Entire home

COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

The illuminated Gazebo is an especially romantic bonus with the cottage rental!

The Gazebo is perfect for tea time or a meal!

Sit a spell on the old fashioned porch swing!

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61371 sq ft

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

Explore the area

Valley Center, CA

Place, Castle Creek Country Club
‪4 min drive‬
Place, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
‪33 min drive‬
Place, LEGOLAND® California
‪40 min drive‬
Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS UNIQUELY PART HOTEL, PART VACATION RENTAL, AND PART BED AND BREAKFAST! This charming cottage shares 7.2 park-like garden acres with the owner's main house. Check out our guest reviews for details about what makes Old Castle Cottage such a special vacation destination.

• Professionally decorated home with a cottage/coastal theme.
• Gourmet coffee & tea for you! Enjoy your tea in the quaint gazebo!
• Springtime guests love the birds and butterflies!
• When in season, fresh cut flowers from the gardens are made into lovely arrangements expressly for YOU!
• Seasonal produce from our organic gardens and orchard await you.
• Beach trips made easy with these amenities: towels, umbrella, chairs, & cooler.
• Gated acres of park-like lawns and gardens provide beauty, privacy, and security.
• Solar power and well-water make this a very eco-friendly property.

THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROPERTY AROUND!

• Redwood play set with swings, slide, and climbing wall are a favorite for the children
• Fully stocked toy box and game cupboard
• Infant friendly with high chair and booster seat
• Assorted picnic gear for family day trips in and around San Diego.

5 MINUTES OFF THE 15 FREEWAY, OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS CONVENIENT FOR ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS

• There are an abundance of restaurants and resorts from 5 to 15 minutes away.
• Disneyland is 65 minutes away
• Legoland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Safari Park are within 30 minutes
• Major shopping Malls and outlet malls are within 20 minutes
• Wineries and Local live entertainment in downtown Escondido, Temecula, San Diego, or one of the many casinos from 10-30 minutes away.

PLEASE NOTE: Because Old Castle Cottage offers such a charming garden setting, we receive MANY requests for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, and large events. Please note: we are VERY sorry, but we DO NOT offer any events on the grounds. The max capacity of the cottage is 6.

***A signed rental agreement is required within 24 hours of payment to confirm all reservations.***

Features:
* Full Kitchen - with separate wine cooler
• Bedrooms: 3 (1 King bed, 1 Full bed, Two Twin Beds)
• Baths: 2 (Master has shower and separate soaking tub, second bath has large shower)
• Propane BBQ, Private backyard, Patio dining
• Internet access
• Garden Gazebo
• Dish TV with HD and upgraded TV package
• Washer/Dryer
• Non-Smoking

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

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Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load the dishwasher

Remove personal items and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

• Gate opener and check out letter are to be left on the kitchen table. • Check out time is 10:00 am.

Please turn off the air conditioner/heater.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

You must sign and return the rental agreement by email within 24 hours to the property owner before your reservation may be confirmed.

Owner lives on same 7 acre property. All Children MUST be supervised by a parent when playing outside the cottage.

No weddings, parties, events, or gatherings that exceed max occupancy of 6 are allowed. Failure to comply= immediate rental termination & no refund.

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 solar energy

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY on 10 Apr 2026 start from £252, 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 COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of The Oaks Course, Rancho Guajome Adobe and Cal-a-vie. Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

10/10 Excellent

Monica B.

5 Dec 2025

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

The Old Castle Cottage was even more enchanting than the pictures show! It is so cozy and peaceful. Our host, Teresa, was the best! Communication with her was easy and she quickly responded. We will stay here again and again,

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec 2025

It was a delight to meet you and your family. I sincerely hope you can come again!

