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Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

Cottage in Alameda with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Alameda, CA
  • Place, Oakland Arena
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Jack London Square
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

Things to note.....
- we have a MAXIMIUM STAY of 8 nights
- In our compact but fully amended bathroom, the toilet is in the shower for space saving reasons.
- we are a studio cottage with one queen sized bed
- Unfortunately, due to California's historic drought, we no longer offer laundry services but there is a clean and well-appointed laundromat just a 10-minute walk away.
- We offer onsite parking. Please let us know in advance if you will need to park.


The island of Alameda is considered by some as the hidden gem of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Your hosts have turned their circa 1890s detached carriage house and stable into a welcoming garden getaway. This tastefully appointed guest spot is perfect for a quiet escape or extended academic or corporate visit.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, you are just walking distance from Park Street, Alameda's central shopping district. Here you'll find everything you need....antique shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and the newly renovated Alameda Theatre. Less than a mile away you'll find a pristine beach park with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.

Want to head into 'The City'? You are just 25 minutes away from all SF has to offer. We are close to the Alameda ferry, AC Transit and BART. A quick drive over the Bay Bridge drops you right into the heart of downtown San Francisco.


The owners have spent decades collecting antiques and designing interiors and have used their talents to create a comfortable,quiet vacation space for those who appreciate a green way of living.

Virtually every item, from floor to ceiling is recovered or recycled in some way.

The Garden: The bungalow is covered by a gorgeous and legendary Wisteria tree that is the star of the spring season.

The practice of 'Living Green' extends to the lush surrounding gardens. Old San Francisco cobblestones, recovered copper downspouts and perfectly placed architectural elements create a serene garden so creative you'd think you were on a movie set.

A Koi pond that is sometimes visited by elegant egrets, sits just outside the bungalow door. The garden is surrounded by three small aviaries that house small families of canaries. Their song and the sound of flowing water will lull you while you read a book in the sun on your own private patio.

The Neighborhood & Beyond: Developed in the late 1800s as a beach resort community, the modern day version still holds much of it's charm from the early 20th century.

Take a drive through the different neighborhoods and you'll see beautiful examples of California architecture. Perfectly restored Victorians share the same street with cute California Bungalows and Craftsman style homes.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
There is a non-childproof pond on the property.
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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
You will be asked to leave with no fees refunded

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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Alameda

Located in Alameda, this cottage is in the city centre. Ferry Building and Alcatraz Island are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Presidio of San Francisco. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oakland Arena or Chase Center. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain biking.
View more Cottages in OaklandOpens in a new window
Map
Alameda, CA

What's nearby

  • Oakland Arena - 5 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - 5 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Rolling Loud Festival - 6 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Jack London Square - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Fox Theater - 9 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Fruitvale Station - 3 min drive
  • Coliseum Station - 7 min drive
  • Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lucky 13 - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Burger King - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Park Station - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway located?

Located in the heart of Alameda, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of San Francisco Bay, Jack London Square and USS Hornet Museum. Lake Merritt and Oakland Museum of California are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 317 out of 327 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 327 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 327 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 327 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 327 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

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

Great stay

Great place. Super quiet
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts provide a perfect place to stay. It is cozy, but seems more roomy than the pictures suggest. Each room is enhanced by tastefully chosen art, furniture and unusually varied lighting. The kitchen has a surprising amount of functionality, not least of which is how attractive it is. We didn't cook since Alameda has excellent, affordable restaurants nearby, We slept well.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arlene L.

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

Wonderful work trip

The perfect spot to unwind and prep for the following day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

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

Gorgeous

The property was gorgeous. It’s clear the owners put a lot of thought and love into it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great place for a couple to stay in Alameda. The cottage is beautifully appointed, quiet, and within easy walking distance of the Park Street shops. Safeway and Trader Joes are a five minute drive away. The adjoining gardens, which guests are free to use, are lovely. The cottage comes supplied with all the basics. We stayed there for 10 days and would definitely come again. John and Arthur were gracious hosts.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

mark b.

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

Visiting mom

Very nice place. Next time we come back to visit my mom I’ll be sure to try and stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur L.

