Entire home

Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown

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A two-story house with a porch, a covered front porch area, and a small attached garage.
A wooden door with a glass panel, a framed picture on the wall, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a built-in microwave, stainless steel appliances, and a wooden accent wall.
A kitchen with wooden flooring, a dining table with chairs, a bar area with stools, and pendant lighting.
A two-story house with a covered porch, a small attic window, and a visible number '221' on the side.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 71379 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Grass Valley, CA
  • Place, Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Center For The Arts
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Lola Montez House
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Marysville, CA (MYV-Yuba County)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Grass Valley

This vacation home places you within a 5-minute walk of Grass Valley Brewing and Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

What's nearby

  • Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Center For The Arts - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Lola Montez House - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Colfax Station - 21 min drive
  • Marysville, CA (MYV-Yuba County) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Panoy Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Maria's Mexican Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Thirsty Barrel Taphouse & Grille - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Caroline's Coffee Roasters - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪South Pine Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown

Step into a piece of California gold rush history without sacrificing a single modern comfort. The Prospector's Cottage is a lovingly renovated 1,379 sq. ft. historic home — originally built in 1880 — that blends the warmth and character of the Sierra Nevada foothills with everything you need for a relaxed, comfortable stay.

Whether you're visiting family in the area, exploring the Gold Country, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage offers the space, privacy, and charm to make it feel like a home away from home.

Unwind the Moment You Arrive. Pull up a chair on the welcoming front porch and take in the quiet, tree-lined neighborhood — a stroll through streets lined with homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. The cottage has a bright, airy feel throughout, with rustic historic touches that tell a story without feeling like a museum. Natural light fills every room, and the thoughtful renovation means everything works beautifully.
Comfortable, Well-Appointed Spaces for the Whole Family

The open kitchen and dining room is the heart of the home — perfect for gathering with family over a home-cooked meal. The kitchen is fully equipped with premium Bosch and LG appliances, including a five-burner gas range, convection oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There's seating for six at the dining table and four at the bar — plenty of room for everyone to pull up a chair. Many guests have used the cottage for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.

The main bedroom features a comfortable queen bed, walk-in closet, and a private en suite bathroom with a beautiful historic clawfoot tub and shower — a favorite among guests who enjoy a long, relaxing soak. The second bedroom offers another queen bed with blackout shades for a restful night's sleep. The third bedroom has three single beds, making it ideal for grandchildren or additional guests. Both full bathrooms are impeccably maintained — one freshly renovated with a spa-style shower, the other retaining its original historic clawfoot charm.

The Sierra foothills enjoy some of California's most pleasant weather, and the cottage is designed to take full advantage of it. Relax on the front porch with its Adirondack chairs and porch swing, entertain at the outdoor dining table that seats ten, or settle in on one of two outdoor sofas on the private, fully fenced back patio. A Weber Genesis propane grill sits just steps from the kitchen — ideal for an evening barbecue. The charming seasonal fountain out front adds a lovely finishing touch to the property's curb appeal.

The Prospector's Cottage provides a wonderful base for exploring Gold Country. The cottage is just two blocks from the heart of historic downtown Grass Valley, where you'll find an exceptional collection of independently owned cafes, restaurants, wine bars, boutique shops, and art galleries — all walkable from the front door. Nevada City, one of California's most beautifully preserved Gold Rush towns and just a five-minute drive away, is well worth an afternoon of exploration.

Practical Details:

- Three bedrooms (2 queen beds, 3 single beds) — sleeps up to 7 guests
- Two full bathrooms — one spa shower, one clawfoot tub/shower
- Fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances
- Outdoor dining and living areas with gas grill
- Smart TV with streaming and high-speed WiFi throughout
- Self check-in with smart lock; local co-host available if needed
- Driveway parking for 3 vehicles (off Harper St.)
- Quiet, residential neighborhood — respectful guests appreciated
- Note: Streets are narrow; full-size trucks and vans navigate fine, but large RVs are not suitable

We recommend parking at the cottage and walking to explore — you won't need your car for most of the best things nearby.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 9 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Local artist showcase
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 1,379 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

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

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

502593

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Grass Valley, just steps from Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce and Grass Valley Brewing, and within a short walk of Center For The Arts. You'll also find Lola Montez House and Empire Mine State Historic Park less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this vacation home, including a smart TV and a kitchen in each house and a kitchen in some.

Are there hot tubs at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

How far is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Marysville, CA (MYV-Yuba County), which is about 28.4 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown?

Yes, every house at Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown comes with a porch/lanai.

Historic Gold Rush Cottage - Amazing Porch, Patio & Walk to Downtown Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, close enough to town to walk to food, but quiet enough for easy enjoyment.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lucy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in and out. Great communication. Lovely home. Very pet friendly house and community!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

eileen p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely house, fully stocked with everything you might need (including dog treats!)
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

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

Upscale Cozy Stay

This was an awesome mini vacation and a great cottage
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jaap L.

