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Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage

Photo gallery for Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage

Photos: Roe Anne White Photography & Others
Two seating areas on the patio
Antique Chandelier, Japanese butcher block table
Welcome!
Living Room Art by Jane Hollock

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2650 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage

‘outBACK’ Cottage is located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s ‘El Pueblo Viejo’ Landmark District. Our turn-of-the- century folk cottage is perfect for 1-2 people. Whether you are in SB for business or pleasure - experience the convenience of being downtown with the luxury of a tranquil environment.

Our 1 bedroom, 1 bath private retreat comes with a fully furnished kitchen, washer and dryer. Enjoy the light filled rooms, soaring ceilings, large windows and attention to detail throughout. Full bath with shower, Restoration Hardware linens, Raoul Textiles fabrics, Saatva mattress, unique furnishings, and original art await you!

Take a short stroll to State Street and world-class restaurants, shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions. Or grab our ‘beach bag to go’ and head to the beach, the pier and Stearns Wharf.

Relax on the large covered porch with coffee or cocktails while you enjoy the garden and views of the Santa Barbara foothills.

'outBACK' Cottage has a Walkability Score of 93! - a 'Walker's Paradise' rating. Whether you come by car and utilize our on site parking or arrive via train, bus or plane, you can comfortably 'walk Santa Barbara' (up town, down town, funk zone, and the beach zone).

We look forward to sharing our one-of-a-kind 'outBACK' Cottage with you!

Be sure to check out our 2 bedroom OAKtree Cottage - vrbo #1167055 and 1 bedroom Sweet Spot Cottage - vrbo#1887014.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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Photography by Roe Anne White & Bill Dewey
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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Santa Barbara

Located in Santa Barbara, this cottage is in the city centre. Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Paseo Nuevo Mall and La Arcada. Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Santa Barbara, CA

What's nearby

  • El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Presidio Santa Barbara - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Lobero Theater - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 18 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 7 min drive
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Third Window Brewing - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Press Room - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Handlebar Coffee - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mother Dough Bagels - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage?

As of 14 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage on 3 Apr 2026 start from £101, 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 Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage located?

Located in Laguna, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Rafael Gonzalez House and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and Santa Barbara Historical Museum are also within 10 minutes. Santa Barbara Station is 20 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kate W.

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

Centrally located, adorable cottage

We biked or walked daily around SB. The cottage was lovely and the host friendly and responsive. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Francis D.

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

Just Perfect!

We have stayed at rental properties throughout the world and have never felt more “at home” than here at this wonderful property. This classic California cottage is absolutely charming, artistically furnished and thoughtfully equipped. The mountain view from the dining room and porch will long linger in our memory. The house is perfectly situated in a lovely neighborhood… just minutes from Santa Barbara‘s beautiful downtown which teems with interesting shops, excellent restaurants and outstanding cultural assets. Truly a heavenly spot for walkers! Finally, our hosts, Debbie and Jim, were absolutely terrific – – friendly, generous and super responsive. In sum, our whole experience was a “10-strike”… we greatly look forward to a return visit in the future.
Stayed 30 nights in Feb 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dotti N.

Cozy Retreat for Walking, Music, and Food

During our weeks-long stay at OutBACK cottage, it served as our "base of operations" for a music festival in nearby Montecito. Every window of the light-filled cottage had a view of lovely foliage of the exquisitely maintained grounds and an occasional hummingbird. The well-equipped kitchen, with its wide counters, many cabinets, and super appliances, was perfect for preparing dinner for two or picnic fixings for a dozen. Though within easy walking distance of great restaurants and music venues, the cottage is in a quiet neighborhood and remote from the street -- for good night's rest in the comfy bed and calm breakfast inside or out on the spacious porch. Jim and Debbie were there for our every need or want -- from jump-starting our car's dead battery to greeting us most weekdays with "have a great time" as we set out on a walk to the beach or park or drove off to a day of masterclasses and concerts. They truly made OutBACK our home-away-from-home, and we are certain to return summer after summer.
Stayed 57 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Nathan F.

