SAILFISH RETREAT

About the Guesthouse @ Sailfish

Sailfish is a one bedroom home with studio, covered carport, garage and guesthouse located on the West Meadow of The Sea Ranch and was built in 2002 with the idea of bringing a sailboat to land. It is a unique structure architecturally and has the ultimate privacy from the 'commons (open space)' that exist on three sides. It perches on the side of a slope and has views down & across a thicket of vegetation to the rocky shore beyond . Sailfish (Gilbert House) was one of approximately thirty homes featured in The Sea Ranch, a book written by Donlyn Lyndon & Jim Alinder, (2004). It is also included in the 2013 edition entitled, The Sea Ranch:Fifty years of Architecture, Place and Community on the Northern California Coast. The houses they chose to include in this 300 page book demonstrate the Sea Ranch 'vision'.  Sailfish was described in it as a 'diminutive shingle castle'. The 2004 edition and the 2013 edition sit on the blue desk in the guesthouse.

An addition was added in August of 2016 that includes the Guesthouse and a one car garage. The existing deck was expanded and now connects to the new addition. The new deck offers additional outdoor dining space and room to relax on 2 chaise lounges. The hot tub is positioned on the deck with a view of the ocean and of the stars at night.  The main house will not be available to guests and remains vacant during any rental stay. The new garage houses the washer & dryer. Both the Guesthouse and the garage doors have keyless entry and guests will be provided with a code to open both during their stay.   Newly added in 2018, on the side of the garage, is the outdoor shower.  The shower is connected to the on demand water heater, so no cold showers unless you desire one.

Trail access is just below the house and some trails are designated for biking and horseback riding. Trail maps (2) are available for guests and will be found in the Home Binder on the desk. From the house you can walk to Stengel beach in about 10 minutes and to Ohlson Recreation Center in about 15 minutes.  The Guesthouse is ideal for a couple and one well-mannered dog.  The fenced yard connects to the deck and creates a perfect temporary home for a canine companion.

Sailfish is located about the middle of The Sea Ranch.  About a 5 mile drive north on Shoreline Highway One is the coastal town of Gualala, located on the Gualala River.  In town you will find several restaurants, art galleries and two grocery stores, The Surf Market and Gualala Market.  Gualala is also known for the Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway, open weekdays 10 am to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Many special events and exhibits take place and a calendar may be viewed on the Gualala Arts website.

Just 5 miles south is The Sea Ranch Lodge, for dining with a wonderful view.  A personal favorite is the 2 Fish Bakery, inside a remodeled historic store found in Stewarts Point, about 6 miles south.  Besides hiking the trails in The Sea Ranch you can also rent bicycles from Sea Ranch Supply, located at 35550 Verdant View.

Point Arena, about 11 miles north, has a wonderful historical theatre, pier and lighthouse, all worth exploring. There is also the Stornetta Lands, the newly designated National Public Lands which offer miles of hiking trails along the northern bluffs. More information about shopping, dining, hiking and culture in Point Arena can be discovered at the Point Arena Merchants Association website.

We are very pleased to announce that Sailfish has been awarded Superhost status by Airbnb. According to their website, the Superhost program ‘celebrates hosts who have reached a set of qualifications that reflect their commitment, responsiveness to travelers, hosting experience, and the quality of their listings”. By clicking on the badge (pictured at the bottom of this page) you can view our listing.