Surrounded by majestic redwoods and lush gardens, Rustic Wildwood Gardens offers a serene retreat for adults, children, and pets. With three sundecks to unwind on and a hot tub overlooking the Russian River, enjoy swimming or launch one of the house kayaks down at the riverbank just steps away.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 684 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River
Rustic Wildwood Gardens (Cert No. 721N), is a lush and serene haven located on the banks of the scenic Russian River. Adults, children and pets will enjoy the one-acre lawn and garden under the shade of the majestic redwoods. Follow a short private path a few feet from the lower deck down to the river and to the right to swim, play or launch one of the house kayaks. There are three sundecks on which to relax and read a good book, listen to the birds, watch the wildlife on the lazy river or enjoy the hot tub with spectacular views. Wildwood Garden has something for everyone.
Wildwood Gardens is delightful and relaxing every season of the year.
In summer, enjoy Monte Rio’s 4th of July fireworks from the hot tub, or from the spacious lawn. Build a campfire in the fire pit on the lawn and enjoy the long summer nights. Wildwood Garden is secluded from other houses in the area so you can enjoy your own private oasis.
Fall still has warm days and nights and most of the tourists have gone home, but they miss one of the best times to enjoy the sunsets on the river that attract thousands of small jumping fish. Watch the birds as they migrate south.
Winter is perfect time for a cozy and romantic weekend to enjoy the fireplace, a good book and a glass of wine while watching the wildlife and river float by. Take a long soak in the Jacuzzi tub and feel like all of your worries have washed away with the river.
In spring, greenery abounds.
This water front house has a short private path to the Russian river, just a few feet from the lower deck. Depending on river conditions, in the summer there is a small beach to the right at the bottom of the path. Guests may use any of the boats and life safety vests that Wildwood Garden provides. [Boat use is prohibited in the high water winter months, usually between November and April.]. Because the river is constantly changing our bank, we do not guarantee easy beach access.
The house is rustic cabin but well appointed. Both bedrooms have queen size pillow top beds. The main bedroom opens to the deck area with a hot tub and river views. There is a small loft overlooking the living room for the kids. While our permit allows for six overnight guests, the house comfortably accomodates four people.
The living room/dining room has vaulted wood ceilings and accent lighting. There is a flat panel TV above the fireplace, with streaming services, and a large sectional sofa. WiFi is available throughout the house. From the living room and bathroom you can access the river view redwood deck that spans the riverfront side of the house and a large picnic table and comfortable chairs expand your living space to the outside. The hot tub and BBQ are also on the riverside of the deck.
The kitchen has everything you will need to feel at home. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi tub, separate shower and plenty of fresh towels. The house is equipped with an on-demand water heater so the last person in doesn’t have to worry about getting a cold shower and all of the rooms have recently upgraded heaters. For those staying extra days, a washer dryer is available.
You can spend a leisurely afternoon wine tasting at nearby Martinelli and Korbel wineries or dozens of other smaller wine boutiques. Enjoy a 9-hole game of golf at the nearby Northwood public golf course or bring your bikes to explore the breathtaking road to the river’s end at the Pacific Ocean in Jenner. Cyclists from all over the world now explore the Russian River backroads. Antique shops, restaurants and art galleries await in nearby Duncan Mills, Guernevile, Healdsburg and Sonoma. A short drive takes you to the quaint hamlet of Occidental with old family restaurants in buildings dating to when the town was a booming railroad outpost.
Please note for guests booking on a Thursday or Friday, our gardeners will usually spend about 1 hour mowing and trimming the lawn.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
DVD player
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
Near a hospital
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 900 square feet
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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
Rules
Quite Hours: Sonoma County Regulations mandate quite hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., no amplified music.
Parking: Sonoma County Regulations limit the number of guest vehicles to 3.
