Moonstar Cottage

Great lil place. Amazing view, and quiet. Had a beautiful time relaxing and enjoying the nature. Will stay again for sure!

We loved the location for this cottage. Everything was perfect except the comfort of the living room furniture. It definitely needs to be replaced! The bed was very comfortable and the view out of the window was wonderful.We loved the skylights, windows and raised ceilings as they made the inside light and bright. Having the hot tub available was a much appreciated bonus!

My fiancé and I stayed a couple nights at the moonstone cottage. We enjoyed beautiful views of the ocean, and had a relaxing time in the jacuzzi. We visited Cooks beach which is only a 5 minute Drive from the house. This house felt cozy and welcoming. We will definitely be coming back to this lovely town!

My partner and dog fully enjoyed our weekend away in this adorable cottage. It was easy to get to, fairly clean and the views were exceptional. Tips for travelers, bring a couple extra blankets if you run cold, luckily we packed some with us. Great spot, quiet and comfortable!

Stunning, private, artistic two room w bath. Comfortable furnishings, beaches and towns nearby. Hour f Mendocino (went to theater play). No freezer, only under counter refrig. Stayed 7 nights, a small freezer next to kitchen tall closest would be welcomed. Deck fenced, safe for dogs over 12 lbs. Yard is not fenced. Beautiful view, day and nights.

Stunning, private, artistic two room w bath. Comfortable furnishings, beaches and towns nearby. Hour f Mendocino (went to theater play). No freezer, only under counter refrig. Stayed 7 nights, a small freezer next to kitchen tall closest would be welcomed. Deck fenced, safe for dogs over 12 lbs. Yard is not fenced. Beautiful view, day and nights.

The views are amazing, and it’s pretty close to town

The views are amazing, and it’s pretty close to town

Can't beat the ocean view from this bluff-top cottage. Cottage is cozy and as described. The kitchen, however, is more like a kitchenette...dorm-size refrigerator with no freezer, no cabinet or countertop space for prepping. There is a small portable ice maker that worked well, but don't bring anything you want kept frozen or pretty much anything larger than a 12-pack of Coke and a couple of deli salad containers. Our stay was pleasant and the view is eye candy.

Can't beat the ocean view from this bluff-top cottage. Cottage is cozy and as described. The kitchen, however, is more like a kitchenette...dorm-size refrigerator with no freezer, no cabinet or countertop space for prepping. There is a small portable ice maker that worked well, but don't bring anything you want kept frozen or pretty much anything larger than a 12-pack of Coke and a couple of deli salad containers. Our stay was pleasant and the view is eye candy.

Stayed 4 nights, myself, my wife, and our dog. What a place, the pictures don't do it justice. The view was incredible. Located right on the bluff overlooking a small cove, waves crashing on the rocks, lovely sea breeze, hawks, gulls, and a ton of birds I can't identify. Super private...the only person we saw from the property was a guy tending his yard on the other side of the cove, maybe 75 or 100 yards away. There is a privacy fence to separate the deck from the house next door. You feel like you are a zillion miles from anyone. Hwy 1 is right there, but with the fence, and the fact we were always focused on the ocean, we were never bothered by it. The two sitting areas at the bluff are fenced, never worried about the dog. These, along with the deck, dining table, and couch provide plenty of choices in view and seating. I don't understand some of the complaints left in other reviews. The new split-system heat pump HVAC unit worked splendidly (and quietly). There were ample towels. We did bring and use one extra blanket as we slept with heater off and window open to the ocean breeze. The kitchen is small but well equipped...so well equipped that we had to shuffle appliances around based on what we needed at any given time, which was not a problem. Management makes it clear that they provide a starter set of consumables only, so bring a couple rolls of TP and maybe some paper towels if you are staying more than a night or two. Gualala is not a location for night life, the town closes down about 8pm, the the cottage is 6 miles outside of town anyway. If you want clubs and excitement this may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for quiet relaxation in a clean and comfortable setting we strongly recommend Moonstar Cottage. We will be back!

