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Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara

Photo gallery for Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara

Photography by Roe Anne White & Bill Dewey
Exterior
Exterior detail
Interior
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Gym
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Place, Presidio Santa Barbara
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Bowl
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara

We are in the heart of the Presidio Neighborhood - WALK to shopping, fine dining, entertainment, nightlife, and the beach!

OAKtree Cottage is located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s ‘El Pueblo Viejo’ Landmark District. Our turn-of-the- century folk cottage, transformed into a fabulous modernist jewel, is perfect for 1-4 people. Whether you are in SB for business or pleasure - experience the convenience of being downtown combined with the luxury of a tranquil environment.

Our 2 bedroom, 1½ bath private retreat comes with a fully furnished Bosch kitchen, washer and dryer. Enjoy the light filled rooms, soaring ceilings, large windows, reclaimed wood floors and attention to detail throughout. Full bath with shower + half bath, Annie Selke linens, Raoul Textiles fabrics, Saatva mattress, mid- century modern vintage 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 front porch with coffee or cocktails while you enjoy the 100+ year old oak tree & views of the Santa Barbara foothills. 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). Walk score of ‘93’ and bike score of ‘97’!

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

Be sure to check out our 1 bedroom 'outBACK' Cottage - vrbo #748404 and our 1 bedroom 'Sweet Spot' Cottage - vrbo#1887014.

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Photos: Roe Anne White Photography & Others
Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (30 reviews)
Downtown Retreat - Fabulous 'outBACK' Cottage

House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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

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. Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and Andree Clark Bird Refuge reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Santa Barbara Bowl or Earl Warren Showgrounds. 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
  • Santa Barbara Historical Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Presidio Santa Barbara - 5 min walk - 0.5 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! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara?

As of 24 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara on 22 Nov, 2026 start from S$237, 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! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Downtown! OAKtree Cottage - Private Retreat in Santa Barbara located?

Located in Laguna, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Rafael Gonzalez House and Santa Barbara Bowl. 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zetta G.

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

I didn’t want to leave

The Oaktree Cottage is so cute. The kitchen has everything you need. Debbie and Jim were so easy to communicate with. The cottage is clean and in a great location. I will hopefully be back some day.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erna Y.

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

Fantastic property

The cottage was the best vacation property in SB. We felt very much at home and loved our time in SB. Jim and Debbie are excellent hosts.
Stayed 30 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean F.

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

Serene Retreat Awaits You at Oaktree Cottage

My husband and I enjoyed a quiet, restful month under the cottages's amazing giant oak. We add our voice to other reviews which praise Debbie Arnesen's dedication to making your stay the best ever. We appreciated her husband Jim's artful renovation of the 20's Craftsman bungalow with its reclaimed hardwood floors, spacious deck, classy cabinetry, and large walk-in shower. Great linens, lighting, art and more. We usually stay closer to the beach but found drives were quick to everything and the neighborhood is so walkable. We are trying to book our next stay.
Stayed 30 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gian-carlo L.

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

Tolles Haus

Super schön eingerichtet wir haben uns wie zu Hause gefühlt.Tolle Gastgeber.
Stayed 30 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fiona D.

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

5* Stay at Oak Cottage

This was my second stay in one of Debbie and Jim's properties. Can't pile on the praise enough - kind and generous hosts and the facilities and décor are lovely. Fantastic location in Santa Barbara too.
Stayed 32 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather & Bruce G.

Always perfect!

We happily return to Debbie & Jim’s cottages time after time. Everything is always perfect and also sparkling clean which we appreciate. You can’t find better hosts!
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Oliver B.

Great cottage in downtown Santa Barbara

We stayed at OakTree Cottage for the second time for almost three months, leaving at the beginning of April. It is perfectly located for everything indowntown Santa Barbara, is compact and cozy, and nicely appointed. The owners, Debbie and Jim, are fabulous - accommodating and responsive. Highly recommended.
Stayed 82 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Gorgeous and cozy, fully stocked, perfect location downtown. Just like home! We loved it.

This beautifully renovated cottage is walking distance to downtown Santa Barbara. Spacious two bedrooms, living/dining area and a lovely bright kitchen with everything we needed to feel at home. The owners Jim and Debbie have thought of everything, from picnic supplies to a yoga mat, to let you get out and enjoy Santa Barbara. We loved the modern and slightly quirky decor. We would rent again in a flash, and I hope we will have the opportunity to do so. A wonderful house to rent.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather & Bruce G.

Our favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara!

Debbie and Jim are five star hosts! The cottage has everything you need to be comfortable and the landscaping on the property is gorgeous! Highly recommend!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alinda F.

A real find in a great location!

