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Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

Photo gallery for Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

Front House, Welcome to Mundo Art House – a colorful historic retreat bursting with artistic flair.
Front of house, Bold colors and vibrant detail greet you from the very first glance.
Front Gate, Front of House view
Bedroom 1, Frida Kahlo Art
Bedroom 1 AC, fan, view of garden

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, San Diego Black Ensemble Theater
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Living room 1

2 Double Sofa Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

Welcome to Mundo Art House in the heart of University Heights! Each room of the house was carefully painted and designed by San Diego Chicano Peruvian artist and muralist Mario Torero, and features over 60 art pieces created over half a century. Renovated in 2024, the kitchen has been updated with new appliances. Cool AC, a shaded patio with pool, outdoor dining and privacy, great for families, pet friendly, private parking, safe walkable neighborhood minutes from all San Diego attractions.

Welcome to an artistic haven in the heart of University Heights, San Diego! This 4-bedroom historical house, owned by renowned artist and muralist Mario Torero, is a true gem, combining charm, comfort, and creativity.

Features:
Spacious Accommodations: Four bedrooms with queen beds and three sleeper sofas ensure ample sleeping arrangements.
- Modern Amenities: Stay cool with air conditioning and connected with fast WiFi.
- Convenience: Enjoy the ease of having a washer and dryer inside the unit.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen: Cook up a storm in the full kitchen, complete with all the essentials.
- Outdoor Oasis: Dive into the swimming pool, relax on the front and back yard patios, BBQ with family and friends, or gather around the fire pit with outdoor furniture.
- Privacy and Safety: The fenced yard and gated off-street parking space provide peace of mind.
- Artistic Ambiance: Marvel at unique artwork throughout the house, including stunning murals by Mario Torero.
- Comfort for All: The home is child and pet friendly, making it perfect for families.
- Entertainment and Work: Unwind with the smart TV or stay productive at the dedicated workspace.

Experience the perfect blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and artistic flair in this unique short-term rental. Located in vibrant University Heights, you'll be close to local cafes, restaurants, the zoo, Balboa Park, Sea World, Gas Lamp, downtown, and cultural hotspots. Book your stay and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and comfort.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No Parties or Events: Parties and events are strictly prohibited. We have a zero-tolerance policy.
Local Reservations: Reservations from guests within their city of residence are not allowed. Please contact us if you are booking within your city.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR-10341L, 645432
Property # 4149962
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

San Diego

University Heights, a neighborhood in San Diego, is home to this vacation home. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for Waterfront Park, a top attraction not to be missed.
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Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • San Diego Black Ensemble Theater - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Diversionary Theatre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Balboa Park - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Balboa Park Carousel - 5 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Hazard Center Station - 4 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 12 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pecs Bar - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Denny's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Lestat's on Park - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪TapRoom Beer Company - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis?

As of May 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis on May 26, 2026 start from $623, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis located?

Located in University Heights, this vacation home is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Balboa Park and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from San Diego Zoo. San Diego Natural History Museum and Mission Valley Mall are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arlene G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Definitely recommend this stay! Such a beautiful home and roomy! my friends and family had such an amazing time here. Super close to everything & so convenient. Sarah & Mario were so friendly and welcoming, made sure we were all set up and were super communicative with whatever we needed. We are definitely coming back again! Thank you for having us!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

It was a perfect location for all the things we wanted to visit, at or near San Diego. The neighbor had a Sprouts Farmers Market, Tap Room Beer Co. all within walking distance. The house is older but clean and well maintained. Our family of seven was very comfortable there. It was unfortunate that the hot tub wasn't working, it would have been enjoyable in the evenings. All and all it was a great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

Our entire party loved the property. Walking distance to grocery and pub, close to all the San Diego hot spots! The separate bedrooms were great (queen size beds) and we enjoyed the outdoor space during the day (working grill, spacious seating area to enjoy the sun). The kitchen is FULLY stocked, so making a feast was easy. We found something new in the art every day and also enjoyed the selection of art books in the living room. Sarah (our host) was extremely helpful every step of the way. Definitely recommend this property!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Mondragon

Host profile image
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