Mar Vista Farm + Cottages - Gualala, California

Justin Lokitz

Having stayed at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages about 10 years ago, I can honestly say that what was fantastic before is even better now. The cottages are well appointed, comfortable, and quiet. The gardens are beautiful and bountiful. The property itself is secluded and incredibly relaxing. And...the owners, Cab and Deanna are perhaps the most attentive, communicative, and thoughtful hosts we have ever encountered. We cannot wait to visit again!

Louise b

A little slice of heaven. Peaceful, relaxing and welcoming. Fresh eggs from their chickens delivered every morning, or help to gather them with Deanna, she will explain all about the 30 different breeds they have. Then pick vegetables from the large and varied veg garden to build your breakfast. |The cottages are spotless and cosy. We hiked everyday found beautiful waterfront spots for lunch then down to the pristine private beach steps away from the cottage. It’s a human and dog paradise.

Viktoria Mergler

Beautiful area. Some amazing little beach coves and incredible views driving along Highway 1. Recommend stopping in the little town of Jenner by the Sea. Mar Vista has an old soaking tub. I recommend reserving that. Bring a friend and a bottle of wine and relax. Love the u-pick garden. The veggies and lettuces were delicious. But bring your own soap for shower and hands. Also, you can borrow a hair dryer but bring your own if needed.

Kathy B

Lovely location an hour south of the town of Mendocino. We loved exploring Gualala--eating, kayaking, beach combing. Our cottage was spotless and nicely appointed. We enjoyed the garden and eggs and beach. The people working on the farm during our stay were friendly. However, the number of texts and emails from management was excessive and the list of rules lengthy. My sister and I (well-traveled women in our sixties) had hoped to visit with my son and DIL briefly at Mar Vista, but got some push-back about them visiting. We were told we must "ask permission" for visitors and provide their names and that they were required to meet the innkeepers. We got reluctant permission for them to bring their two small dogs (who are always leashed or stay in the car). It definitely didn't feel welcoming, and we didn't feel comfortable hanging out at Mar Vista. Instead, we hung out where my son and DIL were staying in Gualala. It dampened what could have been a perfect stay.

Laylo

Overall the stay was pleasant, especially the farm animals, vegetable and flower garden, view and star gazing at night was incredible. I would like to give just few suggestions that in my opinion would enhance stay experience.

Pluses: 1)Amazing view from the cottage living room; 2) goats, rabbits and chickens made a big positive impact to my kids, that was their biggest highlight; 3) Also the vegetables and herbs were you can pick were delicious and my favorite was Lemon Verbena; 4) fun to hatch chicken eggs and so nice how the staff cleans them and distributes to the cottages. 5) Also big plus that you can charge your electric car for free. 6) High quality bedsheets. 7) Lots of clean bath towels. 8) I loved the cute farm design of tablecloth. 9) Also there were cast iron pans, reminds of farm days. 10) Big teapot which is so helpful during cold morning and nights. 11) Great design of the living rooms, where you can relax on the soft corner seats and enjoy the view from the big windows.

Things to consider: 1) The bedroom furniture had smell of mildew and some drawers don't easily open and close, this could be improved to meet modern standards. 2) Also even though it's a small cottage, a washing machine and dryer would be a big plus for nowadays and for outstanding experience, so you can leave the cottage with clothes; 3) I believe the whisper rule before 9am and after 9pm is understandable however, I felt adults are treated like 13 year olds, you feel restricted, maybe a milder suggestion would be nicer; 4) Even if there was no sponge in the kitchen and I could have asked one, it's always good to have extra ones under the sink. 5) Also, please change the cutting board from cheap plastic to wooden ones like in a farm. 6) One very important point to consider is crossing the high speed highway to go to the beach, maybe you can consider Zebra line or a flashing light for pedestrians, that would be more safe. 7) The stairs to the beach also not child-friendly, too steep and there were screws coming out, some renovation there for safety reasons would make the stay more pleasant.

unhei kang

We enjoyed our stay in Cottage #1. Place is exactly as advertised on the website. It's super quaint, comfortable, and relaxing. The owners are hospitable. We enjoyed feeding the goats and the rabbits, picking tomatoes, strawberries, and snap peas, and walking the grounds. It's amazing how bright the stars are in the evening. We went for a walk on the beach the next day and drove to Anderson Valley for wine tasting. And the eggs from the hens, they are absolutely gorgeous and delicious. Mar Vista Farm & Cottage is special. I look forward to coming back.

Dawn-Dyanna Dhyanna

Mar Vista is magical -- and I don't use that term lightly. For starters: it's located on the most gorgeous land you may've ever seen, with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean (accessible beach across the street). Sprawling organic garden for guest use, free ranging chickens (eggs delivered to your door), quiet splendor all around. Being a picky traveler, I notice when the proprietors get it right. Deanna and Cab have thought of everything you might want for your stay. They are kind and respectful - but available to assist when needed. It doesn't get any better than this!

Nicole Policicchio

Deanna and Cab have cultivated a most glorious farmstay experience on gorgeous property in Gualala, CA where the pampas grasses and redwoods meet the rugged and wild Pacific. Each of their adorable cabins offer tranquil and serene views of the property, trees, the gardens, the animals, or the sea in the distance. I was blessed to spend two nights at Mar Vista Farm and Cottages last week on a solo hiking and intentional farmstay exploration north of the Bay Area, and I cannot wait to return.
From the goats, to the bunnies, to the hens, more than half of whom are living out their lives peacefully foraging in their wonderful and large swath of land, to Deanna and Cab's three hilarious kitties, Mar Vista is a beautiful place to disconnect in nature, in your own expertly-equipped cabin, steps from the forest and the ocean.
Deanna cultivates an incredible organic vegetable / specialty crop garden, in addition to the farm fresh eggs brought to your door upon request each day. You can even harvest your own veggies to whip up a salad, add herbs to a dish, or incorporate into a meal prepared in your cabin. She provides excellent guidance as to what veggies are ready for harvest, and which are not, as well as tools and an adorable basket to collect your abundant and healthy food.
I stayed in cabin 7 and loved my view of the garden in the foreground and the ocean in the distance. I also loved their special touches, including a breakfast basket paid for prior to arrival with local and seasonal items. I loved the honor bar in the welcome cottage, complete with wines and spirits from local wineries and distilleries. It's very clear that Deanna and Cab believe in a sustainable, local food system, and they promote other local provisioners and growers (and bakers) as part of their offerings.
If you're traveling up the California coast, do not hesitate to book and stay at Mar Vista Farm and Cottages. I'll be telling all my friends about how wonderful it is, and I certainly can't wait to return!
Thanks so much, Deanna and Cab, for creating a regenerative, resilient, harmonious, and happy place for guests and your animals.