Over the past couple of years, we have represented over 30 clients buying Vacation rentals in Sonoma County. Every year it gets that little bit harder to find the really good properties that are eligible but that also means if you do find one, then there will likely be less competition from other vacation rentals in the area.
Knowing where to look all depends on the price point you are looking at but regardless of whether you have $500k to spend or $3m, there are homes that are eligible in all the best areas of the county. The only area where it is next to impossible to find eligible properties is in the city limits of places like Healdsburg or Sonoma but even those cities do have a few properties that have zoning that would allow it. If you are interested in understanding all the places where it is possible to find a vacation rental eligible property then take a look at this video below.
Below are a few of our favorites that have launched over the last 12 months.
Vista Grande, Santa Rosa: Purchase Price $1.6m
Luxury Container Home w Infinity Pool + 360 Views
Santa Rosa is not the obvious place for a high-performing vacation rental but this one is a true gem. It checks all the boxes guests are looking for with a pool, a view, and a super cool modern aesthetic. We helped our clients find this place before it even came on the market. It is one of the very few homes in this whole area that was eligible for a permit. Our client wasted no time getting it up and running with a permit and a license. Here is the link to the Airbnb $501 per night in February
Vineyards Edge
Bailhache Road, Healdsburg: Purchase Price $1.45m
Vineyards Edge - Pool, Spa, Bikes- 1mi to Downtown
Many of the roads immediately outside of Healdsburg city limits are now capped making it harder for anyone to set up a new vacation rental. Bailhache is one of the few areas where you can still buy an eligible property so we wasted no time introducing our clients to this three-bed home on an acre leaving plenty of room for outdoor amenities and in due course a pool.
It’s not enough just to have a great property so the owners have gone the extra mile with the property called “Vineyard’s Edge” providing lots of nice touches including bikes to make it easy for guests to ride to Healdsburg Plaza in 10 minutes. Here is the link to the Airbnb. $583 per night in February
Redwood Treehouse Retreat
California St, Camp Meeker: Purchase Price $431,000
*NEW* Redwood Treehouse Retreat
Finding somewhere in the Russian River is increasingly difficult because of the restrictions on R1 zoned properties (if you want to know all the different rules then take a look at this summary of all of them. The owner of this property has done an amazing job transforming a tired cabin into an amazing retreat in the Redwoods.
With occupancy levels higher than expected, it all goes to show that with the right property and the creative flair to create a truly unique experience, it is possible to set up a profitable vacation rental regardless of budget. Here is the link the Airbnb. $189 per night in February
The Black Sheep
Woodside Drive, Forestville $770,000
The Black Sheep: An Inspiring Bohemian Retreat!
Another great location with lots of properties that are eligible to get a vacation rental permit is Forestville because of its proximity to the Russian River and at the same time being close to wine country destinations such as Healdsburg.
The owners of Black Sheep are amazingly creative, transforming what was a very ordinary home but in a great location and good layout into a very special property that jumps out off the page when presented online. The decor is bold but they have achieved the ultimate goal of creating a home that guests just want to book!
If you want to hear the story of this couple’s journey to set up the vacation rental then take a look at the video below. Here is the link to the Airbnb. $393 per night in February
Hidden Oasis
Westside Road, Healdsburg: Purchase Price $1.4m (But a huge remodel!!)
Hidden Oasis ~ a Private Luxury Home in Healdsburg
When I first saw this property, I knew it was going to be sought after given its location so close to Healdsburg and within walking distance of the Madrona Hotel. However, what I didn’t expect was the property to undergo quite a transformation with a major remodel that involved taking the property down to the studs and rebuilding it from the ground up.
The owners have created an incredible high-end home with an incredible sense of privacy and a stunning indoor-outdoor living experience complete with numerous amenities including games room, sauna, hot tub and I am sure in good time a swimming pool. Here is the VRBO listing $842 per night in February
Thornsberry Road, Sonoma: Purchase Price $1.298m
This one isn’t quite ready to come online but it will be in mid February but we wanted to feature it because of its location. Finding something so close to the city of Sonoma at this price point is not easy so this one is definitely a diamond in the rough. The owners are in the process of changing out the bathrooms and kitchen which will transform the home and complement what is an amazing setting with a real sense of privacy.
Fitchview Lane, Healdsburg $1.1m
Charming Retreat – 3 BD + Den, Outdoor Dining
This home is in another pocket of homes just outside Healdsburg city limits where it is possible to find a vacation rental-eligible home. Our clients purchased this steel A -rame home in June of last year. Working with our team they got their permit a couple of weeks after closing escrow. Set on an acre with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms the 2600 sq ft home has been completely transformed from its previous muddy exterior and eclectic use of colors inside.
According to the owners: "We bought this house in June and knew it needed work going into it. We couldn't be happier with how it turned out, it has exceeded our expectations not just because the home is more enjoyable but because in the process we learned a lot about Sonoma which we now love even more than before."
It's always great to hear how people fall in love with Sonoma County. Using vacation rental income to offset the cost of owning a second is a real luxury for a lot of people in the Bay Area. Here is the Airbnb listing. $432 per night in February
In Summary
I hope you will agree that all of these homes look like incredible places to visit. The one thing in common is that they all have a strong sense of who their target audience is and they have catered to that audience and in doing so created a really distinctive property. (This blog post talks about how to set up a profitable vacation rental) Regardless of your budget, it is possible to find a vacation rental that will perform in the top 10 percent of properties for their size and location. Some of these properties are in amazing locations that will always do well but there are others where they have been made successful because of the care and attention of the owners.
All of our clients get access to a website where we put properties that have been pre-filtered to determine if they are eligible to get a vacation rental permit. If you are interested in working with us to buy and set up a vacation rental then please do call me at 707 238 2112 or get in touch via email david@bruingtonhargreaves.com