Forest House

Forest House Unit 5 BLK 3 Lot 13 TOT ID#: 3767N
Welcome to Forest House at The Sea Ranch, a distinctive two-bedroom, timber-framed home designed in the 1970s
by the architect Don Jacobs. We have kept virtually all of the original interiors intact, while introducing modern
conveniences for a relaxing, effortless stay. Nestled into the forest amidst towering redwoods and other native trees and
plants, this tranquil home is also surrounded by decades-old rhododendrons planted by the original owners. The Rhodies
put on a fabulous show in the spring and early summer along with an ancient felled redwood, now carpeted in moss, that
has become home to native flora. The giant log borders much of the walkway to the house entrance.

Multi-level living provides both private spaces and communal areas for friends and family, but the quintessential Sea
Ranch great room on the main floor is the centerpiece of this gem from the 70s. View the giant redwoods from oversized
windows and their treetops through the many skylights above. Forest House is also home to an eclectic mix of
photography and artifacts from the owners’ books and travels.

This two-bedroom, three-bathroom house is suitable for four people (children included). There are hardwood floors and
paneling throughout much of the house. On the main floor there’s a media room, the great room with dining area, dining
deck with grill, retro kitchen with an oven too small for a turkey, two bathrooms with tubs, and a bedroom with queen-sized
bed. We call a small second deck “the reading deck.” The carpeted ensuite master bedroom is on the lower floor at garden
level with king-sized bed, bathroom with walk-in shower, aromatic cedar closet and cabinets, and a couple’s spa tub just
outside. Home has a generator in case of power outages. There are fine cotton linens for bed, bath, and spa.

Environs: Forest House is adjacent to the trail-head of one of The Sea Ranch’s most thrilling hikes—the Bobcat Trail.
Guests can also reach the trail from any of several woodland paths on our property. Although we haven’t seen bobcats,
turkeys and deer abound. Hillside living has the best of both worlds: A tranquil, contemplative living space in the forest and
access to many private trails, but quick vehicle access to the beaches of The Sea Ranch. Black Point Beach and a
phenomenal bluff walk are just minutes away. The Sea Ranch’s three swimming complexes and other beaches are just
north, and public and private access trails to the ocean abound.

The nearest markets, restaurants, and gas stations are in the town of Gualala, a 12-minute drive north. Coffee and
breakfast treats (and Friday night pizza) are a five-minute drive south at the fabulous 2-Fish Baking Company at Stewart’s Point on the Pacific Coast Highway. The Ranch Cafe, nearby, serves breakfast and lunch.

Reviews:

8/12/2020
Our family had an amazing stay in this gorgeous home. We had stayed in Sea Ranch before on the ocean side and didn't realize that the forest side is the place to be. The house has so many great touches from the beautiful photography to the amazing hot tub. We will definitely be back!

7/29/2020
I cannot express how wonderful it was to stay in this house. Being surrounded by the silence of the redwood Forrest was magical and all of the furniture was cozy and comfortable. They also had the best stocked kitchen that I have ever seen in Sea Ranch. Measuring spoons and cups, plenty of serving platters and bowls, they even had real wine glasses! As someone that loves to cook when staying in Sea Ranch it was perfect. We read books and played board games and had a wonderful time. My only warning is to people wanting to walk to the beach from this house, there is about a 1400 foot elevation drop/ gain within the mile closest to the house. Be prepared for a stunningly gorgeous but super steep trek.

Vacation Rental Reviews

• Forest House is a special place

  Stayed 4 days ending in September, 2022

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  Kirk R from San Francisco, California recommends this vacation rental

  Renewing

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• #1 The Forest House

  Stayed 5 days ending in July, 2022

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  a guest from Atherton, California recommends this vacation rental

  While I tend to gravitate to homes in the meadow, this location opened my eyes to the benefit of being in the forest. The setting is exquisite, so peaceful. I will definitely return to The Forest House. It's now my number one choice! The owners have it furnished/supplied tastefully and completely. Well done! Props to the housekeeping staff for finding the garment bag I left behind on the wood pile in my haste to check out on time and to the staff for boxing it up and sending to me right away.

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• This is a seriously beautiful house

  Stayed 4 days ending in July, 2022

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  Athanasios K from San Francisco, California recommends this vacation rental

  The forest setting is magical -- there really are colorful rhododendrons all around, and an elegant dogwood tree with tiny flowers. The living room is comfortable and the windows frame soothing green views. My partner took up residence in the window seat in a corner but there are a lot of calming restful spots in this house. The house was spotless and the kitchen very well equipped.

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• Wonderful getaway in the forest

  Stayed 4 days ending in June, 2022

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  a guest from Richmond, California recommends this vacation rental

  We enjoyed the beautiful house and forest location. The kitchen was also well stocked with pots, pans, tools and utensils. Our only concern was that there were no grab bars or bath strips in the bathrooms which made the showers a bit dangerous.

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• Beautiful Home

  Stayed 4 days ending in June, 2022

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  Kevin A from Sacramento, California recommends this vacation rental

  This house had everything we needed. The bed was comfortable and sitting in the living room is like sitting in the forest. Super relaxing and peaceful place. Never heard a car the entire time in the house and hiked everyday from the front porch. We typically rent on the ocean in Sea Ranch but decided to try something new. Loved it and will be back!

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• Forest House Review

  Stayed 25 days ending in May, 2022

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  Carol C from Rochester, Michigan recommends this vacation rental

  This home is a great example of the Sea Ranch architecture. The owners have furnished it in period pieces that naturally go with it. There are handmade textiles throughout the house from other countries and large photographs from all over the world that just keep growing on you as you live with them. The kitchen is well stocked for someone that likes to cook. It’s so peaceful to be surrounded by redwoods and flowering rhododendrons. The hot tub was a bonus and Beach Rentals made sure that it was properly maintained.

