Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great time

Guest: Shelley (Phoenix, AZ/ USA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

We enjoyed this property, looking at the sun set every night was so nice. We were able to relax and feel like a home with all cooking, beach amenites. The only hiccup was the water on Friday night was turn off, so it made it hard to get cleaned up for ourselves and leave the home in better order. Would rent again. Thank you.

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

Fantastic Property

Guest: Kelly (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

My family stayed for a week in house #1. The property is very well-maintained and comfortably furnished. We enjoyed having access to the beach equipment and toys. The ocean view is wonderful and we slept every night to the sounds of the surf. Barbara was very responsive.

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

Perfect Spot for our Family

Guest: Happy VRBOer (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/13/11

We stayed here for a week in early June 2011. As we have 2 young children, we wanted a place with views that was close to the beach, but also had a yard with grass for the kids to play (tall order!). This is exactly what we got at this home. We rented the front house that has amazing lagoon and ocean views from the living room, kitchen and entire fenced yard space (which is pefect for young children to play, especially being so close to the water). The place was very well maintained and extremely comfortable - we just dropped our bags and felt like we were home. It's a 3-5 minute walk to the beach and you have to cross a main road, which wasn't ideal; however, the owner provides a California State Park parking pass that allows you to park in the Tamarack State Park parking lot that is right on the beach near the house. It worked out perfectly! Dealing with the owner was a breeze and everything was provided including linens, silverware & plates, towels, etc, as well as a laundry room with detergent. No complaints! Highly recommended!

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

Truly the Best Spot in Carlsbad

Guest: happyrenter (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/11 Review Submitted: 05/10/11

We stayed in House # 2 on the property. It sits on the back of the lot while House #1 sits on the front. In House #2, we had a lovely grassy fenced-in yard for our dog and grandchildren to play in. As promised, the house had a nice flow, was super well-equipped, well maintained, and very comfortable, especially the queen bed in the main bedroom. (The second bedroom is created by pulling lovely curtains across the doorways and the half wall that separates it from the living room.) The best part was the fabulous views of the ocean from House #2. While you can’t see the beach itself from either house, I had a lovely view of the ocean -- and could see the waves crashing -- from the kitchen, living room, and the wonderful outdoor table and chairs (with umbrella). Staying here, I felt like I had found the perfect beach cottage hide-away! Some of the added benefits of this rental property include two parking spots, a quiet neighborhood, an outdoor gas grill, an outdoor propane fire ring, beach chairs and toys, a washer and dryer in the garage, easy access to the beach (via a dirt path that starts across the street), a great walking path for dogs around the lagoon (also accessed by the dirt path) and a nice mile long walk on a cement path along the ocean into Carlsbad Village. Working with the owner and property manager was seamless. They went above and beyond by accommodating my request for long distance service on the phone line in the home which made my working from home so much easier. Having walked by a few of the other potential rentals while we were in Carlsbad, I readily concluded: this TRULY is the best spot in Carlsbad! We hope to return again and again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, pet owners.

Beautifully Perfect

Guest: A & D (Scottsdale, AZ)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/20/11

We stayed at this charming little house for 4 wonderful nights! It was comfortable, clean and had everything that we needed. The yard was perfect to have some family over to bbq & chat around the fire ring with a gorgeous view and sounds of the ocean. We even caught a sea bass in the lagoon for dinner one night! We look forward to staying here again someday in the future. I highly recommend this place for a little getaway! :)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Wonderful house!!

Guest: Lisa (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

We stayed in the front house and the views were incredible!! You can hear the waves and you have an unobstructed view of the ocean and the lagoon. Walking to the beach via the trail by the lagoon (just across the street) was really cool. The house is in a great neighborhood, it's very clean and comfortable and it has everything you'll need, including boogie boards which our kids were thrilled with. I think they enjoyed boogie boarding more then Disneyland. And the fenced yard was great for the kids. Barbara was very accommodating to our schedule and very easy to work with. My only complaint about the house is that it's very close to the Coaster and the train goes by relatively late at night and SUPER early in the morning. That train whistle waking us up at 4:30 wasn't fun. But toward the end of our stay, I think we were used to it and didn't hear it as much. But honestly, the ocean views far outweighed the train whistle. We go to Carlsbad fairly often because we love it there, and we would definitely rent this house again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

Great Place For LegoLand!!

Guest: JK (Santa Clara, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

This was such a nice place for a family vacation to Lego Land. The house was clean and very comfortable for our family of 4. Our 5 year old enjoy catching/releasing the variety of crabs on the rocks on the path to the beach. The short walk to the beach is stroller friendly. We enjoyed the evenings making s'mores with the outdoor propane campfire. There was plenty to do in this area. We could have stayed two weeks! This place also has a fenced yard so our small children could play outside when we had some down time. Great Place!

