Located in Carmel Valley, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. Westfield UTC and Fashion Valley Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mission Bay and Mission Beach. Check out an event or a game at Snapdragon Stadium, and consider making time for Del Mar Fairgrounds, a top attraction not to be missed. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
Los Penasquitos Marsh Nature Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
Del Mar Fairgrounds - 9 min drive - 10.1 km
Del Mar Racetrack - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
Del Mar Beach - 11 min drive - 8.6 km
Getting around
Sorrento Valley Station - 6 min drive
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 7 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Chipotle Mexican Grill - 3 min drive
Taco Bell - 2 min drive
Roberto's Mexican Food - 4 min drive
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters - 4 min drive
Ken Sushi Workshop - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?
As of 23 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! on 4 Nov 2026 start from £1,660, 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 at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews!
Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! located?
Located in Carmel Valley, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and within 6 miles (10 km) of Torrey Pines State Beach and Del Mar Plaza. Seagrove Park and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This enchanting property was everything we were hoping for! There's plenty of space for everyone with lots of room to hang out both indoors and outdoors. The host was very responsive when we had any questions and the property was very generously stocked with anything you could need. On top of all that, the location was conveniently close to all the sites of San Diego. It is a little rustic, as described, but that just made it feel more relaxing. We didn't want to leave and we'd surely go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2026
Thank you so much for selecting the Rustic Emerald Retreat for your San Diego getaway. It is definitely an experience. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it. Hope to see you again in the future! Your hostess, Karen.
A truly unique and beautiful property. Quiet neighborhood, well stocked with kitchen appliances/utensils, spacious and comfortable outdoor seating, and easy access to all points San Diego.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2026
Thank you for so much for selecting the Rustic Emerald Retreat for your San Diego getaway. We look forward to hosting you again in the future! Your hostess, Karen.
Impressive, beautiful place. We felt lucky to stay here. The architect who built this had such an incredible and unique vision. Everything you need is here and the outside area is so beautiful. We’re looking forward to a return trip to stay here.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2026
We’d love to host you again, please feel free to book anytime! Your Hostess, Karen
Our family including an 16, 11, and 8 year old had the absolute best time staying here. There was always something new to see, so many great places to sit, read, drink coffee, and play games. The location is fairly central to many fun spots and beaches to visit. Everyone agreed we would stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2026
Thank you for selecting the rustic Emerald retreat. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Your hostess, Karen
We love staying at rustic emerald retreat. It has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Plus, there is the unique architecture of the buildings which are so beautiful. Thank you, Karen for hosting us.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2025
We hope to host you again in the future!! Thanks for being such great guest and leaving the house in great shape!
Relaxing, indoor/outdoor living!! Perfect oasis for our family as we celebrated our son’s graduation from UCSD. Host was responsive and provided some food recommendations. We LOVED it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2026
Thank you and hope to see you again in the future!
Our family had a terrific stay at this truly unique venue. We had fun researching the artist who built the home and his legacy. The property is very quiet and peaceful even though it's not far from major thoroughfares. Roughly a 10-15 minute drive to a few different beaches (Del Mar & Torrey Pines). Easy access to groceries and pharmacy. Close proximity to great restaurants. The property has multiple outdoor spaces which is very nice. Host was responsive and pleasant. We would stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2024
Great family! Come back anytime.
Verified review
2/10 Terrible
Sue W.
30 Oct 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
yes, however, a giant leak under the sink on the last day nearly flooded everything. Also, this is not a property for the elderly or infirm, as there are no safety railings on multiple steps, and the shower in the master BR is a deep 3-step cavern with nothing to hold on to. The way in is uphill with baggage. The Hot tub is on a dias with no railing and broken pavement. The doors and windows shrank over the years and were not repaired, and you can see outside thru most of them; they cause cold, wetness, and drafts. Poorly lit home altogether. TV in BR is video-only, and no videos are available there; TV in LR is difficult to operate for Senior citizens unaccompanied by tech. The BBQ is not heating. Sofas and cushions are in the weather all the time and as a result are not clean. Upon arrival, there was a giant spider in my bed. Linens had a stale odor. Later discovered that the Washing Machine and Dryer were in an outside shed, very dirty. Towels had been hung up to dry, which is why they were so scratchy. Or were they never washed at all and just hung up? All in all, left two days early, a waste of money. Had we wanted a broken-down art palace, we could have gone to a museum. Pictures were very deceiving.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We understand that not every property is the right fit for every guest. Fortunately, the vast majority of our guests have thoroughly enjoyed their stays and appreciate what our home has to offer. We wish you the very best in finding accommodations better suited to your expectations in the future.
I also recommend you letting the owner know when you first arrive or acknowledge, communication is the key to happy vacation!!!