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COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

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Property grounds
The illuminated Gazebo is an especially romantic bonus with the cottage rental!
The Gazebo is perfect for tea time or a meal!
Sit a spell on the old fashioned porch swing!
living room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61371 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Valley Center, CA
  • Place, Castle Creek Country Club
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Place, LEGOLAND® California
    ‪40 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS UNIQUELY PART HOTEL, PART VACATION RENTAL, AND PART BED AND BREAKFAST! This charming cottage shares 7.2 park-like garden acres with the owner's main house. Check out our guest reviews for details about what makes Old Castle Cottage such a special vacation destination.

• Professionally decorated home with a cottage/coastal theme.
• Gourmet coffee & tea for you! Enjoy your tea in the quaint gazebo!
• Springtime guests love the birds and butterflies!
• When in season, fresh cut flowers from the gardens are made into lovely arrangements expressly for YOU!
• Seasonal produce from our organic gardens and orchard await you.
• Beach trips made easy with these amenities: towels, umbrella, chairs, & cooler.
• Gated acres of park-like lawns and gardens provide beauty, privacy, and security.
• Solar power and well-water make this a very eco-friendly property.

THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROPERTY AROUND!

• Redwood play set with swings, slide, and climbing wall are a favorite for the children
• Fully stocked toy box and game cupboard
• Infant friendly with high chair and booster seat
• Assorted picnic gear for family day trips in and around San Diego.

5 MINUTES OFF THE 15 FREEWAY, OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS CONVENIENT FOR ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS

• There are an abundance of restaurants and resorts from 5 to 15 minutes away.
• Disneyland is 65 minutes away
• Legoland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Safari Park are within 30 minutes
• Major shopping Malls and outlet malls are within 20 minutes
• Wineries and Local live entertainment in downtown Escondido, Temecula, San Diego, or one of the many casinos from 10-30 minutes away.

PLEASE NOTE: Because Old Castle Cottage offers such a charming garden setting, we receive MANY requests for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, and large events. Please note: we are VERY sorry, but we DO NOT offer any events on the grounds. The max capacity of the cottage is 6.

***A signed rental agreement is required within 24 hours of payment to confirm all reservations.***


Features:
* Full Kitchen - with separate wine cooler
• Bedrooms: 3 (1 King bed, 1 Full bed, Two Twin Beds)
• Baths: 2 (Master has shower and separate soaking tub, second bath has large shower)
• Propane BBQ, Private backyard, Patio dining
• Internet access
• Garden Gazebo
• Dish TV with HD and upgraded TV package
• Washer/Dryer
• Non-Smoking
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
• Gate opener and check out letter are to be left on the kitchen table. • Check out time is 10:00 am.
Please turn off the air conditioner/heater.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
You must sign and return the rental agreement by email within 24 hours to the property owner before your reservation may be confirmed.
Owner lives on same 7 acre property. All Children MUST be supervised by a parent when playing outside the cottage.
No weddings, parties, events, or gatherings that exceed max occupancy of 6 are allowed. Failure to comply= immediate rental termination & no refund.

Important information

You need to know

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
This property uses solar energy
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 first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Valley Center

Located in Valley Center, this vacation home is in a rural area. Rancho Guajome Adobe and Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at The Oaks Course and Cal-a-vie. Traveling with kids? Consider Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in Valley CenterOpens in a new window
Map
Valley Center, CA

What's nearby

  • Castle Creek Country Club - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park - 33 min drive - 34.2 km
  • Pechanga Resort & Casino - 33 min drive - 37.6 km
  • LEGOLAND® California - 40 min drive - 40.9 km
  • Carlsbad State Beach - 41 min drive - 33.1 km

Getting around

  • Carlsbad Village Station - 27 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hidden Meadows Country Bar - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Harlows - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Silverback Breakfast - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Market at Hidden Meadows - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sunshine Mountain Vineyard - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

As of Apr 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY on Apr 10, 2026 start from $345, 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of The Oaks Course, Rancho Guajome Adobe, and Cal-a-vie. Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

10

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. 65 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Old Castle Cottage was even more enchanting than the pictures show! It is so cozy and peaceful. Our host, Teresa, was the best! Communication with her was easy and she quickly responded. We will stay here again and again,
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was perfect. Teresa and john our hosts were just spectacular. When we arrived, there were fresh flowers everywhere plus freshly baked cookies and biscuits. We had all the privacy we desired, and the property is beautiful. A wonderful place to rest and unwind.
Stayed 62 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teri H.

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

Perfect!

Lovely, quiet property. Owner went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I would absolutely recommend this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelci S.

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

A getaway!

The property was more beautiful than the pictures! Teresa was a fantastic host. We will stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Shannon B.

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

Nice spot

This is a peaceful house set in a nice garden- the house is well appointed with a grill, patio furniture, rocking chairs and everything you need in a kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abbey M.