26 Nov 2023

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

Cabin in SanDiego AreaGreat clean

Great clean cabin. Very peaceful and quiet setting. Every thing anyone could ask for. Very accommodating owners. One of the best rental properties I have ever seen. This is on a must list to return. Not really a cabin, but more a wonderful small home. Setting is in rolling mountains between Temecula and SanDiego. Just Wonderful.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

5 Jul 2018

"Cottage" Exceeds Expectations

The "Cottage exceeded my high expectations. The gardens, quiet pastoral setting in a beautiful valley, privacy, cottage layout, great kitchen, and wonderful host made our trip memorable. I almost did not write this review because I want to keep this "jewel" to myself, but felt I needed to repay the kindness we felt from the hosts.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

Dear Scott, It was such a delight to meet you! Your kind review of Old Castle Cottage inspires us to continue to strive to truly demonstrate the art of hospitality to each and every guest. Of course, when we meet guests as nice as you and your family, it is truly a pleasure!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee K.

27 Jun 2022

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

Cottage

This cottage was simply beautiful. The owners were friendly and easy to work with. This has been the best-stocked VRBO I have ever stayed in. Many average pantry items were there and waiting for us. Things like one stick of butter so you didn't have to buy a whole box, fresh eggs, and homemade cookies. It was amazing.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jun 2022

Dear Renee and family, Thank you for your very generous review of Old Castle Cottage. When stocking the cottage, we try to anticipate our guest's needs and it is very gratifying when our efforts are appreciated. We wish your family all the best!

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tess D.

21 Jul 2016

Amazing!

The home is exactly like the pictures... Breathtaking! The landlord was very attentive to our needs and we had the warmest of welcomes. I felt very secure with my small children exploring the rose garden or sitting drinking hot chocolate in the cazebo. We were 30 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from the casino. It was an amazing experience.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

We were so happy to see you enjoy the cottage. Warmest congratulations to you and your daughters. They are both very talented and it was great to learn their team had achieved such an impressive award! Best Regards, Teresa

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica C.

11 Jul 2022

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

Best VRBO EVER!

Stop clicking. Make your reservation for this cottage now. My family of 4 had the most amazing stay. The cottage is 5 min from the highway and 20-60 min from every attraction. We went to Safari Park, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Beach, several skate parks and community pools in Temecula, Escondido and Cal Oaks. Teresa is a lovely host. The cottage had everything we needed and more and was pristine. Our fondest wish is to return someday.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2022

Dear Monica, It was truly an honor having your family stay at Old Castle Cottage. When we have the privilege of meeting such kind, generous, and thoughtful guests as you, it is very rewarding. We wish you many happy family travels and indeed hope you can return to Old Castle Cottage again!

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jackie L.

1 Sept 2015

Dream cottage

What a find this house is! The house and grounds are beautiful, a lush jewel in the dryness that is southern California at this time, and was perfectly set up for our family of six. As another reviewer mentioned,Teresa is the epitome of a gracious hostess, greeting us with homemade chocolate cookies, and checking in with us to make sure everything was going well. The location was great for our visits to the beach, the racetrack, Cruising Grand in Escondido, and Mt. Palomar. I just wish there was an Old Castle Cottage everywhere we want to vacation!

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

It was truly an honor to have such a warm and kind family stay at the cottage! When the old stray dog decided to collapse on the grounds, you were so compassionate to tend to its great need for nourishment and affection. Leaving a generous check to help "Frosty" rehabilitate was more than unexpected! As a result of your gift, Frosty has received a medicated bath, treatment for ticks, fleas, and mites and worm medicine. She is gaining weight and loves her daily brushing! I will be sending you updated pictures of Frosty! We (including Frosty) would be more than delighted to see your family return to Old Castle cottage!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

robert r.

25 Jun 2023

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

A gorgeous property

This is the most beautiful property we’ve ever stayed in. It’s located in a quiet residential area surrounded by rose gardens. The house is large (3 bedrooms) with all the necessary functions and amenities, including a well-stocked kitchen. Teresa, the host, could not have been nicer and more responsive. The property was ideal for us — close to Escondido and supermarkets, within 30 minutes of the Safari Park and Legoland, and 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. If you’re looking for a place outside of the city and relatively close to wonderful sites, this is the place for you.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jun 2023

It means a great deal to me to receive such a complimentary review. No doubt your review will help others understand the distance from Old Castle Cottage to amusement park and zoo options. Wishing your family many fun travels ahead! Thanks again for your kind words. Teresa

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne B.

