Reviews for Montecito Vacation Rental - VRBO 326661ha - 7 BR Santa Barbara Area Bed And Breakfast in CA, Montecito Retreat: Best Beauty-Tranquil-Price-Value Combo-Santa Barbara

Tranquil Getaway

Guest DeedeeBird
Date of stay 01/17/13
Review Submitted 05/08/13

I am a singer/songwriter and needed to getaway to a quiet place to do some writing for a new CD. Faro's Montecito retreat was perfect! My favorite was a room on the second floor that is surrounded by windows so the light floods in and the view is gorgeous. I was able to completely shut out the rest of the world and find the inspiration I needed to write my songs. I highly recommend this retreat for anyone needing some beauty and peace.

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

Owner response: Thank you Hilary! I look forward to your return visit, Hopefully hearing your new music at Calvary and listening to your new CD! Blessings, Faro

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Excellent Location for College Student Leadership./Staff Retreat

Guest awesometime
Date of stay 01/11/13
Review Submitted 01/29/13

I was looking for a retreat house that could accommodate a group of 30 college student leaders for a two night leadership retreat that was in a restful location, large enough yet homey, and close enough to the beach so that students could wander around and explore the beach and Santa Barbara during hang out times. Faro's Retreat met all my expectations! Students loved it. There are plenty of rooms, air mattresses available upon request, 2 kitchens enough to cook for a large group, extra folding chairs and tables, large meeting areas inside and outside the house and plenty of parking for 8-10 cars. Our entire group enjoyed it! Since the house is in such a quiet neighborhood, it is important to make sure your guests understand the exclusivity policies on Faro's website. We communicated that to our leaders and they did a great job of keeping them! Faro was also very accommodating as a host! I highly recommend this facility!

Recommended for: Families with teenagers

Owner response: Thank you also for blending in so well! I love your college and hope to host you again!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Wonderful, Healing Family Vacation

Guest Bonnie and Family
Date of stay 01/02/13
Review Submitted 02/14/13

We had our best family vacation ever at Faros Retreat. Faro is kind, generous and extended himself so we would have a relaxed and memorable vacation. The house is beautiful, clean, quiet and has a warm feeling (and a great master bedroom). The house is just a few miles away from a beautiful and quiet beach where we made sandcastles, ran in the water, saw sunsets and played. We even saw dolphins leaping out of the water on New Years Day. We swam in the pool at the house which we had to ourselves. Faro was so kind and got to know our 8-year old daughters - he welcomed them and let them play with his dogs. One of his daughters babysat the girls and he and his daughters took our girls with them to town for desert as well so my husband and I were free to go bike riding and have a date in Santa Barbara. What a rare find - wonderful accommodations, friendly and kind owner and one of the more beautiful places to vacation. Faros Retreat is a special and healing place for families as well as groups of friends. We hope to return again and again!

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

Owner response: Thank you folks for your kind words. It is always such a pleasure to see folks enjoy this special place and blend in with the neighborhood. We still talk about your amazing daughters, and we all, including the dogs, look forward to your return. Blessings, Faro

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Wonderful House

Guest Megan
Date of stay 12/08/12
Review Submitted 12/29/12

My group really enjoyed our retreat! The house is great for medium-large groups- with so many bedrooms, large gathering spaces and a dining table that seats at least 12 you can have a great experience without overcrowding one another. The property is absolutely peaceful and an ideal place for your next retreat.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Quiet, beautiful retreat in a tranquil location

Guest OhSoBlessed
Date of stay 12/08/12
Review Submitted 12/22/12

I was responsible for planning a women's retreat last minute, and we were lucky enough to find this beautiful place for our get together. The house is beautiful, state of the art, and perfect for finding a quiet place to relax. The location was perfect for spending a sunny afternoon on the beach, or for a quiet dinner in downtown Santa Barbara. The owner was more than hospitable in making sure we had everything we needed, and willing to go to the lengths to help us have the best retreat possible. The property was clean, the beds were comfy, and the hot tub was perfect for relaxing. We would be only so lucky to return again. Thank you Faro!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

My stay at Faro's Montecito Retreat

Guest DLG
Date of stay 12/08/12
Review Submitted 12/11/12

What a fabulous time we had at Faro's Montecito Retreat! Such a lovely property! Very spacious, lots of rooms with big beds. The upstairs Cielo Suite was so lovely with an amazing bathroom and shower! We loved the hot tub at night, watching the stars, and feeling very secluded in beautiful landscaping. This retreat superseded our expectations. Thank you Faro!