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

Excellent

This property and the hosts were amazing! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. We arrived to fresh homemade cookies and fresh picked flowers. Everything about this place was amazing. We are already planning our next vacation here
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

fiona m.

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

Fantastic stay

It was amazing. The hostess, the garden, the cottage. It was such a relaxing stay. Thank you for everything. Goodbye from The Netherlands: Fiona, Leon and Jet
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

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

Hidden Gem!

It’s even better than the pictures! Beautiful property, tucked in a canyon but near to all sorts of attractions. Fresh air with the heady aroma of flowers. Teresa and John are great hosts. Very, very relaxing stay. We made side trips to Little Italy in San Diego, Temecula, Carlsbad Village and beach, Lake Hodges and Escondido. Highly, highly recommend this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

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

Piece of Paradise

Our stay was perfect in every way. All of the comforts of home and more! Our host Teresa treated us like family and had cookies waiting for us as well as fresh cut flowers. Every room was comfortable. The grounds were quiet and private. It was a perfect location and I will definitely return. 5 stars are not enough!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Lovely getaway

My husband and I rented this cottage while visiting family in the area. While it is at least a 10 minute drive to most restaurants and grocery stores it was worth it. The house had basics to get our stay started included freshly ground coffee and creamer if desired! Had great communication with Teresa and enjoyed all the nice special touches in the house.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

katherine g.

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

Beautiful setting

The property owner, Teresa, is a very special host. She welcomed us with home grown grapefruit, oranges and apples! Her Cottage is in a perfect place to stay and explore southern California (south of LA). Verizon phone service was spotty in that area and we wish Verizon would do something about it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dick R.

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

Cabin in SanDiego AreaGreat clean

Great clean cabin. Very peaceful and quiet setting. Every thing anyone could ask for. Very accommodating owners. One of the best rental properties I have ever seen. This is on a must list to return. Not really a cabin, but more a wonderful small home. Setting is in rolling mountains between Temecula and SanDiego. Just Wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

"Cottage" Exceeds Expectations

The "Cottage exceeded my high expectations. The gardens, quiet pastoral setting in a beautiful valley, privacy, cottage layout, great kitchen, and wonderful host made our trip memorable. I almost did not write this review because I want to keep this "jewel" to myself, but felt I needed to repay the kindness we felt from the hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee K.

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

Cottage

This cottage was simply beautiful. The owners were friendly and easy to work with. This has been the best-stocked VRBO I have ever stayed in. Many average pantry items were there and waiting for us. Things like one stick of butter so you didn't have to buy a whole box, fresh eggs, and homemade cookies. It was amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tess D.

Amazing!

The home is exactly like the pictures... Breathtaking! The landlord was very attentive to our needs and we had the warmest of welcomes. I felt very secure with my small children exploring the rose garden or sitting drinking hot chocolate in the cazebo. We were 30 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from the casino. It was an amazing experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica C.

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

Best VRBO EVER!

Stop clicking. Make your reservation for this cottage now. My family of 4 had the most amazing stay. The cottage is 5 min from the highway and 20-60 min from every attraction. We went to Safari Park, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Beach, several skate parks and community pools in Temecula, Escondido and Cal Oaks. Teresa is a lovely host. The cottage had everything we needed and more and was pristine. Our fondest wish is to return someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jackie L.

Dream cottage

What a find this house is! The house and grounds are beautiful, a lush jewel in the dryness that is southern California at this time, and was perfectly set up for our family of six. As another reviewer mentioned,Teresa is the epitome of a gracious hostess, greeting us with homemade chocolate cookies, and checking in with us to make sure everything was going well. The location was great for our visits to the beach, the racetrack, Cruising Grand in Escondido, and Mt. Palomar. I just wish there was an Old Castle Cottage everywhere we want to vacation!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

robert r.

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

A gorgeous property

This is the most beautiful property we’ve ever stayed in. It’s located in a quiet residential area surrounded by rose gardens. The house is large (3 bedrooms) with all the necessary functions and amenities, including a well-stocked kitchen. Teresa, the host, could not have been nicer and more responsive. The property was ideal for us — close to Escondido and supermarkets, within 30 minutes of the Safari Park and Legoland, and 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. If you’re looking for a place outside of the city and relatively close to wonderful sites, this is the place for you.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne B.

Charming home in a beautiful garden setting!

