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The Bolinas Artist Cottage-Just a Minit! near the Sea

Family-friendly stay with in-room kitchens in Bolinas

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Interior
Interior
Interior
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 293 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Bolinas, CA
  • Place, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Bolinas Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Bolinas Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Bolinas

Seaside stay .Within a 10-minute walk of the cottage, you'll find Bolinas Lagoon Preserve and Bolinas Museum. Also, Bolinas Beach is within half a mile (1 km) and Adubon Canyon Ranch is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Bolinas Lagoon Preserve - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Bolinas Museum - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Bolinas Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Stinson Beach - 11 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Golden Gate Bridge - 34 min drive - 39.9 km

Getting around

  • San Francisco Station - 49 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 114 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Parkside Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Breakers Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Smiley's Schooner Saloon & Hotel - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Coast Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Parkside Snack Bar - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Bolinas Artist Cottage-Just a Minit! near the Sea

Escape to a real-life fairytale in our handmade Hobbit House! This cozy redwood cottage is perfect for a romantic getaway for 2, but can fit more. Features a Japanese hot tub, wood stove, and a unique tree branch staircase. Nestled in a nature reserve, yet just 200 steps from Bolinas Beach and town. A truly magical retreat on the California coast.

Step into a real-life fairytale at our miniature Hobbit House, a charming and cozy redwood cottage perfect for a romantic getaway or an artistic retreat. Handmade and artful, the cottage is filled with rustic character, from the old-fashioned arched windows to the unique tree branch staircase that leads to the airy loft.
Downstairs, you'll find a cozy bedroom featuring a new, all-natural Birch latex queen mattress for sweet dreams. The main floor also includes a lounge area, a bathroom with a vintage clawfoot tub and a warm water bidet, and a hand-tiled, old-fashioned kitchen. On cool evenings, gather around the wood stove for cozy conversations.
The unique staircase, like something from a storybook, ascends to an expansive loft space. With views of the peaceful town and the Bolinas Ridge, it feels like being in a treehouse. This versatile area includes a study/studio space and additional sleeping areas with a queen futon and a single futon.
Guest Access
You will have private access to the entire house and its unique amenities. This includes the outdoor Japanese-style soaking hot tub, perfectly situated to enjoy the natural surroundings. Relax in the garden, nestled at the base of a 40-acre quail reserve, offering privacy and the feeling of being in a forest.
The Neighborhood
Our cottage is perfectly located just 200 steps from Bolinas Beach and the main town. Nestled between three National Wildlife parks—Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes National Seashore—it's an ideal base for hiking and exploring the stunning California coast.
Enjoy the best of both worlds, with the natural splendor of coastal parks and the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco just an hour away. You can surf in the morning, shop for organic food at the Bolinas Peoples Store, and dine at a world-class restaurant in Point Reyes for lunch. The heart of wine country is just an hour and fifteen minutes away.
Getting Around
The beach and the charming town of Bolinas are just a two-minute walk from your doorstep. For a night out, the famous Sweet Water Music Hall in Mill Valley is a 30-minute drive. Or, simply stay in, barbecue in the garden, and relax in the peace and quiet of your private retreat.
Modern Conveniences
Despite its rustic charm, the cottage is equipped with modern conveniences for a comfortable stay:
* High-speed wireless internet (98mbps)
* Two flat-screen TVs with Apple TV
* Stereo, games, and cards
* Fully equipped kitchen: antique gas range, electric oven, microwave, coffee maker, blender, waffle iron, cooking utensils, and spices.
* We provide fresh organic coffee and cream.
* Washer and dryer
* Cozy bedding, feather pillows, and electric blankets
* Antique French telephones with unlimited nationwide calls
House Rules
* The base rate is for 2 guests. Additional guests, including children, must be included in the reservation for accurate pricing. Please contact us if you plan to bring your small family.
* Pets are welcome! A pet fee of $30 per stay applies.
* Please keep doors closed and food stored securely. As we are nestled in a nature reserve, open doors can invite visits from local wildlife.
Important Information
* EV Charger: We have a fast charger for electric vehicles. Please let us know in advance if you need to use it. A fee may apply for significant usage.
* Summer Bookings: During July and until mid-August, we prioritize rentals of 3 days or longer. Shorter stays may be accepted closer to the date.
* Staircase: Please be aware that the unique, handmade tree branch staircase to the loft is steep and may not be suitable for all guests, especially those with mobility challenges but there is an outside staircase with electric chair lift.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Composting
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Local artist showcase
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

