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Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer

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Dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6172 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Little River, CA
  • Place, Van Damme State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Little River
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Mendocino Headlands State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer

Perched above Van Damme Beach, just outside the village of Mendocino, this light filled beautifully restored 1863 gem, will delight you. There are two bedrooms upstairs (1 king, 1 queen) along with a Captains bed (full) and a half bath. The master bedroom provides a great ocean view, with sounds of the Pacific to lull you to sleep.

On the main floor is the kitchen, living room, large bathroom/laundry room and the sun room.

The kitchen is spacious with a 9' table that comfortably seats 10. There is also an island that provides for more intimate dining. The downstairs bedroom has two twin beds that look out to the ocean with honeysuckle and rose bushes at your windows. There is a large bathroom/laundry room with a claw foot tub bath/shower combination.

The living room is light and bright with an impressive masonry fireplace that warms both the downstairs and upstairs.
The sun room is at the front of the house, facing the ocean with wicker chairs to read, knit or watch the waves roll in.
Just behind the house, is a trail that leads to some of the most beautiful bluffs and views, along the Pacific. Just down the lane, is a short trail to Van Damme Beach. The location, along with the recent beautiful restoration of this coastal gem, provide for a magical get-a-way.



During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Van Damme State Park. Laundry facilities are available. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the vacation home.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 1.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Steps from Van Damme State Park and a 2-minute drive from Mendocino Headlands State Park
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

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)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,850 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 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

  • No pets 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
Onsite 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
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.

Property is also known as

Northbound Whale Beautifully Restored Turn Century Charmer House
Northbound Whale Beautifully Restored Turn Century Charmer
Northbound Whale Beautifully Restored Turn Century Charmer House
Northbound Whale Beautifully Restored Turn Century Charmer House
Northbound Whale Beautifully Restored Turn Century Charmer

Northbound Whale - Beautifully restored turn of the century charmer Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Devon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed a short but very enjoyable stay at the Northbound Whale, thanks Lori! The house is so cozy and welcoming, we felt right at home. The beach is literally down the sandy trail, and there’s lots to do in the surrounding areas. We’d love to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming !A wonderful escape
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jil G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So comfortable and spacious. Fun sophisticated nautical theme. Hosts extremely helpful with house information including access to beach and hiking trails. Kitchen has everything you could want. Really hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Irene & John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming home beautifully maintained and stocked with everything we needed for an enjoyable stay.

We loved staying in this beautiful home. Mendocino is a great town with a lot to offer. Hiking, restaurants and beaches.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

The most amazing house for a weekend getaway! This is our second time staying and we were just as impressed as the first.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Women’s getaway

Northbound Whale House was the perfect place for for 5 women friends, who have been friends from college days since 1976! The house was beautiful, comfortable, and had everything we needed in amenities and plenty of bedrooms, including comfortable beds! We will definitely rent from Lori and Dan again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

GREAT

Just right!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and very comfortable- loved the location

This is such a charming spot to stay! We were super comfortable and enjoyed the fireplace on chilly mornings and the sunroom during the afternoons. It was well stocked with anything you’d need. We also loved the proximity to the beach - a quick walk to little river beach. We also could have easily walked to Vanne Dam park (next time!) It was lovely to hear the ocean from the house and wake up to the birds. Felt very private and quiet. The backyard had great outdoor furniture - lots of spots to relax and grill. Thanks and hope to be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Randall H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Location

Charming home tucked off the main road. The kitchen, master and family room/sun room were great. However, we felt that the bathroom conditions were a bit off. One shower/tub for four adults combined with a very ,very small upstairs bathroom with no space for toiletries was the only downside. But, overall we had a great time albeit a short visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The 1863 Victorian home and the environs are perfect in every way. The beautifully remodeled home is consistent and beautiful in its interior design from furnishings, color pallet, adornments, patterned fabric to the floor coverings. The kitchen has all that is needed to make and bake from mixers, utensils, bowls and dishes. It stays warm inside with a gas fireplace that keeps the house toasty or turn it off and don a sweater. And yes, the beds are comfortable.We loved the easy access and twisted trail down to Van Damme beach and the Spring Ranch Trail behind the house with its 20 minute hike to a cliff overlook to the rocks and basking seals. Be aware the closest access to the Spring Ranch Trail behind the house is blocked off by a neighbor’s large gate and fence yet there is access around the corner on the other side of the inn around the corner on Rte. 1.The host leaves a comprehensive visit guide with all sorts of helpful information for the guest.Lastly, the home’s location is convenient to the anywhere you’d like to reach along the coast. On our short stay we enjoyed our hike and visit to Pt Cabrillo Lighthouse, exploring Mendocino and Gualala.At the Northbound Whale the visitor truly feels like a welcomed guest.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!!

Overall 5 star rating. Super comfy, nicely decorated, had everything we needed. If I was to split hairs, it would have been nice to have some type of container in the shower to put shampoo, soap, etc…. There was nothing there so it made showering a little inconvenient. When it warms up in the afternoon, it would have been nice if there were screens on the entryways as well as the kitchen window. Just food for thought, but we loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Yvonne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Wonderful House - But Beware...

We loved the house and our stay. The house was spacious, well equipped and comfortable. BUT, the main bathroom tub/shower is not good for anyone who is unsteady or has difficulty getting in and out of a raised elevated tub. There is no grab bar and the high shower head and hand held shower wand are not the best. The owners should install a new shower head and at least one or more grab bars. Or, better yet, replace the tub. Also, we assume the brown water coming out of the faucets was safe to use for teeth washing but not for other uses. Having the large 5 gallon water dispenser was great but a sign about the water service would have been helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You Won’t Want To Leave!