Stayed 4 nights, myself, my wife, and our dog. What a place, the pictures don't do it justice. The view was incredible. Located right on the bluff overlooking a small cove, waves crashing on the rocks, lovely sea breeze, hawks, gulls, and a ton of birds I can't identify. Super private...the only person we saw from the property was a guy tending his yard on the other side of the cove, maybe 75 or 100 yards away. There is a privacy fence to separate the deck from the house next door. You feel like you are a zillion miles from anyone. Hwy 1 is right there, but with the fence, and the fact we were always focused on the ocean, we were never bothered by it. The two sitting areas at the bluff are fenced, never worried about the dog. These, along with the deck, dining table, and couch provide plenty of choices in view and seating. I don't understand some of the complaints left in other reviews. The new split-system heat pump HVAC unit worked splendidly (and quietly). There were ample towels. We did bring and use one extra blanket as we slept with heater off and window open to the ocean breeze. The kitchen is small but well equipped...so well equipped that we had to shuffle appliances around based on what we needed at any given time, which was not a problem. Management makes it clear that they provide a starter set of consumables only, so bring a couple rolls of TP and maybe some paper towels if you are staying more than a night or two. Gualala is not a location for night life, the town closes down about 8pm, the the cottage is 6 miles outside of town anyway. If you want clubs and excitement this may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for quiet relaxation in a clean and comfortable setting we strongly recommend Moonstar Cottage. We will be back!

This quaint cottage had a good shower, comfy indoor furniture and bed, brand new patio furniture, crystal clear water in a relaxing outdoor hot tub, and and incredible view of the ocean.

This quaint cottage had a good shower, comfy indoor furniture and bed, brand new patio furniture, crystal clear water in a relaxing outdoor hot tub, and and incredible view of the ocean.

The cottage is in a great spot. You won’t be disappointed by the privacy. The view is amazing. The cottage is well located, so you can spend several days exploring the attractions along the coast.

The cottage is in a great spot. You won’t be disappointed by the privacy. The view is amazing. The cottage is well located, so you can spend several days exploring the attractions along the coast.

We needed a quick getaway and this property fit the bill.. Small cottage for 2 and the view was spectacular

We needed a quick getaway and this property fit the bill.. Small cottage for 2 and the view was spectacular

This is one of my favorite places to be. Everything about it is perfect for us! We spent our honeymoon here 6 years ago. It was great to come back! The only thing I can think of that would make it better, is if there was a reclining couch like there is used to be. But no matter what, we love it here!

This is one of my favorite places to be. Everything about it is perfect for us! We spent our honeymoon here 6 years ago. It was great to come back! The only thing I can think of that would make it better, is if there was a reclining couch like there is used to be. But no matter what, we love it here!

Fabulous place to stay with amazing ocean views ❤️

Fabulous place to stay with amazing ocean views ❤️

The view was beautiful and the pictures did not do it justice. We usually stay in sea ranch and thought we’d try a different experience. The place was wonderful and views were beyond belief. The only problem we had was in relation to staying with our dog. We had to get in the car to take her for walks. Not really a complaint it was just different for us.

Admittedly, I like amenities. The internet work just fine for us. The View was spectacular and sitting in the hot tub was lovely after having our barbecue dinner. Was not expecting dirty pot holders, a couple of roaches in the kitchen, an uncomfortable Master bed, and not enough bath towels.

The view was beautiful and the pictures did not do it justice. We usually stay in sea ranch and thought we’d try a different experience. The place was wonderful and views were beyond belief. The only problem we had was in relation to staying with our dog. We had to get in the car to take her for walks. Not really a complaint it was just different for us.

Admittedly, I like amenities. The internet work just fine for us. The View was spectacular and sitting in the hot tub was lovely after having our barbecue dinner. Was not expecting dirty pot holders, a couple of roaches in the kitchen, an uncomfortable Master bed, and not enough bath towels.

