Entire home

Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.

Photo gallery for Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.

Front porch and front garden faces east and gets nice morning light.
Living room piano is seen with dining area and sliding door to solarium behind
North-facing wall of living room with two couches, stereo system, bookshelves
North-facing wall of living room with bookshelves, TV, stained glass windows
Solid mahogany staircase from living room to upper bedroom and workspace.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly

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

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

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

About this property

Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.

Sitting in a valley three miles inland from the Pacific Ocean within the Estero Americano Watershed District, the schoolhouse is crafted with original 100-year old wooden paneling and features. A bright sun room & outdoor patio allow you to appreciate this unique rustic setting with bucolic surroundings.

The Estero Schoolhouse
This charming, romantic, turn-of-the-century converted wooden schoolhouse sits on an acre of fruit, cypress, cedar, and pine trees. A uniquely-peaceful ecological garden, surrounded by gently rolling hills of west Marin.

The structure was built in 1915 as the Estero District Schoolhouse, for children of the surrounding ranches. . It features beautiful interior design with mahogany staircase and redwood accents. A cathedral living room ceiling frames beautiful garden views. An enclosed south-facing solarium overlooks a lovely brick courtyard and fountain. Open sided staircase and loft make upstairs bedroom suitable for only adults and older children. Small children can safely use the downstairs bedroom, bathroom and other areas.

The property sits in a peaceful valley two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean within the Estero Americano Watershed District. The one acre parcel holds the original schoolhouse and the former stable, which housed the horses and cart which picked up the local students. The former stable has been converted to a fully self contained studio, which sleeps three and which is also available for rent.

The house is crafted with the original 100-year old wood paneling and framing. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light. A fully functioning grand piano is set in the center of the living room, under a mahogany staircase. The vintage kitchen with adjoining breakfast area contains everything you will need to prepare delicious family dinners or a lunch spread. The sunroom offers a beautiful place to sit for breakfast, afternoon tea, yoga, or meditation. The garden and rolling hills surround you – a place for dreaming and reconnecting with the harmony of nature and the land.

There are two private bedrooms with queen-sized mattresses, and an additional queen sized bed in a corner of the living room. The schoolhouse comfortably sleeps six.

This wooded acre is great for anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the slow pace of country living. The land is kept in its natural bucolic state, allowing for deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, owls, raptors and a wide variety of birds to live in the trees and high grass of this wooded acre. A bird watcher's delight. We provide binoculars for animal viewing.

Guest access
As guests, you will have full access to the main house, front garden, roof deck, solarium, and bricked patio. We sincerely ask that you respect and care for this charming home, its property, and neighbors.

On this one acre property, there is a fully separate studio, (the former horse stable for the schoolhouse) which sleeps three and sits about 100 feet away from the main schoolhouse, and offers both properties a great amount of privacy. The studio is also available either separately or with the schoolhouse, through VRBO, https://www.vrbo.com/1987442. Renting both together is recommended for those with more than six guests. We offer a 10% discount for rentals of the house and studio together.

Other things to 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. Open food should be placed in the refrigerator at night to discourage bugs or vols.

We encourage you to arrive prior to dark to see the surroundings. It will also make your stay more comfortable to arrive while there is still light. Entrance and driveway lights are just inside the front gate, under the antique streetlight on the left side. Cell phone service is good with T-Mobile, available but spotty with Verizon. Internet service at the house is excellent. Please know where you are going before leaving the Petaluma area in case you lose phone or GPS service. Nearest gas is in Bodega Bay (11 miles to the north) .

PETS: There is a $50 fee per pet per stay. If you would like to bring more than one pet, you must check first with owner. We are happy for guests to bring their pets with prior notification. However, for the comfort of future guests and for hygiene purposes, animals are not allowed on our furnishings or in the beds. Extra charges will apply if this occurs. Please bring beds for your dog(s) and use them exclusively.

