History of the Property

The balalaika is a stringed instrument dating back to the 14th century in Russia. It suits our guest homes well, as it reflects the cultural heritage of the Russian River, and particularly, Rio Nido.

At about the beginning of the 19th century, Russian fir trappers from the Aleutian Islands set up an outpost on the Pacific Coast north of the peaceful, meandering river named Shabaikai by the native Pomo Indians. For a few decades the beaver trappers hunted hunted the area along the river they called Slavianka, loosely translated "pretty little Russian girl". By 1841 the beaver population began to disappear, and the trappers abandoned their outpost, now called Fort Ross.

From the eastern part of the river came the Spanish settlers, under the auspices of Sgt. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, who set up a presidio called Juarez at what is now Mirabel Park. His brother-in-law, John B.R. Cooper, set up the very first power sawmill on the site.

Timber harvesting became the major industry for the vast redwood area. Mills were established throughout the river basin, and towns sprouted up. Guerneville, known as Stumptown, where the redwood stands in the surrounding hills were reduced to giant redwood stumps, became the largest town. Railroads not only distributed the lumber throughout the state, they also brought families from San Francisco.

By early 1920s, thousands of people came to the growing resort communities each summer. Rio nido, not yet called Rio Nido, was "the place" to be for fun and entertainment. They charged $23 a week to its guests, and that included three meals a day.

Over the decades it served the tourist industry through good times and bad. In the 1980s it became known as Balalaika Cottages, in honor of the early Russian River heritage. The almost century-old building showed their age, as was evident when one customer commented on the number of pots and pans in the kitchen. "They're not for cooking," said the manager. "They're for the roof leaks!"

By the mid 1990s, the venerable but run-down cottages were torn down, and the site is now the home of Balalaika.

As the balalaika instrument reflected the diverse cultural history of Russia, Balalaika Guest Homes honors the diverse culture and history of Rio Nido. Tourism is still an important part of the community, but the hills and canyons of Rio Nido now abound in year-round homes, nestled in the redwoods.