1 Aug 2018

Charming home in a beautiful garden setting!

Our family of five (children aged 6, 4 and 1) had a wonderful stay at Teresa's garden cottage. The home and grounds were beautiful and very well maintained, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The cottage is set back from the main house, with a fenced front yard and fully private backyard. Very "kid friendly" with a toy chest, board games, movies, and even boogie boards for a day at the beach! Our highlights were grilling and enjoying dinner in the backyard, relaxing in the rocking chairs on the front porch, kids playing soccer on the lawn, and movie night on the comfy living room couch. We had a wonderful stay and would love to return!

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

Dear Adrienne, We were so happy to have your family stay with us! It was really a pleasure to enjoy a short visit with you and I truly love to see the children playing in the yard. You are a wonderful Mommy and your children are blessed to have such nurturing parents! God Bless you!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

31 Jul 2018

Hospitality, Comfort and Beautiful Surroundings

We have stayed at many VRBO and AirBnB properties over the years and this was one of our favorites. Teresa is such a welcoming hostess with a gift for hospitality. We truly felt as if we were staying with family that had gone out of their way to make our stay comfortable. We found it very easy to stay at the cottage; everything we could need and in good working order. The access in and out is quick and private with good parking and easy to get luggage in and out. The grounds are so beautiful...a private and peaceful paradise. We enjoyed coffee on the front porch or in the gazebo in the morning and grilling and dining in the back yard in the evenings. Thank you for blessing us with such a nice place to celebrate a special occasion.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

Thank you for so many kind words. It was indeed a blessing to have your family stay with us. We love multi-generational guests and are so happy for the good news that brought you to the cottage.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

14 Aug 2023

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

Beautiful and relaxing stay at the cottage

Everything is perfect. The yard is immaculate and gorgeous. Just like it's straight out of a magazine. The decor in the house is so charming and well thought out and put togther. The home was spotless. It is bright and open with amazing views from all the windows. I loved the front yard with the white picket fence and the roses, but the fenced in back yard was also amazing for the children to hang out in. It was so nice to escape from the city while still being close to the city. The home was very well stocked. The hostess was so thoughtful and thought of everything and made sure we got a family photo in the garden before we left.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023

Thank you for such a kind and generous review. It was a pleasure to meet your family and I wish you many fun family travels to come! Best, Teresa

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

3 Dec 2018

My favorite cottage

This was our 2nd time staying at the Hidden Meadow cottage. We were happy to return to this beautiful location off Highway 15 in the North County of San Diego. It is a comfortable 3 bedroom cottage located on the grounds of a larger estate. You enter the property over a romantic little bridge and into a lovely park setting. We were greeted by the owner and but did not interact with them during our stay. A gate opener was provided and we came and went as we pleased. I really appreciate the privacy of this cottage. We enjoyed having a few family members over for dinner and the cottage was even decorated for Christmas. They have a toy chest and closet filled with toys for the kids. Wonderful place. We will be back.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

It was wonderful to have you both! I hope you enjoyed a lovely Christmas and I wish you the best of health and happiness in 2019.

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Debra K.

26 May 2016

The best ever!

We rented this property with the kitchen in mind. We spent the weekend preparing food for a friends wedding in Valley Center. Teresa and John were so supportive and hospitable. Not only was the kitchen clean and useful the back yard BBQ and table came in handy as well. After a long day of chopping, preparing, cooking and serving we sure looked forward to coming back to the cottage to relax and unwind. We especially enjoyed the beautiful outdoor lawn and gardens. John's continuous attention and upkeep on the property really shows. I lover that Teresa pays close attention to details when it comes to hospitality. Everything we needed was there and easy to find. Costco, restaurants and other major stores are just a 15 minute drive away. We feel privileged to have been able to stay at Old Castle Cottage. I would definitely recommend this property. Deb and Don

Stayed 3 nights in May 2016

Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020

Dear Deb and Don, We were so pleased to meet you by way of the cottage! When gracious guests like you cross our path, our lives are definitely enriched! Don is quite a chef and "Master" of all things BBQ. We thank you for sharing a sample of the food you prepared for the wedding. Deb, the side dishes were excellent! We were touched by your spirit of generosity and would so love to have you return to the cottage. Thank you again for being 5-star guests!

