Frequently Asked Questions
The things guests ask most often. If your question isn't here, send us a note on the Contact page — we answer quickly.
- Where exactly is the house, and how far is the beach?
We're on Kailua Way in Dillon Beach, up on the bluff in the Oceana Marin community. The beach is about a five-minute walk — there's a sanctioned access point at the end of our road. The path has a steep ledge in one spot, so watch your footing and keep an eye on children near the bluff edge.
- How many people can stay?
Twelve, and it's a hard limit set by the homeowners association rather than by us. It counts everyone on the property at any one time — day visitors included, and children of any age count too. Parties, receptions and gatherings above that number aren't permitted.
- Where do we park?
Four vehicles fit on-site, in the garage and driveway — and that's the realistic number to plan around. There is no usable street parking in front of the house, and Oceana Marin rules don't permit renters to park in front of anyone else's home, so the four on-site spaces are what you have. If you're arriving with more cars than that, get in touch before you book. Nothing may be parked on Oceana Marin roads between sunset and sunrise; the association has a standing towing contract and does enforce it. Never park on the grass. The driveway is steep, so please don't bring a boat or trailer up it.
- Can we bring our dog?
Yes — dogs are welcome. When they're on the property they need to be inside the house or the fenced backyard, and on a leash any time they're outside of it. Please don't walk them across neighbours' lots, and please pick up after them. There's a lot of wildlife around, so the leash protects them as much as anyone.
- How do we get in? What time is check-in?
Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The front door has a digital lock, and we'll email your code before you arrive — no keys to collect and no one to meet. Early check-in or late check-out is sometimes possible; just ask.
- Is there a security deposit?
Not in the usual sense — we don't hold any of your money. We keep your card on file for your stay and for 14 days afterward, and it's only charged if something is damaged, up to $1,500 (or $1,750 if you stayed with a dog). If that ever happens we'll send you photographs and the actual cost before charging anything. Normal wear and tear is on us.
- Can we have a fire or a barbecue?
Barbecuing is fine, as long as the grill is attended the whole time it's lit. Outdoor wood fires and fire pits are not permitted anywhere on the property or in Oceana Marin — the association prohibits them outright. Bonfires down on the beach are a different matter: those are allowed, with no permit or fee, but only in the designated fire pits. Please never carry fire, embers or hot coals back up to the house.
- What about fireworks?
No, and this one matters. Fireworks of every kind are illegal in Marin County and separately prohibited by the association — including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky lanterns and anything labelled "Safe and Sane." Fines the association issues because of a stay are passed on to the renter.
- What's the cancellation policy?
A full refund if you cancel 30 or more days before your first night, half back between 14 and 29 days, and no refund inside 14 days. There's a two-night minimum most of the year, and seven nights over major holidays like Christmas and New Year's.
- Is it cheaper to book here than on Airbnb or VRBO?
Yes. We list the same nightly rate everywhere, but booking direct skips the platform's guest service fee — typically 14% to 16% of the booking subtotal. That difference stays with you rather than going to a booking site, and you're dealing with the family that owns the house rather than a call centre.
Still have a question? Send us a note.