Why Russian River Homes Are the Ultimate Getaway
Whether you are looking for a second home to escape the city or you are looking for a vacation rental, the Russian River area stretching from Forestville in the East to Duncan Mills on the West is one of the most popular places to buy a vacation home. However, finding the good ones in among the cabins that are falling down is not easy. In this blog post we highlight what we think are some of the best homes that have come on the market over the past year.
We have included in this list on home that we have coming on the market in May 2024. It is one of only a handful of properties with river access and its own private dock that will be sold this year. We also have another river property coming on the market in a couple of months for under $1m so if you want to hear about that then do get in touch.
The Best Vacation Homes in the Russian River
1. 17443 Riverside Drive, Guerneville - $1.345m Available Now
If you are looking to embrace the river lifestyle this year, this unique riverfront home offers unparalleled views and direct access to the river, complete with your very own private dock. It will be coming on the market in May 2024.
Step inside to a spacious living area illuminated by natural light, featuring a stunning vaulted ceiling and expansive windows that frame the picturesque river views. The seamless flow from the living area to the kitchen ensures you never miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery, whether you're cooking or lounging.
This home boasts a versatile layout with a cozy den, a formal dining room, and three well-appointed bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite. The additional large bedroom is perfect for hosting family and friends, with ample space for multiple bunk beds.
Not to be overlooked, the substantial storage area provides plenty of space to keep all your river essentials organized, from kayaks to fishing gear, in addition to a convenient garage.
Now is the perfect time to secure the river home you've always desired. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to own a piece of paradise!
2. 7001 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental CA 95465 - $800,000
This is one of our listings we sold last year which was a very sepcial property with its own creek running through it. You could enjoy views from every window in the tastefully updated and well-maintained home that features a large living area, an en-suite bedroom and bathroom, an additional media room or guest room, a well-equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Miele appliances, and much more. It had multiple large deck areas, a private hot tub elevated above the home, and an additional seating/viewing area at the top of the property. Room for 5 cars to park behind the electric automatic gate, plus additional street parking. The home was situated close to town but had complete privacy. Definitely a special property!
3. 25898 Freezeout Rd, Duncans Mills, CA 95430 - $825,000
Last year, a spectacularly set mid-century cottage along one of the most iconic stretches of the Russian River found its new owners. This 1BR+1BA home was a true legacy of romance and charm, perfectly ready for its new owners to create unforgettable memories.
Visitors stepped onto this fairytale property and were immediately taken away by its private, peaceful, and strikingly beautiful setting. The adventure that unfolded offered endless views of nature, inviting strolls down the gentle lawn to the river’s edge.
New memories were ready to be made as the owners could cast off directly from their dock, savor a glass of wine along the banks at sunset, play badminton on the lawn, dine al fresco on the deck, or enjoy evenings in the hot tub under a sky of shooting stars. The combination of serenity and excitement was simply unbelievable.
Inside, the warm and inviting interiors featured big-picture windows, a wood-burning fireplace, an open kitchen, and a cozy en-suite bedroom—all combining to create a perfect love-nest. A detached office den kept the outside world at bay, ensuring peace and productivity.
Located just moments from the charming town of Duncans Mills and across from the Willow Creek Watershed, access to world-class hiking, dining, and entertainment was just steps away. The new owners embraced the pure romance of living along the Russian River in this once-in-a-lifetime home.
4. 1865 Austin Creek Rd, Cazadero, CA 95421-9617 - $835,000
The Sequoia House – A Mid-Century Marvel Amidst the Redwoods
Last year, the magical creek-side mid-century A-frame, known as the Sequoia House, found its new owners. Nestled in the redwoods on Austin Creek, this iconic retreat boasted a private and serene creekfront. The large, flat yard featured many discrete spaces for enjoyment and exploration.
Inside, the home was a mid-century delight, preserving its original features. The charming fireplace commanded the open floor plan, creating a perfect spot to snuggle up. The downstairs offered a cozy bedroom and bath, while the spacious open loft upstairs presented expansive living space.
From the extensive A-frame windows, views seamlessly blended the indoors with the outdoors, making nature a part of every moment. Outside, the deck provided a serene spot to overlook the burbling creek. New owners could relax in the outdoor sauna or stroll down to the seasonal creek for sun and fun.
5. 16506 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446-9534 - $1,225,000
Armstrong Woods Modern Farmhouse – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Last year, homebuyers were treated to the best of both worlds with the sale of the Armstrong Woods Modern Farmhouse. This residence combined traditional and contemporary finishes to create a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. Spanning an impressive 1780 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths, it provided ample space for comfort and elegance.
Situated in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods along the Russian River, the new owners gained easy access to the delightful shops, eateries, and boutique resorts that characterize this unique area. Just minutes from Armstrong Woods State Park, they were poised to enjoy endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Inside, the home featured a stunning great room with 20-foot ceilings, a cozy loft nestled above, dormer windows, and dark wide plank flooring throughout. The luxurious primary ensuite bedroom, alongside a second bedroom connected to a full bath, offered exceptional living quarters. The covered front porch and outdoor dining and lounge areas provided superb spaces for entertaining or relaxing.
The true star of the show was the solar-heated pool, complemented by a spa, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and leisure. Conveniently located only a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco, the Armstrong Woods Modern Farmhouse was an epitome of luxury living that quickly became someone’s new dream home.
