A quiet, private hideaway an hour north of the Golden Gate -- yet a world apart.

The Ark is a charming 2-room cottage tucked in the forest a mile up the ridge from the village of Inverness. Built by architecture students from U.C. Berkeley in the '70s of mostly recycled materials, it has a soaring ceiling above the spacious main room, a wood stove, and windows overlooking the forest. Cozy and comfortably furnished with the art of local artists and craftspeople, it creates the perfect setting for your time away. The generous outdoor area beckons you for picnics or sunbaths.

* Fully equipped kitchen
* Queen bed in main room
* Sleeps up to six people
* Loft with double futon
* Separate room with twin beds
* Books, games and stereo
* Private outdoor area with Gas BBQ
* Families welcome
* Breakfasts are all organic
* A green establishment