Our stay with Mark and Hope was nothing short of wonderful! As hosts, they are kind, thoughtful, generous and very easy to talk to. Shortly after meeting them, my husband and I felt like we were hanging out with old friends. While I spent one day at a day long retreat, they graciously offered to take my husband out for happy hour and to meet their friends. My husband had a great time and I enjoyed meeting up with them later to share a pizza and get to know their inner circle. Not only did it feel like a great match between hosts and guests, but our dogs got along famously as well. Kona, their dog, was a complete sweetie pie! I'm sure I'dren misses her already!

As for the accommodations, I could not have asked for more. Everything was clean, the bedroom was spacious, the bed was comfortable, and the bathroom had lovely modernized touches. Mark and Hope even provide a private coffee maker, tea and cookies for their guests in the room. Their property is a retreat in and of itself. Situated on the top of a hill, surrounded by redwood trees, overlooking the valley, I felt like I was away from it all and able to completely relax. Hope's delicious homemade blueberry muffins on Sunday morning were the icing on the cake.

Lastly, As a dog owner, finding a place where I don't have to worry about keeping my pooch on a leash is invaluable. It was so wonderful to open up a door and know that he could wander with his new buddy and be OK doing so.

If you're hesitating about staying with these two, don't. A stay with Mark and Hope will leave you feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to return to whatever responsibilities await at home. You may even make new friends, too!