Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very nice!

Guest: Mike (United States)
Date of Stay: 05/10/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

We felt very "at home" at this nicely located, well maintained, and charmingly decorated flat. All was as described and photographed. Everything was clean and well maintained. It exceeded our expectations, and we have raved about our stay there to our friends and family.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Bastion of Tranquility

Guest: John (Hanson, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/03/12 Review Submitted: 05/07/12

Clearly the previously posted reviewer took a decidedly wrong turn and entered an altered reality - where charm and accessible warmth are viewed with a jaded contempt and disdain. As I sit here in the Dacha on the final night of our stay, a profound sense of melancholy hangs palpably in the air, driven by both my fondness for L.A. and the "second home" nature that James' blissful retreat has provided us over the past 4 years. I suppose that if the sterility and antiseptic nature of a cookie-cutter hotel room is "your thing," then perhaps the gentle embrace of this apartment is probably ill suited. However, if a warm and inviting Venetian oasis tucked down a friendly side street that's within a stone's throw of Venice, Santa Monica and Marina del Rey sounds like your cup of tea...then I can recommend no place more inviting than the Dacha, nor any host more genuinely caring than James.

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We loved it! Super-friendly and charming -- everything as promised

Guest: arens (Prague)
Date of Stay: 04/19/12 Review Submitted: 05/05/12

Our family of 5 loved our stay at Beethoven's Hideaway. When we arrived, James # was there to greet us personally and show us all around the apartment, setting # the scene for a most delightful stay in Santa Monica! While we had our itinerary # pretty much mapped out, James offered us lots of suggestions for places to eat, # and places to explore in the area. The care he has taken is this beautiful and # clean art-filled apartment is evident on ever all wall and book, and we # appreciated the welcoming touches such as the complementary wine waiting for us, # and a entire booklet together with maps and info of all the beach neighborhoods # and recommended places to dine. We highly recommend C&O Cucina down the street # and we were happy to use the free bikes on the property to get there (and work # off the pasta biking home). We hit the hiking trails in the Will Rogers Park and # "did" most of the beaches, and especially enjoyed Topanga Canyon. Every night we # appreciated coming "home": to our comfy, cozy and super-clean apartment that was # so beautifully cared for. Thanks James for making us feel so much at home-- we # will definitely return! Miroslav Mládek Prague, CZ # # #

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Some problems

Guest: Paul P.
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/30/12

First of all, the apartment is not in Santa Monica or Venice, it's in Mar Vista. The neighborhood isn't terrible, but it's not great either -- not that close to the beach, lots of automotive uses, and we were awoken by the neighbors next door fighting at about 3 AM. The apartment is *tiny* (we brought two kids, and use of the fold-out bed for our younger son meant we couldn't use the TV and had very little room to move). The washing machine seems to have a chronic mold problem, the off street parking was blocked by the downstairs tenants, and the bathroom is so small that you can barely sit on the toilet without banging your knees on the sink cabinet. James himself is responsive, which is to his credit, but it didn't really make up for the rest.

Owner response:Goodness me! After more than 30 gratefully positive and sometimes joyous reviews for our Beethoven’s Hideaway, I suppose it’s only the law of odds that we now get what my beloved grandma would call “a stinker in the bunch.” I’m afraid poor Peter and his wife seemed vexed the moment they set foot in this lovely home. Nothing we could say or do could mitigate their rather constant complaints (several texts and numerous phone calls, in fact.) We needn’t burden the reader with reciting all of our responses here, but a few inaccuracies by Peter do merit response. First, we are right between Venice and Santa Monica – a very convenient location that locals call “Mar Vista” but others just refer to as, well, either Santa Monica or Venice. Second, the apartment is hardly “tiny” at 1000 square feet, which doesn't include the 100 sq. ft. patio deck flowing out from the den that overlooks the backyard and fruit tree. There's a spacious kitchen and two large bedrooms, both with sitting areas and both measuring 12 x 16 square feet! Third, the new sofa bed in the den doesn’t preclude anyone from using the TV (unless folks are otherwise distracted from watching TV by whatever activity they are doing on the sofa…one does need to inject some humor here!). So many guests have slept in the den and comfortably watched TV that, again, I'm perplexed by this complaint. Fourth, our four-month old washing machine is cleaned regularly and has no mold either on it or in it; I told Peter he may have gotten a whiff of a pile moldy fallen leaves next to the laundry cabina following our series of recent rains, leaves which I quickly raked up. Fifth, there is room at the end of the driveway for two cars to park side by side, but if someone parks in the middle of the driveway and forgets to make room, then others can’t park to the side and must park behind him. Sixth, the toilet leaves quite enough room for even my 6’3” nephew to comfortably sit without “banging” anything -- though I did bang my own head trying to figure out what precipitated all these complaints...Well, dear readers, there you have it. One meets all kinds in this fascinating profession. I would rather have had Peter and his wife enjoy their stay, appreciate the artistry of the apartment and the care and concern we take for our guests, and I truly regret that he did not. The next time you are in town, Peter, let us help you unwind at a very friendly local bar – the drinks are on us!

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Awesome Beethoven St Cottage

Guest: Emily (Newton, Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/04/12

We loved out stay at this cottage. It is certainly the only rental I have experienced that comes with a piano and a 2-volume Oxford English Dictionary. The décor is homey and tasteful at the same time. The patio with overhanging lemon tree adds wonderful ambience. It was such a pleasure to accommodate grandparents, parents and children in a relaxed home-based atmosphere with kitchen facilities, convenient to beach and other amenities. Thank you so much!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Birthday Celebration Weekend

Guest: Cheri (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/10/12

We really enjoyed this retreat. The neighborhood was quite and the four of us (two couples) happily toasted a great day of seeing Venice Beach and the canals while enjoying the view of the Santa Monica mountains and excellent weather on the deck. The retreat was very clean, James personally ensured that upon our arrival. Our master bed was very comfortable and the walk in closet was an unexpected delight. The other bedroom's bed was a bit stiff for our friends, but we added an extra available cozy comforter for them to sleep on, and that worked like a charm. The pictures of the unit are very accurate. James gave us some great recommendations for places to eat in the neighborhood, just around the corner. We loved the quick walk to each and thoroughly enjoyed the quality food and friendly service (Wagner's rockin bakery and the Firepit pizza). We certainly loved visiting Abbout Kinney street! On the first Friday of the month, all of the food trucks arrive for dinner....we had 20+ to pick from and found some excellent Indian food on one and a fantastic cupcake bakery on another. Quite the festival atmosphere. We visited the Getty Museum and the Huntington Library since we were so close and enjoyed the fantastic art and gardens at both locations. Thanks James for setting the "stage" for a great birthday weekend! Cheri

Recommended for:Sightseeing

A Books Cover

Guest: Harry (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

Though it remains true that you cannot tell a book by its cover, you can tell a VRBO by its books. No cheap thrillers or junk novels here. Some of the best fiction and non-fcition ever written. And there is a fabulous piano ( a bit out out tune). My wife and I spend over 90 days a year in VRBO housing. This is one of the very best. The owner discovered when showing us around that the refrigerator did not work. A brand new one was delivered and installed within 24 hours together with his sincere apologies. How can you ask for more? The neighborhood is not trendy, but it is very handy to everything and is quiet and relatively safe. The rooms are bright and cheerful. There is a pizza place to carry in from and a great bakery for morning stuff within two minutes walk. This delightful apartment beats any hotel at the five star level. It is perfect.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent Property

Guest: Steve (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 11/23/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

We stayed here for 4 nights over Thanksgiving. The location is excellent with easy access to the freeway. A supermarket is only minutes away. James met us and explained where everything was located including the washer and dryer (located outside...would not have guessed that!!). We are a family of 5 and my daughter slept in the pull out couch. I think this place is ideal for a family of 4 rather than 5. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the Dacha and would highly recommend it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Just Perfect

Guest: V&S (United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

My wife and I stayed for a week in this lovely top floor apartment at the end of a busy business trip and we could not want for any thing better. Everything was perfect, clean as a whistle, and exactly as described, if not better. Many amenities and places to visit easily reached, I had good fun exploring on the bike. You can really tell the quality of care anywhere when problems arise, on our first morning we had a minor plumbing issue, a quick call to James and a handyman was on site before I had finished my coffee. James said 'just leave it to us and do whatever you had planned' and when we got back later in the day everything was sorted, one can not ask for more. Breakfast on the deck with the humming birds, delightful. We have already told colleagues and friends about this fantastic place and if things go to plan we will be back in LA in 2013 and would stay no where else.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very cool, happening place

Guest: Jen (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 11/10/11

We felt like we really lucked out in finding such a coo place close to the airport, the beach,etc. I was able to pick a couple of limes right off the tree for drinks. It is really an intriguing apartment. So much more fun staying here than in a hotel. We loved it. Just wish we had been there longer, but we plan on returning.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our weekend getaway

Guest: M (Van nuys california u)
Date of Stay: 10/21/11 Review Submitted: 10/25/11

My family and I we make a good choice to spend our weekend there because we spend a graet time with each other . and the owner was friendly and he made us feel like we are at home.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Perfect Place to enjoy Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Guest: Nina (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

We loved our stay at The Dacha in the Sky. The apartment has a wonderful, cozy, bohemian feeling and was very comfortable for 3 of us to share for 4 days. Great, well appointed kitchen - I wanted to shop the Santa Monica farmer's Market and cook but we were too busy shopping and eating on Abbot Kinney at places like Gjelina - everyone's favorite restaurant and Robert Graham for stunning shirts for men and women. The apartment is a homey, comfortable, stylish sanctuary and we will definitely recommend it for friends & family and plan to stay there again. The owners have great taste in music, books and film - there's an embarrassment of riches to peruse, you cannot want for entertainment .A+ for cleanliness, prompt, helpful advice and charm!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Place to enjoy Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Guest: Nina (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

We loved our stay at The Dacha in the Sky. The apartment has a wonderful, cozy, bohemian feeling and was very comfortable for 3 of us to share for 4 days. Great, well appointed kitchen - I wanted to shop the Santa Monica farmer's Market and cook but we were too busy shopping and eating on Abbot Kinney at places like Gjelina - everyone's favorite restaurant and Robert Graham for stunning shirts for men and women. The apartment is a homey, comfortable, stylish sanctuary and we will definitely recommend it for friends & family and plan to stay there again. The owners have great taste in music, books and film - there's an embarrassment of riches to peruse, you cannot want for entertainment .A+ for cleanliness, prompt, helpful advice and charm!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great time & peaceful flat

Guest: CA (Nr Cambridge, UK)
Date of Stay: 09/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/02/11

We greatly enjoyed our time at the Dacha, it was an oasis in the LA area. Having had 2 weeks travelling around the Colorado plateau beforehand, it felt like a culture shock to be in a conurbation, so the Dacha proved tranquil. It was very useful to have some pointers to key things to see and we appreciated the personal touch needed for our arrangements, otherwise it could have been overload as to where to go/ what to see or not! Venice, Sta Monica, Beverley Hills, Bel Air., Paradise Cove, Will Rogers' home and park......all very different from each other and interesting to see, some well known from the TV and others to be seen for the first time. We would certainly recommend the Dacha to others. Thank you Ged, Grace and Carey Anne x

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

A charming place with garden outlook and quiet but near enough to the sea and the buzz

Guest: S Loudon (St Leonards on Sea, Sussex, England)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

