North Coast / Mendocino land dream

A friend of mine recently came into a little money selling a company he partially founded, and is considering buying a little land, with the long term goal of putting a small "off grid" cabin on for a weekend getaway for he and his family (and friends!?!?!).

Ideally, he'd like something not too far from SF (3 hours max), and close to the coast (although a nice mountain lake would probably be attractive to him as well I'd wager). He fishes, but hasn't done the kayak thing yet (I'm working on him...).

He's in the very early stages of looking around, and I'm thinking that one of his considerations ought to be the impending closures. His other considerations is to be close enough to other activities for his wife (not a fisherperson) to enjoy as well.

What areas would you suggest taking a serious look at, or what other considerations would you recommend?

I'm not sure of his budget, but I'm guessing SR is a bit more than he'd like to pay, and Tahoe is too commercial.

Fun to dream, even if it is vicarious!

Kook

Everyone is different so this is really dependent upon the person.  Personally, I would get an airplane and get a place in Shelter Cove.  I already have a place at Eagle Lake, but if I didn't I'd seriously consider getting a place near Lake Almanor.  Pilot lessons are less than $12k (and as little as 6k if you can dedicate 3 weeks straight and shop around) and a used Cessna Skyhawk will set you back less than $100k, maybe a lot less, and be sufficient for your shuttle needs. 

Crash, that really is the dream! Although I don't think he's into getting his pilot's license at the moment (could be wrong though).

I was going to suggest something around Anchor Bay to him, although I don't know the area well enough to be more specific than that. You are right of course, that it is an extremely personal thing and everyone is different.

Key Phrase.......

His other considerations is to be close enough to other activities for his wife (not a fisherperson) to enjoy as well.

Key Phrase.......

His other considerations is to be close enough to other activities for his wife (not a fisherperson) to enjoy as well.

Let her get the pilot's license ldo.