Wine Country Lodges Riverfront Vacation Homes
The region is truly a kaleidoscope of natural beauty, vineyards and agriculture, mountain peaks, hot springs and fumaroles, redwood forests, ocean beaches, and river valleys. Here, along the Russian River where our four vacation homes are located, we place our focus on the peaceful, timeless, qualities of an unspoiled portion of the river that we love. Here we endeavor to promote the well being of the river and the abundant wildlife that live here, and to provide a place in which our guests can be thrilled and touched by the majesty of the natural environment. Our vacation homes (lodges) are riverfront properties with privacy, and unspoiled views. To choose a favorite would be like asking a parent to choose their favorite child. The river exhibits some unique facet of its character at each bend, as it winds past our four locations and on finally to the Pacific Ocean. Two of our properties sit high above deep fishing holes where the river is still and lake-like. There, as early morning mist rises from the mirrored surface of the water, it�s fascinating to watch great blue heron standing stock-still in the reeds, waiting for an unsuspecting passing fish. At night, bull frogs fill the air with their deep voices. Just one half mile downstream, as the river passes another of our properties, the water is shallow and swift, with rapids that thrill groups enjoying float trips, and boaters in canoes and kayaks. Three fourths of a mile farther down river, yet another of our properties provides a perch high above the river from which to enjoy absolutely breathtaking views both up stream and down, (long unspoiled vistas from Camp Rose to the hills of Dry Creek Valley), including craggy rocks, little islands, sparkling rapids, deep green pools, clear views of large fish swimming in the clean waters.
The homes are located in an area along the banks of the Russian River, where it meanders through the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country, just outside Healdlsburg, California. The area first became accessible in the 1920's with the opening of Healdsburg's historic Camp Rose Inn. The setting was idea for those wanting to escape the noise and frantic pace of city life, and to reconnect with nature, and is still so today. One of the things we most recommend to our guests, is to sit alone on the dock at one of our homes at dusk, enjoying the unspoiled river, hearing only the splash of a fish to break the silence, and quieting oneself down until it�s possible to �tfeel� the stillness.
Guests can expect to enjoy bull frog choruses and tadpoles; jumping fish, deer fording the river, and blue heron fishing among the reeds. All of these can be easily viewed while relaxing on the homes comfortably furnished decks.
Come visit our Lodges for a myriad of reasons. Rest, relaxation & rejuvenation are benefits our guests have mentioned again and again. Then there is our mild Tuscan climate. Guests are able to enjoy dining on our covered outdoor decks virtually year round. There is the unparalleled scenery, and opportunities for outdoor adventure and family fun abound. You'll find beautiful, unspoiled views from our decks that are reason enough for your stay. Then there are the Dry Creek, Alexander, and Russian River Valleys, and the river itself, winding past lush vineyards, famous wineries, the giant redwoods of Armstrong State Park, and on to the rugged, Pacific coastal beaches at Jenner and Bodega Bay. Also, come to 'taste' the flavors of Sonoma County, and purchase authentic food at the source, and on the farm. A bounty of local ingredients and products await you, drawing your attention to Sonoma County's rich agricultural heritage, made all the more famous by the horticultural genius, Luther Burbank, who stated, "As far as I have seen, this is the chosen spot of all the world as far as nature is concerned."
Each of our homes are unique. The Old River Lodge was built in the 1930�s, during the �Russian River Resort� era and the building evokes nostalgia with its historic charm and character, not to mention the absolutely breathtaking views (of the river valley and surrounding hills) from the balconies of its 3 � stories. Our Riverwood Lodge sits on an unnamed lane that in the past was called Del Rio Woods - named after the popular resort that was a key player in the Russian River Resort era in the early 1900�s, second to Camp Rose. Riverwood Lodge boasts the same great river location as the resort and has an abundance of amenities to lure the entire multi-generational family to enjoy the flora and fauna of our particular area or Sonoma County. Firefly Lodge and Northwoods Lodge also have standout scenic locations with beautiful, panoramic river views from their decks, and a private dock. Each of these homes exudes an inviting, casual elegance and charm with �rustic�, lodge-style d�cor. All of the homes appeal to the outdoor enthusiast by offering many opportunities for enjoyment of the natural environment, from wildlife viewing to kayaking just outside the backdoor. As there is virtually no construction on the opposite banks of the river from our homes, it affords guests the opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of the area, as it was generations ago.
The homes have very comfortable sleeping accommodations (with king and queen size beds, cedar log bedframes, and fine linens), in large, private rooms. The living areas have leather sofas, river rock fireplaces with log mantles, large rustic dining tables, and wonderful river views. The kitchens are fully stocked with everything guests will need to prepare meals.
Each home has two kayaks, a river view hot tub, a deck for outdoor dining, a gas BBQ, a hammock, cable TV, and telephones. Additionally, some of the homes have log swings, cedar infrared saunas, ping pong tables, WiFi high speed internet, and large recreation rooms.
Breakfast Not Included
Season Open: Open Year 'Round
Each of our homes is has a seasonal private beach. Swimming, rafting/kayaking/canoeing, snorkeling, fishing and other watersport opportunities abound.
