My husband and I were fortunate enough to stay here with his family last month, to celebrate his Grandmother's 90th Birthday! When we were told we'd all be staying here, I started to do some research about the property and the area. Reading all the reviews, checking out their social media and website, etc. The reviews left me wanting to know more and also left me curious about these stairs to the beach lol. Because of a delayed flight, we arrived after dark. Cab & Deanna were gracious enough to text us with instructions as to where to park and where to find the key to the cottage. The breakfast basket was phenomenal! The bacon and fruit were so delicious and went amazingly well with Mar Vista's fresh eggs! It was so exciting being greeted by a basket of fresh eggs every day. My husband and I stayed in Cottage #1, which is directly across from the chicken coop. The cottage was clean and cozy. Locally made soaps are in the bathroom, with plenty of towels. The gas fireplace heat up the whole cottage surprisingly well. After all the research I did, I was very excited to meet Cab & Deanna. They're wonderful people who have poured so much love into Mar Vista and it really does show! My husband and I attended a guided mediation Cab was hosting at the lookout deck with a stunning view of the ocean. It was so peaceful and something we really needed. The reviews stated having to cross a highway to get to the beach. It's not a typical highway, it's a more quiet road than I was expecting. Mar Vista has private access to the beach. You are provided a key to the gate. It's a nice little walk and then the infamous stairs greet you lol. They weren't too difficult, it can be a bit much for some people. I have asthma and needed to take a couple breaks along the way. But the end destination was so worth it! The last step to the beach is a little high up, so it may be a little tricky. There is also a trail behind Cottages 1-4 that lead you into the beautiful woods. Again, if you have some physical/health issues, the full trail may be a challenge as well. The trail does get very challenging. The creek area is nice which is just at the beginning of the trail. We made friends with one of the kitties along the trail. We had our own little guide at the beginning lol. The glass house is a wonderful place to have a gathering. There is a little shop in the Red Cottage. I couldn't resist getting their new water bottle and tumbler, a hat, the locally made soaps, and some postcards. Staying here is more than what I expected. It was so peaceful and a great place to just give the mind a break for a bit. Yes, there is wifi in the cottages. And we still had good service on the grounds as well. But we enjoyed the moments and memories we were making and didn't really think about cell service anyway. We harvested from the veggie and flower gardens. Everything was just so delicious! And it was fun to actually pick your own fresh veggies and go back to a cottage to cook up a great meal. My husband and I would love to stay here again. It truly was a magical place. I highly recommend staying here. It's great for families, couples, and even individuals who just need a break. I highly suggest staying here. The drive is worth it. Cab, Deanna, thank you so much for everything that weekend! We made some...
   Read moreDeanna and Cab have cultivated a most glorious farmstay experience on gorgeous property in Gualala, CA where the pampas grasses and redwoods meet the rugged and wild Pacific. Each of their adorable cabins offer tranquil and serene views of the property, trees, the gardens, the animals, or the sea in the distance. I was blessed to spend two nights at Mar Vista Farm and Cottages last week on a solo hiking and intentional farmstay exploration north of the Bay Area, and I cannot wait to return. From the goats, to the bunnies, to the hens, more than half of whom are living out their lives peacefully foraging in their wonderful and large swath of land, to Deanna and Cab's three hilarious kitties, Mar Vista is a beautiful place to disconnect in nature, in your own expertly-equipped cabin, steps from the forest and the ocean. Deanna cultivates an incredible organic vegetable / specialty crop garden, in addition to the farm fresh eggs brought to your door upon request each day. You can even harvest your own veggies to whip up a salad, add herbs to a dish, or incorporate into a meal prepared in your cabin. She provides excellent guidance as to what veggies are ready for harvest, and which are not, as well as tools and an adorable basket to collect your abundant and healthy food. I stayed in cabin 7 and loved my view of the garden in the foreground and the ocean in the distance. I also loved their special touches, including a breakfast basket paid for prior to arrival with local and seasonal items. I loved the honor bar in the welcome cottage, complete with wines and spirits from local wineries and distilleries. It's very clear that Deanna and Cab believe in a sustainable, local food system, and they promote other local provisioners and growers (and bakers) as part of their offerings. If you're traveling up the California coast, do not hesitate to book and stay at Mar Vista Farm and Cottages. I'll be telling all my friends about how wonderful it is, and I certainly can't wait to return! Thanks so much, Deanna and Cab, for creating a regenerative, resilient, harmonious, and happy place for guests and...
   Read moreOverall the stay was pleasant, especially the farm animals, vegetable and flower garden, view and star gazing at night was incredible. I would like to give just few suggestions that in my opinion would enhance stay experience.
Pluses: 1)Amazing view from the cottage living room; 2) goats, rabbits and chickens made a big positive impact to my kids, that was their biggest highlight; 3) Also the vegetables and herbs were you can pick were delicious and my favorite was Lemon Verbena; 4) fun to hatch chicken eggs and so nice how the staff cleans them and distributes to the cottages. 5) Also big plus that you can charge your electric car for free. 6) High quality bedsheets. 7) Lots of clean bath towels. 8) I loved the cute farm design of tablecloth. 9) Also there were cast iron pans, reminds of farm days. 10) Big teapot which is so helpful during cold morning and nights. 11) Great design of the living rooms, where you can relax on the soft corner seats and enjoy the view from the big windows.
Things to consider: 1) The bedroom furniture had smell of mildew and some drawers don't easily open and close, this could be improved to meet modern standards. 2) Also even though it's a small cottage, a washing machine and dryer would be a big plus for nowadays and for outstanding experience, so you can leave the cottage with clothes; 3) I believe the whisper rule before 9am and after 9pm is understandable however, I felt adults are treated like 13 year olds, you feel restricted, maybe a milder suggestion would be nicer; 4) Even if there was no sponge in the kitchen and I could have asked one, it's always good to have extra ones under the sink. 5) Also, please change the cutting board from cheap plastic to wooden ones like in a farm. 6) One very important point to consider is crossing the high speed highway to go to the beach, maybe you can consider Zebra line or a flashing light for pedestrians, that would be more safe. 7) The stairs to the beach also not child-friendly, too steep and there were screws coming out, some renovation there for safety reasons would make the stay...
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