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Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

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Photo gallery for Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

Outdoor dining
Beach
Exterior
Beach
TV, DVD player, books, video library

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms251 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Inverness, CA
  • Tomales Bay State Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Shell Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪68 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

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

Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

Brook Ness is a handcrafted home, a dreamy place next to a cool leafy stream and an ideal home base for exploring the pristine nature of Point Reyes National Seashore, from Tomales Bay coves to big ocean beaches, whale and bird watching, wild flowers, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking.

Brook Ness is one of the iconic, true Inverness homes in an area very like an old English village, with huge trees and shingled houses. You wake to the scent of bay laurel, the sounds of the fresh mountain spring and a chorus of bird song. It is enchanting, and only a 5 minute stroll through First Valley to town shops, and oysters at Salt Water restaurant and to the bay where kiters fly across the water.

Or going feral, you can cross the footbridge near the house, hike up the mesa where you'll find myriad trails climbing Mount Vision to kettle ponds and sweeping views of the headlands. The house is also perfect for cozy dinners, games, movies, reading and relaxing with loved ones. There is now high speed WIFI for longer stays/ remote work time, but it's a great place to get away from screens, and the rate is negotiable if staying longer.

Fun for family time and at the end of a short lane, safe from road traffic. There is a toy room and in fair weather an open outdoor space for al fresca dining under a huge oak. The hot outdoor shower makes it a breeze to de-salt after a day at the beach, and the hammock aloft the stream is a dreamy reading spot.

(A quiet dog is okay, but no unruly or loud dogs allowed.)

Also nearby/ 10 mins is the quaint town of Point Reyes, with its distinct Western feel and a bevy of eateries like Cowgirl Creamery and Brickmaiden Bakery. The soft serve ice cream at the Palace Market is a dreamy vanilla whip. Hog Island oysters and Tony's seafood for fish and chips are also delicious, a 30 min drive away. Bodega and the wild shore of Route One north also make for wonderful day tripping.

Keywords: Country House, Oysters, swimming and beaches, Writing Retreat, getaway, West Marin hiking, trees and clean air, quiet, whales and wild life, serene marshlands, gourmet food.
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be within walking distance of Tomales Bay State Park. The vacation home includes amenities such as a kitchen and 3 bathrooms.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms
  • Just a 2-minute drive from Tomales Bay State Park and 8 minutes from Point Reyes National Seashore
This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Margaret

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee grinder
  • Kitchen island
  • Toaster
  • Blender

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2700 sq ft (251 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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 are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Quiet dog under 20 lbs/ meticulous clean up

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: It's magic for kids here.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

Property is also known as

Big Lovely House Point Reyes National Seashore
Big Lovely House - Point Reyes National Seashore Inverness

Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 141 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 141 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 141 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 141 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 141 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A week in the winter
Four of us stayed in this quintessential Inverness spot for a week’s retreat. The space was great for us and is an easy walk to town. This is a beautiful wood house with a burbling stream behind it. The 4th bedroom wasn’t pictured and is set up as a kids room with bunk beds and everything a kid could want! It also works for adults. The house was quiet, peaceful, and cozy, and well stocked, and we loved our stay
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay!
We really enjoyed our trip to Inverness for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely get away for my family including 2 young boys and a little dog. We were able to unplug by the fire and have cozy quality time together. The house is incredibly charming and has everything you could possibly need. The babbling creek behind the house is so peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed hiking the area and being among the lush trees. There is tons to see in the afternoon and when we weren’t being adventurous we enjoyed long walks in the neighborhood and just being in the wonderful cottage. We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
A perfect place to enjoy Tomales Bay and environs.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edgar V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Terrific property
The property is accurately described online. The host is responsive and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kuanie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great, relaxing stay
This place is a pretty funky, cool maze layout with beautiful decor. The fresh air outside was unbeatable too. Most important, it was a perfect layout for our infant son to play around in, safely. The home feels well lived in, and wonderful. It also had all the amenities we needed for a wedding weekend. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise C., Saint Paul, Minnesota

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely family home
This home is a perfect place for a family reunion or vacation. Set back in a beautiful wooded grove next to a creek. Plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax ad enjoy. Comfortable bedrooms. A very well appointed kitchen. Tons of laidback character and charm. Books and games. Convenient to hiking and exploring Tomales Bay and the coast. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nora I., Penn Valley, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home and Setting
We gathered for my 60th birthday and the home could not have been more hospitable to me and my special group of friends. We laughed, cooked, and enjoyed the beautiful environment created by the host's details. The kitchen had beautiful glasses and dishes-- all ready to have a nice dinner. We all slept well and treasured every moment of being together. Thank you so much! It could not have been more perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderfulness in Inverness
We loved this place so much. It's surrounded by bay and redwood trees. Funky, in a good way.g9odbutbendlessl6 interestingly fabouslous.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jayne W.

