Idyllic Mill Valley cottage next to Muir Woods

Entire home in Mill Valley, California

  1. 4 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Air Concierge Vacation Homes
  1. Superhost
  2. 14 years hosting

Listing highlights

In the hills above Mill Valley

About a 15-min walk to Mount Tamalpais State Park, with Muir Woods reachable on foot from the door

Fireplace in a forest cottage

A wood-burning fireplace for unwinding after a day on the trails

A restorative, nature-immersed stay

Guests describe this as a peaceful retreat, with many returning or extending their stays
Some info has been automatically translated.
Guest favorite. This home is in the top 1% of eligible Air Concierge listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
Marin County STR License - P4733

The space
Nestled in the Marin Hills above Mill Valley, this cozy 800 sq ft cottage offers a true forest retreat on a 1.5-acre forest-like lot, once curated by a botanist with rare plantings that create layers of height, color, and fragrance amid the redwoods. Surrounded by overgrown gardens and towering canopies, it feels immersed in nature—perfect for quiet reflection, reading by the wood-burning fireplace, or simply unwinding with high-speed WiFi and modern comforts like a full kitchen and central heating.

Past guests capture it best:

"A real treasure tucked way in the Marin hills... super accommodating host. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to get away from it all, but in a really nice place." (Abraham, September 2025)

"One of the loveliest stays we've had. Surrounded by redwoods, clean air and hiking trails. This is a temple for retreat and healing." (Jess & Juan, July 2025)

"Wonderfully situated cottage in the hills above Mill Valley. Outdoor enthusiast paradise. Close to countless trails... Highly recommend." (Alan, October 2025)

"Great for a serious woodsy getaway... Many trails are accessible by foot from the cottage. The woodburning fireplace is excellent." (Mel, recent)

"Our stay was great. The cottage was clean, the location perfect and private... An excellent location to spend our honeymoon!" (Steven, October 2025)

Hiking starts right at your door—walk to the Canopy Trail in Muir Woods (just minutes away), or drive a short distance to Mt. Tam's fire roads, Muir Beach, or Stinson Beach (10 miles). Mill Valley's town square, with its shops, arts, and restaurants, is a quick 10-minute descent.

The cottage shines for those seeking serenity and immersion:

"Beyond expectations! My stay at idyllic Mill Valley was perfect. Close to hiking and the city with lots of privacy and quiet for the respite I really needed." (Tessa, September 2025)

This isn't a sprawling modern escape—it's a quaint, character-filled haven for 2-4 (queen bed in the main-floor master, full bed in the loft via ladder—unsuitable for children under 9). Guests rave about the natural light through big windows and doors on all sides, the spotless condition, and the cozy bedding:

"The place is very peaceful and secluded in the woods. We loved the natural light and big windows as we felt immersed in nature. It's comfortable, clean." (Annette and Tom, September 2025)

Arrival by Car
From Mill Valley, ascend the famed Panoramic Highway—a scenic 3-mile drive along Mt. Tam with sweeping ocean views high above the coastal fog. Turn onto our quiet street, where a dramatic yet enchanting road leads through an idyllic canopy of redwood trees to the cottage. It's paved and winding, but the reward is immediate peace: "Tucked away in the Marin hills... If I could give this place 6 stars I would. It was a slice of heaven." (Bex, June 2025)


Other Things to Note
A 20-minute drive to Stinson Beach or 5 miles to Muir Beach for coastal vibes. Muir Woods is reachable by foot or you can drive to the park entrance (2.8 miles). Check-in after 4pm; we'll send details the day before.

Pets? Sadly, no.
Special Events? Sorry, no.
Up to 4 guests max. Smoke-free indoors.

Questions? We're responsive and here to help make your stay restorative.

As one guest put it: "We really loved our stay... Overall, great stay and would be happy to come back." (Roberta, September 2025)

Guest access
Property Details:
Number of floors in the property: 1 (with ladder walk up loft bed/room)
Living Area: 800 sq. ft.
Number of bedrooms: 2 (1 is not a legally defined bedroom)
Number of bathrooms: 1
Number of beds: 2
Master Bedroom: Main Floor/Queen bed
Loft: Upstairs Loft/Full bed
**THE LOFT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 9** this is a ladder climb up

We kindly ask that the couch not be used as a bed.

