The moratorium is over so, if you aren't already, now is the time to start looking for your vacation property in Sonoma County unincorporated. While the ordinance has made it harder to find a qualifying property in some areas, there are still numerous options in Russian River as well as in and around the most popular towns of Healdsburg, Sonoma and Sebastopol.
While inventory is a historically low levels, there are still lots of options both on and off market. In this blog post we highlight properties that are available in all the key areas including Russian River, the coastal area, around Healdsburg as well as options in the towns of Occidental and Sebastopol. We always know of properties that are coming on the market so get in touch if there is something very specific you are looking for.
1. 25509 Freezeout Road, Monte Rio: $1,200,000
Properties on the river have always commanded a premium but with the new ordinance now in place eliminating numerous properties in Guerneville and Monte Rio, this property still qualifies. Set on a picturesque knoll with breathtaking vistas of the placid Russian River and restful rolling meadows beyond. Step inside this Craftsman-style home and be welcomed by its open beam cathedral ceiling in the living area, highlighting the organic layout of each room. Three bedrooms are perfect for a vacation rental income property. And when it's time to unwind, enjoy some peaceful moments in your cedar-soaking hot tub spa or indoor sauna before retreating into tranquil bliss! Close to the town of Duncan Mills the coast and numerous cycling options in and around Willow Creek, this really is a perfect vacation rental destination.
2. 315 Bailhache Avenue, Healdsburg: $1,590,000
A rare chance to purchase a property that is as close to Healdsburg as you can get and still be eligible for a vacation rental permit. The property is a 3 bed 2 bath home with a nice open floor plan with an additional bonus room off the kitchen that would be perfect as a games room leading out on the yard. The property is on a flat acre with numerous fruit trees and so, while there is an above-ground pool, it would be the perfect location to build out an expansive outdoor living area with a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining, and bocce court to create the perfect wine country vacation rental, minutes to Healdsburg's downtown.
3. 555 Bailhache Avenue, Healdsburg: $1,950,000
Another property just on the south side of Healdsburg where most properties qualify, this property is a 2 bed 2 bath home with an open living room floor plan that lends itself to creating an indoor outdoor living space. Unusual for a property just outside of Healdsburg, it even has river access at the end of the 3 acre yard. The property is set back from the road and looks across vineyards from its large front lawn. While it has the limitation of 2 bedrooms, this could make a great vacation rental property with river access.
4. 22175 Puccioni Road, Healdsburg: $1,300,000
Just 10 minutes away from town but feels like a million miles away. This home offers vacation style peace, quiet, and privacy while being a short driving distance from all that local shopping has to offer. Rarely does an opportunity present itself to live in a home that offers off-grid vacation style privacy while being located just minutes from town. Nestled in the Redwoods of Healdsburg just off of Mill Creek Rd. this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, handcrafted property. This home offers a custom-built bar, 2 living rooms each fitted with wood burning furnaces, a kitchen built for a home cook highlighting its double ovens and stainless-steel appliances, and a formal dining area that allows access to the back deck creating ease of indoor/outdoor living. The outside consists of a generously proportioned deck with plenty of lounging space, that houses a large pool and heated spa area. Just south of the house is an enclosed kennel or potential for a garden. Also located on the property, is a detached 3-car garage that allows for ample parking, storage space, or possibility for a workshop. This 10.38 acres of land offer both views and privacy.
5. Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg: $2,500,000 (Off Market)
With Chiquita Road now no longer an option for a vacation rental and with so many properties in Dry Creek Valley not qualifying due to their zoning, Lytton Springs is now a highly sort after location for a vacation rental set in the heart of Dry Creek Valley. This beautiful Healdsburg property features two gorgeous homes, rows of lavender, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas throughout 1.38 acres of land. The main home features an open-concept floor plan on the main floor that opens up to a very large entertaining deck overlooking the property. The kitchen, complete with island bar seating, opens up to the living and dining rooms and offers modern finishes and appliances. The second home, privately located away from the main home, greets you with a landscaped arbor and features tasteful finishes throughout. Enter into the open concept main floor, which features the living room, full bathroom, and kitchen with double ovens, dishwasher, 5-burner gas range, and bar seating. From here you can head out the large sliding door to enjoy the outdoor covered patio for outdoor dining or to sit by the custom-made fireplace and BBQ, looking out over the property.