Liked: Cleanliness
A mid-century manse by the creek
This was our second stay: the first, two summers ago, was memorable; this was historic. Our three friends were also colleagues at a literary magazine. Like us, they were enchanted by the architecture, the setting, and the 1000 or so books distributed all around. Our friends are serious cooks, and appreciate how everything from the pots and pans to the flatware reflected an individual, civilized touch. We'll be back, early and often!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrianne A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely time in a lovely location
Charming house in the middle of lush surroundings. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

maura s.

Liked: Cleanliness
authentic inverness
we had a beautiful 60th birthday celebration. those looking for the old school inverness will love this place. we did. everything we needed, plus lots of character.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely getaway in Inverness
We had such a lovely stay here in Inverness! The home has such character and was clearly built and stewarded with love. It is in such a relaxing setting, and a very convenient location for checking out beaches, hiking, and restaurants around the Inverness & Point Reyes areas. Our group included a few adults and a few infants, and the space was perfect for having some big common areas while also having enough private space for sleeping babies. Margaret was a great and communicative host. I would highly recommend staying here for anyone who wants a nice getaway to one of the most serene spots on the northern California coast!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason M., San Francisco, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway!
The house is incredibly unique and the property is second to none. Thank you for a wonderful weekend for me and my family!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Final Journey
Laid my dad to rest at Olema Cemetary with his parents and brother. Full Circle this home gave us all A hug. Clean, quirky even all the ducks in a row above the kitchen sink!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geoff B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Weekend Getaway
The house really fit our needs for convenience, spaciousness, character, location, etc. It was a rainy weekend. The large tiled entryway was easy to close off for cleaning up the dogs before letting them into the living area after their walks. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook big elaborate meals. The living space was large but cozy. Lot's of windows looking out at lots of trees. It was lovely!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

kevin s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enchanting home in beautiful surrounding
The home was just as described. It is perfectly located for wonderful day excursions. Each night we would come home and enjoy the wood burning stove and read in peaceful serenity. I can’t recommend this home and host enough! We will be back for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Storybook charm for a family gathering
This was our second stay in this lovely house because it is the perfect place for our family...my husband and myself, our adult son and daughter and their partners. The character of the wood covered walls with lots of windows to see the tree branches all around and a high ceilinged central space is exactly the cross between a cabin feel and a little airiness you want in Inverness. Gathering for tea and breakfast in the open inviting living room, people arriving as they wake but sleeping late undisturbed if they prefer. On sunny days a central spot to go on hikes nearby or in the Point Reyes National Seashore trails and beaches. On rainy days the openess of the house makes it comfortable to be in the living room together reading, or on computers, or playing scrabble, or doing jigsaw puzzles, without feeling at all crowded. Some zoom meetings happened in the other wing of the house with plenty of privacy and a good connection. At night the well equipped kitchen made cooking a pleasure and we all gathered around the dining table for dinner. At night we watched movies on the large TV and there was plenty of room for everyone. We highly recommend this magical place.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nora T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home
This is our second time staying at Margaret’s wonderful home in Inverness. Our family feels very lucky to be able to spend time here. Cozy and charming.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic home with comfort and character
Perfect home for family reunion. Lot's of room for cooking, eating and visiting. Bedrooms are comfortable and provide beds for 10 guests. Great location with hiking, eateries, and beach walks close by.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Beautiful Corner of the World
We loved the home in Inverness and it was perfect for our family gathering. It almost felt as if we were staying in a treehouse - the house has great energy and is highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

j l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Inverness
A magical house with wonderful hikes in walking distance. I would stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Sue M.

Perfectly Inverness
Lovely hideaway
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical and easy
Margaret’s home in the redwoods was totally wonderful for us. The kitchen dining room, living area were expensive then beautiful and had a sense of the forest inside and outside and easy to make meals for the whole family together there. The backyard was wonderful with the rope swing that the two boys never got off of when we were there the creek to explore the berries to pack all the neighbors for so friendly and sweet and we use it as a homebase for lots of adventures in the area. Hikes and great restaurants. We so appreciate Margaret, and all her attention to details, and made us feel right at home we would gladly return.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Banks L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful family getaway!
5 stars! Our family spent 4 nights at the Inverness house and i wish we had another week! The home is super quiet, comfortable, cozy - just want you want in a place like inverness where you can really feel you are away from it all. Love the woodsy, cool setting and small creek running through the property. Lots of good meals in Pt Reyes station and cooked at home. We loved the scenery, beach and hiking/biking options in every direction. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg L.

Great family getaway
Quiet and serene.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023