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

Wisteria Cottage, Alameda, CA

John and Arthur were hospitable and offered a peaceful respite in a great location. Their bungalow garden is private and a delight.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Wanda F.

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

Best Little Cottage in Alameda Ca

This cottage is an absolutely Beautiful peaceful place to stay. For less than a hotel you can have your own private retreat among the hundreds of orchids, wisteria, Koi pond, and canaries. This is my favorite place to stay!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael K., Columbus Ohio

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

A forest island in suburbia

Wonderful stay. Author and John were marvelous hosts. We hope we can be return guests for future visits.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

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

Peaceful

Quiet & lovely
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky R.

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

Lovely garden cottage

Relaxing environment. The gardens and ponds are amazing . Great setting for your morning coffee. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Naomi Kitty D.

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

Do not hesitate to book this spot!

We were in SFO for business reasons; and decided to check out the east bay. We almost didn't book this spot since it looked a bit small. Not only was it plenty big -- but we were DELIGHTED to stay here. The hosts are super sweet; the place is cute; and the garden is gorgeous. Do yourself a favor, and stay here if possible!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison P.

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

Cozy cottage

Such a peaceful place to come back to after the hustle and bustle (all that Bay Area has to offer ) Exceptional outdoor space with such amazing and talented hosts. Enjoyed talking to Arthur and John about the history of the property . Thoroughly enjoyed our stay . Highly recommend .
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

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

Absolutely the most amazing and relaxing experience.!

The owners Arthur & John thought of everything to make your stay a memorable one. The gardens are spectacular and enjoyed the canary’s on site. Truly a wonderful, caring and generous couple. Hope to see you both again. Hugs Barb & Dennis- Albuquerque NM
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Morgan H., Des Moines, Iowa

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

An Amazing Stay

This property is absolutely gorgeous, it is truly a one of a kind place to stay. John and Arthur were fantastic hosts and were so helpful and generous with their knowledge of Alameda/San Francisco. There were so many great local businesses right down the road that we had walked to every day. I have been talking about it nonstop! If only we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rowena P.

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

Charming cottage with a tranquil outdoor space

This was the second time I've stayed at the cottage. It is my first choice for lodging when I visit Alameda. It is located within walking distance to homes of different family members. The hosts are welcoming, and having access to the backyard with its trees, plants, and koi pond is wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Si S.

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

Quiet place, perfect for relaxation

Place was a quiet place to work and relax. I arrived past midnight and John spent the time to walk me around the property. In addition, I left something after I checked out and they were kind enough to look for it and give it to my sister.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

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

Dave C

Nice small cottage inside and out with a beautiful garden. Friendly hosts in the main house. Close walking distance to restaurants etc. Alameda is quaint and safe.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa W., New Richmond

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

Mother/Daughter vacation!

My adult daughter and I spent five days in the San Francisco area. We had a wonderful vacation and saw some fantastic sites. John and Arthur are fabulous hosts. They have a lovely cottage where we felt welcome and secure. Their gardens are amazing! They shared tips with us on unique sites to visit. It was a delightful getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen P.

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

Oasis in Alameda

What an amazing getaway! From the beautiful pond with fish to the comfortable bed in a safe neighborhood this is the place to stay! Our main goal was to see the Golden Gate Bridge which was an easy ferry ride away. John and Arthur (owners) were the perfect hosts and gave us so many tips of where to go to eat and how to get around. This space had everything you need and more. Forever grateful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell S., Wilmington

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

Zen for the senses

Very cute place located in a nice neighborhood in Alameda. Tucked in the back of the property, well away from the street, behind a pair of enclosures, nestled amongst gardens and a koi pond, trickling fountains and lush trees. Time to take a breath away from the day? Here it is.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal W.

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

Hidden Oasis

Loved loved loved my stay at this hidden oasis in the heart of Alameda. I was in town to lay a family member to rest but the peace I found here made my travel bearable. I loved hearing the water from the pond, seeing a multitude of different birds frequent the space, and the fireplace added a nice touch. I recommend this listing for anyone that needs to getaway in their own backyard. Thank you Arthur and John!! Peace and blessings
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dennis C.