7 night maximum stay
Need to see proof of vaccination card or proof of test 36 hours before checkin

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Bolinas Cottage-just Minit House
Cottage-just Minit House
Bolinas Cottage-just Minit
Cottage-just Minit
The Bolinas Just A Minit
Bolinas Mökki vain Minit!
The Bolinas Cottage just a Minit!
The Bolinas Cottage-just a Minit! Cottage
The Bolinas Cottage-just a Minit! Bolinas
The Bolinas Cottage-just a Minit! Cottage Bolinas

Reviews

The Bolinas Artist Cottage-Just a Minit! near the Sea Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 85 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Debra T., San Rafael

The cottage was not as pictured. Every inch was spectacularly cluttered with small and large items making it extremely difficult for anyone to move around comfortably. There were blankets and other throws on the couch that were unpleasantly smelling of what seemed like spoiled milk. The electrical a were dangerous with many cords plugged into hanging extensions. While it was helpful to have instructions, the walls were also cluttered with signs. Some of the artwork was lovely but again, spectacularly cluttered- literally in every available space. The cabin was also quite damp and musty. I have stayed in many places, and this one stands out as one of the strangest and least comfortable, which is truly a shame, as the location (Bolinas) is lovely and a favorite for weekends away
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique house in fantastic location. Required some practice to move around in, and a little physical flexibility, so maybe not ideal for those very advanced in years. Also the kitchen didn't have a lot of clear counter space, which made it a little hard to cook, for those interested in that. But all in all, a one-of-a-kind house that took as back in time and was the perfect little cottage for a relaxed long weekend in Bolinas.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot. It was a lovely get a way.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a magical little place. Inside and out. Plus a block or so to the beach. . . makes it even better.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We absolutely loved staying at Bolinas Cottage. It’s a magical handmade feeling home that is very cozy, and has everything you need. The location is wonderful. We were able to walk to the beach, walk to dinner, and explore the town easily. It’s also a quick drive to Stinson Beach. I highly recommend this home.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

We loved the soaking tub and the location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David K., Davis, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Mini vacation

A very unusual property (as you can see from the pictures) with charm and attention to detail
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enchanted cottage

This property is lovely and charming. Art everywhere, a beautiful handmade feel, but also as comfortable as any 5 star hotel. Highly recommended for those who want a true Bolinas experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Thomas N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Interesting place

Lots to see in the house. A very interesting place. Some spaces a little tight for us (both over 6ft tall).
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Marc M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Unpleasant Experience

As we were getting close to Bolinas, the host texted us to report that her husband was at the hospital with a medical emergency and that she had therefore been unable to prepare the cottage for us. She suggested that we postpone our trip for a day, which would have been impossible to fit into our schedules and also wouldn’t have worked because the purpose of the trip was to celebrate my wife’s birthday, in addition to the fact that we had already driven most of the way to Bolinas. Based on the host’s description of the issues with the cottage, we told her that we would stay at the cottage as planned and we proceeded to go there. When we arrived at 4:30, we found that the beds weren’t made and, more importantly, that much of the cottage was filthy, particularly the kitchen and bathroom. We started to clean the place, but there was too much to do and in some cases we didn’t know what was clean or dirty. At 4:44, we asked the host whether the towels in the bathroom were clean. When we didn’t hear back for more than two hours, we informed the host at 6:50 that we were leaving and that we expected a full refund. At 7:10, after we were on the road and had already booked a new place, the host offered to come by to clean the cottage, but by then it was too late. The host initially refused to provide a refund (except for the cleaning fee) and ultimately agreed to a refund only after a long, unpleasant argument while we were trying to eat dinner at a restaurant.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Roz C., San Francisco, California

