Guest Cottage Exterior
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Guest Cottage Exterior
Guest Cottage Bed
guest cottage sitting area
Guest Cottage Kitchen/Living Area
Guest Cottage Bath
Guest Cottage Shower
Guest Cottage Patio
outdoor grill
Steps to Vegetable Garden
Quiet Sitting Nook
Upper Plateau on Property
View From Public Trail Next Door
Our Chickens
Haifa and Lucca, our Dogs
Nearby Leo Carrillo State Beach
Winding Path to Guest Cottage
- Bedrooms1
- Sleeps4
- 1 Bathroom
20 Reviews of Property 907112 in Malibu, California
Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Amazing!
Submitted: August 8, 2012
Stayed: July 2012
This little house and it's surroundings are amazing! So cozy and comfortable and Diane and Mattias are the nicest people you could hope for. The eggs from their hens and freshly baked bread were such a nice touch! We plan to come back again and again! Thank you.
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
A tranquil, picturebook holiday haven
Submitted: May 22, 2013
Stayed: May 2013
My wife and I arrived tired and sweaty after our transatlantic flight, to such a warm greeting from Diane and Matthias, Luca and Haifa (the dogs) that we knew we were going to be just fine here. A basket of home-laid eggs and fresh-baked scones reinforced that first impression, and that's the way it continued for the 10 days of our stay. We absolutely loved the cottage. Although it is not appointed to 5 star standards, as the owners make very clear in their description, it has a simple charm that feels totally appropriate in the magical, shady surroundings of the property. We hope to be back!
David,
England
David,
England
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Was it a dream? This place is too perfect.
Submitted: April 11, 2013
Stayed: March 2013
The best vacation house for a married cyclist with dogs hands down. Great BBQ area in a very relaxing setting. Close to Leo Carrilo Beach where dogs are welcome. The couple that own the spot are super friendly and do a great job making you feel welcome with fresh eggs and biscuits in the morning. Top notch hospitality. Very romantic and spaciouce stone cottage. I stayed with my wife and she loved it. Nice shower, comfortable bed and all the bells an whistles you'll need if you hang around the house. I was more interested in the excellent roads and trails for cycling that are right out the front gate. Wife's snug cause the house is very comfortable, dogs can chill cause the property is gated and I can go ride my bike all day then hit the dog friendly beach with my wife and finish the day with high end BBQ. It's like everything was all too perfect like it was all a dream.
Recommended for:
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Romantic Getaway
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Great Stay!
Submitted: February 16, 2013
Stayed: February 2013
I surprised my husband for his 30th with a stay at the cottage. It was exactly what we needed for a peaceful, relaxing weekend! The pictures don't do this place's charm justice. It was the perfect size and owners were just wonderful hosts! We will highly recommend this cottage to our friends!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Romantic Getaway
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
The memory of a lifetime
Submitted: January 6, 2013
Stayed: December 2012
I stayed at the cottage over the holidays and found it magical. The ad undersells it, I think. I have traveled the world over decades, stayed in the largest estates and and fanciest hotels, but honestly this is my favorite place. It is genuine, beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring. The interiors are decorated with incredibly gorgeous, hand woven, imported rugs. The stone work in the cottage and around the property were clearly done by a creative artist. The views of the trees are serene, and I had fun watching the birds play on the patio. Bottom line - I was very impressed with the unique loveliness of the place. My every comfort was also provided for. The bed was like sleeping on a cozy cloud. The kitchen had more than everything most anyone would need on vacation, and the large, open stone shower was another fantastic luxury. There is a big flat screen TV to watch movies, which swivels, so it can be viewed from various spaces in the cottage. The lovely fireplace in the center of the space is romantic and added extra warmth on cold winter nights. The owners are very caring and struck a nice balance between friendliness and privacy. They could not have been more accomodating to be sure I was comfortable and felt at home. As an illustration of the kindness of the owners, when I had forgotten my hat, Diane gave me one to use and even offered to let me keep it. I told her she should keep it for my next stay. There are not many places left that are pure like this one. No overly manicured, McMansion/country club pretense. Just authentic beauty and charm at a very affordable price for the area where most hotels cost far more or offer far less. I have made plans to return for another getaway, and my friends are already asking how they can book. The only bad things I can say is that I have not kept it a secret and that I had to leave.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Rustic Stone Cottage
Submitted: January 1, 2013
Stayed: December 2012
This was advertised as luxurious accomodations and fell quite off the mark. The location is good....only 5 minute drive to the beach and the bed was comfortable. Otherwise, it was very uncomfortable. There is a beautiful stone fireplace; however, it did not work! We could not use outdoor firewood or turn up the gas flames past an inch because the vent is too small to handle any kind of heat. The furniture is far from luxurious and was old and it was hard to relax (especially with no heat!) and their was lack of lighting and mirrors to get dressed or put on make-up. The owners were very friendly, though, and did give us a refund since we were unhappy.
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers
Owner's Response: I am Diane, owner of the cottage. My husband and I were so sorry to hear that Lois was disappointed. Especially during the holidays, which should be a time of special sweetness and comfort! We try to advertise as closely as possible to what we are delivering, but clearly misunderstandings happen, and I am just sorry it happened to Lois. I hope we have done what we can to make it up to you, Lois, and that you had wonderful holidays nonetheless.
A few specific points to be clear for future guests: We don't check the "luxury" box on VRBO's description because we think the property is more of a romantic getaway retreat. Although we have gotten feedback from many guests that they find it luxurious, the property is somewhat rustic.
Based on Lois' feedback, I have ordered another mirror for the bathroom. (Thank you, Lois!)
The fireplace is advertised as a gas fireplace because wood tends to get smoky. We recommend keeping the gas flame at maximum 4 inches high or so because we've found since moving here a year and a half ago that the smoke and soot of high gas flames (and wood) are not optimally handled by the size of the chimney opening, although a chimney fan does help some, and we want guests to be be safe. The fireplace does give off heat and is primarily a romantic ambiant feature. We have ordered some fireplace glass, which we hope will make it all the more beautiful.
For additional heat, as our ad mentions, there are 3 electric space heaters provided, which bring the cottage up to the mid-high 60's on the coldest winter days. The vast majority of guests report being comfortable, but people traveling during our coldest periods who require warmer temperatures will be happier if they bring sweaters or come in the warmer months.
Our furnishings are what appears in the photos (with the addition of a couple extra throw rugs for winter).
We welcome any questions and always wish do what we can to ensure travelers are comfortable. Happy New Year, and many thanks to all our guests for making our last one all the better!
A few specific points to be clear for future guests: We don't check the "luxury" box on VRBO's description because we think the property is more of a romantic getaway retreat. Although we have gotten feedback from many guests that they find it luxurious, the property is somewhat rustic.
Based on Lois' feedback, I have ordered another mirror for the bathroom. (Thank you, Lois!)
The fireplace is advertised as a gas fireplace because wood tends to get smoky. We recommend keeping the gas flame at maximum 4 inches high or so because we've found since moving here a year and a half ago that the smoke and soot of high gas flames (and wood) are not optimally handled by the size of the chimney opening, although a chimney fan does help some, and we want guests to be be safe. The fireplace does give off heat and is primarily a romantic ambiant feature. We have ordered some fireplace glass, which we hope will make it all the more beautiful.
For additional heat, as our ad mentions, there are 3 electric space heaters provided, which bring the cottage up to the mid-high 60's on the coldest winter days. The vast majority of guests report being comfortable, but people traveling during our coldest periods who require warmer temperatures will be happier if they bring sweaters or come in the warmer months.
Our furnishings are what appears in the photos (with the addition of a couple extra throw rugs for winter).
We welcome any questions and always wish do what we can to ensure travelers are comfortable. Happy New Year, and many thanks to all our guests for making our last one all the better!
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Peaceful paradise
Submitted: October 25, 2012
Stayed: October 2012
I wouldn't change a thing about our stay at this peaceful paradise. My husband and I were looking for a place to get away to celebrate our anniversary and upon finding this gem, shaped our vacation around it. No regrets! We hiked hours every day, surfed, ate lots of good fresh food (yummy eggs and bread from Diane and Mattitans tarted each day!) and toured the countryside. What beautiful surroundings, from the ocean, to the trails, to the winding roads. Looking forward to bringing our kids back for some more adventures soon!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Heaven in the Hills
Submitted: August 24, 2012
Stayed: August 2012
What a wonderful getaway we had. Diane and Mathias have found heaven in the hills and have opened up their home for others to enjoy. We were greeted by them first thing when we arrived and they made us feel right at home. The space was perfect for my husband, and I and our 3 year old son. The first night we were there they brought us fresh eggs from the chickens and some fresh out of the oven bread that was so amazing my husband ate almost the whole loaf that night. It was close enough to the beach but you are actually in the mountains with the fresh smell of pine trees. On the last day Mathias was so wonderful with our son, he played with him for an hour helping him as they both hunted for pine cones. Pure Joy!
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Heavenly Retreat!
Submitted: August 12, 2012
Stayed: August 2012
This Malibu retreat was truly a magical getaway. My girlfriend and I rented the space for a girl’s vacation and we were so stoked by the charm of the guest house. We’ve never seen anything like it. It makes for a wonderful and serene haven just a short distance from the roaring coastline. We loved every moment spent there and can’t wait to make our return. We even considered spending our next trip to this location individually with our husbands as its flexibility allows for a more romantic atmosphere, if desire. The owners were hospitable and friendly. We arrived to fresh eggs and warm homemade bread from the oven. Delicious! Additionally, we indulged in organic, homemade soaps and shampoos compliments of the owner’s sister. The private grounds provide enough land for a nice morning walk and views of the Malibu hills; another aspect of Malibu to be appreciated. This site lacks nothing in appeal. It’s the perfect location to take in all the Malibu has to offer. Exceptional!!! I read all the other reviews and I am glad to say that the locale lived up to all expectations. Highly recommended.
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
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Extraordinary Retreat in Malibu
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p907112
Malibu
Los Angeles County
Sweet Nature Retreat in the Mountains
Submitted: August 8, 2012
Stayed: July 2012
We stayed at the cottage offered by Diane and her husband and felt both at home and at peace in the trees and the quiet on their protected property. The kitchen is really spacious and the stone walls kept the interior nice and cool while the outside was warm and sunny (three fans are there in case you like a lot of air moving too). I very much enjoyed getting to know Diane, who was very generous as a host with both information and in accommodating our needs during a trip that was interrupted. We would definitely recommend this little retreat in the mountains to anyone wanting a refuge that is still close to the water and the beach action. By the way: we also stayed at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, and there were so many families with kids that, for what we paid, we really felt sorry that we hadn't booked our time at Diane's Retreat in Malibu for those days instead.
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