Secluded Vacation Getaways
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Architect and planner Al Boeke was the first to en-
vision the isolated coastal terrace and forest -- overgrazed and logged -- as a community of homes in harmony with the environment. In 1963, Oceanic California, Inc. purchased the 5,200-acre Rancho del Mar, just south of Mendocino County, and a team of geographers, engineers and landscape architects
went to work replanting thousands of trees, revitaliz-
ing wind-burned Monterey cypress hedgerows and reseeding native grasses and wildflowers.
The revitalized landscape is a backdrop for clusters
of timber homes designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Sloped sod roofs deflect wind. Enclosed spaces capture sunlight.
Many homes are sited for views north and south, as well as to the ocean’s horizon. Several are dug into the ground, giving residents a ground-level perspective. Some homes bend around meadow hedgerows. Others soar toward the forest canopy.
As the world wakes up to environmentally sensitive practices, The Sea Ranch California is well established and world-renowned for its innovative architectural design.
And, I might add, well worth the thrill-ride on Highway 1, which twists and turns for 40 miles along vertiginous Pacific coastline north of Bodega Bay.
“If you want nightlife, don’t come here,” cautions Pat Anderson, the vacation rental property manager for Sea Ranch Escape. (Except for the meteor showers, which are more spectacular in the absence of light-pollution.)
If you need to unwind, you can settle into one of the secluded vacation getaways -- a home with whitewater views and have access to recreational amenities ranging from heated swimming pools, tennis courts and saunas -- for as little as $1,020 a week.
Sea Ranch Escape … in a nutshell
How many homes?
65 including two boutique collections: 14 Architectural Homes, which epitomize The Sea Ranch California design concepts, and 6 Premier Homes, combining knock-out views with splurge-worthy amenities
How many on or near the beach?
30 oceanfront, 27 in the meadow, 5 on the hillside, 3 in the forest
Type and size
The broad range of custom homes includes luxurious oceanfront homes and condos, signature “binker barns,” inspired by coastal farm buildings, and cozy cabins tucked into the Redwoods. Homes sleep from 2 to 8 people.
Price range
Per night
$336 to 1,104 for two nights (two-night minimum)
Most homes offer the third-night free during the off-season.
Per week
$1,117 to 3,080
Staff
Four full-time staff; local cleaning crew and handyman
Guest services
• Though secluded, this is a family resort vacation. Guests are invited to use amenities at on-site recreation centers, including heated swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas
• Access to miles hiking trails throughout the forest areas and for 10 miles along the coastline
• Premier Homes have high quality linens (not all homes include linens), bathrobes and wine
• A 2,600-foot private landing strip
• Lodge with award-winning restaurant, hosting regular Winemaker/Brewmaster Dinners; two art galleries and a boutique
• Three venues for small wedding and elopement ceremonies; planning and packages facilities for reunions, commitment ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries, retreats, and other special events for up to 150 people at The Sea Ranch Lodge (Occupancy and entertaining at individual homes is restricted, due to septic system limitations.)
• Each home has a guest book with information about local restaurants, massage services
Note: Bring your bicycles with you. There is no rental service.
The Sea Ranch Golf Links
a champion-length, Scottish links-style public golf course -- voted among the "top 20 new affordable courses" (out of more 430) and listed in Golf Digest magazine's "Places to Play" -- is nearby.
Services for families
These secluded vacation getaways are close to Northern California beaches as well as recreation centers -- making this a great family resort vacation. Not all homes welcome children and many of those that do have age restrictions. Some restrict the number of children.
Pet-friendly homes?
20 of these secluded vacation getaways make great pet friendly vacations (although most welcome dogs only)
Guest references?
Just ask
Discounts?
Off-season (November through March) special: three nights for the price of two.
** Special: This year, the off-season extends to mid-June. (Holidays excluded.) **
Three Standout Qualities
Sea Ranch Escape is distinguished by its architecturally diverse collection of secluded vacation getaways in a natural landscape with a range of recreational amenities on site.
1. Award-Winning Architecture
On the outside, these secluded vacation getaways are rather plain, with timber siding and simple lines with no eaves or overhangs. Inside you may be treated to window seats, lofts, skylights, soaring ceilings, artful spiral staircases and floor-to-ceiling views. Some are stylish, some cottage-“cozy,” with basic furnishings.
Premier Homes and Architectural Homes in the Sea Ranch Escape list of secluded vacation getaways include more photos, although the quality isn’t always exceptional. Pat and her staff can answer all your questions.
Some of the architects who have had a hand in shaping the residential landscape at The Sea Ranch California have been honored with awards from the prestigious American Institute of Architecture (AIA).
The Sea Ranch Condominium I Unit joined the ranks of Frank Wright's Guggenheim Museum when it received AIA's Twenty-Five Year Award as a building project completed 25 to 35 years ago which exemplifies a design of enduring significance that has withstood the test of time.
2. Acres of Space, With Some Nice Surprises
Most Sea Ranch Escape guests drive an hour and a half from the San Francisco Bay Area -- or farther from Southern California -- to get away from it all. There are billboards or neon. No drive-through windows or take-out. Power lines are buried and light pollution will never obliterate your view of the stars. Essentially this is a place to come and unwind.
“Most renters are hardworking couples. Whether or not they have families, what they want to do is just relax and cook and take walks” Pat says. Many of these secluded vacation getaways have outdoor hot tubs, and almost all have wood-burning fireplaces or wood stoves.
The Sea Ranch California is defined by its wide opens spaces. Many lots are a half-acre and homes are surrounded by extensive common area where no one can build. The meadow and hills blooming with wildflowers and white water views combine with surprising sights, such as deer grazing on sod roof top, migrating whales or the Milky Way. A surprising number of constellations are visible with the naked eye and meteor showers are ordinary events.
3. An Upscale Destination With Everything You Need On-Site
You’ll need to display a special pass (available to anyone who rents a vacation home through Sea Ranch Escape) to explore this private coastal community by car.
Once you arrive at one of these secluded vacation getaways, you probably won’t see any reason to leave. There are 10 miles of coastal trail to hike, as well as bike trails, three year-round recreation centers, an equestrian center and an 18-hole golf course.
The Sea Ranch Lodge is home to a casual bar and restaurant with an award-winning wine list. There are two art galleries and a specialty shop selling clothing and accessories, unique gift items, home accessories, toys, games, and books by local authors.
Four- and five-course
dinners hosted by local winemakers and brewmasters
are scheduled throughout the year.
Why not add a weekend at another California beach house?
If you're driving the California coast, click here to see what's available in Dillon Beach, San Francisco or the Monterey Bay area.Back to the top of Secluded Vacation Getaways on the Northern California Coast