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

peaceful, quiet cottage

I enjoyed my stay at Debbie & Jim's little cottage. Everything was just as described. Internet was plenty fast enough for me to teach several classes on Zoom during my stay. The only glitch was a problem with the washing machine, but Debbie was lightning-fast communicating about it, and it was fixed as promptly as possible. Excellent host and excellent stay in downtown SB!
Stayed 21 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terryl R.

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

Comfy in the cottage

I spent two weeks in the cottage trying to escape the heat in Arizona, I couldn’t of had a better experience. The cottage was clean, I thought the decor was fabulous! Debbie the owner met me to say welcome. I will absolutely be back!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Philip P.

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

Very Special Cottage

The Outback Cottage is perfectly put together and organized and is decorated beautifully! An altogether wonderful accommodation. Also, the location is ideal--just a few blocks from downtown Santa Barbara and within walking distance to numerous restaurants and theaters. Debbie and Jim were very responsive to our questions and needs.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gloria H.

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

Laguna Bonita

The property is a delight from start to finish. The Arrival process is seamless, with contactless entry, with the owner arriving a bit later for introductions, and to answer any of your questions. Communication with the husband and wife team was excellent and responsive. The cottage is cheerfully designed - one might say even a bit quirkily designed - which gives it a special star, for artistic authenticity. Whatever you may need, the owners are very prompt in their response, and they treat you as if you are staying at a five-star hotel. I wanted to bake a dessert for Valentine's Weekend, and the owner promptly delivered an electric hand-mixer for me to prepare my homemade dessert. There is a charming expandable dining table that I was able to 'double' as my daily work-top space for my laptop and various office items. Even though the cottage is not a "tiny house" it is a home in miniature, and cleverly planned to supply all the space you may need, if you bring plenty of clothes for a month like I did. The driveway is a bit daunting to back up into, but it is on a busy traffic street so I was very happy to have off-street parking. Also, the cottage could offer a softer, more cushiony and comfortable chair and/or sofa, as the sofa and chair that are in there are a bit on the harder uncomfortable side for watching longer movies or reading a novel, but they were adequate for my working stay. If I have to sum up the cottage in one word, it would be: delightful. I would indeed stay here again in the future! 4.5 stars out of 5 (minus 1/2 point for sofa/chair confortability).
Stayed 25 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

John F.

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

Great!

We really enjoyed our stay. Our host and hostess were thoughtful. The property is absolutely beautiful and it’s in a really lovely neighborhood. It is a quiet reprieve from State Street, which is a short walk away. We absolutely recommend this property as a wonderful getaway to Santa Barbara.
Stayed 30 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Olivia S.

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

Best amenities, location, and stay!

We stayed at the cottage for more than two months and loved it so much. The proximity to state street was super, the cottage was clean, cozy, and well equipped! Debbie was the best and checked in regularly. Cannot recommend this spot enough.
Stayed 71 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Fiona D., London, United Kingdom

A welcoming and cozy retreat

Outback cottage is charming in every way, and exactly like the photos. Spotlessly clean, comfortable bed, beautifully decorated and very much a labor of love. Debbie and Jim are delightful - welcoming and communicative, and couldn't have been more helpful. I stayed for 2 months on a business trip and looked forward to coming home every day. Highly recommended.
Stayed 67 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Heather & Bruce G.

5 Stars, Again!

Debbie and Jim are model VRBO hosts. We have rented from them three times and don’t want to stay anywhere else when we are in Santa Barbara! We own VRBO 814791 in Santa Fe, NM and we know the work it takes to make a five star vacation rental. You won’t be disappointed if you stay here! Excellent value and amenities!
Stayed 17 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Vivien L., Boston. MA, USA

The ‘Outback cottage’ Is everything one would want in their own home.

To find a vacation rental that delivers more than you expect , truly pushes your enjoyment of your vacation ‘over the top”. The cottage is very comfortably appointed, the sun shines in making it light and bright, and sitting on the porch with a view of The mountains and blue sky is just another thing that makes Outback Cottage , “THE PLACE TO STAY !” In Santa Barbara. All the cleaning products are Meyers, just like I use at home. The location of the cottage is walkable to all areas of Santa Barbara, the beach, downtown, the shoreline. The is mattress is so comfortable, I’m replacing mine at home with the same. Last but not least , Debbie and Jim are so welcoming and ready to help in any way. They truly make you feel like you’ve made friends for life!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Cozy, clean, modern, convenient and welcoming.

