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BEAUTIFUL AND LUSH HIDDEN WISTERIA COTTAGE

 
 
 
Alameda bungalow rental - A view over the pond.
A view over the pond.
  • Alameda bungalow rental - A view over the pond.
    A welcoming entrance
    Combination bedroom and sitting room
    A view to the garden
    Fully equiped kitchen
    Private Patio w/ BBQ
  • Alameda bungalow rental - Hall between kitchen and bed
    bathroom
    bathroom
 
Alameda bungalow rental - A view over the pond.

A view over the pond.

A welcoming entrance

A welcoming entrance

Combination bedroom and sitting room

Combination bedroom and sitting room

A view to the garden

A view to the garden

Fully equiped kitchen

Fully equiped kitchen

Private Patio w/ BBQ

Private Patio w/ BBQ

Hall between kitchen and bed

Hall between kitchen and bed

bathroom

bathroom

bathroom

bathroom

  • Bedrooms1
  • Sleeps2
  • 1 Bathroom

Photos and Description of the Alameda vacation bungalow rental
1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 2

The island of Alameda is considered by some as the hidden gem of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Your hosts have turned their circa 1890s detached carriage house and stable into a welcoming garden cottage. This tastefully appointed guest spot is perfect for a quiet getaway or extended academic or corporate visit.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, you are just walking distance from Park Street, Alameda's central shopping district. Here you'll find everything you need....antique shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and the newly renovated Alameda Theatre. Less than a mile away you'll find a pristine beach park with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.

Want to head into 'The City'? You are just 25 minutes away from all SF has to offer. We are close to the Alameda ferry, AC Transit and BART. A quick drive over the Bay Bridge drops you right into the heart of downtown San Francisco.

The Carriage House: The owners have spent decades collecting antiques and designing interiors and have used their talents to create a comfortable,quiet vacation space for those who appreciate a green way of living.

Virtually every item, from floor to ceiling is recovered or recycled in some way.

The Garden: The bungalow is covered by a gorgeous and legendary Wisteria tree that is the star of the spring season.

The practice of 'Living Green' extends to the lush surrounding gardens. Old San Francisco cobblestones, recovered copper downspouts and perfectly placed architectural elements create a serene garden so creative you'd think you were on a movie set.

A Coi pond that is sometimes visited by elegant egrets, sits just outside the bungalow door. The garden is surrounded by three small aviaries that house small families of canaries. Their song and the sound of flowing water will lull you while you read a book in the sun on your own private patio.

The Neighborhood & Beyond: Developed in the late 1800s as a beach resort community, the modern day version still holds much of it's charm from the early 20th century.

Take a drive through the different neighborhoods and you'll see beautiful examples of California architecture. Perfectly restored Victorians share the same street with cute California Bungalows and Craftsman style homes.

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About The Owners

The talents of your hosts, John and Arthur, have appeared on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and in a series of books on Arts & Crafts bungalows by Paul Duchscherer – The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow and Outside the Bungalow. Their business, House of Orange, specializes in European Arts & Crafts furnishings, and some of their most outstanding pieces are now in the homes of local collectors who have become close friends over the years.

Why The Owners chose Alameda

Their carriage house – circa 1890, has been turned into a garden guest cottage – and except for a few planks, tiles and a sofa bed, the cottage and its contents are all recycled in some way. The wood interior and exterior siding are bits and pieces from old projects, and with their creative eye, all the pieces work: as ceiling and wall sections, windowsills, door jambs, storage closets - you name it!

Their recycling even extends to the surrounding yard. Reclaimed copper downspouts from the roof divert rainwater into the koi pond and an existing well. The outdoor lighting is on a sensor to save energy, and old lanterns were rewired as lamps. Chimney liners were turned into water features and pulley hooks into sturdy plant hangers. All plants need little to no watering and bloom beautifully.

Wisteria Cottage – a name given to it by friends and guests – may be small, but every idea John and Arthur used was big on result and can easily translate on an even grander scale. They provide decorating, remodeling and landscaping services and advice.

What makes this bungalow unique

John and Arthur are called the “Green Giants” because they are all about reducing, reusing and recycling in a BIG and BEAUTIFUL way. Whether shopping at thrift stores for clothing, repaving their driveway with old cobblestones from a San Francisco street, or resurfacing floors with reclaimed wood, they make mindful and creative use of materials with spectacular results!