My husband and I stayed here for 4 days and the property and our stay were both wonderful! The view is gorgeous and the crisp winds of the coast felt so great! Not quite the same as a summer in Iowa 🙂 there were many things to do close by and the cottage itself was perfect! I have only small suggestions, nothing major. The paperwork given to us at the start of our stay mentioned to clean the dishwasher, but there is no dishwasher. As well, the front gate is broken and constantly open. We did not care at all, but there was much mention of 'making sure to lock the gate' which we could not do. Also, the cottage could do with a few coasters for the beautiful table and a couple extra throw blankets. Everything else was great! Thank you for your hospitality!

My husband and I stayed here for 4 days and the property and our stay were both wonderful! The view is gorgeous and the crisp winds of the coast felt so great! Not quite the same as a summer in Iowa 🙂 there were many things to do close by and the cottage itself was perfect! I have only small suggestions, nothing major. The paperwork given to us at the start of our stay mentioned to clean the dishwasher, but there is no dishwasher. As well, the front gate is broken and constantly open. We did not care at all, but there was much mention of 'making sure to lock the gate' which we could not do. Also, the cottage could do with a few coasters for the beautiful table and a couple extra throw blankets. Everything else was great! Thank you for your hospitality!

Great property. Loved our three nights there, enjoying the views at both high and low tide, along with the hot tub and we even grilled dinner on the deck one night. Perfect place for a couple looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. If you bring enough supplies and a couple extra towels for the hot tub and of course your favorite beverages, you never need leave the deck! Everything worked well and the wi fi worked all the time. Will likely return. Oh, at low tide use the binoculars to find the big blubbery guys.

Great property. Loved our three nights there, enjoying the views at both high and low tide, along with the hot tub and we even grilled dinner on the deck one night. Perfect place for a couple looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. If you bring enough supplies and a couple extra towels for the hot tub and of course your favorite beverages, you never need leave the deck! Everything worked well and the wi fi worked all the time. Will likely return. Oh, at low tide use the binoculars to find the big blubbery guys.

Well appointed, beautiful view, close to sightseeing, relaxing.

Well appointed, beautiful view, close to sightseeing, relaxing.

The location is fantastic, and the views are truly to die for. The hot tub is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the amazing view. The only downsides were the place only has a dorm room size refrigerator, with no freezer, which makes cooking hard. Also the place had a few maintenance issues that needed to be taken care of, but I would certainly stay again.

The second we opened the door we were struck with a stunning view of the ocean. This place is right on the edge. Absolutely beautiful. We spent the sunrises and sunsets relaxing in the hot tub staring out at the ocean. A place we will definitely come back to again. The only downside was the bed. We prefer to sleep on a soft/medium bed. This one was very firm. Luckily the aches we got from the bed was recovered by the hot tub the next day.

The second we opened the door we were struck with a stunning view of the ocean. This place is right on the edge. Absolutely beautiful. We spent the sunrises and sunsets relaxing in the hot tub staring out at the ocean. A place we will definitely come back to again. The only downside was the bed. We prefer to sleep on a soft/medium bed. This one was very firm. Luckily the aches we got from the bed was recovered by the hot tub the next day.

We loved our stay at Moonstar. Got to watch the 49er/Greenbay game on an excellent TV; took multiple hot tubs with our only distraction being the ocean; had a couple of meals there and ate out 2 nites. Overall, a very pleasant escape. Would go again.

We loved our stay at Moonstar. Got to watch the 49er/Greenbay game on an excellent TV; took multiple hot tubs with our only distraction being the ocean; had a couple of meals there and ate out 2 nites. Overall, a very pleasant escape. Would go again.

The payment upfront was a bit confusing because it looked like I was needing to be charged twice. When I reached out to inquire, it wasn’t clear if Vrbo or Grand Welcome was who I needed. This was made clear to me but it took a bit of work on my part. The check in was smooth and the cottage was very cute and clean. The hot tub didn’t get hot when we first got there and it took two persistent phone calls to get someone to help. We assume that someone did came because when we returned after running to town, it was running fine. This was great but a little more communication would’ve been greatly appreciated. Overall, the stay was beautiful.

Great location and easy check in/out process.

Great location and easy check in/out process.

Property and check-in instructions were not specific to the rental. Directions to the property were inaccurate and we couldn't ask for directions since the office closed at 4:00 which was our check-in time and we arrived about 4:15 expecting the office to be open at least until 5:00. We did enjoy our stay and would go back. It was very cozy and private, which is what we were looking for.

