🌿 Serene Sunset Cottage 🌿 – San Francisco Bay View

El Cerrito, CA, United States

2 guests
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

‘The earth laughs in flowers!’ ~ R.W. Emerson Live among the wild flowers, butterflies and birdsongs! 🦋🦋🦋 Secluded, sunny, peaceful and private - Sunset Cottage is the perfect sanctuary, nestled in El Cerrito Natural Reserve with amazing views of Golden Gate Bridge, golden hills and San Francisco Bay. Close to Berkeley 15 - 20 min drive San Francisco 30 - 50 min drive Napa / Wine Country 45 - 50 min drive Writers / Meditation retreat - peaceful, quiet, surrounded by nature Private driveway.

Good to know

“…Since the thing perhaps is to eat flowers/and not to be afraid. - e.e. cummings Our home is a serene, sunny, completely private, stand-alone one-bedroom cottage, sitting on a 5,000 sq ft garden lot, wrapped in greenery, flowers, and bird songs. The perfect urban oasis, writers’ / creators’ /meditation retreat. Sip wine on the flowering patio or catch a stunning sunset on the small hill ( 2 min hike ) right behind the house. Off street parking on our long driveway or free street parking just in front of the house. 🅿️ 🚗 Uber and Lyft are recommended if you don’t have a car. The cottage is tucked away in the foothills of El Cerrito Natural Reserve. Beautiful hiking trails are starting in your own backyard, offering stunning Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and Bay views everywhere you turn. Perfect for daily hikes, meditation, and taking in the stunning sunsets over Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Mount Tam. Perfect for people who love experiencing nature at their doorstep! Pick your own Meyer lemons from the pollinator’s heaven garden, listen to the bird songs while relaxing with your favorite book in the hammock or hike the trails behind the house - here, nature is everywhere you turn. It's the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life, yet Berkeley is a short 20 min drive and San Francisco is just 16 miles away or a 30-50 min drive or a 30 min gorgeous ferry ride from Richmond Marina. It is designed with functionality in mind where nature meets modern, urban, sustainable living. Our primary goal was to minimize our footprint as much as possible, focusing on the outdoor living and being one with nature! It has a fast fiber optic internet 1000 mbps. Adults only accommodation. Not childproof. 🌿 MAX OCCUPANCY: 🌿 2 people at all times! Registered guests only. Going to the city? We highly recommend taking the new Richmond Ferry ( 13 min drive or a $7-14 Uber ride ) rather than BART ( 5 min drive away) to get to San Francisco’s Embarcadero. It’s the most beautiful way to get into the city and once on the ferry, it takes only 20 min to the city, total of 30-40 min from our door. Parking is plenty and it’s free. Yes, we are Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Butterfly and Bee friendly garden! PARKING is a breeze - back up on our long driveway OR plenty of street parking! It's located on a quiet residential street with gorgeous views of beautiful San Francisco city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge and the new Bay Bridge. The back garden offers a serene view of the El Cerrito hills and hiking trails are starting in your own backyard. It's close to Solano Ave, UC Berkeley, Berkeley downtown, Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco, Marin and strategically located to reach Napa, Sonoma and the entire wine country within 50-60 min. Sip a glass of wine on the deck and take in on a gorgeous golden sunset over the San Francisco Bay or catch it from a bird point of view from the hill behind the house ( 2 min walk ) The feel is modern and warm with many wood accents and thoughtful touches. OUR GUESTS: Perfect for: ~ visiting UC BERKELEY professors or neighbors; ~ UC Berkeley students' visiting families; ~ Ph.D. students; ~ business professionals; ~ writer’s retreat; ~ artist’s retreat; ~ meditation / silent retreat; ~ relocating folks; ~ couples having a wonderful getaway; ~ or anyone that is looking for a place to stay in East Bay close to Berkeley, Oakland, Napa, etc. We are looking for KIND and loving folks only! Self - sufficient, respectful and friendly. PRIVACY: Our cottage is completely private. No shared walls, no other people on the premises. It's a stand alone little house. It's nestled in El Cerrito natural reserve. Enjoy our Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden / Certified Butterfly and Bee friendly sanctuary. Our Serene Sunset Cottage is situated on a beautiful natural reserve, offering a unique connection to the surrounding environment. While we maintain regular monthly pest control services and diligently clear spiders and cobwebs, harmless spiders and occasional cobwebs may still be present due to our location within a natural setting. For guests accustomed to urban environments who may be uncomfortable with encountering spiders, we recommend considering alternative accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay. Our guests understand having nature at your doorstep brings some animal encounters like different type of birds, deer, foxes, geckos and occasionally ants and spiders.