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

Outstanding! Would definitely recommend

Guest: From Phoenix to Carlsbad (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

Barbara and Genny were wonderful through our entire experience - from the time we booked our reservation to the check out. We stayed in the front home and there isn't anything we could think of that the home didn't have as far as supplies, amenities, comfort - you name it! Absolutely stunning views and very quiet. The walking path to the lagoon is steps from the home. Initially, we thought we might hear the road along the ocean (Carlsbad Blvd), but we never heard it at all - it was very quiet and serene. We are already planning to come back again. The heading says it all - THE BEST SPOT IN CARLSBAD.

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

Guest: Jeff, Karin, Connor(8) & Chloe(7) (Highlands Ranch, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/18/09

We recently returned from a 4 night stay at the house and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm always skeptical renting a place over the internet not knowing if the description is what I'll actually find upon arrival. The place was perfect for our family of 4 - I was not disappointed. It had a beautiful unobstructed view of the ocean. My 8 year old son loved being able to fish right across the street and it was a very short walk to the actual beach area. We visited Legoland (10 min), Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (30 min)while we were there. It's so nice having a yard for the kids to play in while on vacation - much better than your typical condo set-up. We also very much enjoyed some s'mores over the fire pit each evening. Lastly, thanks to Barbara for being so helpful with my pre-arrival questions. I would definitely recommend these accommodations and hope to return some day.

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Ocean view charm in Carlsbad, CA

Guest: happyhun (Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/11/09 Review Submitted: 04/25/09

There are two cottages on this property...both with views to the ocean. We stayed in the back cottage with our three young children. There was a great view of the surf from the dining table that we enjoyed every meal. It's located on a small cul-de-sac off a dead-end street so it was quiet, safe, and walking distance to the beach (via a path that runs along the edge of the lagoon). Our sons loved riding their scooters down the cul-de-sac and there was plenty of lawn to play on. There was a nice patio table with a great view and there was a small fence enclosing the yard. There was a single car garage available and room for two cars in the driveway. There were laundry facilities in the garage. The cottage was very clean, had a nice layout and came fully stocked with everything we needed. We settled right in a felt at home immediately. The owner was very sweet and attentive. We would recommend staying here to anyone who loves the beach. There was a wonderful information binder filled with all we needed to know about the cottage, plus details about places to go and see in Carlsbad, including menus from local restaurants, lists of stores and theaters etc...all marked on a map! Carlsbad was charming with it's paved walking paths on the bluff and at beach level. We enjoyed walking into town one day for lunch. We spent a day at Legoland which is about 5 minutes away. We look forward to coming back someday.

Recommended for:Families with young children

I loved this house

Guest: Jennifer F (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 09/06/08 Review Submitted: 09/16/08

Our family had such a great time and really loved this house. The views were fantastic and the home had all the comforts of home and all the amenities of a vacation getaway. We were so comfortable and lacked for nothing. We have small children so this was so perfect for us - our children were able to play in the fenced yard and we were still able to feel like we were on vacation. I would recommend it to anyone and we hope to return many times.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

Indeed the

Guest: Bon, Bill & Betty (Tucson, AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/07/08 Review Submitted: 06/26/08

Wonderful visit in this cozy 2-bedroom cottage! Impeccably clean, well-maintained, well-stocked. Owner is very hands-on with this property and strives to make your stay pleasant, including fresh cut flowers in a vase upon your arrival! You can believe every word of the description on the website! She called to make sure everything was to our satisfaction, and makes herself available if there are questions or concerns. Extremely "customer friendly!" My husband, mother and I (all seniors) stayed in the easternmost of two houses on the property, so our view of the ocean was partially obstructed. We would have preferred the westernmost of the two, but it still had a partial view and, I'm sure, was just as comfortable and well-decorated as the other. We were fortunate to get a week's slot as it was! It has a nice grass lawn for children to play on, and you can relax on chaise lounges or picnic outside at an umbrella-table and chairs. The two queen-sized beds are comfortable and fairly new. I believe the living room couch is also a sofa-bed, though we didn't use it. The furniture is comfortable leather, walls are wood paneling. The neighborhood feels very safe, and because the house is on a culdesac, it was very quiet (except for the occasional train's horn as it went by a few blocks away). We were unable to hear the surf from the house, but I think the winds were blowing the wrong way. This home is close to everything...just a block's easy walk from the beach. Many good restaurants are close by. Guests are encouraged to leave their own restaurant reviews in a loose-leaf notebook, and to leave menus for you to peruse. There is a premium outlet mall within a few miles, and you can avoid freeway driving, if you choose, to get to it and to other shopping areas and Legoland. Two "Coaster" train stations are also fairly close by if you want to park and make a fast, comfortable trip into San Diego. We enjoy geocaching , and found a couple good sites nearby. Many people also walk down to the lagoon (which is between the house and the beach) for fishing. We would highly recommend this property for your stay. There was nothing we disliked about it at all. We hope to go back again soon. We also send our thanks and appreciation to the owner!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

Dear Barbara, Again we had a lovely time staying in the "vacation house". You have created a beautiful place with such charm and comfort ---only upstaged by the view from the front windows! The weather was spectacular and we hated to have to leave. It was an ideal way for us to rest and have some down time from our crazy lives. We really enjoyed our stay. Thanks for everything, Carmen, Jim and Rory(age 4)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Gina Basha_HAC104682 (Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/02/07

We just stayed in Barbara's cottage for a week. This place has a wonderful, peaceful quality where one is seemingly removed from the world at large and encapsulated instead in a cocoon of tranquility. Ocean breezes and views, the moon over the water, and a cottage that enhances the experience of relaxation. The cottage is very clean and organized, well appointed with comfortable furniture and quality bedding, with everything one needs for comfort. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the views and have privacy. This is literally the "Best place in Carlsbad".

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: LISA Wenk_HAC102182 (Surprise, AZ)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/18/07

Hi~ We just got from the best week in Carlsbad and loved the house and cannot wait to go back. It is very cozy and has everything you could need. If you are taking a child, bring a stroller or wagon or drive to the beach. We loved the outdoor shower for after the beach and it had all the cooking stuff you could need. I would recommend buying as many groceries as you can before you come as the food prices are much higher there I think. Loved this place!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/24/07

My husband, son, and I stayed in Barbara's beach house on Memorial weekend '07. We loved the location. The view was great, the beach was walking distance for our 7 year old, and restaurants and shops were a bike ride away. The house was very clean and well stocked. The well kept fenced yard, outdoor shower, and garage were an extra bonus. Very quiet cul-de-sac. This is a place you will want to recommend to friends and family. We look forward to our next stay. Thanks Barbara.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Carol and Dan McArthur_HAC46097 (Midland, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/08/06

We have enjoyed a warm sunny January through March 2006. Having walked many beaches between Newport Beach and San Diego, we now believe that we have found not only the best spot in Carlsbad, but the best spot in Southern California. Very relaxing, yet close to shops and restaurants in the village. The cottage is immaculate, and surrounded by lovely gardens. From the moment we sit up in bed in the morning until the gorgeous sunsets we have an uninterrupted view of the ocean and surf. We could not be happier with the accommodation. Our son, who now works in San Diego calls it our haven.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Clare Neville_HAC36250 (Dublin Ireland)
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 08/27/05

We have just returned to Ireland having spent three wonderful weeks in California.We spent one week in Carlsbad and it was superb. The house was spotlessly clean and very comfortable.The owner provided for our every need kitchen ,laundry,beach equipment , even entertainment for young children with board games etc. The house is close to the beach and the view from the house of the ocean is spectacular.we will return to Carlsbad very soon and hope to stay for a longer time on our next visit.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Mark & Elizabeth Kavaloski_HAC35309 (Santa Ynez, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 08/15/05

We stayed at Barbara’s property in late June 2005. We were very fortunate to not experience “June gloom”. Her house is very clean and comfortable and we appreciated have all the amenities, such as the washer and dryer! I really liked not being right on the beach because we have two children 8 & 6. If we were right on the beach I wouldn’t be able to let them outside without me. At Barbara’s place she has an enclosed yard which was great and the walk to the beach was easy! We also did a few day trips, including 15 minutes to Lego land – a great introduction to amusement parks for young children. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to future stays.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Mike & Candace Tooke_HAC35092 (Scottsdale, AZ)
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 08/12/05

We came for 2 weeks in the summer of 2005 with our two young daughters. We selected this house because the description on the internet sounded like it came from someone who cared very much about the houses. We were not disappointed. In the past when we have stayed at vacation rentals, the level of cleanliness was questionable. At these homes, they were really clean like someone cared. Our friends who stayed at the other house felt the same way. And the houses were so well-stocked - well beyond expectations. Everything was neat and well-organized.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: D. Kramer_HAC33634 (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/26/05

Stayed for 3 weeks and loved every minute of the trip. Perfect location, great house, and fabulous hospitality. We look forward to going back in the future.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: D. Kramer_HAC33635 (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/26/05

Stayed for 3 weeks and loved every minute. Perfect location, great house, and fabulous hospitality. We look forward to going back in the future.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Cassie Barton_HAC22731 (Bermuda Dunes)
Date of Stay: 01/01/05 Review Submitted: 01/16/05

We stayed for 3 weeks last summer (2004) and enjoyed every minute. It had a perfect location and our kids loved the lagoon and all the secret treasures it had to offer. We could hear the sea lions bellowing to us many mornings. What a treat! You will love your stay.

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Guest: John and Susan Blair
Date of Stay: 08/15/03 Review Submitted: 08/14/03

The house is so clean and cozy, and it's so peaceful here. You thought of everything! Our best vacations ever. Thank you.

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Guest: Marina and adam Martinez
Date of Stay: 07/25/03 Review Submitted: 07/24/03

We are refreshed in body and spirit. Thank you for sharing this beautiful spot with us!

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Guest: Nick and Barbara Kush
Date of Stay: 07/14/03 Review Submitted: 07/13/03

What a great week! Thank you so much! We'll be back...

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Guest: Karen Schrader
Date of Stay: 06/09/03 Review Submitted: 06/08/03

A five star house and a five star week! What a wonderful vacation. Thank you!

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