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Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town

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Welcome to Elegance and Serenity.
Drop your bags and off you go to enjoy downtown Carmel.
Living area
Room
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Garage parking available
    Enjoy the convenience of garage parking - a rare offering in the area.
  • Walkable and wonderful
    Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near 17-Mile Drive
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Carmel, CA
  • Place, 17-Mile Drive
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Plaza
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town

This updated and charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with roaring fireplace, breakfast nook, and remodeled kitchen is on a 7500 square foot lot perfectly located in Carmel. With it's grassy back-yard, bluejay's playing in the bird-bath's, croquet in the afternoon, downtown Carmel By The Sea and the ocean just minutes away, you can park the car and pack the picnic basket. Close to a winding path to town with tennis courts and a darling kid park close by, this sweet home is in a real neighborhood where trees and story-book Carmel cottages abound. Parking for 3 cars and furnished with Ralph Lauren linens, high end appliances, this is as good as it gets. Owners know the area, the wineries, the places to go and they make all that information available to you. Whether you're attending the Concours d' Elegance, AT & T, Bach festival or a favorite friends wedding, this is a spot you'll return to year after year. Just like home.. stress melts away at Elegance & Serenity.

Please note, rates may be subject to change to reflect updates & improvements made to the property. Rates for future bookings are also subject to change, so please contact there owners for rates when attempting to book a year in advance.
Car week and Concourse d' Elegance is a 7 night minim stay.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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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, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
All reservations are subject to owner screening an
Guest must have a conversation with host within 48
By booking you are agreeing to the rental agreemen

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 001180
Property # 499244
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 first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Carmel

Located in Northeast Carmel, a neighborhood in Carmel, this vacation home is near theme parks. Pebble Beach Golf Links and Fisherman's Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Carmel Beach and Monterey Bay. Check out an event or a game at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and consider making time for Monterey Bay Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
View more Vacation Homes in CarmelOpens in a new window
Map
Carmel, CA

What's nearby

  • 17-Mile Drive - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Carmel Plaza - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Blair Estate Tasting Room - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Sunset Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Carmel Beach - 20 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 16 min drive
  • Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Carmel Bakery - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Chez Noir - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Vesuvio - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Il Fornaio - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Elegance & Serenity: walk to town?

As of Jul 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Elegance & Serenity: walk to town on Sep 11, 2026 start from $583, 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 Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Elegance & Serenity and A Short Walk To Town located?

Located in Northeast Carmel, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Carmel Business Association, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel Beach. Pebble Beach Golf Links is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

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. 85 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

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

Amazing stay

Beautiful and comfortable home in a great location walking distance to Carmel and the beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Norah W.

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

Very nice place

It was a nice place to stay while visiting Carmel
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 22, 2023
Thank you, Norah. Happy to host you again any time. Stay safe and well, Jan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt L.

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

Great place. Michael and Jan were wonderful

Great place and very convenient.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 3, 2023
Thank you for trusting us with your stay. Happy it was a good one for you both. Stay safe and well and return again soon. Happy Labor Day! Jan
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth A.

Great place

Just close enough to town to be an easy walk, but still quiet. Everything we needed, and very helpful hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Thank you Elizabeth. Let us know how we can exceed your expectations in future. We have recently re-paved our driveway and will be updating our cottage's exterior paint. We continue to update our cozy abode as each year and feel blessed to welcome our growing number of thoughtful and simply wonderful guests. Enjoyed hosting you! Jan Rhees
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stay in this incredible home every summer. Everything about this property is perfect. The owners are very attentive and want their guests to have a great experience. The property is located in a lovely and quiet neighborhood and is maintained to perfection. We can’t wait to come back next year.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris L.

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

great location in downtown Carmel

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Michael & Jan's lovely home; it's proximity to town and the meticulous upgrades throughout the house are two of the many pluses of this little gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Jim & Marsha

Great stay, great home.. a must stay in Carmel!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George M.

Everything was perfect, loved the place. Would like to stay again next year

d
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Looking forward to welcoming you back to our home in 2020. We will kick it up a notch for you everytime. Wishing you the best of everything until we meet again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen s.

