Wanted a special place to celebrate our 44th Anniversary. The Trees in Occidental was that special retreat. It is off Occiental Rd, but you would never know you were close to a busy road. The Trees is a fantastic comfortable property and the Gonnella's have made The Tree's a five star place. It has everything you want plus more. Whatever room you are in you look out to the trees and gardens. During our stay it rained, but it was so great to relax by the fire and read, or watch the rain through the trees. Wanted a special place for dinner, but with the rain Barbara suggested that she would cater our dinner from the Union Hotel. What more could you ask for. It was a wonderful anniversary and look forward to spending more special celebrations at The Trees.
Thank you so much for letting us enjoy this special place.

Bill and Pat

We stayed in one of the handful of magical guest houses nestled on a hill in the tiny town of Occidental. First of all, it was huge! It was gorgeously decorated by the owners, the perfect vacation home, and they had thought of everything. The floorplan made for comfy, fun entertaining if you had a big group, or a romantic time if it's just the two of you. We had our baby with us, and the layout was perfect. A few things we loved were the giant remote-controlled fireplace that kept it warm even though it was winter weather, an antique grand piano, a real jukebox with great sound, an antique clawfoot tub surrounded by windows looking out on a private view of the redwoods, comfy new, high beds with perfect white linens and down comforters, copper pots and skylights in the brand-new kitchen, beautiful giant art books to look through, tons of comfortable seating, tons of closet space, a kitchen stocked with beautiful dishes, an office with antique roll-top desk, and a terrace that looks like you're in Tuscany (we've been to some beatiful villas in Tuscany, too). The house was surrounded by a private redwood grove that was full of surprise benches and views when you explored it. It was totally private yet just a few minutes walk down the hill to the restaurants (the main one belonging to your hosts, so they'll treat you like family there, too). Barbara and her husband made us feel like we were their long-lost best friends, and they treated us like royalty, available literally at any moment to answer a question or take care of us, day or night, for an entire week's stay--I mean, if you lose your key or need a corkscrew, they come running, better service than a hotel. It was the most fun, relaxing vacation I think we've ever had, because of the beauty of the place combined with the gracious hospitality of the owners. Five stars all the way. Also, this is in Sonoma but it's a tiny little town, so many people don't consider it, yet it was just a very short drive to everything we did on our vacation, like ziplining in the redwoods, wine-tasting, etc. Definitely a huge bargain--in more "fashionable" nearby towns I saw places that were four times the rates (or more) for similar properties. We can't wait to go again and try the other guesthouses they have! We even got reliable wifi so we were able to keep up with work remotely. It was really special. The morning light was kind of magical and I took some beautiful pictures of my baby daughter. We'll never forget it.

Wow-
We have discovered the perfect hidden getaway. We traveled to Occidental to experience the Sonoma Canopy Zipline Tour. Occidental lodging is limited so we were thrilled to discover the Occidental guest house Trees Property. The house is nestled in the redwoods, and decorated in a very Ralph Lauren style. An amazing terrace to watch sunsets, and it has a rocking juke box! The house includes complimentary wine and bruschetta at the Union Hotel Restaraunt, it was wonderful and we ended up dining on the clam chowder. We woke up to deer looking in at us through the windows. An amazing experience. We are definitely returning.

We stayed in the studio not the main house. Both may be rented. Close to town but quiet. You feel like you're really out in the country. Arrived to find a good bottle of wine waiting for us. Really enjoyed the huge sunny deck. Up on a hill so nice views of the river valley below. Listen to the birds in the trees nearby and watch the vultures swoop so close! Short walk to town where we ate breakfast at Howard Station Cafe both mornings!
http://www.howardstationcafe.com Clean. Good bed. Lots of towels and pillows. Not fancy but very comfortable. Excellent road bicycle riding right from the door. Coleman Valley Rd. is a popular local route out to the coast. Very few cars on it even on the weekend. Sonoma and Marin counties have many paved country roads with little auto traffic.

Cons: these are all fixable if the proprietor should decide to do so. Address not displayed at street entrance. After driving around for awhile, had to go back to town to ask how to get there. No hair dryer. Shower head low (I'm only 5'6" and had to crouch to wash hair). This can be fixed by installing a hand held shower head and mounting it higher. No tissues. No mirror except in the bathroom. (Most women appreciate another mirror while sweetie is in the bathroom) No hooks in bathroom for toiletries bag. Although clean due to being new, comforter on bed is not enclosed in a duvet cover. This is unsanitary. Suggestion: Would be nice if could walk to town without being on Occidental road.