Notes from the host
Sweetwater Ranch Victorian With Pool
Sweetwater Ranch is a graciously updated holdover from the 1800s mining town of Mercury. It was one of the first, and is now one of the only remaining, buildings of the town that is now a residential neighborhood between the world-known vineyards of Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley appellation and Armstrong Woods State Recreation Area and the town of Guerneville. This modernized Victorian is a wine country favorite! Cook gourmet meals in the kitchen or BBQ and dine outside. Sip, swirl, and savor local wines (and beers) while overlooking the pool, hot tub, garden and on-site grape rows.
You’ll love being in the outdoors at Sweetwater Ranch! Soak up the sun, dip your toes in the pool or swim until your fingers are pruned! The hot tub keeps you warm on a cool evening, and you can always roast marshmallows at the outdoor firepit. The seasonal creek burbles and rushes while you BBQ or settle with a book in a shady spot. As the sun sets, head inside to comfy and delightfully decorated bedrooms. The master bathroom boasts a freestanding tub and separate shower with room to relax after a day of adventures (or hard-won solitude). There’s a laptop ready desk in the bonus room if you must work and large, flatscreen, smart TVs when you’re ready for digital entertainment. There’s no shortage of things to do at or around Sweetwater Ranch! And if you need suggestions, just ask!
Know Before You Book:
Maximum Occupancy and Quiet Hours: The maximum occupancy at Sweetwater Ranch is 8 people not including kids under 3 years old. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Outdoor amplified sound is prohibited at all times.
Parking: There is parking for a maximum of 4 vehicles. RVs, trailers, and campers are prohibited, per the Sonoma County Vacation Rental Ordinance.
Bed Sizes: Upstairs bedroom: Queen bed; Main level bedroom: Queen bed; Main level bonus room: Queen sleeper sofa; Downstairs suite: Queen bed.
Heat Source: Central heat, wood burning fireplace in the living room, and wood burning stove in the sun room (no firewood or kindling provided).
Location: Sweetwater Ranch is in a residential neighborhood. It is a mix of permanent residents and vacation rentals, families, working folks, and visitors. To honor this balance, we ask guests to park in the driveway and respect the quiet hours in addition to general family-friendly, residential neighborhood expectations. Thank you for helping to continue the tradition of a mutually beneficial relationship between vacation rentals and local community!
Stairs and Paths: Sweetwater Ranch is 3 stories. There are 2 half story sets of stairs to the wrap around porch – one at the front of the house and one at the side (closest to the driveway). Inside the house, there is a set of stairs from the main (middle) level of the house to the upper bedroom. To access the downstairs suite, there is a brick and natural path around the house. The brick path goes over and around redwood tree roots – settling and moving as they grow – so it is uneven in sections. The downstairs suite is ground level – same as the pool and hot tub. There are many paths around the property, garden, vineyard, and beyond – all of which follow the natural contours of the property and can be uneven and muddy depending on the season. If stairs or uneven surfaces are a challenge for your group, this property may not be a good fit.
Pet Friendly: Up to 2, well-mannered, dogs are welcome at Sweetwater Ranch. Please understand the yard is not “dog-proof.” Other types of pets are not considered at this time.
Fencing: The main part of the yard is fenced along the road and creek, but not “dog-proof.” We recommend walking the fence line before allowing your pup off-leash. There is safety fencing around the pool that is required by the vacation rental ordinance. If you take it down during your stay, please put it back up for the next guests.
Pool and Hot Tub: The pool is not heated, but it is a comfortable temperature from June to September. Between October and May, water temperatures dip as low as 40 degrees and guests may see more floating leaves. The hot tub is built into the pool and is available (on demand) year-round. It takes 30-45 minutes to heat. Instructions are provided.
Additional Amenities: There is central A/C at Sweetwater Ranch!
Proximity to wineries: There are so many wineries to choose from! On the Guerneville side of the hill, Korbel is approx. 6 miles and Porter-Bass is 6.6 miles from the house. On the Windsor/Healdsburg side of the hill, J Rochioli is approx. 8 miles and Westside Road is lined with vineyards and tasting rooms.
Nearest River Beach: Johnson’s Beach is 3.2 miles from the house and has concession stands seasonally. Check the website to make reservations for boat and umbrella rentals in the summer. Services closed in the winter, but you can still go to the beach.
Nearest Ocean Beach: Goat Rock State Beach is approx. 18 miles from the house.
Cyclists: Sweetwater Springs Road is locally loved as a “stimulating” road ride between Westside Road (Windsor/Healdsburg) and Armstrong Woods Road (Guerneville). Quoted from Jay’s Essential Bike Rides, “This is a challenging climb and ripping, curvy descent through surprisingly dense, pretty woods. It would be deserted were it not for the other cyclists, of which there can be many. One weekend day I met about 200 bikes climbing the back side as I descended. On a weekday, you’ll see no one. The road surface is a little rough in places, but I don’t think you’ll mind.” It’s 10 miles one way with 1,160 ft of elevation gain. Extend the ride into Armstrong Woods State Reserve (free entry for bikes) and into downtown Guerneville or add a wine tasting at a couple wineries on the other side of the ride.
Sonoma County TOT #: 3950N
Sonoma County Vacation Rental Permit #: TVR20-0085
Hosted by Russian River Vacation Homes
