Guest Comments
I am happy to share the kind compliments that so many of the guests have made about Elements. A lot of compliments have been left on homeaway connect site. Those and other messages will be shared here.
8/19/2010
We had three couples, all with kids, plus baby sitter. Michael steered us in the direction of the Auld’s cabin (end of the driveway) for the third couple, which worked out wonderfully.
Elements is truly beautiful, more even than in the website pictures. The level of thought and integration that went into the design of this property is really impressive. Everything is well-thought out without anything being over-the-top. It all produces a remarkable sense of serenity on the property. It seems like you are always in the redwoods, even when you are inside. Our kids played on the property and down at the creek and were never at a loss for things to do. As for the adults, Elements is an awesome jumping-off point for just about anything that you might want to do. We did a fair amount of wine tasting (Russian River, Alexander Valley, Carneros, and even a day in Napa), but we also spent time in the nearby forests, went to the beach, and visited some of the local towns.
A few recommendations from Michael that we second: Go to Raymond’s bakery – the fruit pastries are killer and Friday pizza night is a great family activity. If wine-touring, stop in at Sophie’s Wine Shop, they are knowledgeable about the local wines and the wineries, and can recommend good visits and provide complementary tasting cards. We’d also recommend Stumphouse for good beer and comfort food.
As you can tell we had a great time.
Alan and family
7/25/2010
Hi Michael
6/25/2010
Eight women headed up to the wine country to celebrate the 60th birthday of
our good friend, Toni. I looked at about 100 places to stay and this by far
won out. We were greeted by Michael, given the grand tour and were amazed
to all the detail put into making it the special place it is. We took advantage of
all the amenities–the outdoor kitchen, soaking tub, beautiful patio views
and the new tree house, where we enjoyed the sound of the waterfall. If you
like to cook, you will find a well stocked kitchen and plenty of space to enjoy a
meal. It is a wonderful house to create memories to last a lifetime. Thanks
Michael, for sharing this special place.
guest name: kookielo5
guest city-state/province: Huntington Beach, Ca.
6/19/2010
Group vacations can be tricky, but Elements provided a perfect setting for us.
There was just enough space to allow privacy for each of our 3 couples, while
maintaining a cozy cabin feeling. A luxurious cabin for sure! As we were
sitting around the fire pit roasting marshmallows one night, we deemed
Elements the perfect place for “glamping” — glamorous camping! You’re both
surrounded by nature and in the lap of luxury! You can sit around the fire,
relax in the redwood soaking tub, nap in the hammock, or just enjoy the
beautiful grounds. You feel totally secluded, yet you can be at a lovely
Russian River Valley winery in less than an hour. There are tons of activities
nearby — Armstrong Redwood preserve, beaches, creeks, wineries, farmers’
markets, and plenty of quaint little towns if you need a little shopping or a
great restaurant. Elements is in a perfect location, though you may not want
to leave once you arrive! Also worth noting, we loved cooking at Elements,
and found the kitchen to be very well-equipped. Elements is a magical place.
Surrounded by beautiful Redwoods, its a bit like a treehouse for grown-ups!
On the last day as were preparing to leave, we realized that we hadn’t turned
on the TV one time. Elements is truly a very special retreat, and we can’t wait
to return!
guest name: kimberly30
guest city-state/province: Austin, Tx6/7/2010
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing retreat with us! We had an amazing weekend and hope to return. We love everything about Elements and this magical little corner of California. Thank you again, you’ve really created a special place.
kimberly, amanda, jennifer, jay, jason and brad
4/4/2010
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Jasmin and Steve P.
We recently stayed at The Elements for my husband’s 40th birthday surprise weekend. And what an incredible surprise indeed! The Elements far exceeded all our expectations.
We had a total of 4 couples, and the property allowed plenty oof room for gatherings, as well as peaceful moments alone.
The speciall touches and attention to detail throughout the prpoperty were so appreciated, and you can tell that the property owner Michael has taken a careful hand to create an envoirment that blends daily necessities with that of the natural surroundings.