This is such a special beach cottage. It is so cute and cozy! It’s beautifully decorated but not in a pretentious way. It feels like home and feels like a beach home. All the furniture is comfortable and makes you want to stay home by the fire and relax. The upstairs beds are super comfortable and gorgeous! I can’t speak to the downstairs beds but the bedroom is so sweet. So much love went into decorating these rooms to make it feel homey. The captains bed in the upstairs hall was adorable! I loved the selection of books and movies in there.I also appreciated the eco conscious choices in products and the well stocked kitchen. Bbq and fireplace both worked great. And I loved my soak in the clawfoot tub! The trail down to the beach is close by and not steep at all. It is a bit overgrown right now so be prepared for that. I had a hard time leaving this cottage, glad we had one foggy morning to enjoy coffee by the fire. With blue skies we sat in the sun room to enjoy the sea view through the pink roses. Gorgeous! Everyone in my family loved this choice. Even my teenager!
View from sunporch.
Captains bed with porthole window!
Trail across from house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded our Very High Expectations

I recently stayed in this home with my 90-year-old mother and my three siblings, and we couldn't have been more delighted with it. All five of us had our own private space to sleep in, with my brother taking the lovely little glassed-in front porch. What a bonus that was for five very set-in-our-sleeping-ways oldsters. The clearly new kitchen/dining area offered us the perfect hub -- oversized island, high ceilings, generous dining table, multiple windows with stellar views, and more cooking amenities and than my own home, not to mention any other house I've rented. The quiet country lane that this house sits on is beyond idyllic - in full view of the glorious Mendocino coast. The trail to the bluffs in back of the house is another bonus. And the owner of the house was a gem in every way -- responsive, helpful and generally lovely. I realize this sounds like an ad. I'm just a regular renter who is old enough to have stayed in dozens of rental properties, which I am notoriously particular about choosing. Doesn't get better than this one.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randall D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Little River House

My bother and I spent time in this area when we were teen agers, loving the State Park at Van Damme and the lush beaches and headlands around the area. The town of Mendocino is a short two mile drive away for groceries and a charming walk around a beautiful, legendary town. This house would be wonderful for a family or friends to share! Loved it. Was up and down to the beach on the delightful trail across from the house at 7:00 am.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

We loved our stay at The Northbound Whale. There are many VRBO choices in the area. We felt this one felt much more like a friend's home than a rental--very nicely furnished and equipped. The location on a quiet lane above Van Damme Beach and close to Mendocino is great. We also had an opportunity to speak to our host and found her to be charming and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Brittany S.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

August 2021 stay

The location is wonderful. You can walk to the ocean or do a 10 min drive to an amazing hike. The house is adorable. Decorated to perfection. It’s very cute. Super cozy and beautiful. There was no key when we arrived. We contacted the owner who did not respond for hours. She stated she was traveling. Which is understandable however in that case since she is running a lucrative business with her rental, she should appoint someone else for renters to contact . I had my baby with me and my fil who has brain cancer. We couldn’t stand outside in the cold for hours waiting for a key. My husband eventually found and open window and crawled through. Thank goodness there was no alarm. Another con was that we wanted to BBQ in her very cute outdoor area but there was no propane. Lastly she let me know after we booked and paid that we weren’t allowed to take a bath because of the drought and she went so far as to remove the drain stopper in the tub. We have a 2 year old who needed a bath. Overall it’s a great place however I do believe those small things could be improved.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay, would book again!

We had a great time at the Northbound Whale. The house was absolutely lovely. Our 4.5 year old daughter especially loved the captain's bed. We had some hiccups with the home not being ready when we arrived, but overall we had a wonderful time and hope to visit the Northbound Whale again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was charming. Although built in 1863, the house was modernized and decorated beautifully. The sun porch with a view of the ocean was the perfect place for a cup of coffee in the morning!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family vacation

I thank the property owner very much for a most delightful, comfortable stay in a most beautiful setting. We had a family gathering and enjoyed the beauty and charm of the house, which is so conveniently located within a short walk to the beach and so close to the restaurants and shops in Mendocino.. The house was filled with nice amenities and was so clean. We will definitely want to come back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichole R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming House

We enjoyed every moment in this charming Little River home celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary with our 2 children (12 and 14) and my mom. After a couple nights in a hotel in San Francisco, we were grateful for our own separate spaces with wonderful options to gather for meals and games. A great location for day trips. Evenings were spent making meals and enjoying the peaceful home both inside and out. Thank you for sharing your home with us! We recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous week at the Northbound Whale

My family had a lovely week staying at the Northbound Whale. The house accommodated us beautifully with a large kitchen, comfortable beds, and perfect extras for a relaxing time -- we enjoyed the puzzles and games and movies in the house. Most of all, this house is located within an easy walk of the beach at Van Damme State Park, where we paddled and snorkled and enjoyed quiet beach walks, and bluff trails that overlook a beautiful rugged coastline with oyster catchers and seals and sea palms. My parents, my husband, and my kids all congratulated me on finding such a wonderful place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Mendo Holiday

Great location for family getaway. Close walk to a tucked away beach and only a two minute drive to Mendocino. Loved it and would come back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amon M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family escape!

Amazing property with great ocean views (when not bathed in cool morning fog) that has everything for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Short walk to the beach. Very clean. Well stocked kitchen with everything you need for a great stay! We wish we could have stayed longer! We will be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend getaway

I highly recommend The Northwood Whale! What a lovely home and beautiful property. The home is in a great location, just a short walk to a secluded beach and a short hike to a bluff overlook. It is a beautifully decorated and well stocked. I am hoping to get back for a longer visit!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021