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• A World of Its Own

  Stayed 4 days ending in March, 2022

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  a guest from Grass Valley, California recommends this vacation rental

  Words fail when trying to describe the beauty and sense of well-being provided by this place -- nature, architecture, privacy, history, furnishings, access to trails, all are spectacular here and so much more. It truly is a magical world of its own that I hope to be able to return to for years to come.

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• Forest House is fabulous!

  Stayed 7 days ending in February, 2022

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  a guest from Edina, Minnesota recommends this vacation rental

  We were so lucky to discover this amazing home tucked in the wooded hills of Sea Ranch. We loved our week stay at Forest House and hope to return often. We hiked the most amazing trails, played golf at Sea Ranch Links, hot tubbed, wine-tasted at Annapolis Winery, cooked in a beautifully equipped kitchen, worked remotely with excellent wifi connection and dined out at The Sea Ranch Lodge. We loved everything about the Forest House and the tasteful furnishing and decor.

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• Beauty & Peace

  Stayed 7 days ending in December, 2021

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  Brendalynn G from Oakland, Ca recommends this vacation rental

  We had a amazing stay at the Forest House. We enjoyed the beauty and peace of being in the forest. For past 25 years, we have enjoyed Sea Ranch during the holidays and normally kstayed in the meadows or coast. We enjoyed this comfortable, well equipped, private and peaceful home.
  We left feeling renewed!

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• A Great Week

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2021

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  Dennis W from Staunton, Virginia recommends this vacation rental

  We had a lovely stay. The house was perfect in all ways: Fully equipped, comfortable, in a lovely redwood grove, private yet accessible.

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• Forest House is a gem

  Stayed 4 days ending in September, 2021

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  George H from Madison, Wisconsin recommends this vacation rental

  A classic 1970's Sea Ranch home. Orientation to other nearby homes and siting in the redwood/rhododendron forest high on the ridge, follows Lawrence Halprin's original landscape design aesthetic, as does the architecture. Considering when the home was constructed, the design was doubtless vetted by the architectural committee, and it shows that they did their work. Current owners have done a fantastic job of updating interior details where needed, while leaving the original structure largely intact. The natural cedar and redwood interior is spotless, belying it's nearly 50-years of age. A very comfortable and enjoyable home, with many personal touches and amenities that added to the experience. Kitchen is fully equipped, and came as a pleasant surprise. I would happily rent this home again without hesitation.
  
  As August days were warm and a stiff onshore wind was blowing, returning to the cool woods was welcoming. Early morning fog with sunlight streaming through the second-growth redwoods led to many photographs. Surrounding landscape remains in a welcome natural ecological state.
  
  Mention should be made of the owner's excellent museum-quality photos that line several walls, along with mid-century modern furniture, adding to the feeling that one is a guest in a home that is meant to be treasured, enjoyed and lived in.
  
  Beach Rentals made accessing the property seamless. Even though the lock box worked as described, we were nevertheless greeted when we arrived, and had a short welcoming conversation. Leaving the home, exiting instructions were clear and easy to follow.
  
  My wife and I last experienced staying at The Sea Ranch over 50 years ago when a family friend lent us their home for a week. Everything about this recent experience pleasantly reminded us about our earlier one, despite the ensuing changes to Sea Ranch itself over the decades. Kudos to everyone, especially the owners.

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• Great house

  Stayed 8 days ending in August, 2021

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  Karl S from Emeryville , California recommends this vacation rental

  We had a wonderful vacation at the forest house. It was like being in museum highlighting the life work of the owners. The photography is amazing and the books that the owners have published was a wonderful addition to our stay in their home.

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• A Forest experience

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2021

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  a guest from El Cerrito, CA recommends this vacation rental

  We opted to stay in the forested area of Sea Ranch this trip instead of our typical coast rental. What an incredible experience! We loved the super quiet, green environment and the large house. As always the Beach Rentals staff are fantastic, so helpful and easy to work with on reservations. This house is a true gem in beautiful condition with its historic 1970's vibe furniture and amazing photos by the owner. We discovered that the Ridge trails above the airport are mostly flat and feel like a magic forest land all their own. This was an added bonus to the marvelous cliff trail on the ocean. We never saw another house, person or heard a car. Total relaxation.

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• Forest House

  Stayed 5 days ending in July, 2021

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  Cynthia C from Idyllwild, CA recommends this vacation rental

  I have rented many houses at SR and owned 3. This is a touching, wonderful home! All as described.

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• 3 blissful days

  Stayed 3 days ending in May, 2021

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  JOHN M from Carmel Valley, CA recommends this vacation rental

  Superlative in every way

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• A Beautiful Forest Retreat

  Stayed 19 days ending in March, 2021

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  Judy S from Davis, CA recommends this vacation rental

  I love the Forest House. I have stayed there twice and will try to go there again some day. It is tucked high up on the hillside surrounded by redwood and fir trees that reach way up to the sky. There are lots of ferns and rhododendrons. The house is designed keeping nature in mind, so there are plenty of windows and skylights to bring the outside in. When I wasn't down walking on the bluff trail, I liked to just sit and read in the window seat where I could just look out and enjoy. The house is friendly and comfortable and the kitchen I thought was very well appointed. There are several areas where you can gather both inside and outside. And if you use the hot tub, you will probably be serenaded by the frogs from the pond just up the road.
  

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