Experience the ocean's presence at this architecturally significant beachfront home designed by John Marsh Davis. Enjoy unparalleled views from the open concept living/dining space, compact kitchen, and private inner courtyard with a hot tub overlooking the ocean.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
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About this property
Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House
This architecturally significant home designed by John Marsh Davis is located right on the beach. The home features a large open concept living/dining space with a custom dining table that has unparalleled ocean views. The compact kitchen is surrounded by glass windows that extend along the entire front of the house, making for views from every angle. The large wood burning fireplace is centered in the living room making a cozy place to curl up and watch the surf after a long day on the beach. On the ground floor is the only private bedroom. The second floor loft “bedrooms” are built-in berths that make one feel as if they were on a boat, each nook featuring stunning beach and ocean views. Each of the sleeping areas can be made private by lowering the custom sail-cloth blinds. There is also a third floor loft with two twin beds. This truly exceptional home boasts a large private inner courtyard, wrap around ocean front decks, and a hot tub overlooking the ocean. NOTES: Not suitable for children under 8 years old. Due to a delicate septic system, the property is not suited to large gatherings. A maximum of 10 overnight renters is allowed, and no more than a total of 15 people (renters and guests) for day use. This home comes with an extra level of commitment from the guest; to treat the home with the respect they would show their own property. Gas Grill. Bed Configuration: 1 King Bed, 4 Full Beds, 2 Twin Beds
NOTE: All online bookings are subject to owner approval. Minimum booking is 7 days unless surrounding bookings create a smaller span. If you are having trouble booking on line or have any questions, please call us.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
DVD player
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Fenced yard
Gas grill
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Stinson Beach, this holiday home is on the beach. Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ocean Beach and Presidio of San Francisco. Stinson Beach Books and Book Passage are also worth visiting. Visit our Stinson Beach travel guide
Is Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House located?
Nestled on the beach, this Stinson Beach holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Upton Beach, Stinson Beach and Stinson Beach Books. Mount Tamalpais State Park and Bolinas Lagoon Preserve are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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Classic Oceanfront Stinson - The Whale House Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The home is uniquely wonderful in both the architecture and location. I especially loved the loft bedrooms for the morning views right onto the beach. My friend and I both turning 60 and we agreed that we couldn't have chosen a more magical location to celebrate.
Architecturally significant house on a perfect stretch of beach. Absolutely ideal set up for entertaining a large family. Everything was perfect. Enough space, perfect views. Only steps from the water. 5 minute walk to the town. Rent this place if you can.
eric m.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kathy O.
30 Jul 2024
Heaven on the Shore
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I treated my family to the Whale House for 2 weeks and it was lovely. Not only is the location perfect but the house is unique and so comfortable. The last evening the weather changed and we were able to enjoy the huge fireplace.
Kathy O.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jeff G.
18 Dec 2025
Whale House
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Iconic property. Love it
Jeff G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Iris K.
28 May 2023
A magical place, exceeding all expectations
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I first walked past the Whale House about 25 years ago and on subsequent visits to Stinson Beach always looked at it with envy. As this was a special birthday I took the plunge and booked it for a week with myself and friends coming over from the UK.I had seen photos and also went inside a few months earlier, so I thought I knew what to expect. What we actually experienced was even better than imagined. Every tiny detail is catered for and everything worked perfectly. The new kitchen is fabulous and no-one minded washing up with that view! The appliances are all high end, as is the bedding, the towels etc. From the moment I shared my ambitious plan, 3 years ago, with the fabulous team at Highway One Properties I was extremely well supported and this made everything so much easier. Despite being on the other side of the planet they addressed all my questions promptly, professionally and thoughtfully. They made a wonderful experience even better.
Iris K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Christina F.
8 Dec 2022
33 Calle del Sierra Delights Again!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This property is like coming home to us. Certainly a "Same time next year" stay for us. After 6+ stays with family and friends, we continue. to enjoy the beauty of the beach and the unique design of the home.
Christina F.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
YAMI A.