We found the OutBack Cottage to be every bit of the quintessential charming SoCal beach cottage we were looking for and more. What a relaxing place to spend time in Santa Barbara. It's clear the place was recently rebuilt from the inside-out with the most modern, up-to-date conveniences we could have hoped for - and super clean! The colorful and eclectic furnishings made our stay that much more refreshing. One of the most pleasurable surprises was how close the cottage is to downtown SB and all the great restaurants and coffee shops on and around State St and the side streets. It's a leisurely 5 minute walk to our favorite coffee shop, Handlebars, and not too much further to some of the best Mexican food in town, Los Arroyos. Way to many other great spots to list, but we'd be remiss if we didn't include D'Angelos Bread for casual breakfast and Arigato Sushi which offers a vastly expanded menu of unique dishes in addition to standard sushi fare. Lastly, the owners of the cottage, Jim and Debbie, were beyond compare. Their warmth and openness made us feel like we were old friends coming to visit. We will definitely be back to indulge in all their place and Santa Barbara has to offer.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jen K.

California Dreaming

My extended stay at Outback Cottage was a dream. Debbie and Jim are exceptional hosts and made my stay at their charming cottage, feel like a home away from home. The cottage itself is perfect for a single or a couple who want to get away for a long weekend or an extended stay like mine was. A cup of coffee or a glass of wine on the front porch watching the hummingbirds flit around in the meticulously cared for gardens is the perfect way to start or end your day. I kept my car in the driveway and walked almost everywhere I had to go, perfect location! My husband had to leave for work purposes so I was solo for a few weeks and felt completely safe and comfortable in the neighborhood. I'm sad to go and can't wait to come back! The Outback is a little slice of heaven.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dan S.

Perfect location for a very special anniversary!

The 'Outback' Cottage far surpassed what we ever could have imagined for celebrating our 30th anniversary. Debbie and Jim have thought of every amenity to make their guests feel like they are truly 'at home'. Situated in the perfect downtown Santa Barbara location, the beach is an easy walk, while shopping, restaurants and numerous local attractions are all within walking distance, making you feel like a part of the community. We highly recommend this ideal hideaway.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heather G., Santa Fe

5 Stars! Exceeded our high expectations!

Debbie and Jim have created a lovely, charming cottage that immediately makes you feel relaxed, happy and well cared for. Exceptionally clean, well-appointed and elegantly simple. We adored this space and being vacation rental owners ourselves we know how much effort, time and thoughtfulness goes to making a five star vacation property. The cottage's privacy yet close walking proximity to all that downtown Santa Barbara has to offer is ideal. We appreciated all of Debbie and Jim's recommendations and communication. You could not ask for better hosts to rent from. Book outBACK Cottage now! Heather & Bruce Santa Fe, NM
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael D., Western Springs, IL

Exactly as advertised!

Excellent in every way. The cottage was perfect for my wife and me. Since it had been recently rehabbed, everything was like new. Comfortable bed, full kitchen and bath, great porch, parking space, 4 blocks to State Street. Much better than staying in a hotel. Debbie was a great host! Highly recommended!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cara B.

Lovely cottage, easy walk to food & shopping, peaceful setting

We had a wonderful stay in Santa Barbara. The cottage was perfect and had every thing we needed. Debbie was very helpful and friendly. I Hope to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

karen n.

BLOWN AWAY!

Where do we begin? The cottage is charming, gorgeously decorated, very comfortable and walking distance to everything. The front porch is perfect for morning tea and evening wine. The place is fully equipped and impeccably clean. And to top it off, the owners are delightful, helpful, accessible and personable. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay and hope to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mari-Anne K.