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vladimir R.

19 Apr 2015

Magical vacation

We stayed at Old Castle cottage with our parents and 2 boys, aged 9 and 3. It was a truly wonderful experience! Teresa made it special with a number of lovely touches throughout, from travel tips before and during the stay, to welcoming us with some gifts and showing us around the property. The property is by far the best we stayed in, spacious and comfortable for the 6 of us, with lovely gardens (roses were in bloom!) where kids enjoyed roaming around and using the play area, with scenic views of hills all around. It was a great place to relax and unwind before and after our many day trips - to the San Diego area, various coastal towns and beaches (we were lucky that the water was warm enough to swim even in April, in the upper 60s). A short drive away are stores and movie theatres in Escondido and Vista, and wineries there and in Temecula. Our longest trip was to Joshua Tree National Park, where we saw some wildflowers while having fun rock scrambling. All in all, a perfect vacation, could not imagine how it could have been better!

Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr 2020

We were honored to have you stay at Old Castle Cottage. Your timing was perfect to enjoy the first blooms of the season! Because you are a family that travels extensively (both domestic and international), It was very gratifying to hear you say that Old Castle Cottage and its amenities were among the best you had experienced. When a guest takes the time to leave a parting gift for us, we feel we have done more than offer accommodations. We have made a friend. Thank you for the champagne and chocolate! Please come again!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz Y.

24 Jul 2024

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

Gorgeous property near San Diego!

Wow - where do I start? First, Teresa is an absolutely amazing host. Her communication right from the start was amazing. The directions to the home were very easy to understand and accurate. She met us for a brief introduction and showed us the gorgeous home! This home could be in a magazine. The gardens are out of this world! The home is very clean, comfortable and quiet! We wanted to stay out of the busy city and this was a perfect spot - just a short drive - but so worth it for the surroundings of the home and the serene beauty and peaceful location! The kitchen is huge - absolutely great if you want to cook. The living area is so comfy with a spacious couch overlooking the beautiful yard. The patio is set up for outdoor dining - Teresa left us yummy cookies and even stocked a few small items in the fridge for us. She is so accommodating and such a pleasant host! If you are wanting to stay near San Diego - but out of the hustle and bustle - this is your place! Simply magical and everything was perfect! We will love to stay here again one day in the future!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Teresa McKeown

We have been in Valley Center since 1985 and love the 'home town' feel here. We hope you have opportunity to visit this charming community!

Why they chose this property

We had admired this property for many years and jumped at the opportunity to purchase it in 2007.

Those who visit here, frequently comment about the unique beauty of grounds. We can only give credit to God and the original founding family who had a great vision for enhancing the natural beauty of this property.

What makes this property unique

The three acre lawn, formal rose garden, gazebo, and bird and butterfly gardens are very special! We feel most fortunate to share a piece of it with you!

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COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property

COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

Quiet Hilltop Home With Stunning Hill Top And Valley Views

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Check-out instructions

Important information

You need to know

We should mention

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monica B.

Monica B.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

Sharon K.

10/10 Excellent

Teri H.

Perfect!

Teri H.

10/10 Excellent

Kelci S.

A getaway!

Kelci S.

8/10 Good

Shannon B.

Nice spot

Shannon B.

10/10 Excellent

Abbey M.

Excellent

Abbey M.

10/10 Excellent

fiona m.

Fantastic stay

fiona m.

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Hidden Gem!

Scott W.

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

Piece of Paradise

Gail M.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely getaway

Verified traveller

10/10 Excellent

katherine g.

Beautiful setting