Located in Marshall, this farm stay is in a rural area and on the beach. Cayman Practice Range and Bodega Harbour Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and cycling nearby.
Point Reyes National Seashore - 27 min drive - 26.1 km
Graton Resort and Casino - 42 min drive - 48.9 km
Russian River - 53 min drive - 57.2 km
Getting around
Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
‪Hog Island Oyster Farm - ‬5 min drive
‪Tony's Seafood Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
‪The Marshall Store - ‬6 min drive
‪Nick's Cove - ‬11 min walk
‪Dillion Beach Cafe - ‬15 min drive
About this property
Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay
** IMPORTANT NOTE: Our listing is for vacation rentals *only*. If you're interested in hosting a wedding, retreat or event of any type, please contact us directly. **
Our family's beautifully renovated 1864 farmhouse, surrounded by towering eucalyptus and cypress trees, on 166 certified organic acres, on the shores of Tomales Bay. Our house is a 30-second walk to the beach, perfect for launching your kayak and watching spectacular sunsets.
Sleeping: Our home accommodates 10 (total, adults and kids): 4 bedrooms upstairs, each with queen bed; plus a queen pull-out sofa in the downstairs den. Comfortable beds and luxurious bedding. Two shared full bathrooms (1 upstairs, and 1 downstairs).
** PLEASE NOTE: Our listing is for vacation rentals *only*. If you're interested in hosting a private event of any type, please find us online and contact us directly. Thanks you. :) **
Kitchen: Fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, coffee, tea, spices, and more.
Entertainment: Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and DVDs, lots of board games and lawn games.
Outdoors: BBQ, patio, upper and lower porches for chillin’, lots of room to hang out (inside and outside), including hammock in the garden. Beach on Tomales Bay literally a 30-second walk from the house. Enjoy a bonfire and an incredible night sky (with no light pollution), which Michael will setup for you.
All in incomparably-beautiful surroundings. Seriously, this place is magical.
For hosting events at our ranch, please inquire, as there may be additional fees.
Eating: West Marin is a foodie Mecca, including Nick’s Cove, Hog Island Oyster Company, Marshall Store, Rocker Oysterfellas, Osteria Stellina, Cowgirl Creamery, Heidrun Meadery and so much more. Pick up some pastries at Route 1 Bakery (Tomales) or Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes Station). Or, cook at home with our terrific kitchen. Shuck and BBQ oysters on our patio. Or … ask us about having an incredible local private chef prepare a glorious meal.
West Marin is a slice of paradise – kayaking on the Bay, hiking in the Point Reyes National Seashore, home to artisan cheeses, fresh local oysters and a serene country escape (but still only an hour’s drive to SF or Wine Country).
Want to know more about Marin County's rich environmental, sustainable agriculture and organic food history? Just ask siblings Vivien and Michael Straus - we can share stories about the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) - co-founded by our mother Ellen; stories about launching Straus Family Creamery (owned separately by our brother) and the local artisan cheese scene (Vivien created the CheeseTrail map and app). Want to talk about psychic phenomena? That's Michael's department :)
Come out to Marshall - the only town where the population minus the elevation equals the speed limit.
Pets: Sorry, NO pets allowed.
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No additional daytime guests (gatherings, parties, events, etc.) without prior approval; additional fees may apply.
Quiet hours: 10pm - 9am
Please refer to our Rental Agreement for other rules, terms and conditions.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 509504vb
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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Frequently asked questions
Is Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay on 25 May 2026 start from AU$2,491, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay located?
Nestled on the beach, this Marshall farm stay is within 1 mi (2 km) of Pelican North Beach and Tomales Bay State Park. Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park and Tomales City Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Straus Home Ranch on Tomales Bay Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Incredible stay! Authentic feeling farmhouse with beautiful grounds. We enjoyed access to the beach right across the road with our little kids. And even though the road is right there, it’s minimally trafficked and you don’t hear much noise. The surrounding area is such a magical part of the world.
