This one-of-a-kind cottage looks like it's out of a fairy tale. It is a lovely mix of antique and modern, nestled in the middle of gorgeous oak trees. The bedroom is tucked away in the upstairs loft, providing a treehouse-feel. Brand new marble bathtub below and kitchenette. The free-standing private cabin is nestled between 2 private creeks and mountain trails - it is a true respite from the city.
You will be nestled in a 13 acre mountain village with other cottages, forests and mountain views.
Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for.
**************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your party will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional.
Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone.
********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams.
Please note we have special rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Commercial OR student filming is not permitted without permission and fees paid in advance. Professional rates apply to both commercial and student filming. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details.
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Topanga
Topanga is home to this chalet. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Candy Cane Lane and Getty Villa are also worth visiting.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Topanga State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Santa Monica Beach - 15 min drive - 16.6 km
Santa Monica Pier - 21 min drive - 20.6 km
Universal Studios Hollywood - 51 min drive - 46.8 km
Getting around
Van Nuys Station - 29 min drive
Van Nuys, CA (VNY) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
Taco Bell - 11 min drive
Starbucks - 13 min drive
Marmalade Cafe - 14 min drive
Inn of the Seventh Ray - 18 min walk
La La Land Cafe - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin pet-friendly?
Yes, this chalet allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin?
As of 27 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin on 30 Apr 2026 start from £90, 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 Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Topanga Mountain Retreat - The Wonderland Cabin located?
Situated in Topanga, this chalet is steps away from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Topanga State Park. Santa Monica Beach and Topanga State Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Such a wonderful stay and the host made us feel so welcome and it was so easy to get acclimated. Such a beautiful, quaint property. Definitely a must stay.
When hosts take the time to write accurate descriptions, take the time to read them. Great, unique, rustic stay in the middle of oak trees. This place makes it possible to escape LA even if you’re visiting LA. Lovely setting, excellent hosts. If you want uptight luxury, go to Malibu.
We had a great two night stay at the Wonderland Retreat. Host was great with communication. If you’re looking for something rustic and in nature, this is a great spot in the Topanga Mountains. The mountain town has a few great hidden gems for restaurants and coffee shops. Easy to also get to the sights of LA and still be tucked away.
Thoroughly enjoyed our 2 day stay! The kitchen had all the needed supplies (including a microwave not shown in the pictures), a very nice bathroom and a wonderfully comfortable bed. We had no problems going up and down the ladder to the loft (grab bars were much appreciated). Caution is necessary on the cobble floors but adds to the charm of the cabin. A suggestion is to have the outside light working as it’s difficult arriving in the dark. Looking forward to returning as our daughter lives in the area. Thanks for sharing your quirky little cabin!!
This is a peaceful stay - far enough removed from LA excitement, but a reasonable commute to area beaches and attractions. The mountains are beautiful!
The directions to the cabin were great. I suggest you take a screenshot of the check in email because there's a cell phone dead spot leading up to the cabin. Once there, the wifi is great. The cabin is so cute and quirky as expected. Wonderful amenities in the kitchen and cute decor. Be sure to bring shampoo and body soap. We didn't have a chance to check out the trail.
We loved the rustic artistic feel, along with attention to details in the accommodations. Trees, no TV, with the invitation to tune in. This was our second stay and hosts are wonderfully warm and welcoming. Only challenge we have found here is neighboring film shoots, which can at moments create disruption in the peace and flow. Otherwise, we are utterly grateful for such a magical place to stay. We thank you so much. -Andi & James
Wonderland was wonderful. We loved the trickyness of walking on the cobblestone floor and the slight challenge of climbing the ladder to the loft. It was rugged, and had a certain witchy charm. Communication was great from the owner, and everything was easy peasy.
I had the perfect stay at the wonderland cabin! It was a peaceful, private, safe and rejuvenating space. The cabin is clean and well cared for. It was lovely to walk the trail and explore the creek space. I am grateful for whoever built the trail system. Looks like a lot of loving work went into it. I think the cabin would be even better with a hook or two on the wall by the door and a cup to place a toothbrush on the sink.
Camille D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Agnes M.
5 Nov 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Very dusty
After an hour, we decided to leave and looked for another accommodation. The place was very dusty, lots of cobwebs, no sign of creek anywhere, beddings were old and not smelled clean, couches were dusty.
Agnes M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Erica
3 Oct 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Really bad, left and stayed somewhere else. Dirty/dusty inside. Felt unsafe. Property was crowded with other rental units. Noisy too - chainsaws going right outside our window. No “trails” to walk on. No “creek.” Had a very creepy feel. Owner refused a refund, offered to return cleaning fee.
A quintessential, very rustic Topanga Canyon experience. You will become one with your inner flower child. The loft is like climbing a ladder into your own treehouse. Watch your head! (Not a suitable place for folks with any balance or agility issues). The eclectic building materials follow the ecologically appropriate theme of reduce, reuse and recycle. Many of the doors, window and lighting fixtures have stories to tell of a previous lives. Someone creative and resourceful had fun with the construction. Convenient and less than a mile to Inn of the 7th Ray and other Topanga favorites. A unique adventure! Namaste.
Betsy K.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Stacey
30 Jul 2024
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This eclectic little place is in a great spot amongst the trees and is unique. My interpretation as to why they call it the "wonderland" is because it is a hodgepodge with different flooring, different sized doors and windows and nothing matches...it is a little like Alice in Wonderland finding a secret room and to find it is a little bit of an adventure. So, be ready to be flexible, you may miss the turn off when you first drive by, you may drive by the cabin when you first go to check in and you may not receive any information before you head there on the day of your reservation.....so be ready to be ready to go with the flow and not on a strict timeline. Also, be ready to barely fit in the front door and to climb a ladder to your bed. If you have mobility issues, this property could be a challenge with its uneven surfaces and inconsistent materials. But, if you like the idea of being in nature, being in a superchill friendly place and want to try something different, this place is a great little adventure!