Other Details to Note

Check-out our other listings below, some are in the same location. In case, you need to have a few co-workers or a big family to stay together, ask us about it: http://www.airbnb.com/p/modernlivinginsanfranciscobay ***NOTE 🔻: • LATE CHECK-OUT : Subject to availability and a fee $25/h paid via resolution center. It needs to be approved by us in writing at least 48 hours prior. • EARLY CHECK-IN : Subject to availability and a fee ($25/hour paid via resolution center). Please request at booking or at least 48 hours in advance if needed. Same-day or short-notice requests cannot be accommodated. Early check-in only available when we are away and not using our home ourselves. Having the best of both worlds is PRICELESS: • a gorgeous view in the front - take in those amazing golden sunsets • a hiking trail in the back, starting right off your own backyard • for the safety of our guests and our home, plus for insurance purposes, we have outdoor security monitoring driveways and point of entry, motion triggered recording video and audio 24/7 🎥 • For longer stays, we provide a STARTER PACK of essentials ( since we give a 15% discount). Guests are responsible for replenishing any additional items they may need. You can use instacart to order whatever you need for yourself and they will deliver it to you. • Please note that California is experiencing a SEVERE DROUGHT and asking everyone to be MINDFUL and CONSERVE WATER. • NO A/C ( air-conditioning ) It’s very rare for the Bay tempretures to rise above 80• and the cool ocean breeze is our natural AC. House maintains 72• F - 74•F in summer months. We experience heat waves 1-2 times a year that last less than 3 days and nights are down to lower 60s. Our utility provider ask people who have an AC to set it to 78 or higher and conserve energy to prevent rolling blackouts since the grid can’t handle the energy demand. We manage those rare heat waves by opening our windows at night to cool the house down and we hit our favorite beaches during the day. Air conditioning in San Francisco? In San Francisco, air conditioning is not present in many of the residences, offices, theaters as well as older, boutique style hotels as we have our own unique, natural air-conditioning - a constant cool ocean breeze and the fog rolling in the summer. WEATHER ADVISORY for San Francisco: Mark Twain is believed to have said, although not proven : “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Seasons in San Francisco don't necessarily follow universal trends. The city can often feel quite chilly, although the temperature rarely drops below freezing. Even when summer arrives, residents know not to leave the house in short sleeves until late summer—that's when San Francisco enjoys its warmest weather. Temperatures remain moderate year round: 51 - 65°F (10.5 - 18.3 °C). No matter the season, it is always SMART to DRESS in LAYERS and be prepared for sudden weather changes when in San Francisco Bay Area. • ALLERGIES DISCLAIMER: Guests with allergies are responsible for bringing any necessary medications or supplies to manage their condition. Our property is a pet-free and smoke-free environment, and we use mostly organic, natural, and harsh chemical-free cleaning supplies. Bedding is 100% cotton, and we use scent-free laundry wash pods. However, we cannot guarantee that our property is free from allergens, including but not limited to dust, pollen, or other potential triggers. While we maintain thorough cleaning protocols, we do not provide specialized allergen-free environments. By booking, you acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for managing your allergies and that we are not liable for any allergic reactions or related issues during your stay. Please carefully assess the suitability of our property for your needs before making a reservation.

What this place offers

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Bidet
  • Bathtub
  • Hot Water
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Mosquito net
  • Room-darkening shades

What this place offers

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Bidet
  • Bathtub
  • Hot Water
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Mosquito net
  • Room-darkening shades

Entertainment

  • Sound system

Heating and cooling

  • Portable fans

Home safety

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Smoke detector
  • First aid kit

Kitchen and dining

  • Baking sheet
  • Barbecue utensils
  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Location features

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

Outdoors

  • Garden or backyard
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio or balcony

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Free street parking
  • Single level home No stairs in home

Services

  • Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more

Accessibility and Availability

Neighborhood

NEIGHBORHOOD: El Cerrito is a hidden gem in East Bay. Very peaceful neighborhood, quiet and close to Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco. Napa valley is about an hour away. We are located on a quiet, residential street and the house is nestled in the foothills of natural reserve. The views are breathtaking, the hiking trails are perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors. El Cerrito means "the little hill" in Spanish, and the town that is perched on the hill above San Francisco Bay offers easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 580 to Marin. Hillside homes along the curving streets deliver sweeping views of San Francisco and sunsets over the Golden Gate Bridge. El Cerrito's main shopping corridor is undergoing a rebirth, beginning with Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, which was restored from the former Cerrito Speakeasy Theater. Access to open space and parkland is extensive, with Arlington Park, Cerrito Vista Park, Hillside Natural Area, Huber Park, Poinsett Park, and Tassajara Park & Pottery Studio all nearby. The Ohlone Greenway is a popular trail with hikers and bikers. The University of California, Berkeley UC BERKELEY is several miles away, and two Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations, at El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte, make commuting easy. El Cerrito Plaza is a major shopping center housing grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores, a pharmacy, and smaller mom-and-pop stores.

