Historic Ranch Retreat. Pool, Pizza Oven & Privacy | Other in Gustine
3 Bedroom Place in Merced County, Gustine
Welcome to The Bird Ranch at San Luis Creek, a privately owned historic ranch estate in California’s Central Valley. Carefully restored and thoughtfully curated, the ranch offers a warm, welcoming setting for guests seeking a peaceful and meaningful stay.
The property comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests and includes a historic farmhouse and guest spaces designed for extended stays. Interiors are furnished with collected antiques, natural textures, and cozy seating areas that invite you to slow down, read, and enjoy quiet moments throughout the day.
Outdoor Living & Amenities
Outdoors, guests can enjoy:
A private swimming pool for warm afternoons (it is not heated)
A wood-fired pizza oven, perfect for cooking and gathering together
Ask us about hiring a private pizza chef during your stay (based on availability).
Multiple shaded and sunny spots to sit, read, and relax
Open lawns, creekside views, and peaceful walking paths
Outdoor projector and screen for movie nights (setup available upon prior request)
Volleyball net for casual play (setup available upon prior request)
The ranch hosts one group at a time, ensuring privacy and a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Garden Experience
Guests are welcome to wander the gardens and select fresh herbs and tea leaves for personal use during their stay.
Garden etiquette:
We kindly ask that harvesting be done thoughtfully and in small amounts, so the gardens may continue to be enjoyed by all.
Location
While the setting feels quiet and secluded, the ranch is just minutes off Interstate 5, making it easily accessible from both Northern and Southern California without sacrificing a sense of retreat.
Conveniently located near Santa Nella, The Bird Ranch is easy to reach from Southern California, Sacramento, or the Bay Area and making it an ideal gathering place in the heart of California.
Why We Require a Two-Night Minimum
The Bird Ranch is intentionally offered for extended stays. A two-night minimum allows guests to:
Fully enjoy the pool, pizza oven, gardens, and outdoor spaces
Experience the indoor–outdoor flow of the ranch
Settle in without feeling rushed
Respect the historic nature of the home and grounds
This approach helps preserve the character of the ranch while offering a better experience for our guests.
Stay Highlights
Sleeps up to 12 guests across the main farmhouse and two unique outdoor bedroom buildings (the Hen House and Love Shack)
Private outdoor pool for cooling off or lounging in the Central California sun
Restored farmhouse with warm, welcoming spaces designed for relaxation
Historic barn with soaring doors and wood-beam ceilings (not available for events)
Creekside meadow with a dock for birdwatching, peaceful views, or enjoying the water’s edge
Wood-fired pizza oven and patio BBQ for shared meals and outdoor cooking
Reach out to inquire about hiring a private pizza chef during your stay (based on availability).
Fire pit evenings under clear Central Valley skies
The Experience
Days at the ranch are often spent reading by the pool, relaxing on the dock, or capturing photos of the farm animals in nearby fields. Watch for incredible birdlife along the creek, sip coffee or fresh garden tea on the patio, and enjoy the slower pace of ranch life. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit and watch an outdoor movie, fire up the BBQ, or create pizzas together in the wood-fired oven.
Guests frequently tell us this is a place where time slows down.
Unique Stays
The original Hen House and Love Shack were once chicken coops and have been converted into cozy outdoor bedrooms. Staying in these spaces is a bit like glamping for it is charming and rustic, but without attached bathrooms. Guests use nearby shared facilities, including a half bath and the original ADA-compliant shower house.
Important Notes
Maximum of 12 registered guests (no outside visitors, parties, or events). One additional guest may be approved upon request for a nominal fee.
Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM, per county ordinance.
Please do not move furniture; the home is historic.
A Note About Nature
Bugs and mosquitoes are a natural part of country life and are seasonal. We strive to keep the ranch comfortable and provide repellent and citronella candles to help make your stay enjoyable.
For extra comfort, we recommend:
Using repellent before outdoor activities- repellent provided
Wearing lightweight long sleeves or pants in the evenings
Keeping doors closed or using screens to minimize bugs indoors
Please note: guests are responsible for managing personal allergies (nut, animal, bee, insect, etc.).
Security Notice
For the safety of our guests and property, security cameras are located on the exterior of the home. There are no cameras inside the house. Cameras are used strictly for security and guest safety.
A Note About Waterways & Wildlife
The ranch is bordered by San Luis Creek and includes natural waterways, a dock, a nearby canal, and a swimming pool. These features are part of the beauty and experience of the property. For safety, children must be supervised at all times when near the creek, dock, canal, pool, or water’s edge — whether fishing, swimming, or exploring the area.
In keeping with our commitment to conservation and stewardship, The Bird Ranch works with local nonprofits to support habitat restoration, including efforts to protect monarch butterflies through native planting and land care. We kindly ask that guests not capture or disturb butterflies or other wildlife, allowing these species to thrive naturally as part of the ranch ecosystem.
Historic Ranch Retreat Pool, Pizza Oven & Privacy is located in Merced County. Historic Ranch Retreat Pool, Pizza Oven & Privacy provides accommodation, featuring Sports/Activities, TV, Security/Safety, among other amenities. This Other features Sports/Activities, TV, Security/Safety, to make your stay a comfortable one.
Historic Ranch Retreat Pool, Pizza Oven & Privacy has 3 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 11 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Other because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Other, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Other has a friendly neighborhood, and the Merced County has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Other in Merced County, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Policies
Cashless transactions are available 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 long-term renters welcome onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, outdoor lighting, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
