If you are looking for the perfect location, then you can’t be this home.
The location is A+, with the sand and surf right before your eyes from the living room, the kitchen and the main bedroom. We saw dolphins and whales, huge boats and the twinkle of Catalina island. The deck of the bedroom offers an especially nice view of the crashing waves and brave surfers. The neighborhood is quiet and neighbors are friendly.
The home is interesting and quirky, with some nice art and sculptures and a truly impressive library of classic books--think the Iliad and the Odyssey, and a biography of Matisse in French. It definitely has the feel of a real home versus a sterile rental.
The owners are nice people--earnest and responsive- and seemed to truly care about our experience.
Because we use VRBO and AIR B&B a LOT, I think it is important to provide a thorough, honest review of every place we stay. No place is perfect and our visit was not without glitches.
Apparently, the former guests with kids and dogs had extended their stay which might not have left enough time between renters. The cleaning staff was there when we arrived. This did not start our stay off on the right foot, but the owner did everything she could to rectify the situation, including sending in a second crew the next day -no charge. She also had some fresh bathmats & new sheets delivered, without our asking which we appreciated. I think if the owners had more time between guests, given how conscientious they were, they would have been able to evaluate the house a bit more closely, including checking to make sure everything worked—lightbulbs, appliances, etc. before new guests arrived. The carpet had stains on it, but the owners have plans to pull that out soon and put in flooring which will be awesome in this home!
Favorites: GENEROUS supply of paper goods, well-stocked kitchen, 2 bikes we used every day, SONOS system outside on the deck.
Suggestions: Enough time is needed between guests do a thorough check to make sure everything is ready and the place is clean.
In summary, the beach access is awesome and the views are stunning. Easy access to the boat rental, grocery, lots of great restaurants, tennis courts etc.! With new flooring to freshen the place up, this place will be perfect next year when we come back! And, new floors would definitely make this a 5 star review.
