The Willows in Sonora in Sonora

Please go to photo bucket and type in the words cat4jax to watch the video and see the waterfall,  beach area,  gold mine,  two level fish and frog pond, and much more as this site won't allow direct link, Sorry.  Or simply  e-mail me I will send the photo bucket link for you to copy and paste on google to view the videos and over one hundred pictures as the pictures listed inform very little. Thank you!

(Last review e-mail)  We arrived at 5 Palms, full of anticipation, and eager to spend a week together that we had been waiting for for months.
From the rushing waterfall, to the 3 marble steps at the back entrance, we knew this was a special place. Kirk & Jacquie’s personalities radiate from countless details: Tastefully placed candles, an abundance of plush towels, thick shag carpet, big (and I mean BIG!) screen TV, class-act pool table, and the stainless steel BBQ are just some of the amenities that portray a knowledge of comfort and good life that the Giordanos use to mark their territory.  We explored the towns nearby, & we met the nice neighbors. We shone the flashlights into the depths of the private gold mine, and watched the early morning wild turkeys scratching and pecking their way up the hill.
We shared freshly made breakfasts in the kitchen & gourmet dinners on the patio, we spent starry nights in the jacuzzi chit chatting & sipping fine wine.
The hours were full and slow moving, yet the days flew by. When it was time to leave, it was with a mixed sense of sorrow & gratitude that we locked the door and looked back in the rearview mirror for one more glimpse of this amazing home that we made our own for a short few days.
Thank you both for sharing your home!

Robert Kershner

Come & stay in this lovely home just 5 minutes from historic downtown Sonora, California.
The house sits on 20 acres with fruit trees, a river and an amazing waterfall the perfect setting for a family reunion or wedding party. There are 4 bedrooms each with a queen size bed, also the lounge has a double futon. There are also electric air mattress's in each room for extra guests.

Sonora is located on Highway 108 in the foothills of the gold country.

Relax & visit in a living room that has room for the whole family. Over 30 different board games are available. A roll-top desk provides room for your laptop or other necessary paperwork. Two futons double for sleeping and three recliners complete the seating in the living room.
Enjoy the huge flat screen TV with surround sound ( which also has outdoor speakers ) and an enormous collection of movies, including children's classics. Take turns on the Shiatsu Massage chair.
Challenge each other to a game of pool on this regulation pool table with lion's head legs and claw feet. Several pool cues and a basket of chalk are ready for your game.
Build a fire for cozy warmth and atmosphere or if not in the mood to build a fire enjoy the freedom of central heating.
Enjoy preparing foods in the gourmet kitchen. Extra large gas range and oven, tons of small appliances, all utensils, cookware, and dishes are ready for you to make your time together special.
Large stainless steel BBQ area can accommodate the entertainment needs of your large family. 2 picnic tables are available for a sit-down meal.Covered back patio has ample seating and even a double hammock for bringing the family together. And the sundance spa is hot and ready to go!
Sit back and relax listening to the year-round waterfall which pools in several spots for the youngsters to wade. Pan for gold in the creek. Light the fire pits and rub your feet in the beach sand.
A 100 year old real gold mine is only 15 feet from the back of the house. The gold mine goes underground for about 200 feet or more, but unfortunatly its very unstable and as a result we have had to place an iron gate in front for your protection.
Parking for 20 cars on graveled area. A pass-through driveway allows for unloading of groceries & supplies without having to tote everything from the parking area.

Use the Willows as your base for day trips to visit the gold rush towns of Jamestown and Columbia and experience a trip to the past. At Jamestown you will find Railtown 1897 State Historic Park which is home to one of America's last intact, still-operating railroad roundhouses that offers rides on their steam-powered excursion train on weekends from April through October.

Columbia is the best preserved of all historic gold rush towns. Stagecoach rides, gol panning, museums, Old West Re-enactments, and docents to help you understand the era, Columbia is a school or living history for over 20,000 4th graders from all over the state every year.

Downtown Sonora has many small shops specializing in antiques, cozy tea shops and gourmet restaurants. In addition, there are three live theatres and excellent shopping. Sonora plays host to the annual International Jousting Championships, a PRC Mother's Day Rodeo, & a Celtic Faire.
Nearby are the MiWuk Indian Acorn Festival, 49er Festival & Chili Cook-off, Ironstone Vineyards
Concert Programs, Bear Valley & Strawberry Music Festivals, and so many music & arts venues throughout the year it is impossible to list them all.

Twain Harte is recognized as the Central Sierraïs original mountain getaway. In the 1800s, it was a pristine forest where Me-Wuk Indians lived with deer, bear, antelope, elk and smaller animals.
Movies in the Pines each Friday and Concerts in the Pines every Saturday, both are offered free to the public. Craft fairs, community barbecues, a Fall Festival and the annual Oktober fest complete the high tourist season. As the holidays near, Twain Harte is host to a charming winter wonderland Christmas parade that has become a hallmark of Twain Harte has small town character.

Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area is located 30 miles east of Sonora, near Pinecrest, just off of Highway 108. In full operation, Dodge Ridge has 11 lifts, including one fixed grip quad, two triples, five doubles, a carpet conveyor, and two surface lifts. Of its 60 trails, 20% are rated beginner, 40% intermediate, and 40% expert. The resort has a top elevation is 8,200 feet and 6,600 feet at the base area, offering a 1,600 foot vertical drop.

New Melones Lake is only 10 minutes away with boat ramps for your water sports and fishing.

$375-per night, 3 night minimum. $405 for holiday rates
or $2000- on a  weekly basis  of course monthly rate are available.
plus security deposit 1,000 dollars (refundable)
and a Cleaning deposit $150 (non refundable)

Sorry New years Eve. already booked for 5 days
Prefer guest over 25 years of age.