Step onto the sand from the large ocean-facing deck of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath family beachhouse. Located just 10 miles south of Santa Barbara, CA in the popular resort community of Carpinteria, this house sits on the 'World's Safest Beach' sheltered by the beautiful Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Looking out the back, one views the Salt Marsh Reserve with its 230 acres of bird and water wildlife with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The beach offers long walks, warm sand, beautiful sunsets, swimming, sandcastle building, surfing, fishing, and views of the seal rookery and dolphins playing in the surf.

As you enter the beachhouse, you first see a utility room with a washer, dryer and refrigerator/freezer along with additional counter space. Turning right is the kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, gas stove, and oven, microwave, double sink with disposal and cupboards and drawers to spare. As dishwashing is a family event for the owners, they intentionally do not have a dishwasher! Passing beyond the kitchen is the family room that combines a living and dining room. It includes a large flatscreen television, wireless internet, couch, chairs and a dining table. Cabinets house games, puzzles and more! The bedroom to the left runs almost the width of the house with a dresser, clothes closet, 3 twin/day beds and one trundle bed. 3 large windows offer ample views of the beach. At the end of this room is Bathroom #2 which includes tub, shower, sink and toilet. Passing back through the living room to the other side, between both bedrooms is bathroom #1 which has all the amenities with a shower only. Bedroom #1 on the beachside has a queen size bed, dresser, and closet. Bedroom #2 on the other side is similar. All windows are double-pane, but most guests prefer to sleep to the sound of the gently rolling surf. At last, as you return to the family room to look out the large sliding glass door to the beach, the ocean and the Channel Islands in the distance. Stepping outside on the large covered deck to the left you see a round patio table perfect for cards or dominos. To the right are two picnic tables end to end capable of seating 8 each. Beyond that is a gas BBQ and a charcoal BBQ for your convenience. Four steps from the deck and you stand on the beach with a permanent lifeguard tower to your right. They also rent kayaks and other water sport equipment during the summer. This beachhouse really is the only place where you can sit on your deck with immediate access to the beach and watch your children safely play in the surf. A public beachcam is located on top of the lifeguard tower. www.video-monitoring.com/beachcams/carpinteria/

The town of Carpinteria, founded in 1863, is noted for its friendliness, small town charm and the agricultural production of avocados, lemons, and flowers. This community is dedicated to preserving the coast at it recently purchased the coastal bluffs just southeast of town which will be kept as they are with a hiking and biking trail along the coast. The downtown area is within an easy walking distance from the beach and offers a variety of antique, clothing, and specialty shops. Carpinteria is fast becoming a mecca for the fine arts representing music, dance, paint, sculpture, and theater. Don't miss Carpinteria's latest addition, the Art Center, with revisions planned thanks to the generous donations of our citizens. Carpinteria's local theater has revised its name to reclaim the original name, The Alcazar. They host concerts, movies, original plays, fundraisers, and talent shows. More recently, restaurants have found a home here, representing cuisine from all corners of the earth. They bring foodies and critics to sample their fine dining. World famous beer and wine have also located to Carpinteria via breweries like Island Brewing Company, wineries, pubs and tasting rooms. Points of interest include the historical museum, the world's largest Torrey Pine tree, the Carpinteria Tar Pits where the Chumash built their canoes and the famous 'cook your own steak' Palms restaurant. World famous surfing at Rincon Point is located only 5 minutes away by car. 5 minutes in the opposite direction on a beautiful sunny afternoon will have you enjoying your refreshments while watching world-class polo ponies at Santa Barbara Polo Club which is open to the public. Kayaks and surfboards can be rented next door and launched with a short walk across the sand to the ocean. Nearby Santa Barbara offers world-class shopping, entertainment, National historical sites, educational forums, and sporting venues like tennis and golf. A wide array of charter boats are available for deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, tours, a day trip to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands or a dinner cruise up the coastline. The Santa Barbara Airport is located only 30 minutes away in Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak train, like the Surfliner, makes several stops daily in Carpinteria.

Keywords: House, cottage, beachhouse, house on the beach, Giacs at the Beach