Our second experience was at best, disappointing at best, we had rats coming thru the fence right next to the hot tub, we had to ask a driver of an Uhaul whom was blocking the driveway, they were either moving in or out, they were there well into the late evening. The screens are compromised leading to an annoying fly problem, and if we had not awakened early (7 am)... we would not have been possible to clean the cottage and ourselves, as the water was shut down at 8:30 am, out check out time was 10 am. Had the office been opened, we would have discussed this the property manager. So, what does Vrbo intend to do to compensate! JRT

Small unit (on a 2 unit property). Still feels pretty separate from the other larger unit. About 5-10 minutes north from Gualala. Amazing view and deck with grill and hot-tub. small but functional kitchen. Great for 1-2 people. Close to beaches and coastal towns. We loved our stay! The biggest downside (or upside?) is that there is no cell service and the internet is very spotty and slow. You should not rely on having much of a connection. There is a landline for phone use which works well.

Small unit (on a 2 unit property). Still feels pretty separate from the other larger unit. About 5-10 minutes north from Gualala. Amazing view and deck with grill and hot-tub. small but functional kitchen. Great for 1-2 people. Close to beaches and coastal towns. We loved our stay! The biggest downside (or upside?) is that there is no cell service and the internet is very spotty and slow. You should not rely on having much of a connection. There is a landline for phone use which works well.

This place was everything I hoped it would be and more! The pictures of the view don't do it justice. You can't hear the crashing waves soothing you to sleep or smell the crisp ocean breeze in those images. The cottage had everything we needed to have a stress free and relaxing vacation. Fully stocked kitchen, hot tub, gas grill and the most comfortable bed ever! This place was so amazing, I even extended my stay an extra night because my fiance and I couldn't bear to leave after just 2 nights! The check in/out process was super quick and easy. The welcome email gave easy to follow, detailed instructions and directions. I would 100% recommend this little cottage as a romantic getaway for couples year round. I will certainly be booking this place again! Don't forget to sign the guest book on the coffee table!

This place was everything I hoped it would be and more! The pictures of the view don't do it justice. You can't hear the crashing waves soothing you to sleep or smell the crisp ocean breeze in those images. The cottage had everything we needed to have a stress free and relaxing vacation. Fully stocked kitchen, hot tub, gas grill and the most comfortable bed ever! This place was so amazing, I even extended my stay an extra night because my fiance and I couldn't bear to leave after just 2 nights! The check in/out process was super quick and easy. The welcome email gave easy to follow, detailed instructions and directions. I would 100% recommend this little cottage as a romantic getaway for couples year round. I will certainly be booking this place again! Don't forget to sign the guest book on the coffee table!

The ocean view is truly impressive. Altho' it is a small space, very large windows cover the entire wall facing the ocean, affording a sense of openess. High ceilings also make the space seem airy. Furniture is dated, but usable. We covered everything with quilts we brought for our dog, so it seemed homey. Kitchen is sparse and there is no exhaust fan so be sure to open windows when cooking. Oven and burners work well, no dishwasher, standard coffee maker, microwave, and toaster. Nicely stocked spice cabinet, rudimentary cooking pots and pans, table service for 3 (max number of occupants so that makes sense), bring a salad bowl, or use one of the frying pans like we did! Renters must stop in Gualala to pick up the keys from Sea Ranch Rental office and the rental person Kelsey was very accommodating and helpful. There are wooden gates which allow access to the cottage and there was a gate code on the rental info but there is no longer a mechanical opener...that appears to have rusted a long time ago, and we managed to keep the gates closed by using a number of good-sized rocks apparently left near the gate for that very reason. Not an issue for us, but just be forewarned the gate doesn't open or close on its own, at least when we went. Also, Moonstar House is right next door (literally feet from the north wall of the cottage) and, while we were lucky in that there were no renters for the house the weekend we had the cottage, it could be an issue being so close to each other. If complete privacy is important to you (like skinny dipping in the hottub!) you may want to ascertain the rental status of the house before you book the cottage.

