The house

The home sleeps four in two bedrooms, each with one queen bed, and has two bathrooms. Large windows and an ocean-facing patio provide ocean views. The open kitchen and dining area includes a stove, microwave and dishwasher. A gas fireplace, heating, television with cable, DVD entertainment, a PS3 gaming system and board games are available. Other facilities include a gas grill, washer/dryer, iron and garage parking.

The private hot tub is available around the clock without a reservation. Recreation passes provide access to Sea Ranch community facilities at Del Mar, Moonraker and Ohlson recreation centers, including heated pools, saunas, tennis and pickleball courts. Check shared-facility availability on arrival, particularly during peak periods. Coastal bluff and forest trails and tidepools are nearby.

Walk On Beach and the Bluff Trail are a quarter-mile stroll down the road. Del Mar Recreation Center is one mile north, and Gualala's art galleries are four miles north. The Sea Ranch Lodge has a restaurant, lounge and café. Sea Ranch is about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco via Highway 101 and Highway 1. Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa is roughly 90 minutes east.

Exterior lighting is minimal; bring a flashlight for evening walks. Coastal cell service can be spotty, and Wi-Fi is available at the home. Whale-watching season runs from December through April, spring wildflowers appear from April through June, and summer brings warmer days from June through September. Morning coastal fog is common and usually clears by midday.