6. 9480 Ben Way, Cazadero: $653,000
With the restrictions in Sonoma County unincorporated, finding a place that is in the coastal zone, simplifies the process of getting a vacation rental up and running particularly when the property has a septic system .This property that while technically a 2 bedroom would be able to operate as a 3 bedroom vacation rental. The property has expansive decks on both upper and lower levels and even captures an ocean view from the second level. Built in 1990, first time on the market and used as a second home for the family only.
7. 1551 Laguna Road, Sebastopol: $1,875,000
Around Sebastopol is still one of the best places to look for a qualifying property with most properties eligible to operate as a vacation rental. Down a country lane surrounded by orchards and vineyards on 2.89 acres, the main home is a 4B/3B with a loft of approximately 3,196 sq ft. The lower attached granny unit with a separate entrance is a 1/B,1B with approximately 1,200 sq ft. Detached guest home/Game room is a 1B/1B with an office of approximately 1,218 sq. ft. Tune into your internal vintner and try your hand at your own Hobby vineyard.
8. 2171 Joy Road, Occidental: $3,490,000
Finding large vacation rentals is increasingly hard. This property has two different homes on two separate lots so it is possible to operate as a single vacation rental compound or as two separate vacation rentals. With towering redwoods on just over 5 combined acres, the larger property of 3.75 acres +/- offers 3-story living in an extraordinary rammed-earth-constructed home with a fun, industrial flair. Entertaining will come easily w/ numerous inspired outdoor venues, complete with an in-ground pool, spa, and a sublimely placed sauna with a wall of glass inviting you to become one with nature. The detached guest/flex space will be a welcome respite offering a full bath & kitchenette. An adorable bunkhouse, with a dutch door, sleeps two. Nearby is a storage studio or workshop with an adjoining deck beneath the trees. A contemplative path cradled by redwoods connects these two majestic properties internally. A stroll from 2171 Joy Road leads to 2271 Joy Road where a stunningly remodeled 2 bdrm/2bath wooded cottage and sauna awaits on approximately 1.35 acres. This Sonoma County gem is near to the Pacific Coast, the eclectic vibes of Occidental, the Russian River and all-around joyful west county living.
9. 8647 Mirabel Road, Forestville: $800,000
Forestville is now one of the best places to look in Russian River. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been entirely remodelled creating a meticulously put together home. No Expense Spared on this Russian River Stunner! Elements of Japanese zen, color, and minimalism appear throughout. Every inch of this magical property was custom-built & remodeled over the past year. The open kitchen & living space offers a built-in custom bar with seating for four or a designated work space. With the bedrooms on opposite ends of the home, privacy & peace abound. The master suite features French doors that open onto your private patio. The second bedroom opens onto the larger 300 sq ft deck that features a hot tub, plenty of room for outdoor dining, and direct access to the privacy fenced, low maintenance yard with fire pit & outdoor movie screen. A bonus for this area it has an extremely sunny lot with easy access to the beach and to numerous wineries. The only downside is the location next to a fairly busy road. As a vacation rental though it will definitely pop!
10. 7590 Mirabel Road, Forestville: $750,000 (Off Market)
This beautifully remodelled home in the Russian River area features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and and has been created with the vacation rental buyer in mind. While it is on a septic system, the septic system passes all the county code requirements to get a vacation rental permit issued. Since the home was purchased as a fixer earlier this year, it has had a laundry created, the open plan living space has been made more seamless with the kitchen units being replaced and expanded to create a kitchen better suited to entertaining. The back yard has been extensively landscape with a deck comprising a new hot tub. Located in Forestville, this property is best suited to someone looking for a vacation rental that is focussed on the wine country visitor with access to numerous wineries in and around Healdsburg and Sebastopol as well as Russian River.
