Noe's Nest: Where Vintage Charm Meets San Francisco Spirit

Nestled between San Francisco's vibrant Noe Valley and Mission District, Noe's Nest Bed & Breakfast stands as a testament to the power of personality in hospitality. Owned and operated by the indomitable Sheila Ash, this charming 8-room B&B offers more than just a place to stay—it's an experience woven from the colorful threads of Sheila's life and the rich tapestry of San Francisco's history.

A Pioneer in San Francisco's B&B Scene

Sheila Ash, now 77 years young, was the first to open a bed and breakfast in Noe Valley, San Francisco, before the city even had permits for such establishments. "When I would go to the city permit department, they didn't have any permits...because they didn't have any. It was so early," Sheila recalls. It took about five years before the city caught up, and when Sheila finally applied for an official permit, she won hands down, with about 50 people coming out in support and no dissension.

From Brooklyn to San Francisco: A Journey of Discovery

Sheila's path to becoming a B&B owner was as unique as the establishment she runs. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she initially pursued a career as a schoolteacher. But a desire to see the world led her on a journey of discovery. "I spent a number of years hitchhiking around the world," Sheila shares. Her travels exposed her to the European concept of pensions—small, family-run guest houses—which would later inspire her approach to hospitality.

It was the weather that eventually drew Sheila to San Francisco in August 1977. Coming from the harsh climate of New York, she found San Francisco's mild temperatures a revelation. "I felt like I was at a resort," she reminisces. "I would teach during the day and then go to the beach."

A Necessity Becomes a Passion

Sheila's entry into the B&B business was born out of necessity. As a single parent and schoolteacher struggling to make ends meet, she saw an opportunity in the extra rooms of her home. "I said, well, I got to make money," Sheila explains. What started as a financial necessity soon blossomed into a lifelong passion.

More Than Just a B&B

At Noe's Nest, guests get more than just a room—they get a slice of Sheila's vibrant life. "I rent a room with a life, and the life is mine, and that makes a difference," Sheila proudly states. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the B&B.

The 136-year-old house is a treasure trove of antiquities and vintage items, reflecting Sheila's appreciation for things that have stood the test of time. "This home has survived earthquakes, fire, flooding, whatever natural forces, and it stands," Sheila notes with pride.

The property boasts a beautiful backyard with an array of fruit trees, including apple, mulberry, lemon, fig, and mandarin orange. There's even a "wine temple"—a glass house where guests can enjoy the garden view regardless of the weather.

A Fashionable Touch

Sheila's influence extends beyond the decor. A fashion designer in her own right, she brings a touch of style to the B&B experience. "My guests can't wait for me to come out for breakfast and see what I'm wearing," she says with a laugh. Her fashion sense is so appreciated that she often lends clothes to guests who haven't packed appropriately for San Francisco's microclimates.

Sheila's fashion credentials are impressive. She designs her own clothes, specializing in vintage fashion, and has even been paid to judge at New York Fashion Week.

Creating a Home Away From Home

For Sheila, creating a sense of home for her guests is about personal connection. She spends time getting to know her visitors, offering them a glimpse into her world. "It's not just renting a room. 'Hello. Goodbye.' It's getting to know them and them getting to know me," she explains.

This personal touch extends to the breakfast experience, which Sheila takes pride in preparing herself. "Continental breakfast" is not in her vocabulary—instead, she offers a spread with more choices than guests can believe.

Sheila also goes above and beyond to make guests feel at home. For those missing their pets, she offers playtime with her cockapoo. The B&B is also dog-friendly, with a dog patch in front and a dog park just a block away.

A Part of the Community

Noe's Nest has become an integral part of the neighborhood. Sheila decorates the bay window monthly, creating a local attraction that people come to photograph day and night. "I never thought I'd be a window decorator," she muses.

Her daily walks with her dog have made her a familiar face in the community. "If they last long enough, if they live long enough, they'll know me," she says of her neighbors. This deep connection to the community allows Sheila to offer guests unique experiences, like tours in her Mercedes to exclusive spots not found in guidebooks.

Lessons Learned

When asked about the most valuable lesson she's learned from her guests over the years, Sheila's answer is simple yet profound: "How to be a guest." She emphasizes the importance of giving guests the freedom to be themselves, whether that means coming to breakfast in stylish pajamas or simply relaxing in the ambiance of the place.

A Legacy of Hospitality

After nearly 50 years in the business, Sheila has seen the rise and fall of San Francisco multiple times. Yet, her love for the city and its spirit remains undiminished. "Everything falls, but the fact that it always rises gives way to hope," she reflects. "It's the mindset that I love about it, the freedom. The freedom to be whoever you want to be at any time."

Noe's Nest, under Sheila's guidance, has become more than just a B&B—it's a San Francisco institution. With guests returning for 20 or 30 years, Sheila has become a part of their lives, watching families grow and change over the decades.

In a city known for its fog, steep hills, and iconic bridges, Noe's Nest and Sheila Ash offer something equally valuable—a warm, eclectic home base from which to explore, and a chance to experience San Francisco through the eyes of someone who truly embodies the city's free-spirited, welcoming nature.

As Sheila puts it, "I just feel like someone who's willing to be themselves and take along all the other people with me." And in doing so, she's created not just a bed and breakfast, but truly a San Francisco experience unlike any other.

To experience the warmth and unique charm of Noe's Nest for yourself, visit their website at https://www.noesnest.com/ for more information or to book your stay.