Alameda bungalow rental - A view over the pond.

A view over the pond.

A welcoming entrance

A welcoming entrance

Combination bedroom and sitting room

Combination bedroom and sitting room

A view to the garden

A view to the garden

Fully equiped kitchen

Fully equiped kitchen

Private Patio w/ BBQ

Private Patio w/ BBQ

Hall between kitchen and bed

Hall between kitchen and bed

bathroom

bathroom

bathroom

bathroom

Nearest Airport : Oakland International Airport at 5 Miles
Nearest Ferry : Ferry Point at 4 Miles
Nearest Train : Emeryville - Amtrack at 10 Miles
Nearest Beach : Walking distance at 1 Miles
Nearest Barpub : Walking distance at 1 Miles
Nearest Golf : Alameda Municipal Golf Course at 2.5 Miles
Nearest Restaurant : Walking distance at 1 Miles
Car: recommended
Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
Jun 13, 2013
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Rental Rates for this vacation bungalow rental in Alameda, California

No rental rates available - please contact the owner

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning $75

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency () unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation bungalow rental in Alameda, California

Property Type:
  • bungalow
Meals:
  • Guests provide their own meals
Floor Area:
  • 750 sq. ft.
Location Type:
  • Downtown
  • Waterfront
Theme:
  • Romantic
  • Away From It All
General:
  • Local Maps
  • Internet
  • Alarm Clock
  • Gas Heating
  • Basic Soaps
  • Fireplace
  • Wireless Internet
  • Living Area
  • Iron & Board
  • Toilet Paper
  • Linens Provided
  • Towels Provided
  • Paper Towels
  • Local Activities Guide
  • Parking On Street
  • Local Restaurant Guide
  • Activities Guide
  • Hair Dryer
Kitchen:
  • Blender
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Ice Maker
  • 4 Ring Stove
  • Freezer
  • Oven
  • Coffee Maker
  • Microwave
  • Grill
Dining:
  • Dining Area
  • seating for 2 people
Bathrooms:
  • 1 Bathroom
  • Bathroom 1 - toilet , shower
Bedrooms:
  • 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen
Entertainment:
  • CD Player
  • VCR
  • Television
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • DVD Player
  • Radio
  • Video Library
Outside:
  • Courtyard
  • Lawn / Garden
  • Patio
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Barbecue
  • Outdoor Entertainment Area
  • Porch / Veranda
  • 4 garden chairs
Suitability:
  • wheelchair inaccessible
  • pets not allowed
Attractions:
  • live theater
  • museums
  • cinemas
  • bay/sound
  • botanical garden
  • arboretum
  • winery tours
  • playground
  • churches
  • library
  • zoo
  • restaurants
  • marina
Leisure Activities:
  • sight seeing
  • scenic drives
  • antiquing
  • bird watching
  • walking
  • outlet shopping
  • beachcombing
Local Services & Businesses:
  • fitness center
  • groceries
  • ATM/bank
  • medical services
  • hospital
  • massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • hiking
  • pier fishing
  • golf
  • sailing
  • swimming
  • cycling
  • roller blading
  • sound/bay fishing
  • fishing
  • wind-surfing

Reviews for this vacation bungalow rental in Alameda, California

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
average rating of 5.0 based on 14 reviews
business
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p938138
Alameda The Bay Area
5

Absolutely Marvelous!

5 of 5
Submitted: May 28, 2013 Stayed: May 2013
The location - ideal.
The hosts - perfect.
The cottage - outstanding.
The garden - breath taking.
The striking fact about Wisteria Cottage is the attention to details - in the cottage, in the garden, in the entry passage, and especially in the hosts . Design, both inside and outside, made our stay one exciting discovery after another. The trickling water and singing birds of the garden bring smiles of comfort even now. The entry way provides a soothing passage into the quiet world of Wisteria Cottage. The abundant thoughtful touches inside the cottage expressed the hosts concern for our sojourn.
The koi fish in the pond mesmerized our grandson. He particularly enjoyed feeding them. Discovering the birds in the aviaries excited him as well.
We enjoyed their restaurant recommendations on the island, especially the Burma Cafe, and further away. Shopping suggestions with directions served us well.
We truly appreciated the copious personal efforts of our hosts.
Owner's Response: We are so happy you and your family enjoyed your stay. Everything that excited you is something John and Arthur have put a great deal of time and love into and it seems to show! I hope you know you are welcome to come and stay with us anytime!
business
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p938138
Alameda The Bay Area
Satellite Beach, Fl
5

Wonderful place to stay

5 of 5
Submitted: April 16, 2013 Stayed: April 2013
My wife and I were in Oakland for the Strictly Sail Show and stayed at this property. I would recommend Wisteria Cottage to anyone traveling to this area. John and Arthur are great hosts and the cottage is lovely.. It is hard to discribe the gardens to someone who hasn't seen them, but they are creative and restful. You are within walking distance of a number of great resturants, though the kitchen at the cottage is well stocked and very useable. The outdoor BBQ grill was also nice. Again, we would recommend this cottage to anyone. We are booking it for next years show.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
business
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p938138
Alameda The Bay Area
5

Perfect peaceful oasis in the East Bay

5 of 5
Submitted: January 23, 2013 Stayed: January 2013
With family in the Bay Area, we visit frequently from the East Coast. Wisteria Cottage, and hosts John and Arthur provide a perfect, peaceful retreat. It's unique, yet homey; close to everything, yet quiet as a country cottage. The garden is a labor of love, and it's infused with beauty and tranquility. Koi pond, several sitting areas, and mature plantings make for instant stress relief. You'll find everything you need: full kitchen, awesome bathroom, comfortable bed w/reading lights; bathrobes; wi-fi access; wine, bread and fruit upon arrival; redwood interior walls and many found-object design touches. Perfect place to come home to after a day's worth of family visits, SF excursions, day-tripping etc. 10/10 would definitely stay again. Highest recommendation.
Owner's Response: We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. John and Arthur have definitely put a lot of love into every detail. If you ever come back to Alameda, give us a shout....we'd love to have you back!
business
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p938138
Alameda The Bay Area
Green Valley, AZ; Loudon, TN
5

The Perfect Nest

5 of 5
Submitted: January 12, 2013 Stayed: December 2012
This was our fifth consecutive Christmas in the East Bay. We have stayed in a variety of lovely accommodations, and this was, without a doubt, the most charming. The weather was wet and cold, but Wisteria Cottage was welcoming and cozy. Our hosts left an umbrella by our door on the first rainy day, typical of the thoughtfulness with which they care for their guests. If you need it, Arthur and John have thought of it: lovely comfortable bed, luxe linens, a well equipped kitchen, even a needle and thread! We were encouraged to feed the amazing koi and pick the lemons. We felt completely at home during our two week stay, and look forward to returning.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p938138
Alameda The Bay Area
Boston, MA, USA
5

Haven

5 of 5
Submitted: November 20, 2012 Stayed: October 2012
I visit my family in Alameda twice a year and have stayed in several other owner rentals as well as hotels. This is the best of the available locations.

Potential renters should be aware that this is a cottage and, although fully equipped and well organized, quite small.

My 30-day stay at Wisteria Cottage was wonderful. The property has a fabulous location, just two blocks from Park Street, which is "downtown" Alameda. Great shopping and you can catch a bus to Oakland and the BART to San Francisco there. As interior decorators, the owners (John and Arthur) have created a beautiful space. They have considered their guests' comfort down to the smallest details. All of the lighting is on dimmers (with internal lights for easy finding at night). Most hostelries provide the minimum number of lamps with low-wattage bulbs; at Wisteria Cottage there is plenty of bright lighting. John and Arthur supply terry bathrobes since people often don't pack these heavy items. The property is sound-proofed as well as set back from the street and, therefore, very quiet. There is an excellent flat-screen TV with VCR and DVD and also a CD player, wifi. There are numerous electrical outlets. Although laundry facilities are not provided, there is a very good laundromat two blocks away, which is open 6 am to 11 pm.


The highlight of Wisteria Cottage is the large, beautiful garden which the owners have developed over many decades. It surrounds the cottage, and guests can access it from three doors and see it constantly through the many windows. There is outdoor seating, tables, and a grill.

John and Arthur are lovely people, and their friendliness and helpfulness enhanced my stay. John took care of a couple of minor problems immediately.
Helpful votes: 3/3
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Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

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