Liked: Cleanliness

A couple of thoughts

We were very much looking forward to our stay. The "hobbit" house (self proclaimed) was a perfect get away from the city. The house was clean and cozy. What we weren't expecting was 1) issues with the propane heater that caused us to question whether we were dealing with some type of gas leak (my partner and I both woke up with extreme migraines and the dog vomited out of the blue) and 2) a lack of outlets but a concerning number of extension cords leading us to be worried of a safety hazard. To be fair, we did not contact the owners before we left, but we did email them as we were leaving, about 16 hours after we got there. I am sure that some people wouldn't mind the issues we found as problems, but it is important for renters to have all of the information.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

elysa m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Gettaway perfection

If you want a perfect getaway in bolinas staying in a work of art. this is it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

Perfect place, perfect location, perfect size, perfect weather. What’s not to love?
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily C., Old Lyme, Connecticut

Liked: Cleanliness

Living in a work of art

Of course the location is perfect, the hosts gracious and welcoming and the fairytale magic is unique. Tiny and cozy, living in the dollhouse of our dream my sister and I enjoyed the unexpected luxury (heated toilet seat!) modern convenience automatic lights, plants and flowers…and BOlinas of course. My sister and I are small old ladies yet we used the outside stairs which are convenient. It’s like living on a boat.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique retreat near the coast

Really unique and cozy stay! Loved how fun the layout of this cottage was and the location right in town and so close to the beach. Wasn’t able to get the outdoor soaking tub to get hot water on my last night, but the indoor tub was just as nice surrounded by all those plants! Be cognizant that if you’re a party or 2 + there are water restrictions, but I’d say for 1-2 people it would be perfect. Would definitely be happy to come back again :)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Edith M., WALNUT CREEK

Liked: Cleanliness

The most unique living space imaginable

Sha Sha’s cottage overflows with her family of masks and sculptures, who welcome you at every turn, inside and in the garden. Her cottage blends hi-tech with antique—like big new washer and drier, fancy bidet, large tv’s with a zillion channels, a pair of totally cosy remote controlled recliners, microwave and electric kettle, next to antique paintings and furniture…in a hobbit house with handmade staircase, Japanese soaking tub, all graced with lush fabrics and plants and handmade tiles and Sha Sha’s very amazing art pieces. We experienced her cottage during huge storms with power outages and flooding but still found our time there very special. I can envision the cottage in warm weather as absolutely delicious!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

chloe P.

Liked: Cleanliness

A beautiful relaxing stay

I had the most peaceful, relaxing time in this cozy cabin. I will absolutely come again when I need a little getaway ♡ if I could give the experience 100 starts I would!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ia W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful, charming cottage!

Will be back for sure, thank you for everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Silvia C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy quirky retreat

Funky little redwood cabin with lots of character. Very Bolinas cool. Not as great for tall folks. Enjoyed the coyote serenade!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

Lovely place near the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harmony U.

Liked: Cleanliness

beautiful hobbit house

We had an amazing stay at this wacky hobbit house. The space is overall much roomier that presented or expected. Charmingly Hodge podge but all the essentials are there and very nice. While there were 6 working land line phones throughout the house, there were zero in the bathroom or upstairs sun room... Just beware in case you need to make a call in either of these locations...
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Anne D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Artsy vintage Bolinas vibe

A piece of history and a great location. VERY quirky and not for those who need room to stretch out or a serene, spare setting. If you’re prepared to enter into a Bolinas mindset and have a bit of an adventure, you’ll enjoy it, but it’s not your average VRBO. The owners do a lovely job of providing all the comforts of home and then some, with helpful pointers and little signs everywhere guiding you through the world that they’ve created.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Margaret R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Artsy and funky

This home would be much improved if a lot of stuff were removed. For instance there were three mattresses on the futon frame and thirteen pillows. Can't sit on it without clearing stuff off. There is a lot of clutter in general Also the areas for sitting outside have not been kept up I think the first picture is misleading because the picture is of a space upstairs which is only accessible from an outside staircase and is not particularly useful space because the kitchen, living room and bathroom are on the first floor.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quirky house in quirky town

We were just going to sleep in the house and hike during the day. Instead, we explored the town, relaxed in the home, cooked in the little kitchen which had all the gadgets we needed, plus pans, mixing bowls, spices. Sha Sha was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew V., Reno, Nevada

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location, interesting property.

It's a funky little house but worked for us. Great location near town and beaches. We would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022