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

Great stay in nice house in central Grass Valley

Fantastic house. Very well stocked great amenities nice beds. Great for group or families.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

margaret d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our second stay - the amenities are wonderful, it feels so nice and homey. Both times the house was spotless and stocked with everything we needed. We live to sit on the porch and enjoy the sunset, and so convenient to everything. Hoping to return soon. It is definitely our top pick in Grass Valley.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Welcoming and dog friendly

Prospectors Cottage is a well equipped home for an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Coleen W.

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

Grass Valley Cottage

Everything was perfect. Nice cottage and was great with walking distance to all the restaurants and shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rox Ann K.

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

Our Stay

House was beautiful and very charming. I just didn't like the driveway, have a big truck!! Very nice stay
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gerry B.

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

Short stay

Such a pleasant place. Extremely well organized and thought out!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie L.

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

Lovely, warm place

We so enjoyed our stay at the Prospectors Cottage. We were there for a wedding and I only wish we had time to truly enjoy the place. The cottage was adorable and well appointed. The yard was so peaceful. It was a wonderful place and we would stay again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

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

Wonderful Visit!

My family and I had a wonderful visit to Grass Valley! We enjoyed the downtown location of the beautiful Prospector’s Cottage. We changed the number of guests after we booked and the local host was very helpful and quick to respond to the request. We would stay again without hesitation at this wonderful rental when visiting Grass Valley.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole R.

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

Girls Weekend

We had an amazing time exploring the Grass Valley and Nevada City Area. The house was immaculate and they provided everything we needed. We were able to walk to downtown Grass Valley for dinner and shopping and got to see the Christmas tree lighting. Such a wonderful stay and great house!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel S.

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

Exactly what you look for in a place to stay

This place is high quality, looks great inside, and has everything you need for a nice stay. The short walking distance to downtown GV is great, and you're a short drive away from Nevada City and other places to see. The home is well stocked, quiet, and while we couldn't use the back patio due to rain - the space would be excellent in the sunshine. Overall, exactly what you look for in a 5 star stay. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Excellent location. Excellent home.

We loved our stay at the cottage! We loved the layout and space. Each room was very spacious and smartly decorated. The backyard was private. Everyday we’d walk the block to downtown for shopping and lunch. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy N.

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

Beautiful and Convenient

We can't say enough about our stay at Prospector's Cottage. The location couldn't be better and the property was clean, modern and sooo comfortable. The large front porch is perfect for a morning cup of coffee and for reading!! We had two dogs, one large and one small, and the owner has made this dog friendly and welcoming!! We will return!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn M.

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

Comfortable

Updated, spacious, outdoor sitting areas, lots of light in the kitchen area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Simona P.

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

Better than home!

So many thoughtful touches throughout. Very comprehensive property booklet. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Amazing home in Grass Valley

This is our second trip to the Prospector’s Cottage. We layout of the house is perfect for our family. Everyone has their own space. We love walking to downtown Grass Valley and walking our pups thru the neighborhood. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hayley H.

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

Perfect family friendly getaway

My family, including kids, grandma, and our dogs, had a great stay. This house itself is very clean, the furniture is very comfortable, and they have many amenities to make a pleasant stay. I personally think this host goes out of their way to be hospitable. The house has many things to show they care and all the amenities of home. The location is also great! It is walkable to the downtown area, and a short drive to many trails. Overall, 10/10 recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

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

Prospector’s Cottage Stay October 4-7

Upon arrival at the cottage, my family and I felt welcomed as if we were at home. Beautifully appointed, with great attention to detail that provided every comfort needed and beyond for a wonderful stay. Perfect location to walk downtown. Mornings enjoying a cup of coffee on the front porch taking in the tree-lined views were magic. We were sad to leave and are already looking forward to our next stay in 2025. Highly recommend this beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shelly P.

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

Great location

This lovely house was perfect for our weekend getaway. The booking process was easy. Communication, house information and instructions were clear and easy to follow. The house was well appointed, comfortable, very clean and had everything we needed. The location was fantastic! We walked to town for refreshments, entertainment, shopping, and dinning. We hope to come back. It was a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

margaret d.

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

Beautiful Cottage

What a beautiful cottage in a convenient location. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and more. The amenities were above and beyond. The outside space offered not only multiple seating options to enjoy the views and spectacular sunsets, but seating options, and grill in the back. Definitely look forward to a return visit. Peggy
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

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

Magnificent

From schedule to return and everything in between: MAGNIFICENT. The entire supporting staff did a professional job in maintaining a most beautiful house. Many thanks.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

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

Our stay at Prospectors Cottage

PC was our base to explore California’s gold country, Lake Tahoe, the Yuba River, Donors pass and lake as well as other activities. It was clean and comfortable. We came ‘home’ every day exhausted from hiking, swimming, shopping, and playing. The cottage was perfect for our needs. Much nicer and more comfortable than any hotel room. It afforded us time to our selves after our fun filled days to reflect and relax. I would definitely stay again. Recommend 10/10 The Smiths ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024