6 Jun 2022
Great Place to Stay!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We enjoyed our stay at the Whale House, the property is well supplied with fine and soft linens and bath towels. Kitchen tools, pots, pans, cutting knives and cookware were not to the same standards; propane tank for BBQ unit was low and fire pit propane tank leaked gas so we could not use it. The house is amazing and overall we had a fantastic stay!
YAMI A.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
8 Sept 2021
This is a DREAM BEACH HOUSE!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I had always admired the house from the beach but to step inside is a whole different story. It's so much more than you can imagine. It was absolutely fabulous!
This was one of the coolest homes we've ever rented. Perfect location aside, the unusual architecture of this house was appreciated by all. There is only one real "bedroom", the rest are beds on a mezzanine open to the great room. The Jack&Jill bathroom was ingenious. Even Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed the set up!
We loved our stay in this unique and incredible house. We spent much time outside in the super comfy deck chairs staring at the ocean or enjoying all the action on the beach. The house has a wonderful, warm vibe with all the wood and many windows with views of the ocean. Would definitely stay here again!
Elissa J.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Colleen S.
24 Jul 2021
Amazing stay at Stinson right on the beach!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We absolutely LOVED staying at this property! It was even better than we imagined from the description. We loved being right on the beach and hearing the waves all day and night. The beds were super comfy. Also, Highway One is so responsive and helpful and I now only want to rent from them ❤️
Colleen S.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
d e.
19 Jun 2021
Whale House
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Funky Fab
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The whale house is magic. The setting right on the beach with Ocean surrounding you.
Sarah K.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Tana W.
4 Oct 2020
Ward Family August Rental
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The location and uniqueness of the house was great. The neighbors complaining to the office was very frustrating, when we held to the agreement of 15 day visitors at one given time. We had friends using our parking, but many stayed on the beach. The local neighborhood is not friendly and makes it frustrating to renters paying a very large sum for one month. All the cleaners, Hot tub attendants were incredible. We love this house and would love to stay again next summer or before.
Tana W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Molly K.
11 Mar 2020
Beautiful beach front stay
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a very relaxing and wonderful stay at this beautiful house. Walking distance to town and right on the beach. Who could ask for anything more?
Right on the beach with all the amenities you need to have a relaxing trip to the beach
Molly K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
From a partner site
8/10 Good
John B.
7 Jan 2020
Whale House
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great location and obviously a unique design. Hot tub was a major attraction but was broken when we were there. The exterior had not been cleaned Fire pit devise was broken. The control dial was not connected. The BBQ was not cleaned and filled the house with smoke when turned on the first time. Many lights were out. Kitchen was well stocked but very small. Unique, funky property that despite the above mentioned item, was a fun place to stay and maybe the best location and access to the beach. Highway One people were great.
I booked this for my Boss to enjoy with some friends and they had a great time. It was exactly the getaway they were looking for! Thank you for opening up your beautiful home to them! They will definitely be back.
Christopher J.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Krista H.
7 Nov 2019
Fabulous Home on the Beach with Stinson Charm
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I gathered with a group of childhood friends for a weekend of beach walks, sitting around the fire on the deck, eating good food and sharing stories. This home was the perfect place to reconnect and soak in the magic of our childhood coast. The hot tub's location is second to none and the long dining table fit us all with plenty of room to spread out. Waking up in the loft bed and gazing out at the light at sunrise over the Pacific was a highlight.
Love this house! Been admiring it for so long and finally stayed here. By far the best location and house for our annual girls trip. It was perfect in so many ways… the open floor plan, sleeping lofts, outside deck with fire pit, hot tub.
Most of the beds are on a 2nd floor loft. You will need to climb to get into the beds but once you’re in there, it is super comfy and the view of the beach is so lovely. The 3rd floor upper loft requires a climb up a latter.
The house is unusual and absolutely wonderful. Everyone loved their stay and we are already figuring out how we can stay longer next time!
Zoe G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lila S.
12 Sept 2019
Great Beach Getaway
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We loved this house that is perfectly beachfront with a wonderfully long narrow dining table that seats a large group. It worked exceptionally well for our group of eight and we will definitely rent again.