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The Saddle & Tack House is a two story cottage in which the entire top floor is the master bedroom. Since the master bedroom of the Saddle & Tack House is the highest point above sea level it commands a unique view out the sliding glass door situated at the foot of your feather, a view that includes one of the very few white sand beaches on the traditionally rocky Mendocino coast. A large wood stove off to the side of your bed is capable of keeping a fire going all night. As with all accomodations, a skylight allows you to keep track of the stars through out the night. An east and west decks allow you to have coffee in the first rays of morning and then switch decks to barbeque in the last light of the day. Saddle & Tack House includes a complete kitchen includeing microwave, bread maker and expresso machine, a CD/tape player and a fold out queen size couch in the living room. The DVD is in the master bedroom and a furnace keeps your house is warm until you return from your travels. Free wireless internet is available throughout the cottage.
The viewing deck is located on a point 200 yards behind the Saddle & Tack House. The deck, perched on a 200' bluff overlooks beaches on both sides and the Gray Whales to the west. We are certain you will agree that the deck commands a truly unique vantage point, affording an incredible perspective for observing both shooting stars and migrating whales.
During years when we receive ample rain, there is a seasonal waterfall as well. Once you've seen it, you'll understand why we recommend you hike through the fern filled grotto, following the river til it brings you to the breath taking fusion of falling river and crashing surf! The view from the top of the waterfall takes in 200' sheer cliffs to the south and north. The Pacific's sea stacks break up the swells into a cacophonous chorus while behind you you'll hear the melodic song on a river gathering it's strength through a series of water falls and pools before tumbling beneath your legs to the Pacific Ocean.
On the grounds you will find over a mile of bluff top trails. These trails are broken up by a variety of benches and decks allowing you to absorb the views of: 20-50 seals at a low tide rookerie, the waterfall's majestic completion of the water cycle, rampant wild flowers and miles of untrammeled white water coast streching to Point Arena, home to only Osprey's and Killer whales.
The complete lack of light pollution at the Saddle & Tack House exposes an unimagined Milky Way. Einstein's description of the heavens as awesome concurs with our reverence and explains the skylight above your feather bed. Personally we slept outside at the viewing deck for the first six months we were here and return regularly. If you stop by to check things out and you can't find us, look out back where we'll be weeding if the sun's out, or counting shooting stars when it's not.
For the adventurous, their is a cook-out ring on a hidden plateau where your only company will be Bobcats, Ring Tailed Ferrets and White Tail Deer. If so moved, and the bedroom skylight seems a bit restrictive, the finest view is outside, we only ask that you leave your 60 acre bedroom as clean as you found it.
Regardless of where you decide to cook dinner, for your culinary enjoyment there are well established year round herb gardens, seasonal vegetable gardens and if your timing is correct raspberries, strawberries and hopefully fruit this fall.
If you have to get back in your car for some reason, Elk, a coastal hamlet is the best kept secret in Mendocino! Elk was favorably compared to Martha's Vineyard on a national travel program but in reality nothing compares to the close knit community of Elk. If you can plan your stay around a holiday, I recommend you take in any of frequent causes for celebration, from Great Day in Elk, to St. Patty's Celebrations and you will experience the finest in country hospitality.
