Mini-Mod #3 by Esherick | NRHP

Entire cabin in Sea Ranch, California

  1. 4 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 3 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Chad
  1. Superhost
  2. 13 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

In The Sea Ranch, near the coast

Set within coastal redwood forest at The Sea Ranch, about a mile from Black Point Beach and the Lodge

Hot tub under the trees

A hot tub beneath the redwoods for soaking after a day on the trails

A place guests keep coming back to

Guests return again and again, with many calling the design and setting unforgettable
Hidden among the redwoods of California’s Sonoma Coast, roughly three hours north of San Francisco, Mini-Mod #3 is one of only two individual residences at The Sea Ranch listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed in 1967 by Joseph Esherick and George Homsey, the small modernist retreat is one of the defining homes from Sea Ranch’s formative years, pairing Northern California modernism with understated contemporary comforts.

The space
Commissioned as part of The Sea Ranch’s original Demonstration House program, the home was conceived as a compact study in efficient coastal living — modest in scale, carefully proportioned and deeply connected to its surroundings. Privately positioned within coastal redwood forest, with no neighboring homes in sight, the house feels fully immersed in the landscape and ideally placed for exploring Sea Ranch trails, nearby beaches and the wider Sonoma Coast.

Inside, 684 square feet unfold across three open levels, where shifting volumes, exposed timber framing and picture windows draw soft forest light through the house. An award-winning restoration by Framestudio preserves the clarity of the original architecture while quietly adapting the house for contemporary living. Original artwork by Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and a Sea Ranch-focused library connect the cabin to the community’s enduring design legacy.

Sleeping accommodations include an open loft sleeping area and a separate enclosed bunk room, comfortably hosting up to four guests. A well-equipped kitchen, luxury linens, high-speed internet and a hot tub beneath the trees make the cabin equally suited to long weekends or slower extended stays.

Life here settles into the rhythms of the landscape: morning fog drifting through the trees, the distant sound of waves along the coast, filtered light across unfinished wood and the quiet satisfaction of living with only what is necessary.

Other things to note
• The home has been carefully preserved and is best suited to guests who appreciate thoughtful architecture and the particular qualities — and limitations — that come with a structure of this age.

• Children are welcome, though families with very young children should note that the original open-tread staircase is not especially forgiving by contemporary standards.

• The wood-burning fireplace remains central to the atmosphere of the house. Firewood and starters are provided, though guests sensitive to smoke or natural wood scents should take this into consideration.

• The cabin sits within an active redwood ecosystem. Insects and other forest inhabitants occasionally find their way indoors despite our best efforts.

• The surrounding landscape is also home to wildlife including black bears and mountain lions. Encounters are uncommon, though guests should remain aware of their surroundings while walking nearby trails and forested areas.

• Due to the relative remoteness of The Sea Ranch, occasional power outages can occur during periods of severe weather.

• RVs and Sprinter vans are not permitted to park within The Sea Ranch and cannot be accommodated at the property.

• We are able to accommodate one well-behaved dog per stay.

• Photo shoots, commercial productions and events require prior approval.

Registration Details
TOT 3017N

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Shared beach access
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 115 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Free driveway parking on premises – 2 spaces

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Rated 4.94 out of 5 from 226 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 97% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 2% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 1% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Sea Ranch, California, United States
This listing's location is verified.

Neighborhood highlights

This cozy three-level home is set in coastal forestlands beneath towering redwoods in the historic south end of The Sea Ranch with no adjacent neighbors in sight. Here among your own private redwood grove, you'll be one mile from The Sea Ranch Lodge and Black Point Beach; one mile from the heated pool, saunas, and tennis/pickleball court at the Moonraker Recreation Center; and nine miles south of Gualala where services can be found. The nearest airport is Santa Rosa, which is a 1 1/2 hour drive.

Meet your host

Superhost
370 reviews
4.86 out of 5 average rating
13 years of hosting
Born in the 70s
Where I went to school: California College of the Arts
Hello! James and I split our time between the Bay Area and The Sea Ranch. I'm an architect by profession, and James works in health sciences. We love traveling, cooking, and hanging out with our goofy Pittie named Balthazar.

Chad is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • James

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
4 guests maximum
Safety & property
Pool/hot tub without a gate or lock
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
May encounter potentially dangerous animal