Our family of five (children aged 6, 4 and 1) had a wonderful stay at Teresa's garden cottage. The home and grounds were beautiful and very well maintained, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The cottage is set back from the main house, with a fenced front yard and fully private backyard. Very "kid friendly" with a toy chest, board games, movies, and even boogie boards for a day at the beach! Our highlights were grilling and enjoying dinner in the backyard, relaxing in the rocking chairs on the front porch, kids playing soccer on the lawn, and movie night on the comfy living room couch. We had a wonderful stay and would love to return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

Hospitality, Comfort and Beautiful Surroundings

We have stayed at many VRBO and AirBnB properties over the years and this was one of our favorites. Teresa is such a welcoming hostess with a gift for hospitality. We truly felt as if we were staying with family that had gone out of their way to make our stay comfortable. We found it very easy to stay at the cottage; everything we could need and in good working order. The access in and out is quick and private with good parking and easy to get luggage in and out. The grounds are so beautiful...a private and peaceful paradise. We enjoyed coffee on the front porch or in the gazebo in the morning and grilling and dining in the back yard in the evenings. Thank you for blessing us with such a nice place to celebrate a special occasion.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Beautiful and relaxing stay at the cottage

Everything is perfect. The yard is immaculate and gorgeous. Just like it's straight out of a magazine. The decor in the house is so charming and well thought out and put togther. The home was spotless. It is bright and open with amazing views from all the windows. I loved the front yard with the white picket fence and the roses, but the fenced in back yard was also amazing for the children to hang out in. It was so nice to escape from the city while still being close to the city. The home was very well stocked. The hostess was so thoughtful and thought of everything and made sure we got a family photo in the garden before we left.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

My favorite cottage

This was our 2nd time staying at the Hidden Meadow cottage. We were happy to return to this beautiful location off Highway 15 in the North County of San Diego. It is a comfortable 3 bedroom cottage located on the grounds of a larger estate. You enter the property over a romantic little bridge and into a lovely park setting. We were greeted by the owner and but did not interact with them during our stay. A gate opener was provided and we came and went as we pleased. I really appreciate the privacy of this cottage. We enjoyed having a few family members over for dinner and the cottage was even decorated for Christmas. They have a toy chest and closet filled with toys for the kids. Wonderful place. We will be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Debra K.

The best ever!

We rented this property with the kitchen in mind. We spent the weekend preparing food for a friends wedding in Valley Center. Teresa and John were so supportive and hospitable. Not only was the kitchen clean and useful the back yard BBQ and table came in handy as well. After a long day of chopping, preparing, cooking and serving we sure looked forward to coming back to the cottage to relax and unwind. We especially enjoyed the beautiful outdoor lawn and gardens. John's continuous attention and upkeep on the property really shows. I lover that Teresa pays close attention to details when it comes to hospitality. Everything we needed was there and easy to find. Costco, restaurants and other major stores are just a 15 minute drive away. We feel privileged to have been able to stay at Old Castle Cottage. I would definitely recommend this property. Deb and Don
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vladimir R.

Magical vacation

We stayed at Old Castle cottage with our parents and 2 boys, aged 9 and 3. It was a truly wonderful experience! Teresa made it special with a number of lovely touches throughout, from travel tips before and during the stay, to welcoming us with some gifts and showing us around the property. The property is by far the best we stayed in, spacious and comfortable for the 6 of us, with lovely gardens (roses were in bloom!) where kids enjoyed roaming around and using the play area, with scenic views of hills all around. It was a great place to relax and unwind before and after our many day trips - to the San Diego area, various coastal towns and beaches (we were lucky that the water was warm enough to swim even in April, in the upper 60s). A short drive away are stores and movie theatres in Escondido and Vista, and wineries there and in Temecula. Our longest trip was to Joshua Tree National Park, where we saw some wildflowers while having fun rock scrambling. All in all, a perfect vacation, could not imagine how it could have been better!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz Y.

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

Gorgeous property near San Diego!

Wow - where do I start? First, Teresa is an absolutely amazing host. Her communication right from the start was amazing. The directions to the home were very easy to understand and accurate. She met us for a brief introduction and showed us the gorgeous home! This home could be in a magazine. The gardens are out of this world! The home is very clean, comfortable and quiet! We wanted to stay out of the busy city and this was a perfect spot - just a short drive - but so worth it for the surroundings of the home and the serene beauty and peaceful location! The kitchen is huge - absolutely great if you want to cook. The living area is so comfy with a spacious couch overlooking the beautiful yard. The patio is set up for outdoor dining - Teresa left us yummy cookies and even stocked a few small items in the fridge for us. She is so accommodating and such a pleasant host! If you are wanting to stay near San Diego - but out of the hustle and bustle - this is your place! Simply magical and everything was perfect! We will love to stay here again one day in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Teresa McKeown

Host profile image
We have been in Valley Center since 1985 and love the 'home town' feel here. We hope you have opportunity to visit this charming community!

Why they chose this property

We had admired this property for many years and jumped at the opportunity to purchase it in 2007.

Those who visit here, frequently comment about the unique beauty of grounds. We can only give credit to God and the original founding family who had a great vision for enhancing the natural beauty of this property.

What makes this property unique

The three acre lawn, formal rose garden, gazebo, and bird and butterfly gardens are very special! We feel most fortunate to share a piece of it with you!
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