6. 17447 Riverside Dr, Guerneville, CA 95446-9635 - $1,270,000
A Magical Transformation on the Russian River
Last year, homebuyers discovered the allure of a transformed riverfront cottage nestled along the scenic banks of the Russian River right next door to the property we are listing, 17443 Riverside Drive which is the first one on this list. This dwelling, which blended classic charm with contemporary upgrades, promised an unforgettable residential experience.
Inside, visitors were captivated by the original softwood flooring, cedar paneling, and beamed and vaulted ceilings that added a touch of grandeur. Sconce lighting cast a warm glow, inviting cozy evenings by the brick hearth woodstove. Modern comforts such as dual-zone heating and newer dual-pane windows and sliding doors not only enhanced the cottage's historic allure but also showcased breathtaking river views. These features provided a seamless connection to the expansive river-view deck and the private en suite sanctuary.
Beyond the walls of the cottage, a multilevel greenbelt yard awaited. Towering redwoods and aggregate walkways led to a magnificent Fieldstone slab patio, with steps guiding to the double-level river dock where kayaks could be launched onto the glistening waters. This picturesque setting was complemented by nearby pristine redwood preserves, world-class wineries, restaurants, and hikes in vast open spaces, offering new adventures in every direction.
This rare opportunity to experience the magic of riverfront living in Sonoma County was indeed extraordinary, marking a significant sale in the area’s real estate history.
7. 15120 Drake Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446-9444 - $1,332,500
A Riverfront Oasis on the Russian River
Last year, buyers escaped to a stunning riverfront oasis on the Russian River, just minutes from the bustling downtown Guerneville and at the heart of West Sonoma County's renowned wine country. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of redwoods and the invigorating breeze from the Pacific Ocean, the new owners found their perfect retreat.
Designed for entertaining, this spacious home featured an open floor plan that seamlessly flowed out to multiple deck areas, perfect for hosting unforgettable outdoor dinner parties. Guests could cozy up by the fire, either inside or out, and enjoy the ambiance of the modern kitchen accented by beautiful wood floors and ceilings in the living area. The bonus sleeping quarters and full bath downstairs provided ample space for guests.
This home also came equipped with modern amenities, including an EV charging station in the two-car garage and a wine storage area under the stairway, catering to the wine connoisseur. Last year’s sale of this piece of paradise marked a significant event for those seeking the quintessential Sonoma County lifestyle.
8. 22954 Conifer Dr, Monte Rio, CA 95462-9741 - $1,450,000
This unique property captured the hearts of new homeowners at the Russian River. This exceptional estate spanned over 1 acre of pristine land, including a piece of riverfront where the owners now enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing from their private dock.
The spacious, remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is light, bright, and tastefully designed. Its open floor plan featured a cozy fireplace that facilitated an easy flow between the kitchen and living area. The primary bedroom suite was spacious and serene, boasting another fireplace and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. With bonus guest quarters downstairs, the home comfortably accommodates 8 people.
From the deck, the new owners delight in the soothing hot tub, scenic views, and dining al fresco. They explore the bountiful garden, which is adorned with various fruit trees, raised beds, and colorful flowers. The flat lot also provides opportunities for expansion or to build an ADU on the river.
Located near hiking trails, beaches, and the Russian River Appellation, this property offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. This rare and exceptional property now serves as a beautifully remodeled home with a private dock, buildable riverfront space, and a vibrant garden, making it a cherished residence or vacation home for the lucky owners. They didn't wait, but came and experienced the beauty and tranquility of the Russian River, and now it's their dream home realized.
9. 6810 Nolan Rd, Forestville, CA 95436-9676 - $1,562,500
Your Secret Garden Sanctuary
Last year, just beyond an unassuming gate, buyers discovered their escape to a secret garden sanctuary. Meandering through pathways of decomposed granite lined with stone, past rows of lavender and olive trees, to a greenhouse and raised garden beds, the journey continued past an art studio and chicken coop, arriving at the outdoor kitchen beneath a 46-foot pergola crowned with climbing roses. Here rested a lovely country home that was meticulously maintained and thoughtfully restored.
Featuring warm maple flooring throughout, the home included an inviting kitchen with a Wolf range and butcher block island, central heating and air, and a detached two-car garage with a finished loft above. A short walk from downtown Forestville, this property was perfectly positioned with breathtaking backroad access to Healdsburg, Sebastopol, the Russian River, and the Sonoma Coast.
10. 7260 Giovanetti Rd, Forestville, CA 95436-9251 - $1,700,000
A Masterpiece Realized
Completed in 2022, the true essence of this unique, off-grid, custom-built sanctuary on 37+ acres was more than words could capture. This ultra-custom masterpiece, tucked away down a private lane and perched atop a knoll, boasted uninterrupted views of the captivating Western Sonoma County landscape. It offered 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within its expansive 1,400+ square feet of living space.
The property exuded peace, serenity, stillness, and sheer wonder, making it a rare find for a retreat approximately 2 miles from downtown Forestville. Designed with entertaining in mind, its seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces created a sense of fluidity and abundance. The meticulous craftsmanship was evident in features such as fire-resistant cement board siding, a standing seam metal roof, radiant-heat polished concrete flooring, soaring ceilings, a 25' Nana Wall, a gourmet kitchen equipped with an 8-burner range, and hand-crafted Cumaru cabinetry. Reclaimed old-growth 9-foot redwood doors added to the home's unique character.
An attached carport provided a versatile space for leisure, a workshop, or creative endeavors. Additionally, a detached look-out deck and shed served multiple purposes, including a yoga studio, office, or even a cozy camping spot for warm summer nights. This property, completed last year, became a treasured acquisition for those seeking an exceedingly rare and tranquil lifestyle.