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

Walden Pond

This is ideal for anything from a serious meditation practice to a simple, quiet get-away from the sights and noise of the big city. The blend of Craftsman and rustic Japanese styles is expertly designed, built, and proudly cared for by the owners John and Arthur. Wondrous details abound. It's as pleasant to be outdoors as it is cozy inside. The property sits in a pleasantly bohemian neighborhood, a 3-minute walk from the downtown main street of Alameda. It, too, is slightly funky and old fashioned, but with lots of pleasant activity. More restaurants than you can count, and if you like Asian food, you have an embarrassment of riches. Also a handful of upscale dining establishments. I hope to return many times in the future.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Edward C.

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

Groovy lil spot...

This place is great!! The hosts are very kind and helpful with things to do around this chill ocean town. The kitchen is well appointed, the bed is comfortable, the towels are nice, the temp control is nice, and the shower is great. Do not let the toilet in the shower alarm you...it's a Cali vibe y'all. Most everything that I wanted was a short walk away. There are good restaurants, a cool dark bar, the coin-op laundry is in good shape, the lil coffee joint is nice, and the shop beside it has good breakfast and lunch sandwiches...and the fresh OJ is the best! My favorite part of this stay was the garden! It was the perfect place for me to have breakfast, catch up on some emails and the news. I did at times find it difficult to concentrate on work in all the beauty of the garden that the hosts welcome guests to enjoy. Book this one! It's just so nice!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine F.

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

Amazing stay in a slice of heaven!

What a wonderful time we had at John and Arthur studio! We were so impressed by the place when we arrived, it felt like a dream :) The garden is soooo beautiful and relaxing, I adored giving treats to the koïs every morning. The studio has everything you need, the bed is really comfy and there was small gifts left in the kitchen for us that we appreciated a lot. There's a lot of products in the kitchen (oil, vinegar, spices, salt, sugar, etc.) to help you cook if you want - wich was our case. No noise at night, so we were top shape in the morning to go and explore the City. With the buses, it is very easy to reach a BART station to go to San Francisco, and it was so nice to come back at the studio at night, to relax in the garden and reset. John and Arthur are amazing hosts, we enjoyed talking with them and wished we had more time to talk ! Thank you John, for all your helpful tips and for the time you took, looking a the maps and telling us what not to miss for the rest of our trip - we did stop at Point Lobos and it was marvellous!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Melissa Burnley at Bella Bay Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Your reservation will be manged by Melissa but John and Arthur live in the Main House and will be your hosts.

The talents of your hosts, John and Arthur, have appeared on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and in a series of books on Arts & Crafts bungalows by Paul Duchscherer – The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow and Outside the Bungalow. Their business, House of Orange, specializes in European Arts & Crafts furnishings, and some of their most outstanding pieces are now in the homes of local collectors who have become close friends over the years.

Why they chose this property

Their carriage house – circa 1890, has been turned into a garden guest getaway – and except for a few planks, tiles and a sofa bed, the space and its contents are all recycled in some way. The wood interior and exterior siding are bits and pieces from old projects, and with their creative eye, all the pieces work: as ceiling and wall sections, windowsills, door jambs, storage closets - you name it!

Their recycling even extends to the surrounding yard. Reclaimed copper downspouts from the roof divert rainwater into the koi pond and an existing well. The outdoor lighting is on a sensor to save energy, and old lanterns were rewired as lamps. Chimney liners were turned into water features and pulley hooks into sturdy plant hangers. All plants need little to no watering and bloom beautifully.

Wisteria Getaway – a name given to it by friends and guests – may be small, but every idea John and Arthur used was big on result and can easily translate on an even grander scale. They provide decorating, remodeling and landscaping services and advice.

What makes this property unique

John and Arthur are called the “Green Giants” because they are all about reducing, reusing and recycling in a BIG and BEAUTIFUL way. Whether shopping at thrift stores for clothing, repaving their driveway with old cobblestones from a San Francisco street, or resurfacing floors with reclaimed wood, they make mindful and creative use of materials with spectacular results!

Languages:

English

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