Marvelous Mar Vista

Behold one of the best places on earth to bring things back down to earth. Demurely located on the southern Mendocino Coast, Mar Vista Farm and Cottages charms you from check-in. Roll up to 11 beautifully appointed private cottages, complete with kitchens and farmhouse decor. The attention to detail here is outstanding, without being precious. You can thank new owners Cab and Deanna Boettcher (who live on-site) for sustaining and enhancing this haven.

The grounds are dynamic by nature: there’s a sprawling u-pick garden full of seasonal vegetables for you to harvest and enjoy, flowers to collect, spa and meditation classes, and a most lively chicken coop where hens gift eggs across the pastel-color spectrum. In addition to the eggs, you can order a breakfast basket, with fresh bread, artisan coffee beans, seasonal fruit, and some sumptuous locally produced jam (we liked the strawberry-lavender flavor).

Kids love meeting and feeding the property’s Anglo-Nubian goats (Willy, Wiley, and Wally) at the daily Goat Gab. There's also a daily Chicken Chat, where everyone can help collect eggs from the coop, as lively hens cluck and strut.

Stroll the tranquil grounds, take a nap in a hammock, have your coffee at a scenic sea overlook, and wind down the day around the communal fire pit where grills are set for cooking up a feast.

The cabins are nicely spaced, with Adirondacks for outdoor lounging.

Don’t miss starry nights on crisp sky evenings. And be sure to schedule time in the redwood soaking tub.

A trail right across Highway 1 leads to a beach via a steep stairway path. There's a seasonal waterfall here. But you may not want to leave your Mar Vista haven at all.  

TIP: If you do decide to explore beyond, there’s plenty of coast to enjoy nearby. See our tips on Pelican Bluffs Preserve, Bowling Ball Beach, and Stornetta Public Lands in Point Arena.

Mar Vista Farm and Cottages is dog-friendly!