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
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
See rules posted for pets.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
ALL GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ AND APPROVE THE ENTIRE RENTAL AGREEMENT, REGARDING THE NEIGHBORHOOD, ENERGY USE, TOILET USE AND PET POLICY,
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Valley Ford

Located in Valley Ford, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Potter Schoolhouse and Children's Bell Tower are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Russian River and Sonoma Coast State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Luther Burbank's Experiment Farm. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and cycling nearby.
Map
Valley Ford, CA

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Bodega Dunes - 27 min drive - 18.1 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 Historic West Marin Schoolhouse. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic West Marin Schoolhouse.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic West Marin Schoolhouse. located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Dillon Beach, Tomales City Park, and Potter Schoolhouse. Wild Flour Organic Gardens and Bodega Harbour are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 5 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Meghan Mae E.

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

A Hidden Gem with History, Warmth, and Room to Roam

If you love history, character, and a peaceful setting, this place is a gem.I brought my husband and our two teenagers for spring break, and there was plenty of space for all of us to spread out and enjoy each other’s company. The common areas are spacious and cozy, and the windows open up to a beautiful view of the meadow.We loved the vintage touches—the old stove, the grand piano, and the enamel fireplace heater. Stephen was a kind, friendly host and a great communicator, which made the whole experience smooth. We enjoyed our stay so much we ended up booking an extra night.As with many countryside homes, you may spot a few spiders—it’s just part of the setting. The house is clean and well-kept, with a lived-in charm that gives it real soul. If you’re someone who appreciates character and a slower pace, this place has a lot to offer.The location is excellent—close to Dillon’s Beach (dog friendly!), with a small market and restaurants nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Estero School House

Our first time at the School House. Fell in love with the place upon first opening the front door. Really warm and comfortable and the in tune piano is a plus! We found the location perfect as a base to check out the area (from Olema up to Jenner) Found a couple of great places for food and drinks nearby and the kitchen made it easy to stay in and eat at 'home' on two nights of our 4 night stay. All in all... a place we hope to return to. Mike and Cindy
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

A terrific stay.

The schoolhouse is a very special place full of character. If you love historic and "rustic" places this is a place you must try! It is very comfortable and certainly charming too. The kitchen features a vintage gas stove which is good for light cooking. The beds are extremely comfortable and the bedrooms are nice. There is a wonderful baby grand piano in the living room and a terrific collection of vintage LP's. The two bathroom showers are a bit funky but the water pressure is very good and in time we got accustomed to the showers. The place is totally private. It is mostly extremely quiet, and the occasional wild turkey clucks are a treat. Valley Ford is also a very nice little stop with a grocery store, cheese shop and a couple of restaurants. Down the road is Bodega Bay Oyster Company. We found the Schoolhouse a terrific place to stay and we expect to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Dawn C.

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

Interesting house

The house itself was super cool. You could see the history and the quirkiness. I loved that the owner had personal things in the display cabinet that allowed you to learn a few things about him. Very interesting. I would like to say that the beds are so not ideal. The upstairs bed is very soft and you sink to the middle. The two beds downstairs are so hard and uncomfortable. In fact, the bed in the common area isn’t a bed at all. It’s like sleeping directly on a piece of plywood. In the pictures it shows a futon in the loft but now there is a black couch so keep in mind there are not four beds to sleep on. The only other disappointment was there wasn’t an actual coffee maker. There is however a carafe to make coffee if you have the time. We had a great time and loved the house and the property. The wild turkeys and deer were such a pleasant sight in the morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diane E.

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

Looking forward to coming back

Stephen’s house is filled with rich artifacts from around the world and has a charm that comes from the transformation of a one-room schoolhouse into a country retreat. And our host was gracious in helping us with any questions we had during our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Katie S., Cotati, California

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

Great get away

Wonderful location and great atmosphere. House seems remote, which is what we wanted, but is very close to a nice market and wonderful restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Unique and inspiring !

We loved our stay at the schoolhouse - its a lovely property with history and character. Located in a very peaceful setting, yet not far from other coastal attractions. amazing library of books and videos. inspiring artifacts of videography equipment spanning several decades. furnishings/decorations from various corners of the world where the owner travelled. lovely fruit trees in the yard, many varieties of birds visiting too. There's a lovely studio cottage in the backyard that's available for renting and we plan to try that sometime when we're a smaller group. its an inspiring place to go stay in, unwind, and get your creative juices flowing! would go there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

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

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests