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Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Cottage
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Space | 750 sq. ft. |
| Property type | cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
Overview
1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 2
The island of Alameda is considered by some as the hidden gem of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Your hosts have turned their circa 1890s detached carriage house and stable into a welcoming garden cottage. This tastefully appointed guest spot is perfect for a quiet getaway or extended academic or corporate visit.
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, you are just walking distance from Park Street, Alameda's central shopping district. Here you'll find everything you need....antique shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and the newly renovated Alameda Theatre. Less than a mile away you'll find a pristine beach park with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
Want to head into 'The City'? You are just 25 minutes away from all SF has to offer. We are close to the Alameda ferry, AC Transit and BART. A quick drive over the Bay Bridge drops you right into the heart of downtown San Francisco.
The Carriage House: The owners have spent decades collecting antiques and designing interiors and have used their talents to create a comfortable,quiet vacation space for those who appreciate a green way of living.
Virtually every item, from floor to ceiling is recovered or recycled in some way.
The Garden: The bungalow is covered by a gorgeous and legendary Wisteria tree that is the star of the spring season.
The practice of 'Living Green' extends to the lush surrounding gardens. Old San Francisco cobblestones, recovered copper downspouts and perfectly placed architectural elements create a serene garden so creative you'd think you were on a movie set.
A Coi pond that is sometimes visited by elegant egrets, sits just outside the bungalow door. The garden is surrounded by three small aviaries that house small families of canaries. Their song and the sound of flowing water will lull you while you read a book in the sun on your own private patio.
The Neighborhood & Beyond: Developed in the late 1800s as a beach resort community, the modern day version still holds much of it's charm from the early 20th century.
Take a drive through the different neighborhoods and you'll see beautiful examples of California architecture. Perfectly restored Victorians share the same street with cute California Bungalows and Craftsman style homes.
About Melissa Burnley at Bella Bay Vacation Rentals
The talents of your hosts, John and Arthur, have appeared on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and in a series of books on Arts & Crafts bungalows by Paul Duchscherer – The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow and Outside the Bungalow. Their business, House of Orange, specializes in European Arts & Crafts furnishings, and some of their most outstanding pieces are now in the homes of local collectors who have become close friends over the years.
Why Melissa Burnley at Bella Bay Vacation Rentals chose San Francisco Bay Area
Their carriage house – circa 1890, has been turned into a garden guest cottage – and except for a few planks, tiles and a sofa bed, the cottage and its contents are all recycled in some way. The wood interior and exterior siding are bits and pieces from old projects, and with their creative eye, all the pieces work: as ceiling and wall sections, windowsills, door jambs, storage closets - you name it!
Their recycling even extends to the surrounding yard. Reclaimed copper downspouts from the roof divert rainwater into the koi pond and an existing well. The outdoor lighting is on a sensor to save energy, and old lanterns were rewired as lamps. Chimney liners were turned into water features and pulley hooks into sturdy plant hangers. All plants need little to no watering and bloom beautifully.
Wisteria Cottage – a name given to it by friends and guests – may be small, but every idea John and Arthur used was big on result and can easily translate on an even grander scale. They provide decorating, remodeling and landscaping services and advice.
What makes this cottage unique
John and Arthur are called the “Green Giants” because they are all about reducing, reusing and recycling in a BIG and BEAUTIFUL way. Whether shopping at thrift stores for clothing, repaving their driveway with old cobblestones from a San Francisco street, or resurfacing floors with reclaimed wood, they make mindful and creative use of materials with spectacular results!
Amenities
Alameda Cottage Accommodation and Amenities
- cottage
- Guests provide their own meals
- 750 sq. ft.
- Max. occupancy: 2
- not suitable for children ...
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only ...
- Downtown
- Away From It All
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
- Activities Guide
- Alarm Clock
- Basic Soaps
- Fireplace ...
- Gas Heating
- Hair Dryer
- Heating ...
- Internet
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided
- Living Area
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Paper Towels
- Parking ...
- Parking On Street
- Toilet Paper
- Towels Provided
- Wireless Internet
- 4 Ring Stove
- Blender
- Coffee Maker
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishes & Utensils
- Freezer
- Grill
- Ice Maker
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Oven
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Dining Area
- seating for 2 people
- 1 Bathroom
-
Bathroom 1 -
toilet
,
shower
- 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2
-
Bedroom 1 -
1 queen
- Books
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Radio
- Satellite / Cable ...
- Stereo
- Television
- VCR
- Video Library
- Barbecue
- Courtyard
- Deck / Patio ...
- Lawn / Garden ...
- Outdoor Entertainment Area
- Outdoor Grill ...
- Patio
- 4 garden chairs
- wheelchair inaccessible
- arboretum
- bay/sound
- botanical garden
- churches
- cinemas
- festivals
- library
- live theater
- marina
- museums
- playground
- pond
- restaurants
- synagogues
- winery tours
- zoo
- antiquing
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- outlet shopping
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
- whale watching
- ATM/bank
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- massage therapist
- medical services
- cycling
- fishing
- golf
- hiking
- mountain biking
- pier fishing
- roller blading
- sailing
- sound/bay fishing
- swimming
- tennis
- wind-surfing
Reviews
Exceptional!
5/5 -
(62 traveler reviews)
Unforgettable!
I stayed here with my daughter for a trip to San Francisco, and I can't explain how perfect this little cottage was! Our first day we were greeted by John and Arthur, who were so warm and welcoming. The cottage is so cozy, and the garden is absolutely stunning. There was never a morning when I didn't wake up to the sound of birds chirping, and the flowing water from the fountain outside as well as the koi fish pond. John and Arthur have created such a beautiful oasis that it made saying goodbye harder than I thought it would be. The city is just a short ferry ride away, but even if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, Alameda is perfect. The town is so safe, and there are so many cute shops and restaurants around that you can easily spend a couple a days exploring. Parking was easy to find for the most part, and walking to restaurants is ideal if you want to familiarize yourself with the town more. My daughter and I hope to be returning soon, we already miss our home away from home! Hope to see you again. :)
Garden Oasis
John and Arthur are the best hosts! They helped us with all of our travel needs including the best sites to visit in the short amount of time we had to stay, and best car routes to take. The yard is filled with ornamental trees, lush greenery, mature happy koi in a beautiful pond and much more. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need for cooking and grilling. Our hosts even had wine, cheese and crackers waiting for us upon arrival.
You will not be disappointed with your stay at Wisteria Cottage if you plan on staying outside of San Francisco.
Secret Garden
Our stay was simply wonderful! Cozy, comfortable cottage, marvelous hidden garden, everything we needed. A short walk from Park Street shops & restaurants, but a world away from hustle & bustle. Garden features: privacy, sun, shade, native trees & plants, recycled stone & wood materials, canary aviaries, koi pond. How relaxing and peaceful! John & Arthur have designed and built a perfect get-a-away and were the most thoughtful and gracious hosts. Alameda is charming - small town feel, minutes from Oakland, short ride to San Francisco, and a heavenly climate (as we write from hot & humid, coastal Virginia).
Wonderful retreat that exceeds expectations!
Lovely cottage amidst a wonderful garden. The koi pond, birds and sitting areas are very calming. The small cottage is well designed and well appointed. We want to return soon!
We not only stayed in a cozy sanctuary, but made some new friends!
Thank you Johnny and Arthur for being , YOU!
We will be back real soon, muah!
Secret Garden
Wisteria Cottage is an apt title for this little hidden refuge. Jon and Arthur are charming hosts who have taken every effort to ensure a guest's comfort. The cottage is well equiped and comfortable. The gardens are extrordinary and very peaceful after a day in crazy California. I stayed for 8 days and truly looked forward to coming home every day.
Map
Photos
Rates & Availability
Alameda Cottage Rental Rates
- Rental Basis:
- per property
- Manager accepts payment in:
- USD
| Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Event | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
My Standard Rate
3 night minimum stay
|
$115
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Additional information about rental rates
| Cleaning | $100 |
If you must cancel, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- Within 30 days of arrival date = 50% will be refunded.
- 30 days or longer from time of arrival = 100% will be refunded.
Manager's Cancellation Policy
- Available
- Unavailable
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