Finding budget-friendly accommodation for a family in San Francisco isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Our brief was trickier than usual: we were looking for a place to accommodate all 3 of us, plus a separate room for my mother who was visiting us during our family’s USA roadtrip, ideally with some outside space so we could have some relaxing days.
So when it was time to plan our week by the Bay, we decided to look further afield and stay in one of the city’s surrounding areas, figuring it would be less expensive and we’d get more for our money. After scrolling for what seemed like hours, we finally spotted Pippin’s Cottage and couldn’t believe our luck. Despite looking too good to be true, we booked it immediately!
The communication with the owner Kathryn couldn’t have been better. We were given a comprehensive guide to the house, and surrounding area as well as really detailed instructions on how to get there.
Just a warning: we LOVED this place, it was probably one of the best airbnb/hotels we stayed in during our 6 month USA roadtrip and I don’t really have anything bad to say about it… I tried to find faults when writing this, but nope. Kathryn has done a stellar job and the location couldn’t be any more perfect. I just really want to live there.
ARRIVAL
We drove through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate bridge (such a treat as a first introduction to the city!) and we followed the instructions which took us past Sausalito and 20 minutes on a main road leading us to a windy and steep country lane, which made us wonder whether we’d taken a wrong turn! Of course my son was squealing with happiness at the rollercoaster drive, but we weren’t so sure.
The lane led to a little hamlet of a few houses surrounded by redwood trees, and not a sound except for the melodic sing-song of the birds in them.
We opened the wooden gates to find a path dotted by lanterns leading you towards the main door of a quaint wooden cottage. Our host Kathryn welcomed us warmly and showed us around her beautiful house, while explaining the history of the place and the very careful and loving way she has decorated it.
LOCATION
Situated just over 45 minutes from the centre of San Francisco, Pippin’s Cottage is perhaps a little too far for those just wanting to visit the city, but for us, it was perfect. The house sits on 3 acres of woodland, with gigantic redwood trees towering over the house and the outdoor areas, the whole area a hundred times prettier than expected. It was what is known in internet terms as an #airbnbwin.
THE HOUSE
The house is full of character, from the moment you walk in. You quickly realise how every detail has been carefully thought through, from the luxury soap in the bathroom and copper sink to the fluffy pillows in the bedrooms.
The house smells beautiful, and is both cosy and luxurious, with absolutely everything that you may need on your holiday. A great deal of thought has been placed into the things that really matter, and are often not considered, such as the quality of linen and pillows and a bottle of wine waiting for us in the fridge, and a few food basics. The house has A/C to cool off the summer days and central heating for the colder months.
BEDROOMS
note: When we visited Pippin’s Cottage, the main bedroom was located on the lower floor, and the second bedroom on the main floor. My photos and description will match our visit and not the current layout, which looks great by the way. You can see the new rooms here.
Main Room
The main bedroom is beautifully decorated, with a large bookcase and as mentioned above, with fluffy and soft bedding that wouldn’t be out of place in a luxury hotel.
Best of it all is the cosy window nook that looks down over the fairytale-like woods – perfect for an afternoon of light reading, daydreaming or just reflecting on life and wondering why you don’t just move to this heavenly part of the world.
Second Bedroom
The second bedroom is a breath of fresh air. Windows lining every wall looking out to the lush forest, beautiful furniture, including a vintage desk. It has two single beds, again with wonderful bedding.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM
Bright and airy, the kitchen is equipped with all modern appliances and has everything that you may need (and more)! A great space, perfect for cooking some family meals, or even better preparing sides to the tasty barbecue you’ll be having outside!
The bathroom is a tad small, but full of nice details like the brass sink and luxury soap. Of course, Kathryn had left lots of fluffy towels for us!
LIVING ROOM
The living room is cosy and on the small side, but in conjunction with the dining table it has plenty of space to socialise and relax. The TV has netflix and cable, but I doubt you’ll want to be looking at a screen while you’re here! It also has a wood-burning stove, which would make a winter’s night all that much cosy. I can picture some board-game playing sessions, with wine and a fire roaring in the background…I really do hope to be able to return one day.
GARDEN / TERRACE
We didn’t quite realise just how spacious and atmospheric the outside space is. There a large terrace with a ‘wine-barrel’ type hot tub (oh yes!), a great gas BBQ and an outdoors dining table.
All surrounded by the impressive redwood trees. At night, the colourful outdoor lights give the whole area a very distinct party atmosphere – it was incredible. We were lucky to have some warm days and evenings when we visited San Francisco, and lived outdoors when during our stay in Pippin’s Cottage.
OVERALL
I think you can probably guess that we were very impressed during our stay at Pippins Cottage. It works really well as a romantic or family weekend getaway from San Francisco, but also as an escape to the country with a few friends.
COST: A bit on the expensive side, but this is San Francisco, and we wanted to pamper my mum for a few days, and this is a truly amazing house. We paid £645 for 4 nights, which accommodated 3 adults and one child.
LOCATION: Woodacre, CA. Find out directions from Woodacre to San Francisco here.
To find out more information about Pippins Cottage, visit their airbnb listing below, and if you’d like to book don’t forget you can save $25 by clicking through this link (I get a few pennies commission, but the price remains the same for you!).