Two fishing poles (rod, reel, tackle) are available, with barbless hooks for catch and release.
There are hot tubs, and decks overlooking the river.
To introduce our guests to the unique features of this area, we provide books on local indigenous culture, and life of the Pomo. There are books on the river�s salmon habitat, with explanations of how salmon live, and spawn, and travel to the sea and back. There are photography books on the beauty of the region that inspire hiking and siteseeing. We provide books on bird identification, and binoculars (with plenty of opportunity to view a variety of birds from majestic blue heron, to eagles). Directions are provided for day trips to the natural wonders of the region, from sandy ocean beaches for tidepooling, to ancient redwood groves at Armstrong Woods State Preserve. We provide kayaks for guests use to travel downstream into Healdsburg (about an hour trip). From our decks guests can see large fish in the clear waters below. In the winter an exciting view of migrating Steelhead Trout is possible, just feet from the edge of the dock. Guests can rest on decks shaded by huge ancient bay trees, or redwoods, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Rate Range: $239 per night, to $859 per night, depending on the home's size, amenities, and number of guests accomodated.
To Healdsburg
Travel north on Highway 101 (approximately 66 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge), exit from the highway
at the off ramp marked "Central Healdsburg". From the off ramp, travel straight ahead (in the middle lane) along Healdsburg
Avenue to the third stoplight. At the third light you will find yourself at the intersection of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson
Street. Healdsburg's historic plaza begins at this corner.
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From the Healdsburg Plaza to our Homes:
The Old River Lodge
From the stoplight at the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, turn right (East) onto Matheson Street and set
your odometer to zero. After you pass the plaza, you will continue to travel eastward on Matheson Street. In just under a mile
(on your left) you will pass by the Healdsburg Golf Club. Somewhere along here (and without any real indication) the street
name changes from Matheson Street to South Fitch Mountain Road. Continue straight ahead eastward. When your odometer
reads 1.8 miles you will see a two-story A-frame house on your right, just as you pass a curve in the road. The address for
The Old River Lodge is: 1864 S. Fitch Mountain Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
Riverwood Lodge (GPS won�t work due to where the house sits on an unnamed lane).
From the stoplight at the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, turn right (East) onto Matheson Street and set
your odometer to zero. After you pass the plaza, you will continue to travel eastward on Matheson Street. In just under a mile
(on your left) you will pass by the Healdsburg Golf Club. Somewhere along here (and without any real indication) the street
name changes from Matheson Street to South Fitch Mountain Road. Continue straight ahead eastward. When your odometer
reads 2.5 miles look for the first, small, ivy-covered lane veering off to the right, and take it. (This lane used to be known as
Del Rio Woods Road and you will see that name on the maps below). Go ahead seven houses, and watch for Riverwood on
your right, just two houses past the stop sign. It is the large, two story, cedar home, with the expansive gravel parking area. The
address for Riverwood Lodge is: 2687 N. Fitch Mountain Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
Northwoods Lodge
From the stoplight at the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, turn right (East) onto Matheson Street and set
your odometer to zero. After you pass the plaza, you will continue to travel eastward on Matheson Street. In just under a mile
(on your left) you will pass by the Healdsburg Golf Club. Somewhere along here (and without any real indication) the street
name changes from Matheson Street to South Fitch Mountain Road. Continue straight ahead eastward and the road will
curve around the mountain toward the north. When the odometer reads between 3.1 and 3.3 miles, you will find that you are
at the entrance to Redwood Drive. Take it (veering off of Fitch Mountain Road, slightly to the right) ahead a few houses to
Northwoods Lodge on your right. The address for Northwoods Lodge is: 2187 Redwood Drive, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
Firefly Lodge
From the stoplight at the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, turn right (East) onto Matheson Street and set
your odometer to zero. After you pass the plaza, you will continue to travel eastward on Matheson Street. In just under a mile
(on your left) you will pass by the Healdsburg Golf Club. Somewhere along here (and without any real indication) the street
name changes from Matheson Street to South Fitch Mountain Road. Continue straight ahead eastward and the road will
curve around the mountain toward the north. When the odometer reads between 3.1 and 3.3 miles, you will find that you are
at the entrance to Redwood Drive. Take it (veering off of Fitch Mountain Road, slightly to the right) ahead about seven
houses to Firefly Lodge on your right. The address for Firefly Lodge is: 2093 Redwood Drive, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
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Getting Back To Healdsburg or To Surrounding Wine Country & Vineyards:
To get back to town, you can go two ways - the way you came or via N. Fitch Mountain Road. To go around the north side of
the mountain, make a right turn on N. Fitch Mountain Road (instead of left). Travel around the mountain and up the hill. Then
travel down the other side until the road levels out. The street you are on is now called Powell Avenue. Travel strainght
ahead (westward) on Powell Avenue until it meets Healdsburg Avenue. You may turn left and go 1/2 mile to the plaza or you
may turn right and head to Dry Creek Road (and Hwy 101) or Alexander Valley Road
Firefly Lodge is our most ADA Accessible home. There is only one step up from the parking area to the main living area of the home (including the outdoor riverview deck area), for truly easy accessibility.






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