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

Owner response: Thank you Danna and I look forward to your return!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guest

Guest Cindy
Date of stay 12/08/12
Review Submitted 12/11/12

I was with a group of ladies that work at a camp in Southern Ca. We wanted a weekend away where we could spend time together fellowshipping and just getting to know each other. We stayed at Faro's Montecito Retreat and it was the perfect spot. The rooms were clean and beds were so comfortable. The restrooms and kitchen had all the amenities. The grounds were immaculate and we used the jacuzzi. There were 11 of us and we never felt crowded. We had a wonderful time and I would recommend this retreat for anyone.

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

Owner response: Thank you ladies, you were great guests, (so was the soup, thanks!!). I look forward to hosting you again.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Amazing, peaceful retreat in the spectacular hills of Montecito

Guest D L.
Date of stay 11/09/12
Review Submitted 11/12/12

Faro was so welcoming and friendly with big friendly dogs in tow. He made me feel immediately at home and I wished I had brought my kids to this fabulous retreat in the hills. I was there only for a couple of nights and wished I could have stayed longer. The bed was amazingly comfy and every amenity was managed with great attention to quality. I only needed my toothbrush and particularly enjoyed the pool and hot tub on the afternoon after the Santa Barbara Marathon. Everything was perfect and peaceful and restful at Faro's Retreat and I emerged with a full recharge. Thanks, Faro. I will be back with my kids someday!

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

Owner response: A pleasure to meet you David and I look forward to hosting your family someday!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Relaxing family vacation spot

Guest Happy Guest
Date of stay 07/29/12
Review Submitted 08/03/12

We spent 2 nights in Faro's beautiful home and wish we could have stayed even longer! There was something for everyone to enjoy. Our kids immediately jumped in the pool and had a blast swimming and playing. My husband relaxed in the hot tub. I found everything I needed in the kitchen and we all enjoyed family style meals around the comfortable dining table or outside in the peaceful area next to the pool. Our dog loved running around with Faro's dogs and investigating the beautiful grounds. My 3 year old loved finding fruit on the trees during our many walks on the property and picking her own snack. The beds were comfortable. Everything was clean. And Faro is just so nice and friendly. He really makes you feel at home. We had a wonderful time and hope to return in the near future.

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

Owner response: Thanks folk for visiting. What a nice family you have!! I hope to see you all again!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Faro's Retreat

Guest Jim
Date of stay 07/10/12
Review Submitted 08/22/12

My husband and I had a wonderful vacation at Faro's Retreat. The Montecito/Santa Barbara is one of the most stunning areas in California. I guess that's why Oprah lives five minutes from Faro's. The listing description was accurate. The pool/jacquzzi/BBQ area was relaxing. We were enthralled by The Music Academy of the West located by The Four Season's Hotel and Butterfly Beach about ten minutes from Faro's. Every summer, they invite music students from all over the U. S. to audition for positions in U.S. orchestras. Most of the teaching auditions are free to the public. Shorts and T shirts are fine. Favorite breakfast/lunch: Montecito Cafe. Favorite dinner: The Fish Enterprise on State St. where you can order a wonderful Maine lobster dinner for $29.95! We highly recommend Faro's Retreat to any couple or especially a group of Christians on retreat since there is so much room for a large group.

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

Owner response: Thanks folks, great review of some great spots here also. Congrats on your place in Carp, will miss you here as guests but very happy for you. Soon, Faro

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Comfortable, Convenient, and Charming Gathering Place

Guest Corky
Date of stay 06/27/12
Review Submitted 07/16/12

Three generations of our family gathered for the wedding of my niece. We had plenty of space, and the setting was beautiful. The common areas -- indoors and out -- were spacious and comfortable. With two kitchens and plenty of seating areas, we hosted a large dinner party one evening for the entire wedding party. On the wedding day, all of the bridesmaids and the bride gathered at the house to get dressed and take photos. The location was perfect, near downtown Santa Barbara, the beach, and Westmont College. Faro was very helpful, too!

