Entire home

Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original

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

Outdoor dining
Beach
Beach
Exterior
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

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.

Property manager

Margaret

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • 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
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Wood stove

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 50 lbs 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 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 there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2700 sq ft (251 sq m)

Similar properties

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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
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

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Inverness, CA

What's nearby

  • Tomales Bay State Park - 10 min walk
  • Shell Beach - 6 min drive
  • Point Reyes National Seashore - 8 min drive
  • Heart's Desire Beach - 14 min drive
  • Tomales Bay - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Inverness Park Market - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bovine Bakery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Marshall Store - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Tony's Seafood Restaurant - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Hog Island Oyster Company - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from Tomales Bay State Park and 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Shell Beach. Mount Wittenberg and Point Reyes National Seashore are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

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

Jason M.

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

Greg L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family getaway
Quiet and serene.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical place
Really enjoyed our stay-beautiful weather, location, house and area. Couldn’t recommend it more!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Sue M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfectly Inverness
Lovely hideaway
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely getaway
My family had a great time during our stay at this lovely home. The house has a perfectly “away from it all” feel, but full of amenities and plenty of space. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sergey I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming house in the woods of Inverness
A nice place to get away from civilization and feel an old charm while staying close to shops and dining options of Point Reyes
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula G.

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

Nora T.

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

j l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Inverness
A magical house with wonderful hikes in walking distance. I would stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie R.

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

Oliver S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place in the woods
A beautiful location and cozy house with lots of space and thoughtfulness. Will definitely try to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abdulla A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Place & Great Host
We highly recommend staying here. The place was really nice and Margaret was very helpful and sweet from beginning to end. I would come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Thank you! We loved our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tara O.

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

kevin s.

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

Kathy A.

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

Dennis H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Enjoyable Stay
After a glitch in gaining access to the inside (...exacerbated by no cell phone service in the area) and getting used to the amenities and heating/kitchen equipment, the six of us 70-year old college friends had a very nice time! it is a warm snd welcoming residence!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geoff B.

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

Banks L.

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

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect escape
What a beautiful property to match the magnificence of its surrounds! Well-appointed home, both expansive and cozy, clean, and beautifully furnished while also being fully functional (translation: not too fussy / family friendly). We felt right and home and rejuvenated after our stay (though we may now have a serious case of cabin envy!). Margaret was responsive and helpful, and their neighbors were friendly and welcoming, too. Highly recommend, and would love to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Mother's Day Weekend!
AMAZING stay at this cabin in the woods. All the ladies in our family went for a women-only getaway for Mother's Day. The house is tucked away in a quiet spot in the trees with lots of room so everyone had their own space. It has so much character! Many little things here and there make it so unique. AND very close to everything we wanted to do in Point Reyes. We had a beautiful time. THANK YOU!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian B.

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

Nikki A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Multi generation joy
Our stay coincided with my son’s spring break and our celebration with my mom of her 80th birthday. It is tough to mix three generations but this house accommodated us. My mom was surprised that such a large house felt so cozy. My son loved the rope swing and the feeling of spaciousness. I loved that I could carve out alone time while still getting in lots of family time; meals and card playing at the dining room table was an every evening event.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical Getaway with Kids
Had a fantastic weekend away! Two families - four adults and four kids ages 7, 6, 4, & 3. The house, the yard, and the location were absolutely amazing! Some notes for other parents traveling with youngish kids: The bunkbeds do not have rails. You might want to bring a bed rail if you're worried about putting a little ones up there. No need to bring entertainment for the kids. So many children's books and lots of toys, plus some of the best nooks and crannies I've ever seen for hide and seek. The beautiful wood paneled bedroom is up a flight of stairs at the opposite end of the house from the bunkroom, but the other two bedrooms are right by the bunkroom. I wished we'd brought a couple nightlights to help children find us in the dark. It was a magical trip, and we're already talking about coming back. Thank you, Margaret!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

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