Luxury guest house with beautiful private gardens

Review #5965008 "A lovely weekend away"

We had a lovely 3-day stay at this Sierra Madre getaway. This property is a good base location if you want to visit the Huntington Library, the Norton Simon Museum, Old Pasadena, Descanso Gardens and the Gamble House (about 10 to 15 minute drives). The unit looks quite plain in the front, but a walk through the side gate leads a large, tiered back yard and the unit. If you are a garden/outdoor BBQ person, you will not fail to appreciate this home away. Lots of love is apparent in the hardscape design, attention to potted plants, patio furniture. There's even a Tiki-type area with overhead lighting that is beautiful at night. My only regret was our visit during a chillier time of year; would have loved to eat every meal outside and enjoy the lit patio areas, mature trees. /*/The only problems we had during our stay was the onsite property manager's inability to turn on the TV, and the steam was not working in the shower area (the latter not an issue for us). We were able to reach Rick easily, and the cable TV problem was solved over the phone. Met Rick on the day we left - a real pleasure. /*/ The studio kitchen/fridge/washer dryer is functional and essentially new. Bed was very comfortable. The lighting over the table is a bit dim, our only issue with the unit. /*/ We had very nice dinners at Wistaria in Sierra Madre, Green Street Cafe (Zagat 22, $$) and Cafe 140 South (Zagat 17, $$) in Pasadena. The latter two are in little shopping area within walking distance to Pasadena Playhouse. /*/ If you are interested in music, look into Old Town Music Company in Old Pasadena. We have never seen such a collection of sheet music for all instruments. For those looking for organic/specialty foods, the Whole Foods is in between the I-210 and the getaway./*/ Would definitely stay here again and would recommend this to others looking for a weekend getaway! We had a lovely time.