Home away from home

This beautiful property is just what we wanted! Debbie was waiting when we arrived, and welcomed us warmly. The cottage is lovely - decorated with great taste and creates an inviting environment. Comfortable. Great for napping if you want it! All the household items you could need; great to have a washer/dryer for our week's stay! The experience was private and quiet, but just a short walk to where the action is on State Street. (We never drove our car the entire time.) Of course there you can find the best restaurants and shops and entertainment. Best of both worlds. It is definitely like a home away from home. I hope we'll be back soon.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julia C.

Wonderful vacation

Such a pretty property. My husband and I stayed here for a week, visiting our new grandbaby. We found Debbie, the owner, to be so friendly and helpful. Met us at the property and walked us through the home, making sure we were comfortable. The home was clean and very nicely decorated. You are within walking distance (a few blocks) to all of downtown Santa Barbara - restaurants, wine bars, shops, museum etc or a 5 min drive to the beach. We loved sitting out on the front porch and had wonderful, low-mid 70's weather - cool in the morning and evening - so much nicer than 90's back on the east coast! Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to live.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Madeline M.

What a Gem!

The cottage is an absolute gem! It is located very close to downtown Santa Barbara (quiet, good neighborhood, designated parking). It has been beautifully updated and the furnishings/bedding are very comfortable. I so enjoyed sitting on the front porch each morning drinking my coffee. I can't say enough good things about this cottage, it is just as beautiful as described in the overview and as pictured. Owner responded quickly to my emails and texts. I hope the cottage is available when my husband and I return to Santa Barbara. Thank you Debbie and Jim!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christie C.

Perfectly designed, serene getaway cottage in the heart of it all

My husband and I are pretty picky when it comes to accommodations. This is the best vacation rental we have stayed in. My husband and I stayed here with our 7 month old baby and it couldn't have been more perfect for our needs... from the actual cottage to the location and hosts. The cottage: well appointed, brand new appliances, spacious feeling for a small structure. There is a great porch, complete with table, chairs, and chandelier...as well as landscaped garden. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the porch sipping wine. Debbie has done an amazing job of decorating the cottage-- beautiful textiles and Art are throughout-- and even better, it's all for sale if you fall in love with any of the unique, chic pieces she has chosen. Debbie and Jim have gone to great lengths to make sure every comfort is thought of from the speaker in the LR enabling music listening, to heaters in the main rooms, to a new washer/dryer which does come in handy. It's a relaxing, well designed piece of paradise! The location: super close to State Street, wine tasting rooms, and a longer, but doable walk to the Funk Zone. We rarely used our car, which was so convenient!! The hosts: Debbie gave us a tour when we arrived, and was a dream to communicate with throughout our stay. She is very available and encourages feedback as this is a newer rental. Couldn't have asked for more. We can't wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda J.

Beautiful cottage out back!!

My husband and I so enjoyed staying at the cottage. Debbie and Jim thought of every detail. It is very new and very clean. Beautiful yard and so close to restaurants shops movies and State Street. Great walking location and the owners are just so nice and wonderful to work with. I highly recommend the adorable cottage. I would for sure stay there again. Linda
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ian C.

Charming little cottage tucked away in a quiet spot

Cottage is in a great location, walkable to everything. House is well stocked with essentials and my wife and I had a great experience. Spent a lot of time on the front porch! Debbie was very nice and ensured we had a great stay.

About the host

Hosted by debbie & jim arnesen

Host profile image
Debbie first came to Santa Barbara in 1974 to attend UCSB. Jim came much earlier when his family owned an avocado ranch in Carpinteria in the 60's. We have a landscape and contracting business and have worked & volunteered for decades with many of our local nonprofits. We consider ourselves 'lucky' because we have been gainfully employed in SB since our early 20's, own our home and have raised our two sons here.

Why they chose this property

We had been looking for 'just the right rental property' for several years. As soon as we saw the outBACK Cottage on Laguna, we knew it was perfect - great location, plenty of charm and a 'project' to keep us busy now that we have an empty nest.

What makes this property unique

When you first approach the property, you'll see the beautiful hundred-year old oak at the front cottage. A real show stopper! We love the fact that 'outBACK' Cottage has also been around for 100+ years and is part of Santa Barbara history.

Best of all, 'outBACK' Cottage is a peaceful oasis in the heart of downtown.

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