J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Has good potential
Great location, quiet, cute. The place has so much potential for more. Really could use more frequent deep cleanings. Lots of dust, cobwebs, mice, and frog droppings. The advertising does say we will experience some bugs. I just would have expected the place to be cleaner and for more effort in preventing mice droppings on the dishes. I have a daughter who is extremely allergic to mice, and she would not have been able to stay at this location. Maybe be a little clearer about mice and frogs. Especially for the cost to stay here. Unfortunately, I probably will not be staying here again until the dep cleanings and pests are addressed.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Collette C., Rough and Ready, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Country retreat
We enjoyed the serenity, the quiet, and beautiful countryside. Both of us slept very deeply each night. Our pup loved exploring the property with us. Property was as described. The basics were supplied, although cooking utensils and sharper knives are recommended. A little better maintenance of outdoor areas would also help make it more hospitable. Overall, the studio cottage was comfortable, and we were grateful we could bring our dog!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Steve K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Will you like it, depends.
If you’re fancy folks you probably won’t be happy. If you like complete quiet, country living, wild life, a small bed, a few bugs, a small tree frog, and lack of deep cleaning, you’ll like it. The property is a work in progress. We’re seniors, enjoyed our two day stay. We spent most of our time sight seeing and eating out. We probably won’t stay again, the bed is to small.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie T., Long Beach, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Getaway
Great little rustic studio in a lovely setting. Perfect for 1 - 2 people. Beautiful surroundings. Off the beaten path, but easy to access. Great place to get away for a few days. Studio was just as described. There were folks in the other 'unit' on the property , but we didn't even know they were there other than to see their car parked as we came and went. A few shops / eateries just up the road in Valley Ford (check out Estero Cafe for great breakfasts); quick drive to Bodega Bay (we were visiting UC Davis Marine Lab); easy jaunt to Sebastopol. Would definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Bobbi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A menagerie of farm animals
This is truly a "farmhouse" stay. It is out in the country with cows grazing outside the windows, 3 deer onsite each day, a gaggle of turkeys, 2 tiny frogs inside the house, and a sweet domestic mouser cat named Gracie. The description of the property is accurate, it is somewhat rough, not elegant but comfortable. The absentee owner leaves the entire property in need of TLC. There is great potential but has been somewhat abandoned. The non-working fountain is a breeding ground for mosquitos, not good. Otherwise, it's an interesting place and we enjoyed ourselves while we stayed there.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Phyllis H., Chico California

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach air
Small, rustic studio in country side location. Very quiet and peaceful. Double bed was comfortable but too small. Tiny bathroom but it suffices. Kitchen was well stocked with all things needed to cook. Lots of spices and oil/vinegar supplied. Couch could use an update but it works. Enjoyed the outdoor gazebo with the Kitty visitor. The grounds could use some TLC which was cleaned up on our third day there. All in all if you are not too particular this place might be for you. Steve the owner was very pleasant to chat with. He does not live on site but came to do some maintenance.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Ronald T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable and affordable getaway
Did we enjoy our stay? Abosutely. It was affordable, convenient and unique. Grounds, outside and patios do need some renovation. But it isn’t a “destination resort” if you want to make that to be the focus of your time. We didn’t. Too much to see and do nearby if you don’t mind driving. Would we visit again? Yes, we like exploring unique and different locations and enjoy the rural setting. The host was OOT during our stay but stayed in contact if needed. He was accommodating to our arrival/departure timing. VRBO photos give a good feel for the arrangement of the studio, but it is a studio. The photos show a very pristine studio and while we weren’t unhappy with the studio itself, the grounds and brick patio have shown some aging. The location was convenient in our trips to Diilon beach, Bodega Bay, Sebastapol and Santa Rosa, etc. While serviceable, the “compact bath” is akin to an RV or cruise ship shower/toilet. But, again, it is serviceable and is helped by multiple mirrors elsewhere. May be difficult for more than 2-3 people. And, yes, there were deer and turkeys wandering around which we always enjoyed seeing. Lots of clean linens. Comfortable bed. Kitchen adequately equipped. Could use a higher wattage microwave. Plan to return again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Stephen Olsson

Host profile image
I am an independent filmmaker and television producer, and run a non-profit media organization. I take pictures, tell stories, and share other cultures with the world. I've lived in several European countries, as well as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jamaica and Ukraine. I like to help people enjoy this unique property, and the surrounding area, to have memorable experiences in this special place.

Why they chose this property

A wonderful historic schoolhouse, in a lovely natural setting, in one of the most beautiful areas of northern California.

What makes this property unique

Unique accommodation in a natural environment which offers hiking, kayaking, bicycling, numerous beaches, whale watching, redwood forests, Point Reyes National Seashore, and several historic towns, community events and shopping nearby.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests