Entire home

Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin

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Main Room
Spa- looking towards side yard
Kitchen
Exterior
Deck 1

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
forestville, CA
  • Korbel Winery
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Johnson's Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin

1.5 acre oasis in the Russian River Valley. The property is private, serene & sunny with its own private beach adjacent to 2 very large neighborhood beaches. The house is modern yet rustic and is said to be "magical". It has gorgeous river/redwood/bridge views, decks, boats, spa, fireplace, a serious kitchen, fruit trees, grape vines & wildlife. Centrally located between Healdsburg, Sonoma Coast & Sebastopol. There are fantastic wineries and redwoods minutes away. 4 beaches and a river park are literally footsteps away.

The house has real character, simplicity and style. The landscape is stunning. The property is often described as spectacular and magical. Dozens of reviews describe how the guests arrive with plans to venture out and see the sights, but end up rarely leaving the house, cuz it is such a rejuvenating/relaxing oasis.

The Fine Print:

The house is beautiful, light, airy, modern, rustic, simple, minimal and serene. The decks are perfect for sunning, outdoor dining and drinking. The beach is perfect for swimming, playing, boating (kayaks and canoe provided) and just soaking in the sun, river and scenery. The yard is lush and private and dotted with fruit trees, grapevines, hot tub and hammocks. This is a perfect romantic getaway or a place to indulge yourself while also thrilling your kids and dog (bring your own-neither provided). The house itself is very small, but feels spacious. Inside the house, you'll find redwood ceilings, fir floors, skylights and dozens of wood windows (all with gorgeous views- some of the river). The house is appointed with striking mid century furniture, a luxurious queen bed and a fully equipped serious kitchen with/gas cooktop. The house is also equipped with a wood burning stove, audiophile stereo (easily connect wirelessly to your devices), 800 Mbps WiFi, TV/DVD and A/C. The construction is sustainable; most of the house is comprised of vintage, salvaged, repurposed, sustainable and/or non (or less) toxic materials. The house has almost every single detail covered- you will want for almost nothing. This is a fully remodeled mid-century cottage, designed by me, for you.

The house opens to 2 decks (furnished with gas grill, dining tables and lounge chairs) overlooking the yard, the river and beyond. Moving outside, the house is framed by fruit trees (plum, apple, fig, pear, orange, etc), olive trees, grape vines and bay laurels. Adjacent to the house is a fire pit and a tomato/herb garden. Moving towards the river, the somewhat orderly yard gives way to fertile riparian habitat- gently rolling grassy meadow with native willow/elder/maple/cottonwood trees cradling a shaded hammock. Descend a little further and the sandy riverbank draped with willows and wild grapevines leads to a pebble beach carved by the waters of the glorious Russian River.

The beach has gorgeous views up and down the redwood-lined river as well as a striking view of the Hacienda Bridge. The river is shallow and calm in the summer (perfect for boating or tubing- canoe and kayaks provided), but the mighty Russian grows immensely (depth and width) and dramatically thunders to life in the winter. It is amazing to see, hear and feel.

The Russian River is home to ducks, great blue herons, osprey, hawks, foxes, river otters, deer, mountain lions and and wild turkeys as well as salmon, steelhead, bass, sturgeon, hippies and rednecks. The property is very sunny (no redwoods), yet has shade trees (with hammocks) for comfort in the summer. The air is scented with bay leaves, lemon balm, fennel, mugwort, redwood and orange blossoms.

Summer is hot and lush, but the water in the river is the perfect temperature for cooling. On winter mornings the sun rises through river fog wisping through the hills and between the redwoods, which typically burns off by 10am leaving sun and clear skies. The nights are cool all year round, which is why the local wine is so good (and so necessary!). The night skies are dark and dotted with stars- unless there is a full moon, which bathes the river in light and makes you wonder why you would ever want to be anywhere else (note -added lunar taxes & surcharges are applicable).

The cabin is only 800 square feet plus decks, however It feels more spacious. It is comfortable for 3 adults and a little tight for 2 adults + 2 kids, but it is very tight for 4 adults (not recommended unless you all really like each other). The bedroom has a queen bed and the living room has a very comfortable queen size Ligne Roset sofa bed. There is also a queen size airbed, but it takes up a lot of floor space.

It is a lovely winter retreat. On winter mornings the sun rises through river fog wisping through the hills and between the redwoods; beautiful, but the fog typically burns off by 10am leaving sun and clear skies. The river fattens and dramatically roars to life after winter rains. There is a hot tub (orange tree within reach), wood burning stove and outdoor fire pit to compliment the winter vibe. There is a pet fee of $50 for shorter stays (4 nights or less) and $100 per week after that.

Property manager

Jay Kammen
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
But not babyproofed.
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Events

No events allowed
Max 6 people on the property at any given time.
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs are welcome, but no cats please
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No butts in/under the house. dispose of off-site
All Sonoma County, State of California and Federal Health regulations apply to your stay. Guests are fully responsible for compliance.
No cats and no smoking and no more than 6 people on the property at any given time. Guest agrees to all terms on attached rental agreement.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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: Max 6 people on the property at any given time.
This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
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

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Forestville

Located in Forestville, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Rio Theatre and Pacific Coast Air Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Railroad Square Historic District and Potter Schoolhouse. Travelling with kids? Consider Pee Wee Golf and Arcade and Rubicon Adventures. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
forestville, CA

What's nearby

  • Russian River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Korbel Winery - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Johnson's Beach - 9 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Park - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Northwood Golf Club - 12 min drive - 13.4 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa Station - 20 min drive
  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rainbow Cattle Co. - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Koalas Fine Food - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Korbel Winery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Rio Nido Roadhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Coffee Bazaar - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gorgeous lush private RIVERFRONT modern cabin located?

Nestled on the beach, this Forestville cottage is steps from Russian River and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Korbel Winery. Johnson's Beach and Armstrong Redwoods State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 47 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 51 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bret G.

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

Great spot!

Lovely headquarters for my wife and I to explore wine country. Very peaceful and relaxing
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda N.

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

Lovely Well-Appointed Cabin

The cabin is tastefully decorated with art and textiles. Well lit, with lots of windows facing the river. Landscaping is lush, and I’m sure bountiful in the summer months. The decks and spa are perfect for relaxing after a fun-filled day. Centrally located for adventures in the redwoods, Pacific Ocean, wineries, quaint little towns, as well as the river. Nice, well set up kitchen with Viking stovetop.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

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

Relaxation on the River

This house is stunning - created with a sophisticated eye for design. It's close proximity to the Russian River makes you appreciate Northern California beauty while being close to many amenities and attractions. We also loved the proximity to Korbel. We would love to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Callie D.

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

Fabulous Getaway

This place is well thoughtout with all the luxuries of home (plus some). Location is perfect. Its quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey T.

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

Dream getaway

We had the best few days staying at Jay's home. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a Russian River escape.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony M.

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

Great property

Loved being on the river to beat the heat. The house was nicely laid out and very private. Would stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S.

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

Beautiful!!

We really enjoyed our relaxing 4 days at the river. We never wanted to leave. The house had everything we needed. River access was somewhat challenging.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin O.

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

Wonderful little hideaway

Great spot, great vibe, house has everything you need, super nice host. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shane Y.

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

Peaceful Getaway

We had a wonderful stay. The house is very well designed and staged. Peaceful views of the river and mountains and nice outdoor decks to relax on. We've bookmarked this as a place to come back too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kiersten D.

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

Just perfect

Wonderful property, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis H.

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

48th Anniversary trip

Beautiful property on the Russian River. The house was well laid out and felt much larger than its actual size.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Yvonne B.

Liked: Location

Uncomfortable

The location and proximity to the river was great! Everything else was not. The owner stated we could check in early but upon arrival, he was at the property. Talk about uncomfortable. Speaking of, nothing in the house was comfortable. The bed is old and soft with no support, the couch is a terribly uncomfortable futon which we eventually just laid flat and every piece of outdoor furniture lacked any sort of cushion and was unusable. (I will note there are some lovely wood chairs but how long can you sit in a chair?) The house looked clean upon arrival, and we understand it’s located in the woods, but this place is CRAWLING with spiders, bees/hornets and ants. We did not use the hot tub as it was crawling with ants. When I went to sit on an outdoor chair in the yard, I focused on the ground for a minute and it was vibrating with spiders. Forget laying on any hammocks. Hornets or bees of some sort were also entering holes in the house! Worst of all, the trail to the river is fun (my two dogs loved it and the beach) but really needs to be cut back. My wife got horrible itchy legs for weeks after going through the spider infested tall grass. Stay at your own risk!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob H.

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

Amazing stay

What a location. So much charm inside and outside. The house itself somehow matches the magic of the area/location. I’ll definitely be back
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

leighanna r.

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

Very Best Location

My husband, myself, and our 2 labradors stayed a week at this property, and could not have been more pleased. The location, especially if you have dogs that swim, is the very best. Lots of amenities on the property to enjoy. Great and very informative communication from the host. Thank you so much for opening your home to us. We look forward to staying again in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie B.

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

Relaxing long weekend

This place was fabulous. It was perfect for just my husband and I on our first covid getaway. We loved being able to walk right down to the river to enjoy the peace & quiet in the morning. We spent a couple days doing the area wineries and a day we drove to the coast and our location was perfect for doing both. Plenty of amenities to cook for yourself but also not too far away from restaurants. The hot tub was an added bonus. Would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tina R., san francisco

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

Little haven

Loved this hideaway surrounded by nature and eclectic thoughtful design. Everything you need is available, including a cooler, evening hiking travel lamps, and a fully stocked kitchen. Great for 2 people and your pooch!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Giselle A.

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

Relaxing riverfront home nestled in greenery

We had a wonderful one week stay at the Cosmo River Sanctuary. The home is not large, but the outdoor decks and large property it sits on provides everything you'd need for a relaxing vacation with plenty of privacy. The house has a lot of personality and is clean and very well stocked. Our favorite things to do were: dining on the outdoor deck with candlelight, waking up to the natural light and lush greenery, swimming at Hacienda Beach, listening to music, soaking in the hot tub, visiting the many quaint stores and restaurants in the area, a 10 mile paddle on the river with Burke's canoes, bird and wildlife watching. Jay was helpful and responsive with lots of great suggestions for things to do in the area. The house is stocked with lots of little extras to make you feel right at home. A wonderful place to relax, unwind and commune with nature.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Taylor M.

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

The most peaceful stay

Jay's place is pretty magical — we enjoyed slow mornings on the deck and relaxing days floating on the river. We loved all the details of Jay's place and felt very welcome there. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

LeAnn W., Escondido, CA

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

Great Location. Very relaxing.

This property is about as Zen as you can get. You feel like you are in your own private garden. The fruit trees are beautiful and fragrant adding to the overall relaxation feel. With 2 decks, a nice seating area under a tree, and two hammocks, there are plenty of places to watch the wild life and enjoy some quiet moments. Even on the hottest day there was a nice breeze that helped to keep things comfortable. The cabin is small but crafted beautifully in wood as the pictures show. Two people is the ideal number. We had a third person join us for a couple of days. It was a cozy, but totally doable. The bed is very comfortable. The cabin is centrally located for wine tasting and hiking on the coast. Jay is a very attentive host and great to work with.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily M.

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

Cozy Oasis

We stayed at the Hacienda house for Christmas week and had the most relaxing visit. The house has everything you need to cook, listen to music, watch movies or just daydream the hours away. Jay was an incredible host and was always a text away should we need anything. We came to the area to get out into the woods and found some incredible hikes within 30 mins drive. Most memorable were the miles of trails with views of the Pacific at the Jenner Headlands Preserve (where you can bring your pup). Our afternoons and evenings were spent making good use of the beautifully designed cabin. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking and baking, and the open living space allowed for simultaneous cooking, puzzling on the kitchen table and movie watching. It should be noted that the bed was very comfy and had a large skylight above for star gazing. The hot tub was a must (with great jets) and the perfect addition to a day spent hiking the local trails. There are endless ways to enjoy nature from the yard too -- bird watching from the two decks, swinging in the hammocks, exploring the river beaches or just gazing from the windows of the cabin. This is a must-stay spot with lots of privacy, yet close to amenities if needed. We'll definitely return again to enjoy the cabin again in another season.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Linda S., Ventura, California USA

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jay's place has it all!

My husband and I use VRBO extensively for our travel accommodations and have rarely found a place that has absolutely EVERYTHING required for a memorable vacation experience. The cabin is located on the banks of the Russian River in a rustic neighborhood that resembles a redwood nature preserve. If hiking is on the day’s agenda, the options are boundless. For short, leisurely walks, you can leave right from the cabin and stroll the funky forest neighborhood or meander along the nature trail that leads to Sunset Park. For longer walks, we highly recommend Riverfront Park, Armstrong Redwoods Reserve and Austin Creek Rec Area. If you’d like to experience the Russian River by water, Jay has every toy you could possibly want. We opted for the canoe and had an amazing morning paddle upriver before coasting happily downriver back to the cabin for a well-earned lunch. If wine is in your day’s plans, fine winery options are almost limitless and all within a stone’s-throw away. For elegant Pinot Noir, we recommend, Iron Horse, Emeritus, and Gary Farrell. For an unforgettable, private tasting experience with an interesting mix of varietals, we recommend Lynn Mar and Porter-Bass. Upon arrival, we were first impressed by the serenity and the spacious outdoor decks, both of which have ample seating and lovely views of the river. Jay’s cabin has direct access to a private beach on the Russian River by way of a short pathway. The cabin interior is beautifully remodeled with a modern architectural flare that seamlessly blends urban and country design to create a rustic elegance that won’t disappoint. This place is super high on the ‘cool-factor’ scale. The furniture is world-class in terms of its craftsmanship. The sound system would impress even the most discerning audiophile and is easy to use. We paired our iPhone with the Bluetooth speakers and had an endless selection of music to play in this bright, airy, living space. The large kitchen is equipped with everything you need to prepare ANY meal, just bring your favorite eats! The smaller of the two decks connects to the living/dining area through oversized sliding glass doors creating a sense of real connectivity with your natural surroundings. The large windows throughout further blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors. The bed/bedding are extremely comfortable after long days of enjoyment - and did I mention the hot tub? Don’t pass up an opportunity to stay in this wonderfully unique cabin!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jamie C., San Francisco, California

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

Can’t wait to come back

We had a lovely time at Jay’s property and were so sad to leave. It was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

judith m., Joshua Tree, CA

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

Exciting, Dynamic property

If you're into well designed spaces you'll like this property. Very private with lots of greenery, great deck spaces. Fun kitchen to cook in and well stocked. Inviting great room. Lots of windows. Comfortable bed. Jay is also proactive and very responsive as a host.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kerry M.

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

Great Stay At Russian River

Great location, super nice house, private river beach is just steps away. Jay is a great host - the house is very clean and comfortable. The kitchen is really nicely stocked -- you can tell that someone actually cooks, because there are sharp knives, bowls, good pans, etc., and a small kitchen garden with herbs, tomatoes, etc. -- so much better than many places I have stayed before! In the house notes, Jay outlines a bunch of recommendations (for markets, hikes, restaurants, etc) and we found them all to be right on -- visited the markets (Forestville farmers' market was a small, but really nice market) and the hikes he recommended and it really made our stay memorable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Jay Kammen

Host profile image
I am an architect and graphic designer who loves a great adventure. I have travelled extensively across the planet. I have rested my weary bones at all sorts of places- including 5 star hotels, bug infested chicken bus station, resorts, hostels, motels, dorms, cabins, campgrounds, beaches, B&B's, vacation rentals in deserts jungles, mountains, islands and forests. When traveling off the beaten path, I have stayed in people's houses, government buildings, trains, boats, barns, schools, a hospital, a bank and even an alligator farm.

I am incredibly lucky to inhabit a wonderful little slice of paradise on the Russian River. I get a kick out of sharing this magical place with travelers; helping them have a wonderful and unique experience. I hope that they will leave with memories as cherished as mine. This place is not as grand as a Cambodian alligator farm or a Peruvian barn, but it does have it's own beach and a teeny vineyard. I live in Sonoma County part-time and part time in San Francisco. I'm tiring of the manicured bustle of city life and now enjoy living in nature and experiencing all of its beauty, subtleties, dynamism, flexibility, power, drama and relentless lushness.

Why they chose this property

The land, the beach, the trees, the lush foliage, the hills, the sky, the light; You will understand when you visit. When I purchased the property, it was a sad trashed broken shack in an overgrown jungle on an amazing piece of riverbank. I coaxed it back into the sweet little gem that it was always meant to be.

What makes this property unique

Beach. Privacy. Design. Magic.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests