Cottage in Monte Rio

Less than two hours from San Francisco on the Russian River (but a world away!) -- near vineyards, redwoods, and the Sonoma coast. This cottage sits on a quarter acre of sunny riverfront property in a quiet neighborhood just west of Monte Rio. The space The house offers two comfortable bedrooms. The smaller one has a double bed, bamboo floors, French doors that open directly onto the deck, and gorgeous views of the sunrise over the river and redwood hills. The larger has a queen bed. The open kitchen is equipped with a gas range, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, and all essential (and many non-essential) implements. Cook up a storm with fantastic local ingredients -- I can offer recommendations on great places to pick up meat, produce, and seafood. Just so you don't have to worry about it, I provide olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few other essentials. There's also an herb garden just outside the back door. Let me know if you're in a pinch for other ingredients or just replace anything else you use. There is a large, sunny dining and sitting area just off the kitchen. It's the perfect spot to lounge, enjoy a glass of wine, and admire the views of the river and hills. The living room has a wood burning stove to keep things cozy on winter evenings. (Note that there is no television, so please bring your own device for entertainment. The internet is great for streaming!) The large back deck, patio, and yard offer plenty of room for lounging in the sun and watching the river flow by. There is a gazebo area with a dining table and sofa to one side of the patio with river views, and the hot tub is perched on a smaller deck off to the other side under a canopy of bamboo. It is wonderful for stargazing at night and birdwatching in the morning. Beyond the backyard, follow the rustic steps and paths down the riverbank. (Note that it is uneven and steep in places.) If the river is at normal summer levels, you can walk across a flatter path all the way to the water's edge to launch the two kayaks provided for guests. It is possible to swim here, though depending on conditions, the first 10 feet or so may be a bit muddy. The house has flower gardens with seasonal roses, lilies, daffodils, fuchsia, irises, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and California poppies, to name a few. There's also a vegetable garden, and if you're lucky, you can harvest some fresh ingredients during your stay! I've owned the house since the start of 2013 and have been working to constantly improve it. If you're looking for an impeccably posh experience, this might not be the place for you. But if you can handle a few (mostly charming) imperfections in a very functional and fun house, then it will be a great fit. I welcome any feedback you have on what I can do to continually improve, and hope you can come back to watch it evolve. Enjoy your escape at the riverside retreat! Guest access Guests have access to the full property: house, hot tub, sunny deck and patio, gardens, and river access. Other things to note I allow a maximum of four guests, although in certain circumstances I approve up to two extra people with an additional charge of $25 / person / night. If you need to use the sofa bed, I ask that you supply your own linens for it. Please be considerate in your use of towels and linens, including using your towel for both the hot tub and shower. If you use more than 1 towel per guest, please run a load of laundry before you leave as a courtesy to the housekeeper The house has a fully stocked game shelf at your disposal: Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Cards Against Humanity, cribbage board, playing cards, Connect Four, and a jigsaw puzzle. Sonoma County License LIC24-0172 / TOT 1138N