I turned 50 earlier this year and we've been celebrating with different groups of friends in different places, instead of a big party. Our early-May weekend at the Straus Ranch was the loveliest location, the most charming house and the most relaxed group dynamic.

The eight of us had grand plans to hike to Tomales Point and to kayak in Tomales Bay. That all went by the wayside as we woke up to the beautiful views out over the water from right where we were, and when Michael kindly offered a walking tour of the hillside pastures and a history of the Ranch. Both the views and the story were beautiful and fascinating. And our stroll through the hills ended right across the street from Nick's Cove, where we watched the fog clear from the end of the pier.

We did manage to travel as far as the Marshall Store for a grilled oyster lunch on the shore, and for a run up and back one of the country roads just south of the Ranch. But the most relaxing fun was at the house, especially for our two big group dinners. We had a big pot of pasta sauce going to greet our guests as they arrived the first night, and we grilled chicken and veggies the second night. The spacious and well-stocked kitchen and the big, beautiful dining room table provided far more capacity than we needed for two such dinner parties for eight.

Then the living room was perfect for relaxing all together after dinner, and the den for slipping off sometimes to read. The four bedrooms upstairs are all lovely, private and very comfortable. And the two bathrooms with showers -- one up and one down -- were definitely all we needed (it is a farm after all).

We plan to get back up there before long and do one of the nighttime bioluminescence tours by kayak. Now I can't believe that when we did that a few years ago we stayed in some shoddy B&B when we could have been here!

The Straus Home Ranch is located in a beautiful pastoral setting with lovely views of Tomales Bay. My husband and I vacationed there along with 3 other couples. The home is cozy and the beds are very comfortable. It is well stocked with a large kitchen, BBQ, games, books and a fabulous grand piano in the living room. My friends and I enjoyed a fun night of singing around the piano. There's lots to do in the area: hiking, kayaking, dining, shopping, wine tasting and cheese tasting. I never tasted dairy products a wonderful as the organic Straus brand. The Straus Home Ranch is a great place to bond with family and friends. We are looking forward to returning.
Linda Eichberg

My husband and I traveled with 3 other couples to the Straus Home Ranch for Labor Day weekend. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in for something very special. The house has been beautifully and comfortably done and felt very spacious - even for 8 adults. Everything about it felt homey yet there has been no skimping on making he experience "elevated". The furnishings, the linens (the linens!), the gorgeous hand-made dining room table that easily seats 12, seating for breakfast outdoors - are simple but elegant. Views from the rooms are of the old red barn and lovely trees on the property or the bay. Only beautiful and restful things to look at.They have a Steinway piano in the living room. One of our group is a musician and we sang right into the wee hours one night with wine we had picked up in Sonoma - about an hour away. Point Reyes has some wonderful shopping opportunities and there is no end to the places you can hike. Kayaking is an option as well. There are plenty of restaurants close by. We had a beautiful view at Nick's Cove for dinner but if you happen to stay there on a Friday night - be sure to eat at Tony's - great seafood and friendly service. But come early. Its the local hangout and people retire by 7:00. After 3 days, none of us were ready to leave and we are already planning our next trip there. It feels like home and we'll definitely be back.

The house is beautiful, the scenery around it spectacular, and the surrounding area is second-to-none nationwide. If you're looking for a place to kick back and relax in West Marin, this is the spot. The home is historic, but don't conjure up images of worn down and funky. In truth, the furnishings are modern and well appointed, the beds are new and extraordinarily comfortable, and the kitchen is top notch and has everything you'll need to prepare a meal for 2-12 people. I was exhausted and in need of a quiet and tranquil setting to get away for a few days. This rental more than fit the bill, and was beyond my expectations. We ate great food, saw amazing stars, kayaked on the bay, slept in late, and enjoyed our stay immensely! A perfect location for a perfect vacation!

We had our wedding here and the small group (30) had a great time. Really comfortable house with everything you need, nice kitchen and four upstairs bedrooms. The hosts were easy to deal with and accommodating. Great place for a weekend getaway.

Beautiful, well-kept rooms and picturesque grounds. The hosts thought of all the little extras that made our stay comfortable and memorable. We especially enjoyed the tranquil views of the bay and the cows in the fields. The home is clean, well-appointed and spacious. With kayaking, hiking and beaches at our doorstep, our vacation was perfectly relaxing and rejuvenating. We will definitely be making a trip back to spend more time with friends and family around the hand-hewn redwood table!