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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 a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Monte Rio, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Potter Schoolhouse and Fort Ross State Historic Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Northwood Golf Club and Sonoma Zipline Adventures. Pee Wee Golf and Arcade and Rubicon Adventures are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby. Visit our Monte Rio travel guide
Is Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River ?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Russian River and Monte Rio Public Beach. Rio Theatre and Northwood Golf Club are also within 2 mi (3 km).
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Wildwood Gardens Scenic Rustic Vacation Retreat on the River 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.
Our first trip to Sonoma County and we couldn’t have found a better location. The area was so beautiful and diversified with quaint towns surrounding it on the ocean, in the vineyard areas ,in the Redwood Forests , and on the Russian River. Fabulous place to stay.
We loved our stay on the river! The home had all the necessary amenities to make our stay comfortable along with our pups. Great location right on the river with a really lovely back yard space to gather, sit around the fire pit or take a kayak on the river!
Staying at a property right on the river was a treat! I've been to the area many times and having the direct access to the river made for wonderful views but also so convenient for kayaking and floating. The outdoor property was our favorite but the house was tidy, check in process easy and great for a weekend getaway with friends and family.
This was a perfect place for us! 4 adults and one 5yo. Cabin and yard are very charming and private. Short drive to the coast with beautiful beaches and the river is awesome. Just around the corner from the cabin is access to a river beach. Would definately book here again.
We had a lovely and relaxing stay on this river front house. Being on the water was a joy and it was so easy to pop down to the river and play. The hosts were very helpful, too. There was a small hiccup with the propane and the hosts went out of their way to fix the problem and communicate with us.
The setting is gorgeous and private. The outdoor space is amazing. The kitchen is really well stocked. We enjoyed a relaxing week of preparing delicious meals, playing board games, swimming, reading, and enjoying one another's company. Thank you for a perfect opportunity for mom to spend some quality time with her adult children. We all loved it!
My wife and I are foster parents as well as we have very demanding jobs. We have found that vacations, even just a weekend away, are paramount to our happiness and success.
This spot was perfect for a weekend away. Thank you so much for having us at the river. It was lovely.
We enjoyed this property immensely. Would have booked more days if we had known. Quiet and idyllic, wonderful small kayaks, the river was very safe and manageable at this time of year - swam with our dog and paddled around with the boats. The beach access was not as open as the photos made it seem, but we managed it nonetheless. We will return!
We had a great stay! Our group was 6 adults - I would not recommend that many adults for the stay, 4 would be more comfortable. That said, the couch and pullout worked!
On the river it is a spectacular place. The kitchen is a bit small and outdated, but worked just fine. Hot tub is beautiful overlooking the river. It was a sweet time.
We met our daughter and her partner there on a road trip up the California coast. The house is on the river, but it rained everyday, so we did not have a chance to experience the decks and great back yard.
The house is old and a little worn, but warm and cozy, we had a fire the whole time we were there.
Only 1 bath but 2 good bedrooms and a nice living room dining area were just fine for 4 adults.
Close to a store and eating establishments
We were at this place for 3 days during fall. 3 adults plus 2 dogs. Location is perfect if you want to visit north, south, east or west and almost downtown. Along the river with private access which is very convenient. Very comfortable house, big balcony and huge garden. Even if it was in fall, we used the canoe, and we enjoyed the hot tub afterwards. TV night and games perfect. The only things I would improve are the mattresses/spring boxes and the electric range (some burners don't work very well).
At the end of our stay my friends and I agreed we would be back. It was a wonderful weekend enjoying beautiful clear skies with a view of the river during the day and next to the fire under stars at night. Loved the tiered deck and open grassy area. The hot tub was enjoyed by my friends. Inside was clean and cozy. We didn’t cook much but instead opted for pizza from downtown. Although the kitchen had everything we needed and the microwave and coffee pot appeared to be new the stove was slow to heat but did the job for frying an egg. We didn’t use the grill, which also looked new, however, that’s where I would recommend spending your time cooking so you can get the most out of the river view and the outdoors.
