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Bay View "Tree House"

100%

9 reviews

· San Rafael, Marin, California · 2 acres

Hosted by Mali & Joe D.

Vacation rental

· 4 guests max · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home in nature — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.

This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private! The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private! The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.

What to expect

Vacation rental

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Toilet available

Flush toilet. The cottage is on a pump system, so no wipes (not even if they're supposedly flushable) or feminine (or masculine!) products down the toilet.

No campfires

No pets

Sorry, but because many of our guests have allergies, we cannot make exceptions.

Potable water available

Tap. The tap water in the kitchen has an installed water filter.

Showers available

Hot water

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. There are containers for trash and recycling next to the parking area, and a green can composting bin is available.

Cooking equipment present

Bbq, basic seasoning and oils, dishwasher, sink or other dishwashing station. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you will need. The gas stovetop has two burners, and the microwave doubles as a convection over. The BBQ is on the deck.

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 4:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Super Strict

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

100% Recommend10 ratings · 9 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Hideaway in the trees

Such a neat space. Close to town but nestled into the landscape so you forget as soon as your back.

Amy A.

6 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Absolutely Amazing!

Mali and Joe were the most fantastic hosts. The cottage has a breathtaking view of the water and the marina. It is nestled in a small valley on their property which lends itself to tons of birds, butterflies, and other animals! The cottage is so clean and modern and just down the street from a Whole Foods for groceries. This is a wonderful place to stay if you are interested in visiting wine country, going for a hike, or just getting away from the city. I cannot recommend it enough!

Katie G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Get away for small family

This house is clean, quiet and private. It has a very fun design with lots of natural light. Our kids thought it was cool. The driveway might be hard to navigate if you have a very large car. We were out and about for most of the day, but came home to cook our dinner and felt like home.

Rachel G.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2023

This place really exceeded my expectations. The pictures just don't do it justice! It is so much bigger than I expected. It was so clean and had all of the amenities we needed to be comfortable. It was the perfect "Treehouse" experience for a 2 yr old and 5 yr old :-) We really enjoyed the view of the bay, going to the sleep seeing the stars, and waking up to the trees. I would love to come back here again!

Katy S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2022

A must see healing space 💛

What a wonderful hideaway! We came for our honeymoon directly after the chaos of a DIY wedding on the East coast. This was the perfect place to land for some much needed R&R. Even on a shared property, we were able to be in our own private oasis. It was peaceful and relaxing with no disturbances. Mali and Joe were kind and welcoming hosts. They were attentive and quick to respond to any questions or needs we had. The treehouse itself holds a special energy. On a hilltop with breathtaking views, it still feels cozy being tucked in the trees. A good jumping off point for things like Muir Woods, Panoramic Hwy, amd Trojan Point, plus San Rafael is a charming town itself. Walkable and friendly, with history, artisan stops, record shop, and an array of cafes and delicious places to dine. We recommend a trip to Mas Veggies (best vegan food) and lunch buffet at Lotus (yummy Indian food). There's a Whole Foods and a Grocery Outlet not far if you'd rather stay in. Everything was clean and well stocked. Tiny details like fresh flowers in every room were a thoughtful touch. Having the wall-to-wall windows, you can enjoy nature both inside and out along the deck. We discovered the grounds were a safehaven for red squirels, humming birds, ravens, and were even paid a visit from wild turkeys. One night, we heard a coyote and a bobcat talking! It was the perfect home base to cuddle up in after days of exploring. Mali and Joe truly offer the perfect balance of nature and amenities. Book it!

Misty M.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2022

Gorgeous getaway from the Bay, perfect for a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle. Mali & Joe's place is just a short drive away from downtown San Rafael (hi good food), but tucked away enough to give you that serene retreat feel (hello trees, plants, nature galore). Treehouse with everything you need for a breather :)

Christine Y.

11 reviews

Recommends

· September 2021

Relaxing yet stimulating.

Unique yet homey. Great location for recreational and practical walks. Never used our cars but still did a lot. Hosts friendly and responsive.

Ron A.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2021

Amazing place with awesome view and quiet scenery. Really great for a weekend get away and to have good access to Marin and SF!!!

Ben R.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2021

Exquisite

The house was as cute as could be and cleaner than any hotel I have ever been in. We enjoyed our two night stay immensely. My favorite part was waking up in the morning and pulling up the blinds to see a deer and her two babies peacefully wandering right outside the window. I wished the bay view had been better but if you want a comfortable, peaceful place to relax, this is it.