The grounds are impressive, yet unintimidating. Set high and amongst the redwoods…the views are stunning. (We cant wait to see the finished safari tent lookout!
We highly recommend a visit and extended stay at The Elements! Thank you again Michael!
-Jamsine and Steve P
03/26/2010
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Mary Donate (Minn, Mn.)
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This was the most amazing place to stay with my friends. 6 of us girls, went here for my 50th birthday, and stayed for 3 nights. We all wish we had an extra day to just stay put and enjoy the grounds. We cooked in every evening and enjoyed the outdoor fire pit, the hot tub and the serenity of property. It was perfect – we were already discussing coming back. We had a great day at the wineries, another day at the ocean (very close) – What a great place to enjoy company and still have your own space. Michael was wonderful, accomodating and ever so helpful with references. Thank you for sharing this with everyone!
Mary
- Randi and Richard , Salinas,
- We had an incredible week long stay here and it was to short! Starting off with time alone and then friends and family rolling in for the party. Everyone was thrilled with the feeling that Elements gives even as you drive up the driveway, and then stepping out into the artistry of the landscape that surrounds! No one wanted to leave even the teenagers. We woke in the morning with peace and the incredible smells of redwoods in the rain and the sounds of the creek. It was also amazing in the hot tub when the rain was pouring down. The area is gorgeous and so much we didn’t do because we were captured by the magic of Elements. So now we must work out another time to get back and explore more deeply. With sincere admiration and thanks to Michael, and Oliver! We loved it! Randi and Richard
- 12/06/09
Silvia Vaughn , Mission Viejo - The Elements is an Amazing Place to vacation, to party, to rest, and or to retire. Our Family reunion was a success, we enjoyed every bit of the property, the pictures do not make Justice, this is Heaven on Earth. Thanks Michael for having such a sublime place to share with us, your style is appreciated, and we will see you again soon. From: Silvia, Gibson and family.
- 08/31/09
G.Beck , San Francisco, - The Elements was every bit as idyllic as it looks in these photos. Our group of 10 spent a lovely long weekend enjoying every aspect of this gorgeous place — sunning and BBQing on the deck, soaking in the tub, whipping up feasts, and sitting around the fire pit until late in the evening. It doesn’t get much better than this.
- 07/30/09
Sandra Proctor , San Francisco - How does one describe a feeling of peace that transcends the physical and inhabits every part of your being? Simply sublime, a feast for your senses! I celebrated my 50th birthday at Elements. From the first moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be a life-changing place. It was important to me that my party venue have the perfect balance of tranquility, beauty, nature, style, comfort, and luxury; Elements did not disappoint. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations. Michael, the owner is a delightful person. He addressed all my questions and concerns and was extremely helpful when it came to suggesting local activities, restaurants and favorite shops. He magically merged rustic beauty with sophisticated style. I wanted a place where I could entertain my friends in luxury and comfort, and give them the feeling of being in a secluded forest setting enchanted by the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and towering redwoods, yet provide them all the “creature comforts” of a spa resort where they could relax and unwind. We also enjoyed Austin Creek’s many swimming holes, just a short walk from the property. True to its namesake, Michael created a perfect blend of all nature’s elements: wood, water, earth, fire, and air. Whether you are looking for solitude, intimacy, celebration or assembly, Elements provides a full spectrum of experiences. I can’t wait to return!
- 07/15/09
San Francisco, - I spent a weekend here with 10 close friends for a girl’s retreat weekend. Everyone in the group agreed that it was the most fabulous getaway. The home is absolutely beautiful and incredibily comfortable. The beds are dreamy, the place is warm yet airy, the kitchen is a chef’s dream, and the hot tub is a pleasure. We spent our time grilling, cooking, sitting in the sun, and swinging in the hammock. The sounds of the birds and flirting squirrels were the extent of our distractions. We made plans to do all sorts of activities in the area, but due to the completely wonderful time we were having at the house, we ended up spending the entire weekend at the house. This is a perfect place for a group of 8 – 12, families (granted one must keep an eye on the little ones), and reunions. Everyone in the group vows to come back to this oasis.