My husband and I, our 10 month old, our 3 year old, my brother and his husband stayed at Wildwood Gardens over Labor Day weekend. It was perfect. First if all, the best location- beautiful view, which made for lovely meals outside, and seriously just a few minute kayak/canoe ride to Monte Rio beach, which was very convenient for our family. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the lot was larger than anticipated and enjoyed the privacy and spaciousness. The big grassy areas were perfect for our kids to play on and the firepit was great for smores one night :) It was the perfect size for four adults and two young kiddos, we appreciated the television and streaming options, the large bathtub, and us adults loved the hottub. The outdoor lighting was very magical and we all commented on how it was such a serene, delightful property and we would certainly love to return!
Everything you need for a great vacation. We had so much fun with our grandson there. I have never been kayaking ever and now I wouldn’t come off the river. Extremely impressed with the attention to detail and care for all that was offered…..which is A LOT. Amenities to perfection…..the only problem for us was main bedroom mattress could be improved a bit. That certainty did not stop me for just booking next years stay.
We have stayed in a few rentals summer after summer, this one my grandson said was the best ever. Im not looking any further for a place to stay. This will be our go to for as long as they allow. Thank you.
Joanne L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Angela H.
Jan 5, 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Strange odor filled the home
The location was fantastic with a wonderful property on the riverfront. Unfortunately, there was a strong, unpleasant odor that filled the place in all the rooms. We cleaned the floors, Febreezed everything from the curtains to the lampshades, burned candles but couldn't rid of it. The smell was in the walls, furniture, curtains, lampshades, etc. We spent alot of time outdoors as a result which was ok with the hot tub, riverfront views from deck and firepit. The home has potential but needs alot of TLC from years of neglect it seems.
The house was well stocked with all needs and we had great fun! It was very clean and everything was labeled which made finding things a lot easier.
I will say there are a lot of stairs to get to the beach during the summer, but that isn't a problem for us, just good to know for someone who may have mobility issues.
There were 4 kayaks, all 1 person. We had to drag them a ways and I ended up rolling my ankle on the uneven path, but also not a big deal. The canoe was quite far from the beach so we didn't bother with that.
The beds were comfortable although the main bed is super creaky and loud with the smallest movements.
All that said, we still loved our stay and would be happy to come back again
Not sure how the current review from Laura M who claimed to stay there May 28 of this year as I never saw her in the house with me and my husband lol. But I can tell you the photos of this property are not current and you need to check with the host before you check in to make sure you’re getting what you paid for, hopefully things have changed since we left this property end of May. I have learned my lesson call the host first to make sure what you see online is what you’re gonna get in person. The house was clean. check in was easy communication with host was good and thanks to me now have access to the small beach to the river. The host had a tree service come out in the evening on our second day to take away the tree. The hot tub was great we made the best of it as we could for our short stay but like I said have learned my lesson call first to confirm what you see online is current. You don’t want any surprises on your vacation.
Our second stay here and we love the river access and views. Also a central location to visit Bodega Bay and Jenner for the day. The house is good for us, but could use a couple things already noted in other reviews. I finally got the stove figured out on the last day but never got the tv figured out. But that was ok, just used the streaming services. Bed was really the only bad part. Last time we brought our foam mattress but didn’t this time. Just to relax and enjoy the outdoors with our dog it was perfect. Lights on deck are on a timer that came on at 7am instead of 7pm due to power outage. Must be common because we had same issue last time. But you can override the on and off. Didn’t want to mess with the settings. Overall this is a great property and has everything you need. Look forward to our next stay.
Beautiful location, stairs right to the river from the backyard. Cozy bedrooms and living room excellent for movie nights. Kitchen has everything you need to cook and a solid coffee maker. Hot tub was very nice and clean for cold mornings and nights.Quick walk or drive to the Monte Rio beach, Boho Manor for dinner and drinks, Monte Rio Redwoods Trailhead for hiking.Definitely recommend!