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

Perfect location for Monterey Car Week

We stayed at this lovely home during Monterey Car Week 2024. It was perfectly located for easy access to Carmel, Monterey and Laguna Seca. The home is well stocked with everything you need, and the backyard space is great for relaxing after a day out. We will stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

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

Perfect house and location

Perfect weekend stay for 2 couples! Enjoyed all the special touches in home as well as easy communication with the owners. Within easy walking distance to town and a quick drive to Monterey, Pebble Beach and Big Sur. We totally recommend and will put on our list of places to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Wonderful to see this, Nancy. Thank you for choosing to stay in our home, it is important to hear and to know how much you enjoyed our happy cottage in Carmel. Please return soon and let me increase the welcoming gestures each and every time. Your experience matters and your trust is everything.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara T.

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

Carmel Cottage

Loved staying in this charming Carmel cottage. The owners had nice touches like fresh flowers, water, a great audio system. The house was comfortable and in a great location.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Thank you for choosing our Carmel cottage, Barbara. We truly enjoyed hosting you and look forward to welcoming you again should your travels return you to our beautiful area.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Russell H.

5-Star!!

Great location, updated kitchen and baths. A pleasure to call it home for President's Weekend! Would definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Please return anytime. We are delighted to know your holiday weekend was so enjoyable and that you our kitchen and baths had you feeling so at home. Wonderful review and sincerely appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

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

Carmel

We had a wonderful time in beautiful Carmel. The Elegance & Serenity house is so nice & very well appointed. The owners checked on us & made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We definitely recommend this home if visiting Carmel by the Sea!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Absolutely perfect!

Cozy, charming home in a picturesque neighborhood, walking distance to town, large beautiful yard, and the home was equipped with everything we could imagine, including a nice bottle of wine and fresh flowers in nearly every room. We plan to come back and stay longer next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 23, 2022
This makes me feel so happy. That you had such a good time is the only reason I do this. Please return again and often and of course for a longer stay! Yay. Jan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie M.

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

Lovely home!

Wonderful, cozy home walkable to downtown Carmel. Many touches to make guests feel welcome, including coffee and wine waiting for us when we arrived! We also had a scheduling conflict that required rescheduling, which Jan and Michael graciously accommodated for us. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 4, 2022
Valerie, I am so happy it all worked out. It was wonderful hosting you.. yes, please return. Until then, stay safe and well. Jan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon P.

Wonderful stay

Excellent stay in Carmel and the perfect setup for two couples (bedrooms were not directly adjacent and we each had our own bathrooms). Home is well-designed, very clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. Great communication from the owners before arriving. The backyard was a lovely sunny place to sit in the mornings. We only stayed in for breakfast, and the kitchen was perfectly equipped for those meals. Thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Please visit us again, Sharon. It was a pleasure to welcome you to our serene and sunny patch of paradise in Carmel.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia E.

This home is perfectly designed and maintained for a delightful getaway in Carmel.

The owners of this property have made every effort to create a beautiful and comfortable home for their guests. Every detail has been thought of, including the fresh lilies and bottle of wine! The information in the listing is completely accurate. We cannot give this a higher recommendation.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Cynthia, thank you for your generous review of our home. We devote ourselves to generating an environment of beauty, comfort and ease for our guests. Wonderful to know you enjoyed your stay so much, that your expectations were met and that you were at home in our Carmel happy place. Would love to welcome you back again soon and again your kind words are sincerely appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Duke R.

Exactly as Described, Great Location, Great Home

We were looking for something nice that was walking distance to Carmel. Michael & Jan's home was perfect for 2 couples. So nice, equipped with everything you need for a stay; everything was super, super clean and the outdoor living area is very nice. We did enjoy a few bean toss games while sipping a wine or two. The communication before we arrived were A+, Michael met us when we arrived, and was more than willing to assist, appreciated the walking directions. Would recommend this home without reservation.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Look forward to welcoming you again soon. We'll keep updating the property for you and next time there will be more games and more wine to enjoy! Thank you for choosing our home and enjoy your holiday season!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

S P.

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

Comfortable and enjoyable

We enjoyed our stay in Carmel and the house was clean and comfortable. It is within walking distance to Carmel and the beach, but if you plan to bring things to the beach I would recommend driving. Jan and Michael left plenty of brochures and free wine tasting cards in addition to recommendations for restaurants. We appreciated the Nespresso pods and wine that they had available to us when we arrived. Little touches to make our stay more enjoyable. The check-in and check-out process was simple and easy. In sum, we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave F.