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

Owner response: Although I can only have a few events like this a year, you were the perfect family for this place. You had a good time but were not out of control. Thanks for coming, I enjoyed meeting your large, wonderful family. Please come again!! Blessings, Faro

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Santa Barbara Retreat

Guest Sacred Hands
Date of stay 06/21/12
Review Submitted 07/05/12

I have been to our summer retreats for 10 years in a row. Everyone at the retreat kept saying how fast it was going, even though we meditate over 10 hours a day! My theory is that the comfort of the home was remarkably appeasing for our needs. We even had a swimming pool and jacuzzi to nourish our bodies after 10 hours of mild or severe, depending on the person, discomfort of sitting! The warmth of the home gave me a sense of being able to go deeper into my meditations. And everything I needed like the use of the bathroom, a quick nap, or to munch on something if I was hungry was no more than 10 feet away in any direction. I noticed the home was built with fine quality materials and admired the artwork. I will miss the crickets at night and the birds in the morning that serenaded us through our meditations. I do hope to go back and the owner was helpful with all our needs. Thank you!

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.

Owner response: You are welcome, please come again. I've added some water sounds too.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Meditation Retreat

Guest w
Date of stay 06/21/12
Review Submitted 06/26/12

Wonderful experience. Peaceful, beautiful, comfortable, relaxing...Staff was very helpful and personable. Would love to return.....thanks..w

Owner response: Would love to host you again! What a perfect group to fit into this neighborhood. Thanks!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Great Place for a Gathering!

Guest Sunil
Date of stay 06/01/12
Review Submitted 06/28/12

Faro's Retreat is a great option for a big or small gathering. We hosted a fun family reunion there with plenty of room - the house has a lot of space. The backyard includes a nice pool and BBQ area. Faro had everything available at the house and was great to deal with. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was comfortable in the house. The house is also located in a great location - with close proximity to the town and the beach.

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

Owner response: Thanks Sunil, I look forward to hosting you and your wonderful family again.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Relaxing "winter" (can you call it that when it was 70 degrees?) vacation

Guest Jane
Date of stay 12/26/11
Review Submitted 01/03/12

We've just returned from 5 glorious days in Faro's wonderful home. Faro could not have been a more welcoming and generous host and our labradors enjoyed their playdates with his two chocolate labs Koko and Scarlett when they came to visit! The house is wonderfully quiet and Faro has thought of every comfort to make it a truly relaxing vacation. Our kids loved the hot tub and we will definitely be back in the summer to enjoy the swimming pool. Thanks Faro!

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

Owner response: Thanks folks, what a great family and I really enjoyed sitting the dogs. You fit in well and with the solar heat for pool going in soon it will be heated next winter. Hope to see you soon!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

What a great time

Guest jcwaveslider
Date of stay 12/09/11
Review Submitted 01/04/12

This house is perfect for relaxing with your family or hosting a big group retreat, we loved the casual atmosphere and the location is minutes away from downtown, walking trails and the Santa Barbara Mission. Highly recommend it.

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

Owner response: Thanks David. What a nice group, I look forward to hosting you again!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Overall a nice rental, but beware of a few things

Guest pander01
Date of stay 08/26/11
Review Submitted 09/12/11

I rented the entire main house for 10 of my friends (early 30's) for our annual weekend trip. After reserving the unit I inquired about the pool house and if it was vacant. The owner informed us that he lives there with his 2 dogs. I've rented a vacation rentals a few times before and this was the first time the owner has been present during our stay and I would have liked to know that information prior to making the reservation as it was not mentioned anywhere. Second, he sent out a lengthy email a couple weeks before our stay revising the noise policy and how he's had issues with neighbors complaining about pool noise. I was concerned how sensitive the noise issue was, so I went so far as to call the owner just to let him know of our plans for the weekend. I believed we were on the same page. On the second night of our two night trip we went downtown and arrived home quite late around 1:30am. We decided to BBQ some food and I thought we were keeping the noise within acceptable limits, but the owner came down at 2am to inform us that we needed to keep it down. We respectfully complied. Sunday morning we cleaned up after ourselves and did all the dishes exactly as the rules specified. We left the rental with well wishes from the owner completely unaware of what was to come. The following week I inquired about the deposit and he let me know that he had only had to keep 2 deposits before and that he was considering keeping ours because he got up at 2am, but he said attitude is everything and we quieted down when asked. I was shocked because I couldn't believe he was thinking about keeping our deposit for giving us a warning, with which we complied. Nowhere in any of the agreements I signed did it state that our deposit could be kept for inconveniencing the owner. If we had been kicked out or evicted for any reason then he would clearly be entitled to keep the deposit according to the paperwork I was given. This was the exact situation I feared when I found out the owner would be present. This email really worried me and I tried to argue my case, but the owner still found it necessary to keep a small portion of our deposit. My feeling when we left the house and even in a follow up email was that everything was fine and he even said he hoped we would return sometime. So, buyer beware that regardless of the documents signed/presented the owner will exercise his own judgment when deciding how much of the deposit to refund.

Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners.

Owner response: Thank you Paul for your review. Although it is not entirely accurate I hope this will help me to get the message out to future guests. This is a RETREAT, stated here, in the name, on my web site, on the contract, and in all communications including your tour on arrival. It is a very special place in a very quiet neighborhood and out of respect for the community I have to maintain noise restrictions and the tranquility of the neighborhood. Occasionally folks come and feel that these clearly stated rules don't apply to them. I cannot have groups coming here, drinking excessively, leaving noisily at 10PM and returning loudly at 2AM and BBQing loudly in the backyard at 2:30 AM and leaving beer cans at the entrance to the property. This is just not the place for that and, as stated clearly, one can lose their deposit, discounts, etc. Because of your appeal of financial hardships I returned 95% of your deposit. (This $45 kept didn't cover the cost of you leaving the hot tub on all night) I will not do this in the future and violations like this will lead to loss of deposit. If you wanted the whole Retreat, including the cottage, there is an option for that but as you can read from other reviews and the guest book on my web site that most folks appreciate that I am the only one here, maintaining the pool and hot tub in drinking water condition, dealing with trash and any maintenance when requested. As past guests know I do this quietly in the early AM and unless needed, I am gone. My goal is that you never see me. The "Pool House" actually the "Cottage" is physically further away from my neighbors house. All of this information is clear on my web site, in the contract, and on arrival. All guests have to go to my web site to be accepted here. For those of you that want a true "retreat" style experience in a tranquil environment, in a very special spot yet minutes away from everything with a host that enjoys attention to cleanliness and detail then this is the spot for you! But please don't come here with the intent of side stepping the rules or letting alcohol blur your good judgement.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 16/17

Family Reunion Leader

Guest Linda
Date of stay 07/30/11
Review Submitted 09/28/11

My family spent 5 days at Faro's Retreat and had a wonderful time. There were 30 of us, ages 2 months to 86 years old. The pool area was delightful and everyone loved being able to move around freely and still have plenty of room to spread out when needed. We enjoyed playing on the green grass in front of the house too. This is definitely a great place to stay whether you have a group as large as mine or just a few friends hanging out.

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

Owner response: Thanks folks for blending in so well to this quiet environment. I hope you all can come again!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Reviewer held 80th birthday celebration with family

Guest Johnny
Date of stay 07/21/11
Review Submitted 08/08/11

Faro went way out of his way to make us comfortable and to make our family reunion on my 80th birthday year a great one. It is not easy to house more than 30 people and have them in one house plus cottage, but Faro's place was outstanding. We had youngsters of all ages with us and they had an outstanding experience, especially with the swimming pool and jacusi. It was clean and available. Faro was available day and night to handle problems and was most friendly and pleasant. We had the advantage of my having lived in Montecito many years ago and my parents' house was just a good hike away. Our teenagers found the beach, swimming, and volleyball. The beauty of the surroundings was tremendous. Santa Barbara is the best with many museums, courthouse, imaginative city, university, and I could go on. In short, this was terrific for me and my family. We did all of our meals at the house and there was plenty of room to handle our large group. We would surely do it again.

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

Owner response: Thanks John, It was a great pleasure meeting you and your entire family. I look forward to hosting you again!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Location, Location, Location

Guest Steve S
Date of stay 06/10/11
Review Submitted 06/21/11

Our group of 18 adults and 5 children had a great time. The house has plenty of space for a large group. We spent a week there. Kids loved the pool and hot tub. Nice lawn in front for games and running around. Very quite neighborhood. Great location, easy to get to Montecito or State street in a few minutes. Faro is a great host. Very helpful, he bought a pizza stone when we found out there wasn't one in the kitchen yet. Two friendly dogs come to visit throughout the day, which we all enjoyed. Lots of space around the pool for dinners and relaxing. Two kitchens was really a plus when preparing meals for such a large crowd. Plenty of bathrooms as well. We highly recommend.