Wow! What a view! Great place, has a cabin feel. Lovely vintage furniture but still a little funky. Some of the lights don't work and bathtub fixtures don't work great but who cares with that view and the right price! Hot tub is perfect and space is cozy but still felt spacious for my husband, me, and two dogs. We definitely want to come back! Amentities are minimal. Quick note: Could do with a few more water glasses...there was only one full size water glass 🙁 But all in all it's a very special spot. Thank you!!!

We had a wonderful birthday weekend. The views were incredible and the hot tub was located perfectly. It poured with rain the first night and was so cozy. The second day was clear and sunny so we got to see it from both sides. The cottage is also a great location for exploring. We'll definitely be back!

We had a wonderful birthday weekend. The views were incredible and the hot tub was located perfectly. It poured with rain the first night and was so cozy. The second day was clear and sunny so we got to see it from both sides. The cottage is also a great location for exploring. We'll definitely be back!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed our mid-February getaway despite the pouring rain (some snow!) and never felt shut in or cooped up because of the amazing views from, and natural lighting in, this sweet little cottage. One of our favorite things to do was to sit in the hot tub with an umbrella, in the rain, looking out to sea or star gazing. A couple of points worth mentioning: I was worried about a little gas fireplace heating the entire cottage, but we were there in freezing temperatures, and it worked great! It is connected to a thermostat, so we did not have to bother with getting out of bed into the cold night to start it up again. Speaking of the bed, we were worried about a full size bed being big enough for the two of us but were delighted to find that it is actually a queen size. Our disappointments were minor: The gutters are in need of cleaning/repair, so if you are sitting in the hot tub and it has recently rained, you may be struck by streams or drips of cold water onto your head. We were able to remedy this somewhat by cleaning out the gutter along the back of the cottage (my boyfriend found a ladder and went at it). Also, we could have used a few more items in the kitchen. We bring meal kits and like to cook big breakfasts when we travel, and we would have appreciated some mixing bowls and a whisk, some plastic wrap. That said, the small refrigerator held more than we expected it to, and the other appliances (stove/oven, coffee maker, microwave) all worked well. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back.

What does five stars really mean? Although this place has some issues, to me what it means is that this is a place I really want to come back to, because the experience was wonderful. The things that make this place really special are the incredible ocean view and privacy. To wake up in the morning, open your eyes and see the ocean while you’re lying in bed, and hear the waves crashing; this is what we hope to experience on vacation. We spent hours in the hot tub gazing at the ocean, watching the seals and the birds. And despite the fact that there is a house right next door, it felt very private. We never heard or saw the people in the house next-door which is also a vacation rental, and we felt comfortable coming and going from our private hot tub sans clothes. The ocean makes a great white noise machine, and we were not aware of sound traveling back-and-forth from the two houses. Although the property is immediately off Highway 1, perched on a cliff between the ocean in the highway, traffic noise was not a problem, and the road was not visible once you’re in the house. The hot tub was very clean, not too much chlorine, and easy to use. On the other hand: When we arrived there was a strange smell in the house something like plastic, chemical, or maybe burned dust from the heater. It was very strong. It took a while to contact the Grand Welcome people, but they were responsive. Eventually the smell dissipated and was not a problem. There is no freezer in the unit. There is a small dorm fridge, but it has no freezer compartment. There is no cell service on site, however there is a landline. the Internet did not work on our last day on site. (Strangely, the only other review for these two properties observed the same problem.) The cottage is light and airy w beautiful open-beam high ceilings, but surfaces in the unit are somewhat worn, with spots of poorly repaired and unpainted drywall, and some water damage. Furniture is older and a little shabby - some nice antiques mixed with spray-painted pieces, but all functional. Bed (watch your shins!) and couch were comfortable. Direct TV and a DVD player worked. A few things you should know: there is no access down to the water from the house. And despite what it says in the listing, the stove is a gas stove (little cement logs with gas flames and a thermostat), not a woodstove. (Also no fireplace). The little stove worked well, though. Overall, this place is a treasure.