Debbie and Jim’s home in Santa Barbara is outstanding in every way, as are they. The location is easily walkable to downtown yet the street is very quiet. The home is beautifully decorated (kitchen is amazing) and they have seen to all the details one could need to get going, and then some (soaps, dry goods, spices, etc.). Beds are new and *very* comfy. Debbie is quick to respond to any questions you may have, and both she and Jim are thoroughly knowledgeable about Santa Barbara and environs. We highly recommend this lovely home for a great stay in Santa Barbara.
Stayed 77 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

Oak tree oasis

Very nice property in the heart of walkable Santa Barbara. The house had great light, wonderful front deck, cozy beds and a well equipped kitchen. We thought the house was nicer than the VRBO photos could convey. The only minus was the lack of closet space, but each bedroom had nice dressers for storage. Overall a great rental.
Stayed 32 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dotti N.

Spacious, charming cottage in great location

We had a sneak preview of the cottage last summer when Debbie and Jim were finishing work on it (we were staying in OutBACK) and we knew it would be perfect for our 8-week stay this summer. The spacious front porch was cool in the summer heat, shaded by a giant oak tree. The cottage was cool as well, with skylights that open, countless windows and several doors for cross ventilitation, and fans wafting a breeze. The living / dining room are spacious, as are the kitchen, full bath (with enormous shower), and master bedroom. All furnishings are stylish and comfortable, and the décor is colorful and delightful. Yet the wood floors, white walls, and old-fashioned paned windows are vintage "cottage". I especially enjoyed the capacious kitchen with ample counter space, gourmet range, and large fridge - perfect for making dinner for 2 or a picnic for 10. Though it was just the 2 of us for the 8-week stay, in-laws visiting for a few days made use of the second bedroom and the half-bath came in handy. The cottage is within walking distance of many restaurants and shopping on State Street, and we made longer treks to nearby parks and the beach. Debbie and Jim greeted us when we arrived, saw us off at the end of our stay, and were onsite at least weekly to tend the grounds and chat. We are penciled in their calendar for a repeat 8-week stay next summer for sure!
Stayed 58 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

N K.

Beautiful cottage, exactly as advertised

We had a fantastic stay at Oak Tree Cottage and loved everything about it, from the charming owner, Debbie, who was inviting and helpful, to the fact that the cottage was newly refurbished throughout, in the centre of town and walking distance to everything, yet also peaceful and quiet. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 31 nights in May 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Oliver B.

Very nice cottage in a great location

Very nice property in a great location. This is a two bedroom two bath cottage about five blocks from the center of Santa Barbara. Debbie and Jim, the owners, completely remodeled the cottage, and it is light, airy, nicely furnished and well stocked. It has a small sitting area off the master bedroom that gets quite a bit of sun, and a front porch with a barbecue grill that we used quite frequently. The location is superb - very close to State Street (the main street of downtown Santa Barbara), with its many restaurants, theaters and performing arts venues. It is also within a mile of the Funk Zone, Santa Barbara's redeveloped arts district featuring restaurants and wine tasting. Jim and Debbie are fabulous hosts, very attentive to the property and the needs of their guests (and are extremely nice and a lot of fun, as well). I was almost tempted to write a bad review in order to keep others from renting this place when my wife and I want to return, but that would be doing a great disservice to Jim and Debbie. Highly recommended.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Oaktree Cottage...a secret gem!

This cottage is located in the "sweet spot" of downtown Santa Barbara, making it very easy to park your car and walk to the beach, restaurants, shopping and the many other attractions that the town offers. Deb and Jim were the perfect hosts offering many suggestions on what to do and where to go. They were very attuned to our needs and met them. The cottage was very clean, recently refurbished and equipped with everything that is necessary for a very restful vacation. Deb and Jim took pride in making our stay the best possible. We look forward to returning to Oaktree Cottage.
Stayed 70 nights in Nov 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

Great location and peaceful setting

The Oaktree cottage is in a great location, near enough to downtown to walk. There are plenty of stores and restaurants nearby. The setting is peaceful with a front outdoor deck that is nice and peaceful. We enjoyed the cottage as it is very light, bright and decorated well. The kitchen is fully equipped and it was nice to have a washer and dryer. Debbie and Jim have put a lot of thought into the beautiful details of the cottage. They were easy to deal with in all aspects of the stay. Staying at cottage was a delight and we will stay here again. I highly recommend this property.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Heather & Bruce G.

5 Stars...Again!

This is the second time we have been guests of Debbie and Jim’s and we couldn’t be happier! The cottage is light, bright, well-appointed and in the perfect location for walking to the beach, downtown, the Mission and more. We also have a VRBO and know how much effort it takes to make a space inviting and comfortable for guests. You’ll love the space, the decor, the location and the hosts. Book now!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Susan R.

Peaceful place in the middle of it all

OAKtree Cottage is a wonderful place. The place feels bright and airy and though you are walking distance to all State Street has to offer the cottage feels very private ( probably because of the beautiful oak tree in front and the fact that the house is elevated and set back from the street). Debbie and Jim were great hosts, very responsive and thoughtful, leaving the cottage ready with many of the things you need when you first check in (coffee, cooking oil, etc). The cottage amenities are top of the line: high end appliances, great sheets and bedding. We will definitely love to stay here again and again!

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

And since we enjoy walking and biking, we were especially pleased that our guests can easily 'walk and bike' Santa Barbara. Walk score of ‘93’ and bike score of ‘97’!

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

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