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Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

Photo gallery for Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

Cottage perched on a hillside facing east
Morning Fog in the Bay
view from upper deck
Skylights and light wall in main room
Dinning Table in Main Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 292.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Mill Valley, CA
  • Sweetwater Music Hall
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Muir Woods National Monument
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Sausalito, CA (JMC-Commodore Center Heliport)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat

One-bedroom, 2 full bathroom cottage is an ultra-charming, craftsman style home with magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay. It offers a fully equipped kitchenette, a lovely living room, a comfy bedroom, a full sized bed sleeping loft, a library /TV room and an ethereal work space. Sip coffee or wine from one of the double decks. Stay in to enjoy the view and birdsong or head out for a Bay Area adventure. Mt. Tamalpais State Park trails for hiking and mountain biking are right out your back door. Sausalito, San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, Muir Woods and the wine country offer some of the endless possibilities for day tripping. This is a place that is both relaxing and inspiring. A perfect writer's retreat (in fact, it was the winter home of a New York Times best-selling author) or for soulful restoration!

Property manager

Marianne
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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Similar properties

Mt. Tam view from the house

DETACHED GUEST HOUSE: Walk To Town, 1030 Sq Ft, 1 BR/1.5 BA, Mt. Tam Vie

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, (128 reviews)
DETACHED GUEST HOUSE: Walk To Town, 1030 Sq Ft, 1 BR/1.5 BA, Mt. Tam Vie

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 31
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
1-8 mo. considered / Pack ‘n Play crib available
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Events

No events allowed
ONLY guests on lease are to stay overnight.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non cigarette smoking allowed outside on decks
Laundry: Access to W/D available for a fee of $40/week.
Cottage is NOT suitable for children. Infants (0-8 months) considered - Pack-n-Play available on request without fee.
If the guest wished to bring a pet, it will only be considered after the Pet Addendum is completed.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: ONLY guests on lease are to stay overnight.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mill Valley

Located in Mill Valley, this cottage is in the city centre. Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Presidio of San Francisco. Bay Area Discovery Museum and Hyde Street Pier are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mill Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Sweetwater Music Hall - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Mount Tamalpais State Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 6 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 8 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Larkspur Ferry Terminal - 12 min drive - 7.5 km

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 26 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Equator Coffees & Teas - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Equator Coffees & Teas - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Le Marais Bakery - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mamahuhu - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Flour Craft Bakery - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mt Tamalpais Dream Retreat located?

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, this cottage is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Sweetwater Music Hall and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Muir Woods National Monument. Mount Tamalpais State Park is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 201 out of 205 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 205 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 205 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 205 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 205 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Angela H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most peaceful retreat you will ever find.

A beautiful hidden gem among the redwoods. Marianne was the perfect host. She was kind and helpful, and made us feel welcome from the first moment we met. This was our first time visiting the Mill Valley area, and this tree house cottage felt like a home away from home. It has everything you need, and more, for a relaxing getaway and an area to explore. We can’t wait to return to this lovely place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bob G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

High above

Slightly funky, comfortable space. A real mountain setting with big beautiful views, yet charming Mill Valley is at the bottom of the hill. We needed privacy and hosts obliged 100%.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

Lovely property with scenic mountain views.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arietta S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly magic

This is a very very special place, and certainly my favorite VRBO ever. It is a spacious, two-story cottage nestled in the woods along a windy road leading to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. The views - as well as the flora and birds - are breathtaking from the upper and lower floors, and both have spacious decks. The rooms and furnishings are incredibly comfortable and welcoming, and my husband and I felt instantly at home. There were fresh flowers everywhere and the hosts were very generous and responsive. Town - which is wonderful too - is 7 minutes down the hill. We simply cannot recommend it highly enough -- we did NOT want to leave at all! And of course we're already planning our return.
Stayed 16 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roseanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable quiet, peaceful stay with an amazing view.

Host was incredibly accommodating and the property was just as advertised. We had a very relaxing peaceful stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Marin Hiking

We very much enjoyed our 5 night stay at this charming cottage. Marianne was helpful and communicative during our stay. Fresh flowers throughout the house made it very welcoming. Fantastic location for walking and hiking - really felt like a mountain get away.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place!!

Property is absolutely beautiful with fantastic views! Owner was extremely helpful. We have family living in the area and will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway

We had a very relaxing stay, such a beautiful location and so peaceful, wish we could have stayed longer, definitely will be back soon
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Everything was as advertised. A very quiet setting
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

Beautiful location. Convenient location. Greeted by host. Very welcoming. All amenities included. Great vacation!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mill Valley

Lovely
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway with Nice Views

We really enjoyed our stay and only wished that we could have stayed longer
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kilo K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and peaceful

Hummingbirds, redwoods and piece of mind is what you will get while staying here. Marianne is a pleasure and so was the house, nothing but good things to say. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

My adult son and I spent the weekend at this cottage. It was equipped with everything and the owner was very nice to show us all around the cottage and what it offered. We even got in a game of cribbage which they had on the game shelf! The views around the cottage are beautiful and the beds were very comfortable. I recommend renting this cottage if you are going to Mill Valley!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming retreat in the sky...

My wife and I arrived on a Wednesday night. Marianne gave a wonderful walk through with plenty of helpful information and we stayed through Sunday morning. And everything was great! She was very responsive with texts and proactive in reaching out to make sure everything was just right. Mill valley is awesome. I can't wait to go back. Spending time in the redwoods is extraordinary and Marianne's place is in an ideal location. I wish that it hadn't rained quite so much because I really wanted to hike to the top of My Tam but I didn't have enough time on Thursday night to get all the way there before sundown. The pictures I did get of San Francisco from the trail are posted on Google Maps so have a look... It's gorgeous. I would totally come back here and am very grateful for Marianne making this home available. I was honored to be there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

RUDI M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic stay in the hills

Great location, beautiful environment We felt very welcome with freshly cut flowers in all the rooms. The owners were very helpful and friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone staying in Mill Valley.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

I look forward to my stay in this wonderful garden house every year

A beautiful property full of flowers and authentic NorCal touches. Wonderful host. I sleep so well here! Can’t wait for next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Whitney C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mill Valley

We had a great stay in Mill Valley. Great host. We loved the place and hope to visit again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

martha O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

This is a wonderful property and Marianne is a great host. Very communicative and friendly but not intrusive. The apartment was great for a couple and if there were a child, they would love the extra loft bed. The apartment had everything we needed. Marianne was very helpful and left lovely touches in the apartment, such as fresh flowers, and it has beautiful art and furnishings. It is quite a drive up and down on very windy streets to reach the place, with the benefit of the beautiful view as shown.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private and quiet stay in Mill Valley

High marks from us for our lovely stay in this cottage on the ridge above Mill Valley. Nicely furnished and equipped. Very convenient parking (sometimes a challenge in Mill Valley). Owner is friendly and helpful, but not intrusive. Easy access to everything in town, and location is close to the headlands and the state park, with lots of walking trails to explore.
Stayed 18 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

David G., Shorewood, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mill Valley Get-away

Marianne was a phenomenal host who made our stay exceptional. The property was exactly as described and perfect all the way to smallest details. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a private stay near all that Mill Valley and Mt. Tam have to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing veiws!

This cottage was amazing. It did get hot in the afternoon but the morning and evenings were nice. The decks had the most beautiful veiws. The flowers and trees on the property smelled amazing. Marianne was so kind and had great suggestions. I would definitely stay here again! The bed was so comfortable. She had everything you would need for cooking a nice meal. Thanks Marianne!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary D., Santa Cruz, CA

We loved the Mt Tam retreat. Truly a special place

We had a fantastic weekend exploring the trails of Mt Tam just up the street. Marianne was an amazing host and was so sweet with our dog. We would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We had a wonderful time, wish we could have stayed longer! We hope to come back again someday. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kirk M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous and Wonderful Host!

We loved our stay at Marianne's special cottage. Near the top of Summit Drive (WOW!) and beautifully nestled among the trees at the top of Mill Valley, our stay was wonderf-FULL. Marianne is a terrific host; responsive and available as needed. And the property is just perfect - everything we needed!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Marianne

Host profile image
We have lived on Middle Ridge for over 40 years. The cottage was our home while we were building our main house on the same lot. Now the cottage is a rental. We have met so many wonderful people who have stayed there over the years. Everyone who has lived there has enjoyed the brilliant space.

Why they chose this property

Our Mt. Tam perch has the best weather and some of the best views in town. You can walk out the door and be on a mountain trail in minutes or drive a few miles and be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

What makes this property unique

Our two level cottage is built on the Middle Ridge of Mt. Tam facing east. It has decks off of French doors on each level with dog gates to keep pets in or out. The downstairs bedroom is perfect place to tuck in for a dreamy night’s sleep – the morning light, birdsong and breezes will awaken you, unless you close the curtains. Walk up the spiral staircase to a great room flooded with natural light. This open area has a writing desk, kitchenette, napping loft, dinette and living room. In the adjacent room there is a library and a TV. Stay in, relax and enjoy the sweeping views or step out to experience any of the many adventures the Bay Area has to offer. Come and enjoy!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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