The Orchard Retreat

A Turn-of-the-Century Apple Farm Turned Secluded Retreat

This characterful farm property in northern California dates back to 1900 and is surrounded by lush orchards, making it an inspiring setting for long, relaxing stays. It's made up of a main house plus a smaller cottage, which are available to rent together or separately.

The land around the farmhouse and cottage is home to over 350 trees that produce apples, satsumas, pears, peaches and an abundance of other fruit from August through December. There is also an expansive organic garden. Wander through the trees or admire nature's abundance from the main house's wraparound porch. The upstairs office and bedroom have a treehouse feel, looking out over the water tower and orchard, but there are great views from every window.

The property's owner, an art-house filmmaker, tells us, "Renting my farmhouse allows me to travel and continue to make my films in far-flung locales, knowing that others are enjoying the space and the small thriving community of Sebastopol, with its proximity to wineries, the fun-filled Barlow, the Pacific Ocean, quaint towns and farms, friendly folks and beautiful winding country roads."

This vacation home for rent in California is an ideal spot for long, lazy family vacations, writers' retreats, or small gatherings. The Farmhouse is 2,500sqft in size, with two queen bedrooms, a fold-out couch (with organic mattress), two full bathrooms, and a Steinway grand piano, which is perfect for music lovers. There is an additional queen bed available in the water tower, if required. The adjacent two-bedroom Cottage can be rented with the main house, or separately. Both are currently available for stays of 30 days or longer.

There is also a 1,100sqft barn on the farm, which is ideal for retreats or events. Please inquire for details.

AROUND

This vacation home for rent in California is located an hour from San Francisco, near Sebastopol. Originally an orchard town, Sebastopol is still famous for its Gravenstein apples, which are celebrated in an annual fair, but these days the town is better known for its grapes. Visit the wineries, tasting rooms and farm-to-table restaurants, as well as the quirky shops and vintage clothing stores that echo the town's hippie heritage.

Don't miss the Barlow, a 12-acre, dog-friendly outdoor market that features wine, beer, spirits, food and crafts made by local artisans. There are 254 square miles of freshwater wetlands nearby at the Laguna Wetlands Preserve, which is great for hiking and birdwatching.