Host Michael was amazingly helpful and responsive to deal with a couple of issues that emerged.Once again, our family had a wonderful time staying several nights at the Straus Family Ranch.
What an absolute treasure! This house, the stories and family history, the views and surroundings are stunning. We enjoyed every minute of our time staying here. Michael is a such a wonderful host, we appreciated his time walking the property with us, setting up a bonfire, and sharing the barn and ice cream too. Vivien left us persimmons from her farm. These memories will last a lifetime! Thank you, I hope to be back.
We had a wonderful relaxing visit with beautiful views in a peaceful setting. Only negative was the misinformation about availability of a kayak on site. You have to go elsewhere and rent.
Absolutely beautiful location with charm and character.
The farm house is beautifully done. Modern amenities- great for a group. Only wish we had more time there.
Alexander K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ariel B.
26 July 2014
Beautiful home for weekend getaway
This house is very comfortable and was perfect for a nice weekend on the coast. Four bedrooms upstairs and nicely furnished rooms downstairs make it very cozy and it was hard to leave after the weekend.
Ariel B.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Linda G.
16 July 2016
Beautiful spot to vacation
The home was very comfortable and the area is a great vacation spot. Lots to do or even better you can spend a lot of time relaxing. Hosts very friendly and accommodating. Home is ideally suited for families. Lots of room for the kids and nice little beach across the street. Highly recommended. We hope to go back!!
We have stayed at a number of wonderful places in the Tomales Bay area over the years, mainly in Inverness. But the Straus Family Ranch experience gave us the deepest experience of the land and its history. The deep personal connection that the owners, Michael and Vivien Straus, have with the place and their warm enthusiasm for sharing it make the place exceptional.
John C.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
STEPHANIE G.
5 June 2018
Beautiful Property and Amazing Stay!
We loved staying at the Straus family farm. What an unbelievable property. Strung lights in the front yard were such a lovely touch. We enjoyed drinking wine and gazing at the water view from the large lawn. The house was well-equipped and the beds were comfortable. The owners were a joy to work with. Highly recommend this place!
We travel a lot and this was simply the best for our big family. No negatives at all. Even the placement of the toilet paper dispensers was perfect which is basically how I grade a place These were A+.
jamis m.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
David C. O.
26 June 2015
Perfect for Work Retreat
A small group of us rented the Straus Home for a work retreat. It was perfect for our needs - we had space to meet together, explore the grounds, and cook/share a meals together. The property was in pristine condition when we arrived, with fresh milk waiting for us in the fridge. We all left with a promise to return with our own families!
David C. O.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Diane G.
11 July 2015
Straus Home Ranch wonderful week long stay
We had a relaxing and wonderful time with friends spending a week in the Marshall area, paddle boarding, bike riding, reading, and eating! The house had all the comforts of home and then some, more ways to make coffee than even we have! It is also furnished tastefully and fully. The Straus family little history book is charming. We are all so lucky that the Staus family settled in Marshall and that Elen Straus and Phylis Faber founded MALT.
Diane G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
2 June 2015
a little piece of magic.
We had the pleasure of staying on the farm for a short time. The family is so sweet and accommodating. The house was in immaculate condition. We had a photoshoot just up the hill and the property is beyond gorgeous! I would highly recommend a weekend escape to this little piece of magic. It truly felt like home away from home.
We had such a wonderful stay during our house remediation and it felt like a home away from home in this relaxing setting. Michael and Vivien were quick to answer our questions and help us with anything we needed. The house has so much character and was beautifully attended to with soft beds comfortable linens and fully stocked kitchen. The barn, bay and outdoor games were enjoyed by all. Thank you for having us stay!
We wanted to find a property large enough to allow for social distancing and with outdoor space for the same reason (even though all in the same circles). The property was beautiful and as described if not better.
The hosts were accessible and gave us our space. The house is very well equipped which was great for our culinary adventures!
We loved being right by the water and close to great food to enjoy tomales oysters.
We would recommend this to others and would come again!
Carla P.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mary Ann G.
23 June 2015
Mary Ann
We had a fabulous family weekend at the Straus Home Ranch. The pictures hardly do justice to the charm
of this ranch. It is such a comfortable well appointed home! We arrived to flowers in every bedroom, bathroom and the dining room. What a nice touch! You have made this a very inviting home for a get away with friends
or family. We hope to return in the very near future!
Mary Ann G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Marie G.
6 Apr 2016
Unique, Charming Home with Incredible Attention to Detail
Nine of us women had a ladies weekend at this house and we had an incredible time. The house is perfectly decorated in a charming, fresh, and cozy way. Vivien and Michael are wonderful hosts, easy going and really helpful. We really appreciated all the attention to detail and loved every minute we spent in the beautiful house. You can see the cows out in the field, which just makes you feel immersed in the experience. I will definitely come here again!
Marie G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Hayley J.
11 Mar 2016
Will undoubtedly return!
Vivien and Michael were so lovely and accommodating. I celebrated my 30th birthday in the shed on their ranch in one of the biggest El Niño storms of the year. They were so helpful both with the set up and break down, making sure we were fully equipped with everything we needed. This is a gorgeous property- I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. We will undoubtedly return!
We had such a great weekend at the Strauss Home Ranch. Our kids (ages 4 and 6) loved playing outside and visiting the chickens. Vivien gave us an incredible tour, which we all loved. The home is so comfortable and well-appointed. It had everything we needed. We ended up spending much more time at the house than originally anticipated. Our kids just wanted to play in the yard and at the beach across the street. Our only wish is that we could have stayed longer!
Stacey F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bonnie M.
13 May 2019
Three generations - one Happy Mother's Day
The space was perfect for two grandparents, two couples and three little ones (6, 4 & 1). The children enjoyed the cows, fun toys, and the yard -- the adults enjoyed the well supplied kitchen and comfortable beds -- and we all enjoyed the peace of West Marin. I read my grandchildren Vivien's book about talking to cows (and even the adults learned something about bovines). Best was being licked by a young cow when they visited us at the back gate.
Bonnie M.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Yuan W.
25 Oct 2017
Beautiful place and lovely hosts
When I first visited Straus Home Ranch for a wedding site visit, I knew immediately this is the one! The hosts: Vivien & Micheal, were the best hosts you could ask for. They always answered our questions within 24hrs and provided so much information & details, which made the entire planning process stress-free. During the wedding weekend, they made sure we had everything we needed for both rehearsal & wedding events. Our guests were impressed by the beauty of this place and our families had a wonderful stay in the ranch. We love this venue and would certainly consider come back to this area!
We stayed here with family from out of town and found the Straus family’s historic home to be both beautiful and comfortable. Vivien and Michael both made a point to warmly welcome us and make us feel right at home. While at the ranch we enjoyed the beach, pretty garden, bonfires with s'mores, and colorful sunsets from the living room. We had a wide variety of age groups with us and everyone had a wonderful time. Breathtakingly gorgeous Dillon Beach is nearby and we also enjoyed Route One Bakery, Nick’s Cove, and Due West restaurants. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to stay at this ranch with my family and made such nice memories. Thank you, Straus family!
Kelly K.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kelle K.
4 Jan 2017
Glorious Historic Home, full of magic and beauty
The Straus Home Ranch will forever be a magical place where dreams come true. Our New year's Eve wedding was picture perfect​ and full of charm, love and happiness. Our guests fell equally in loved with this venue and shared our passion for the area and all of its riches.
Michael and Vivian, the venue hosts, are as lovely as this wonderful home they grew up in, and quickly felt like old friends with their incredible hospitality and genuine kindness.
Whether for a wedding, family reunion, small get together or just a weekend out of the city, the Straus Home Ranch is the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Rest assure, we've already booked our next visit.