Nestled next to a leafy stream, Brook Ness offers an enchanting escape amidst the natural beauty of Point Reyes National Seashore. Unwind in the toy room, hot outdoor shower or hammock by the stream. Enjoy al fresco dining under a huge oak tree and cozy dinners with loved ones.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathrooms251 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor Space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
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 amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Stereo
TV
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
On the waterfront
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours 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)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Take out the trash
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please double check that all heaters and lights are turned off, and shut all windows to keep forest animals out:)
Please remake easy beds if have a few minutes.
No need to lock up house, safe out here:)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Absolutely no parties, guests other than on contract. Neighbors get upset and call. A cancellation on your end will be requested if planning a party.
No dog left alone in the house. Please only one quiet dog allowed.
No smoking inside or outside due to California fire problems. My neighbors are very strict about this.
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.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Inverness, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Tomales Regional History Center and Tomales Town Hall are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Self Health Institute and Indian Valley Golf Club. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and mountain biking. Visit our Inverness travel guide
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.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
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. Point Reyes National Seashore and Point Reyes Hiking Trails are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Big Lovely House in the Fresh - Inverness Original Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Came here with my friend and daughters and our dogs! Had the best time and went for lovely walks and enjoyed the beautiful windows and quiet woods. Loved our stay!
Location was perfect! Comfortable home, we had everything we needed for a relaxing weekend. Peaceful and beautiful, we would definitely stay again. Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
This place is a pretty funky, cool maze layout with beautiful decor. The fresh air outside was unbeatable too.
Most important, it was a perfect layout for our infant son to play around in, safely. The home feels well lived in, and wonderful. It also had all the amenities we needed for a wedding weekend. Thank you for a lovely stay!
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.
This home is a perfect place for a family reunion or vacation. Set back in a beautiful wooded grove next to a creek. Plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax ad enjoy. Comfortable bedrooms. A very well appointed kitchen. Tons of laidback character and charm. Books and games. Convenient to hiking and exploring Tomales Bay and the coast. Highly recommend.
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!
Four of us stayed in this quintessential Inverness spot for a week’s retreat. The space was great for us and is an easy walk to town. This is a beautiful wood house with a burbling stream behind it. The 4th bedroom wasn’t pictured and is set up as a kids room with bunk beds and everything a kid could want! It also works for adults. The house was quiet, peaceful, and cozy, and well stocked, and we loved our stay
The Big Lovely House feels like visiting the home of a beloved, generous friend or family member. It’s exceptionally comfortable with plenty of room to spread out and for everyone to have space. The beautiful, lovingly worn hardwood floors, charming decor, forest views, and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful retreat. Our family of four adults found everything we needed to make our stay completely enjoyable: from a well-stocked kitchen to the most amazing book collection to jigsaw puzzles we enjoyed while catching up over the evening bottle of wine. Close to hikes, beach walks, and little markets and restaurants in Inverness and Pt Reyes Station. But also the perfect place for cozying up with a cup of tea and a stack of books. Highly recommend this magical, peaceful retreat in the woods of Inverness.
We really enjoyed our trip to Inverness for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely get away for my family including 2 young boys and a little dog. We were able to unplug by the fire and have cozy quality time together. The house is incredibly charming and has everything you could possibly need. The babbling creek behind the house is so peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed hiking the area and being among the lush trees. There is tons to see in the afternoon and when we weren’t being adventurous we enjoyed long walks in the neighborhood and just being in the wonderful cottage. We will be back!
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!
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.
We gathered for my 60th birthday and the home could not have been more hospitable to me and my special group of friends. We laughed, cooked, and enjoyed the beautiful environment created by the host's details. The kitchen had beautiful glasses and dishes-- all ready to have a nice dinner. We all slept well and treasured every moment of being together. Thank you so much! It could not have been more perfect.
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!
This was our second stay: the first, two summers ago, was memorable; this was historic. Our three friends were also colleagues at a literary magazine. Like us, they were enchanted by the architecture, the setting, and the 1000 or so books distributed all around. Our friends are serious cooks, and appreciate how everything from the pots and pans to the flatware reflected an individual, civilized touch. We'll be back, early and often!