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

Owner response: Thanks Steve! Your group fit well in the neighborhood and it was great hosting you all. I hope you can come again. Now I have to learn how to use a pizza stone!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Great place to relax

Guest One of Five Ladies
Date of stay 05/13/11
Review Submitted 05/22/11

Our group of 5 Ladies go away once a year together. We are always looking for a good place to visit and hang out together. Faro's home was one of the best we have found. It is very comfortable, relaxing, spacious, with a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of room to spread out. We enjoyed the hot tub very much. We love Santa Barbara and when we return we would definitely like to stay here again. Thank you for making us feel right at home.

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

Owner response: It was great to host you all and I hope to do it again! Thanks, Faro

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

We will be back!

Guest LL
Date of stay 04/06/11
Review Submitted 04/18/11

Our large family had such a wonderful time in this generous Montecito property. Rooms are spacious and spread out. This allowed for both "together" time and private, relaxing time for all who stayed. Very well equipped home. Faro is a spectacular host. Our family gathers once a year in a rented vacation home, and all agreed this was our best experience. THANK YOU FARO

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

Owner response: Thank you, it was great hosting you and I look forward to seeing you all again!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Our favorite home away from home

Guest Westmont Women
Date of stay 02/23/11
Review Submitted 03/28/11

With such a warm, welcoming host, Faro, and his furry "better halves" Scarlett and Koko, we eagerly look forward to our visits. We have stayed 4 times in the past year and cherish our time there, as we visit nearby Westmont College. Peaceful relaxation by the pool and hot tub is the family's favorite past-time. We love the opportunity to use the sun soaked kitchen for family meals. And Faro's orchard always provides the most delicious treats. But Faro completely "outdid" himself this visit: he allowed us to welcome a small group of Westmont College freshmen, friends of our family, to share the pool and hot tub for an hour or two. We consider Faro a dear family friend and are already planning our next visit.

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.

Owner response: Thank you, I and your furry friends look forward to your return soon!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Outstanding

Guest JP
Date of stay 01/23/11
Review Submitted 02/14/11

I have used Faro's Montecito Retreat twice now. Once for my 40th Bday party with friends and again for a company retreat. Both times were awesome. Faro takes great pride in his property and making sure your stay is exceptional. The master bedroom is amazing and the pool and hot tub area are a real treat. Faro's Montecito Retreat is dog friendly which makes it great for those of us who's dogs are part of the family.

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

Owner response: Thanks, JP. Great having you all here again and enjoy watching your "pup" grow! Hope to see you again!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Fantastic New Years Weekend

Guest Lisa
Date of stay 12/30/10
Review Submitted 01/15/11

Our New Years Weekend couldn't have been any better. The accomodations were perfect for my large family. Faro was wonderful to work with. He accomodated our desire to have a nice New Yars dinner and setup his Grand Room with a table for 20...including lovely dinnerware. The location is perfect. Felt secluded, yet just a couple of miles from State Street for a nice day of shopping. The bathroom in the Cielo Suite was the best with the heated tile floor and fantastic shower/sauna. Couldn't have had a better stay. Thank you Faro for allowing my family to stay at your retreat. We look forward to staying there during the summer to take advantage of the beautiful pool/jacuzzi, bbq, patio and complete outdoor area.

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

Owner response: Thank you folks! I was reluctant to rent over New Years because this retreat is in such a tranquil, peaceful neighborhood. Even with your large group you all respected the noise guidelines and respected the house and neighborhood. I look forward to having you all back again!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Winter Retreat from 12/10/10-12/12/10

Guest HGME
Date of stay 12/10/10
Review Submitted 12/16/10

We just had a winter retreat for 2 nights and 3 days and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a vacation of their life time. We rented whole place and Faro was very nice. He definitely went extra miles with this place. Teachers and kids love it so much that we'll definitely come back again in the future.

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

Owner response: Thank you folks, it was great having you here and I look forward to hosting you again!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Perfect for family gathering

Guest Abhay
Date of stay 07/02/10
Review Submitted 07/06/10

Stayed at Faro’s retreat over the July 4th weekend. It’s a great place for large family gathering. Plenty of living and bedding space. Kids loved the pool and spa. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara beach and wharf. Faro is very hospitable and accommodating. Too bad we could not stay longer….

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

Owner response: Thank you Abhay for respecting the environment here and having a great time. The kitchen smelled so good, I regret not taking your offer of dinner. My goal though is to be invisible so you can enjoy your time together with family and friends. I hope you can return soon!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Fabulous Weekend!