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

Better than we hoped!

The pictures of the property did not do it justice. By that I mean, we felt it was going to be a warm nice place but also had a small amount of concern that it would show wear and tear and be beach “clean” which is often different than what we consider clean. The property was very clean, in excellent shape, well stocked and had a nice upper scale comfortable decorative vibe to it. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 15, 2024
Very are so very happy to know you and your wife enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back again and often. Happy Holiday to you and yours. Jan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robbie B.

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

Above and beyond

Jan and Michael provide the total package: a well appointed home, soothing artwork, great suggestion of things to do and see and places to eat. They were super responsive to my sole request (more coffee). My brother and sister in law drove over for two nights, and they also found serenity and elegance, as advertised. Perfect location to see Carmel and surrounding areas. I don't want to say more because I don't want to find myself unable to get in when we return. ;)
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 6, 2022
You are a joy to host. Happy you enjoyed your Nespresso! I’ll make sure to secure your dates for you each and every time you reach out. Travel safely and stay well until the next time! Xo Jan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne A.

Great Choice!

Our family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our 3 night stay in Carmel. The Homeowners were appropriately attentive and available as needed. The property is very well maintained, spotless and with upgraded/updated amenities. Peaceful, well furnished backyard. The neighborhood was friendly and quiet. The home is a lovely 10 minute walk to where we were headed in town. And from there, another few minutes to a spectacular beach. So many great restaurants, La Belena, Cultura, Casanova and 5th Ave Deli (opens earlier than most; great for picnic salads/sandwiches) especially. It was a wonderful home base as we visited Big Sur, Point Lobos (had to walk to China Beach to see the pupping sea lions:) and Pebble Beach. Happy to have stayed there!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 17, 2020
Hope to see you again soon and very happy to hear your visit to the area was filled with great food and even greater memories. So glad it worked out so well, Anne. Jan and Michael
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig B.

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

Quintessential Carmel Experience

As long-term VRBO users, we are pleased to offer a 5-srar review. Actually, it is important to note that this is actually two reviews. Clearly 5-stars to the property, which was clean, well-equipped, delightfully comfortable, and exactly as described in the listing. The location is convenient, and we felt very much at home. But further, 5-stars to Jan & Michael for being such gracious and personal hosts. Based on our description of the trip when we booked, the hosts anticipated all our needs and left us a number of pleasant surprises that were over and above anything we typically expect from a VRBO host. So for a couple, or small family, or two couples, we recommend this property highly. You will not be disappointed staying at this lovely home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

A Cozy Carmel Getaway

Michael was very hospitable, and the welcoming gifts (water, wine, and coffee!) were much appreciated. The property was very clean and comfortable. A wonderful outdoor space to lounge and drink coffee in the morning or wine at night. A note on the location - the property is north of the intersection at Santa Fe and 1st. It looks to be positioned at Torres and 3rd on VRBO, so it is a bit of a further jaunt to town. It was fine for us, but it is not walkable for all. One additional note - there is a unit downstairs and when items are cooked in the kitchen in the lower unit, the smell wafts upstairs throughout the unit when the windows are open. Save for the extra distance to town and the ventilation in the unit, this property would be five stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 7, 2020
So thankful for your input and we are in the process of adding both additional sound and other ventilation updates. The next time you return the home will be even better and I promise the ventilation will provide complete comfort. Again, I truly appreciate your candor and although most of our guests prefer a bit of distance from bustling downtown Carmel and the crowds in the evenings, I will add even more pathways leading to downtown that allow for even more ease and less distance than the approximate 7-8 blocks to town. Thank you again. Stay safe and be well.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Nice place and quiet

We like to walk and this place is 10-15 min walk into town. Not close to the beach but not a problem as we walked down to it. Nice size for 2 couples. Updated. It’s on a second floor, about 15 steps up outside w railing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michael & Jan

Host profile image
We have been coming to the Carmel for 20 years, we sold our previous vacation home at Carmel Point in 2007 and have been looking for the perfect replacement.

Why they chose this property

Close to everything. Short walk to town.

What makes this property unique

The house is very comfortable and has everything you could want in amenities.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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