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Simmonsville

100%

· Bridgeville, Humboldt, California

40 acres hosted by Dottie S.

In the 1970s a family of Back-to-the-Land homesteaders found their home here in the Northern California coastal mountains. They took this raw piece of rugged terrain, formerly part of an 11,000 acre cattle ranch, and began raising fruit and vegetables, a variety of livestock, and poultry. With no electric hook-up available over time we built our own system and are completely off-grid, powered by Solar PV panels, a small wind turbine, or micro-hydro depending on the weather. In the early days there were no phones here and the community communicated by CB radio, which is how our homestead came to be called 'Simmonsville'. For many years Simmonsville was the home of cottage businesses - Simmons Natural Bodycare, crafting natural soaps and other products, and before that a flock of sheep provided the wool for another business - Sheep Thrills, which sold handspun yarns and knitwear. Over time the children have grown and moved on, the businesses as well, and the amount of animals reduced to fill smaller needs, but the homestead continues and those needs are met, and then some! Our work is determined by the seasons, gardening, harvesting, raising lambs and poultry, canning, drying, fermenting, freezing to fill the pantry for the months ahead, this marks the rhythm of the year. The working part of the homestead comprises only a small portion of the land. The rest belongs to nature. We enjoy the beautiful vistas and the trails to the Van Duzen river below and the lovely swimming holes there. We revel in the wildlife, the many birds, and the glorious night sky which gives us a view of the milky way on any clear night. It is the home of our hearts and we plan never to leave. NOTE: Message us if you are interested in a blocked out date. Sometimes we can make exceptions, and we are always willing to work with you.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

Lake

Redwoods

River, stream, or creek

Not currently accepting bookings

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100%

1 ratings · 1 review

Javier F.recommends

September 4, 2019

Mountain Homestead - Yellow Room

Perfect place for Star gazing!

My girlfriend and I enjoyed Mountain Homestead so much! I'm almost ready to keep it a secret. If you really want to get away to a beautiful secluded country mountain hideaway? Look no further. This place has it all! And, if you really want to keep it old school? There is no cell phone service either. ( Unless you have Verizon) But, why would you want cell phone service anyway? It's a getaway and truly a ranch home away from home. Dottie and Dennis are above Awesome hosts. The directions they gave us were spot on. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking a river valley. This place is absolutely gorgeous and very welcoming. When we drove down the driveway we were greeted by their 2 Sweet Australian shepherd dogs. A beautiful garden to the right with many various fruits and vegetables and flowers sprouting like wild. Just next to the garden was the coolest Little pond with a slew of lily pads scattered about, a small Pier with a tiny row boat docked next to it. And, a cute nicely manicured island in the middle of it. There was a nice wooden bench with a trellis built over the top of it for 2 overlooking the pond. Perfect spot to enjoy that relaxing morning cup of coffee! Just past the pond was the hen house. Which was an actual wooden house for the chickens and rooster! Talk about chickens living the good life. In return they are nice enough to supply the owners with an abundance of fresh eggs everyday. Further down the driveway is another little cottage and an old barn, a windmill and solar panels for natural energy/electricity that powers the property. From this point it's about a 1/2 mile trail walk down to the Van Duzen River for a swim in some cool clear water. Just steer clear of the poison oak and you're good. Back to the left of the driveway entrance was the cottage where our yellow room was prepared for us. In this cottage was also two extra bedrooms for extra guests, a comfortable size bathroom with walk in shower. Just down the hall is the dining room where fresh bread or muffins magically appear from time to time. A living room with a classic wood burning stove, board games, flat screen TV and DVD player for movies or music and a very spacious kitchen with all the tools and utensils you need to whip up some good food. And, Just outside the kitchen window across the way is the main house where your generous hosts live. Right next to their house are a few hammocks to enjoy and take in the scenery while feeling that cool River breeze blowing up through the valley. In the back of the cottage there is a fire pit (with complimentary firewood) and barbecue grill with picnic table. There's also an area set up for tossing horseshoes and some other great outside games for your enjoyment. Big thanks to our fabulous hosts Dottie and Dennis for the fresh bread, garden fresh veggies and farm fresh eggs. You both Rock big-time and we can't wait to come back!! I give this place a big 2 thumbs up!! 😄👍👍

Location

Bridgeville, Humboldt, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Nongatl First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Dottie S.Joined in January 2019

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