We really enjoyed our stay at your place, it was exactly the right location. It had character but was in a peaceful setting - a really charming little place. Great to have the terrace, local shops nearby and away from the hurly burly but easy to walk to the sea and all the goings on down on the front - we found some quiet by roads and wended our way down. What I wouldn’t do to have a break there now!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Thanksgiving Stay

Guest: Mark (Sonoma county, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

My wife and I stayed at Dacha in the Sky 11/24-29/2010. The apartment is very comfortable and appointed nicely from complete kitchen with table for 6, wireless Internet/cable TV to sunny deck with table and chairs. Our singer/songwriter son stayed a couple of days and enjoyed playing the piano-in-the closet and reading/ looking through everything Italian that James has so eclectically provided his guests. Very close to Abbot Kinney Blvd. and canals/strand of Venice, 25 min. to downtown LA and Malibu priced fairly and MOST IMPORTANTLY brain-damage free working with James. Looking for safe, fair, friendly, interesting, comfortable accommodations....look no further. Want white-wall-boring in an antiseptic setting without personality?.....this is not your style. Happy traveling; ask James, he's BEEN there DONE that!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A wonderful place to stay

Guest: Dr Pat (Healdsburg, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/16/10

My husband, daughter, and I spent a delightful 4 nights over Thanksgiving week at this cute apartment in Santa Monica. Our host was friendly and accommodating, and we enjoyed the decorator touches and other thoughtful amenities throughout. Would definitely recommend to others.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thank you for a very pleasant week in Dacha!

Guest: Hodjat (Västerås/Sweden)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

This Dacha is perfect for a family of 4, very cosy and individual where you feel like home. The beautiful lemontree with its big lemons hanging over the balcony and all the colorful flowers contribute to the lovely ambiance of the house. The neighbourhood is calm and we percieved it as quite safe and secure. The location is also good since its pretty close to the beach and downtown Santa Monica. As a family coming all the way from Sweden, we can warmly recommend this dacha!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Four days in Venice Beach

Guest: suedeani (Katonah, New York)
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

I stayed at the Dacha apartment with my daughter for a four day break. It provided a perfect retreat when we wanted to just rest from the hubbub of L.A. It was so much better than returning to a hotel room, and the outside terrace area was a wonderful oasis.The apartment was clean, light and airy, with lovely furnishings.We look forward to a return visit.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Tanya27 (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/10 Review Submitted: 03/10/10

Dacha in the sky was by far the most charming and artistic place we have ever had the pleasure of staying in. We would recommend it to anyone staying in the Santa Monica/Venice area. The only problem with this rental was suffering from interior design-jealousy.

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Guest: Micole Mercurio
Date of Stay: 12/28/09 Review Submitted: 12/27/09

Hello James! Stacy McKearn is my daughter, and we got to have a wonderful tiime at the "dacha." One of the smartest among a lifetime of smart moves Stacy has made was to rent your place instead of staying at an impersonal hotel. And so close to me!! Which helped a lot when we forgot that special pan, or the coffee, or whatever. It was terrific -- and what a beautiful view, too. The lemon tree reminded me of the one in my grandmother's garden in Pozzuoli (near Naples). Anyway, we had a wonderful time. It's a great place. Have a great New Year! Micole Mercurio

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"Everything was provided...extremely courteous"

Guest: Tim and Zara Hubbard
Date of Stay: 08/21/09 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

We came from London and stayed at the Dacha for 2.5 weeks in July and had a wonderful stay in the Mar Vista area. Everything was provided for down to internet access and James was a lovely host - extremely courteous and helpful. We already think back fondly to relaxing times on the beautiful terrace and highly recommend Dacha in the Sky for a vacation in the area. Thank you. -- Tim and Zara H.

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Guest: Ann & Alan Weissmueller
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

Hello James, Just a short email to let you know what a wonderful stay we had at the Dacha. We appreciate very much that you allowed the extra person to stay with us in our party! It was wonderful to be able to have our family together in such a nice setting. Thanks again, James. Ann and Alan Weissmueller Des Moines, IA

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Guest: Anne & Ralph Purpura (Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/14/09 Review Submitted: 08/14/09

The Bungalow on Beethoven is just the right size for 2. It's homey, quaint and has a "feel" of old CA. We totally enjoyed our stay. Just minutes from Venice Beach, shopping, neighnborhood eateries and the Boardwalk. Don't miss this delightful escape for 2 in CA. Thanks, James, for a wonderful stay! Anni & Ralph

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Guest: James and Susan Zenner (St. Louis, MO.)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

James: Thank you again for a wonderful week in the Dacha! Susan and I loved the accommodations, the location, your warm hospitality and especially our stimulating conversations. We would highly recommend the Dacha to all. Well done and we hope to return some day. Best Regards, James and Susan Zenner.

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Guest: Gary51 (Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/19/09 Review Submitted: 06/19/09

Hello James, thank you for your kind email and more importantly, thank you for being such a great host!! We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the accommodations. The Bungalow worked perfectly for us. We have already spread the word among our friends and relatives, so who knows, you may get some referrals!!! Thanks again and hope to see you on the next visit. Have a great summer!!

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"We loved the location and your warm hospitality"

Guest: James and Susan Zenner
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

James: Thank you again for a wonderful week in the Dacha! Susan and I loved the accommodations, the location, your warm hospitality and especially our stimulating conversations. We would highly recommend the Dacha to all. Well done and we hope to return some day. -- James and Susan Z.

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Guest: Gail Amerine (Galloway, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 10/29/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Dacha in the Sky apartment as well as the Beethoven cottage. They were both unique and very nice homes away from home. Thank you James for the wonderful retreat.

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Guest: Mary & John Casey (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/11/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

We'd like to thank James Ulmer for a very fabulous and comfortable stay at his "Dacha in the Sky" on our recent trip to Los Angeles. This welcoming and charming apartment was a wonderful refuge for our somewhat emotional stay, as we were settling our son in as a freshmen at Loyola Marymount University. We were six minutes to the campus, as well as being so close to Santa Monica, Venice, shopping and fabulous restaurants. This elegant apartment with modern conveniences, internet access, beautiful artwork, backyard garden and fruit trees is an absolute treasure and reminded us so much of apartments we have rented in Europe. James is an incredible host and we feel blessed having made his aquaintance...we look forward to staying at the "Dacha" on future visits to Los Angeles. It's a must!

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"An absolute treasure....it reminded us of Europe"

Guest: Mary and John Casey
Date of Stay: 08/30/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

We'd like to thank James Ulmer for a very fabulous and comfortable stay at his "Dacha in the Sky" on our recent trip to Los Angeles. This welcoming and charming apartment was a wonderful refuge for our somewhat emotional stay, as we were settling our son in as a freshmen at Loyola Marymount University. We were six minutes to the campus, as well as being so close to Santa Monica, Venice, shopping and fabulous restaurants. This elegant apartment with modern conveniences, internet access, beautiful artwork, backyard garden and fruit trees is an absolute treasure and reminded us so much of apartments we have rented in Europe. James is an incredible host and we feel blessed having made his acquaintance...we look forward to staying at the "Dacha" on future visits to Los Angeles. It's a must!

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Guest: Tim and Zara Hubbard (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/21/08 Review Submitted: 08/21/08

We stayed at the Dacha for 2.5 weeks in July and had a wonderful stay in the Mar Vista area. Everything was provided for down to internet access and James was a lovely host - extremely courteous and helpful. We already think back fondly to relaxing times on the beautiful terrace and highly recommend Dacha in the Sky for a vacation in the area. Thank you.

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Guest: Catherine Bellemere (France)
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/17/08

Appartement très agréable, étage supérieur d'une maisonnette avec terrasse entourée de verdure. Place de parking dans la contre allée. C'est très facile à trouver grâce à mapquest, pas trop loin de Santa Monica, confortable, propre, mignonnet, calme, facile d'accès, la plage la plus proche est à 5 minutes en voiture, elle est plus propre et calme qu'à Venice même, on peut s'y garer gratuitement dans la rue avec un peu de chance, louer des vélos, des rollers. James est sympathique et discret. Une adresse en or.

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"Comfortable, clean, quiet...a golden address"

Guest: Catherine Bellemere
Date of Stay: 08/10/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

Such a lovely apartment, top floor of a house with a terrace surrounded by greenery. Parking is in the driveway. It's very easy to find thanks to mapquest, not too far from Santa Monica, comfortable, clean, cute, quiet, easy access, the nearest beach is 5 minutes by car, it is cleaner and quieter than Venice itself where you can park free in the street with a little luck, rent bikes, rollerblades. James is friendly and discreet. A golden address! -- Catherine Bellemere, Paris, France

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Guest: Serge Denis (Ottawa, ON, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/22/08

We have stayed, my woman companion and I, at James' Datcha for a full week. The appartment is very charming, clean and comfortable, with all of the amenities we expected. The neighborhood is friendly and Beethoven Street calm, though it connects with main boulevards, which is important. The location is exactly as advertised, near the beaches and easy to reach from any place in Los Angeles. And the terrasse of the Datcha is great for the apéritif(s)! Everything was positive, and James is a great host.

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Guest: DARREN & CARRIE WINN (WEATHERFORD, OK.)
Date of Stay: 07/10/08 Review Submitted: 07/10/08

MY WIFE, 2 TEENAGERS & MYSELF HAD AN AWESOME TIME STAYING IN THE "DACHA IN THE SKY" IT WAS SO CLOSE TO THE BEST BEACHES, ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPS WE WENT TO. WE LOOKED FORWARD TO COMING BACK IN EVENINGS FOR A RELAXING TIME. JAMES HAS AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF MOVIES AND BOOKS. THE KITCHEN HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PREPARE FRESH FOODS FROM THE NEARBY MARKETS. MY SON THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY COOL TO BE ABLE TO PICK LEMONS FROM THE BALCONY. WE ALL HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WANTING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME

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Guest: Steve Crosby1 (Broad Brook, CT)
Date of Stay: 06/02/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

I stayed at James Ulmer's "Dacha in the Sky" with my son and daughter for an extended weekend. Most of our time was spent at multiple events all around the LA area; the prime event was a nephew's graduation from USC. "Dacha in the Sky" provided a perfect spot for the three of us to dart off to an event and then come back for comfortable relaxation. The accomodations, from internet access to the nice open-air deck, from engaging artwork to the convenient kitchen, were just right for our comfort. And for the record, James you were a fine host- just the right interaction and availability. Thank you very much James, Steve Ben and Becky Crosby

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Guest: dianne r. (New York, NY )
Date of Stay: 05/06/08 Review Submitted: 05/06/08

I have rented apartments in New York and Los Angeles for short term stays but nothing quite as charming as James'elegant apartment overlooking his backyard garden and fruit trees. Everything was neat, clean and welcoming and conveniently located to shops and restaurants and the beach. I especially enjoyed the patio deck overlooking the garden and backyard (and all the lemons!). What a lovely and spacious vacation hideaway -- I hope to come again next year."

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Guest: Mark And Valentina (London, England)
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/01/08

I just wanted to add how much we both enjoyed our stay and we felt really spoilt and relaxed, discovered that the sea and shops were just down the road, and everything really close, we both recommend this lovely little apartment wholeheartedly

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/08

"Dacha in the Sky" is a jewel in the heart of L.A.'s beach area. Venice and Santa Monica are a quick jaunt and markets and cafes are just blocks away. The interior is spacious, warm, and decorated with remarkable artistic flair. James' talents and collections provide delights for the eye and the intellect. As well, he is an excellent host. Relax on the terrace or in the den and enjoy your stay here. Thank you James!

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