Guest Access

ACCESS: Guests have access to the entire 1 bedroom, stand - alone cottage, sitting on a 5000 sq.ft garden lot, nestled in the El Cerrito Natural Preserve hills. It offers serenity, complete privacy and all the amenities for a comfortable stay for max of 2 people at all times: • 1 bedroom with a brand new, comfortable QUEEN bed with organic cotton sheets and city views • well - equipped gourmet kitchen with everything you need to prepare a great meal • dishwasher • a new bathroom with a bath tub and shower • living room with views • front patio with Bay views • backyard with hill views • smart 3D 65" Samsung TV ( you can stream your favorite content on Pandora, YouTube, Hulu; watch your shows on Netflix; 60+ local channels, HBO ) • welcome to use our laundry on siteu

Find us

El Cerrito, CA, United States

TRANSPORTATION: The closest BART station is about 5 min drive or 24 min walking distance. It's a beautiful walk actually, along vineyards and breathtaking views. Getting to UC BERKELEY by car: 20 min ; by public transit is about: 39 min We also recommend Uber and / or Lyft as a more affordable taxi alternative. Just download their app on your smart phone. They arrive within minutes. Going to the city? We highly recommend taking the new Richmond Ferry ( 13 min drive or a $7-14 Uber ride ) rather than BART ( 5 min drive away) to get to San Francisco’s Embarcadero. It’s the most beautiful way to get into the city and once on the ferry, it takes only 20 min to the city, total of 30-40 min from our door. Parking is free.

Sorry we're unable to show you the location for this property

Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.

Reviews

Simon
July 2025 · Airbnb
What a tremendous experience, felt immediately at home and encouraged to be a homebody by how delightfully organized the place is, I did some of my best work as an artist here all year and ever, perfectly conducive environment to inspiration and alacrity. I leave feeling deeply refreshed and nourished. Hosts are clearly people who truly care about providing a good experience, truly 5 stars does little justice. Will be back
Ervina
May 2025 · Airbnb
Very lovely cottage surrounded by so much beautiful plants and flowers. Cozy but well appointed; the house has everything - garment steamer, full kitchen, lots of mugs ( I drink tea all day long!), good cookware, etc. Quiet, but near many shops and restaurants. It's my second time staying with Albena and she's a great host. Will definitely come back!
Charmian
May 2025 · Airbnb
This was our second long-term stay (each stay being several weeks) at the Sunset Serene Cottage and we will definitely be coming back for more. Consider this as your home away from home. The location and the view cannot be beat. The house is perfect for us as a couple - bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom have everything you need for a relaxing and convenient stay. It’s surrounded by so much nature, and it was wonderful to have a busy day and then come home to this oasis. Neighborhood is also very safe and we took many walks to enjoy the view of the Bay. We thank Albena and Nikolay for promptly responding to our queries and for generously accommodating our special requests. Already planning our next visit! 🌅🏡💕
Tony
April 2025 · Airbnb
It's absolutely magical space for a peaceful personal retreat. Just amazing surroundings with beautiful views from the house and the yard, park with century-old trees just a few minutes walk away and beautiful walking paths. Something that I really needed for a recovery after a long business trip.
Douglas Andrew
March 2025 · Airbnb
We had a terrific stay at Albena's sunset cottage, perfect for our stay of five nights. She was a very attentive host. My wife and I would happily stay there again.
Alexandra
February 2025 · Airbnb
My mom and I stayed here for a few days as I was in town for work and we both needed a reset! The cottage is absolutely perfect for 2, it is very intimate and peaceful. The cottage is stocked with so many fun things and an amazing book selection. Please do the hike out the back gate as much as you can, it is so healing ❤️‍🩹 so many amazing plants on the property to enjoy and just an overall amazing trip. It definitely gives writers retreat vibes so if you have a project you’re working on or looking to be productive while in the midst of natures beauty, look no further.
Dawn
January 2025 · Airbnb
Albena’s cottage was exactly as described. I was in need of a couple of weeks of relaxation and this was the perfect place. Beautiful grounds. Gorgeous flowers. My stay was in January and I can only image the front and back yards during springtime. Quiet neighborhood. Hiking trail just beyond the backyard. Albena is a sweetheart. Very prompt responses, all with a pleasant tone. I would stay here again and highly recommend Albena’s cottage. A very special place.
Jane
January 2025 · Airbnb
It's hard to know what I can say about this sweet cottage that I haven't said before. It is absolutely perfect for my husband and me! We come back as often as we can because we have family in the area, but I have to say, we check out the cottage availability before we confirm our time with them -- it's that important for us to have this quiet, peaceful, and cozy little space to ourselves while we're in town. Albena and Nikolay do a wonderful job of keeping the lovely indoor and outdoor spaces in tip-top shape, and we have truly never had a problem that wasn't quickly and easily corrected in all of our time here. So grateful for the opportunity to have been here again over the New Year's holiday (things were much less crazy than our neighborhood at home!!), and we look forward to returning soon!
John
November 2024 · Airbnb
Loved it. Quiet spot with view of The Bridge. Several outdoor areas where I took my laptop to catch up on work. Hope to stay again on our next trip to East Bay
Tahereh
November 2024 · Airbnb
My third time at the serene sunset cottage and the only place I stay at when visiting the bay! Albena is a wonderful host, the cottage is cozy, clean, and has absolutely everything you need, and the yard and trail access are beautiful year round. The best absolute place to be able to retreat to when in the east bay!