Counting Sheep

There's nothing stinky about Sheep Dung. As in Sheep Dung Estates, a 500-acre gem with a collection of secluded, modern cottages spread all across the beautiful rolling landscape overlooking Anderson Valley. It's the ultimate private escape. Couples should go for "The Oaks," a large, welcoming cottage set high on an oak-dotted hill with sweeping valley views. The only company you'll have up here is a family of quails.

A full modern kitchen and barbecue make it easy to whip up an unbeatable al fresco dining experience on the back patio (bring groceries or pick them up in Boonville at the market). The cottage is almost all windows, with no blinds, so the outdoor scenery comes indoors with you. (Don't worry, nobody's peeking other than the birds … and the bees …)

In the morning, enjoy your coffee from the Adirondack chairs or kick back and relax on the hammock. For those who can't resist a sneak peek at the Warriors game, there is a television (and yes, Wi-Fi). But the spectacular scenery is the true entertainment. While it's doubtful you'd need it in summer, there's also a wood-burning stove for fireside pillow talk, and if you take your four-legged furry pal everywhere with you, you're in luck; all four of the cottages at Sheep Dung are dog friendly. If you can't get "The Oaks" don't worry—there are three more great cottages to choose from. Go Sheep Dung!

Sheep Dung Properties’ four cottages are collectively under the umbrella name of The Other Place, located two and a half hours north of San Francisco, 1.2 miles up a country road off Hwy. 128 just east of Boonville. Reservations can be make by calling (707) 895-3979. Anderson Valley Market in Boonville has food and drinks, or bring your own.