KITCHEN AND DINING:
Available in the property: Refrigerator,Stove,Oven,Microwave,Dishwasher,Coffee Maker (Mr. Coffee, Nespresso (pods not included),Toaster,Dishes Utensils,Pantry Items
Dining area seats: 4
Is there a child's highchair available: No
Important details regarding "Kitchen and Dining": 2 Extra dining chairs in Master bedroom closet if wanting to fit 6

ENTERTAINMENT:
Available in the property: TV, Streaming Device, Satellite/Cable, Internet, Wireless Internet (Continuous access in the listing), Games, Books
Total number of TVs: 1
Location of the TVs: Living Room

UTILITIES:
Available in the property: Central Heating, Washer, Dryer
AC IS NOT NECESSARY - even during summer season in the home.

SAFETY IN THE PROPERTY:
Safety Checklist: Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher
How many smoke detectors?: 1
How many carbon monoxide detectors?: 1

Distance from the property to the beach: 10 miles to Stinson, 5 miles to Muir Beach, 3 miles to Whole Foods
Important detail regarding "Outdoor Features": Sitting "pad" with chaise and umbrella that is separate from the house and looks towards the Bay (although the Redwood trees have grown up considerably in the last few years and have blocked most of the water view)

Other things to note
Our driveway/parking can accommodate 2-3 cars - however please note there is approximately a 50-75' path to reach the home from the location of the cars. This is a relatively flat and well lit area but travelers should note.

Our property is great for children, although under the age of 9, and due to our loft area, we would suggest the home is not suitable.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Mountain view
Courtyard view
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 265 Mbps
Dedicated workspace

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Rated 4.92 out of 5 from 325 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is a guest favorite based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 95% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 4% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 1% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 1% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Mill Valley, California, United States
This listing's location is verified.

Neighborhood highlights

Neighborhood Overview: Sun Trail leading up to Stinson beach, or a hidden hike that leads you all the way through the magical hills of coastal valley to Muir beach... Grab a bite at the end of your hike at Pelican Inn at Muir beach, and watch the surfers, or enjoy a stroll on the beach.
Go the other direction - and find some of the most unique and sophisticated restaurants that the Bay area has to offer... Molina is one.
Beerworks is the other. And a dozen others. You pick
Legendary Sweetwater for some rocking and rolling, and a dive bar 2AM club down the hill.

The location of the house is fantastic. The Dipsea stairs are just down the block, and for the adventurous, offers downtown Mill Valley by foot. (By car, it is a 3 minute drive.). Muir Woods, Muir Beach are both less than ten minutes away, with hundreds of miles of stunning hiking trails immediately adjacent to the house.

Mt. Tam Legends & Myths

Excerpted from a Mill Valley Herald article:

Praising Mt. Tamalpais, Marin’s Holy Mountain

In the classic Mountain Play “Tamalpa” a beautiful young Miwok maiden falls in love with an Indian prince. When he abandoned her, she walked to the top of the mountain nearby and died of heartbreak. As she sobbed, the mountain heard her intense sorrow and took pity. When finally she died, the mountain was so moved by it changed its form, taking on the supine shape of her body and become the SleepingLady, our dear Mt. Tamalpais.

The Hopis from Arizona used to travel up the West Coast gathering supplies. They always tried to make a stop at a Mt. Tamalpais beach to gather Kachina shells. These shells were considered very religious and worn only by the Kachina dancers and dolls. Grandfather David Monongye, the Hopi elder and holder of the Prophesies, gathered the shells as late as 1973 by offering prayers and sweet grass offerings to the Goddess of the Ocean to deliver up a good supply. Needless to say, that while on other occasions the beach offered few gifts, on this occasion the beach was filled with little white mounds of Kachina shells.

During the 1980’s, as more and more people from all over the world discovered the quiet beauty of the woods surrounding the peak, several momentous religious events happened on the Mountain. The Dalai Lama of Tibet paid a visit to the mountain several times, once to pray for peace with others at the very peak.

The highly publicized Harmonic Convergence of 1989 had Mt. Tamalpais as one of the center points of the convergence. People gathered from around the West to meditate in its woods and held ceremonies for the healing of the earth.

Mt. Tamalpais Image Copyright (c) Jason Armstrong and used w/permission

Meet your host

Superhost
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14 years of hosting
My work: Air Concierge Inc
I'm obsessed with: Meaningful Stays in Remarkable Homes
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