Guest Sacramento Mom
Date of stay 05/28/10
Review Submitted 06/18/10

My husband and two boys (ages 2 and 7) stayed over Memorial Day weekend and had a blast. Faro himself was friendly and accomodating, and the place was huge. When we weren't at the beach or haniging out on State Street in SB, we were hanging out by the pool and in the hot tub! Would love to come back!!

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

Owner response: I hope you can come back! What a lovely family!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

The Perfect retreat!

Guest Jennifer T
Date of stay 05/07/10
Review Submitted 06/02/10

I booked this property at the very last minute and after 3 nights...our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer!! We stayed in the upstairs retreat, which really does feel like a tree house with a beautiful ocean view. The owner couldn't have been more hospitable. The pool and spa were wonderful to come home to after a day at the beach. I would love to rent this house again for a large group (family reunion). Many thanks for a truly "perfect" weekend!

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

Owner response: Thanks Jennifer, I hope you all can return again. With the "West Wing" remodel complete the "Main House" can comfortably sleep 20+ for your family reunion.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 02/24/10
Review Submitted 02/24/10

Huge home with wonderful spacious living areas. Hot tub was just what we needed after walking, shopping and dining. Property is so close to Montecito and minutes from State St. Owner was super accommodating and really made us feel right at home.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Guest Westmont Women
Date of stay 02/06/10
Review Submitted 02/06/10

A perfect place of respite. With such a gracious host in an impeccable home tucked away in the gorgeous hills of Montecito, we can hardly wait to return.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Guest Josh32
Date of stay 01/08/10
Review Submitted 01/08/10

We had an excellent stay in a beautiful area of Montecito. We found it a perfect fit for our leadership retreat for our church. The owner was extremely friendly and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this home for large groups.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Guest Cathy79
Date of stay 10/13/09
Review Submitted 10/13/09

Our family had a very relaxing weekend staying here while visiting our daughter at UCSB. Comfortable house, friendly and helpful owner. Nice outdoor area with pool and hot tub.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

Guest Angie 8
Date of stay 09/07/09
Review Submitted 09/07/09

Spectacular and comfortable house! Owner went the extra mile to accommodate our needs. Beautiful city. Coco and Scarlett were great company. Hope to return in the future.

Owner response: Thanks Angie, it was great having you and you're family!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Erika
Date of stay 06/01/08
Review Submitted 05/31/08

"As parents we are so grateful to you for providing a safe and secure home for our daughter".

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Alta
Date of stay 09/07/07
Review Submitted 09/06/07

This property offers a time for healing and personal growth!

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Montecito Retreat: Best Beauty-Tranquil-Price-Value Combo-Santa Barbara [#245928] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (36)

Tranquil Getaway

Tranquil Getaway

Excellent Location for College Student Leadership./Staff Retreat

Excellent Location for College Student Leadership./Staff Retreat

Wonderful, Healing Family Vacation

Wonderful, Healing Family Vacation

Wonderful House

Wonderful House

Quiet, beautiful retreat in a tranquil location

Quiet, beautiful retreat in a tranquil location

My stay at Faro's Montecito Retreat

My stay at Faro's Montecito Retreat

Guest

Guest

Amazing, peaceful retreat in the spectacular hills of Montecito

Amazing, peaceful retreat in the spectacular hills of Montecito

Relaxing family vacation spot

Relaxing family vacation spot

Faro's Retreat

Faro's Retreat

Comfortable, Convenient, and Charming Gathering Place

Comfortable, Convenient, and Charming Gathering Place

Santa Barbara Retreat

Santa Barbara Retreat

Meditation Retreat

Meditation Retreat

Great Place for a Gathering!

Great Place for a Gathering!

Relaxing "winter" (can you call it that when it was 70 degrees?) vacation

Relaxing "winter" (can you call it that when it was 70 degrees?) vacation

What a great time

What a great time

Overall a nice rental, but beware of a few things

Overall a nice rental, but beware of a few things

Family Reunion Leader

Family Reunion Leader

Reviewer held 80th birthday celebration with family

Reviewer held 80th birthday celebration with family

Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location

Great place to relax

Great place to relax

We will be back!

We will be back!

Our favorite home away from home

Our favorite home away from home

Outstanding

Outstanding

Fantastic New Years Weekend

Fantastic New Years Weekend

Winter Retreat from 12/10/10-12/12/10

Winter Retreat from 12/10/10-12/12/10

Perfect for family gathering

Perfect for family gathering

Fabulous Weekend!

Fabulous Weekend!

The Perfect retreat!

The Perfect retreat!