We stayed at the house over Christmas 2018 with our 2 young adult kids and my wife's parents for a family reunion.The key to enjoying this house is having the right expectations. If you are expecting a largish, funky beach house in a fun location, then this is a great place. If you want a pristine, luxury, new home experience, then not so much.
Pros
- Fun location. In the heart of Mission Beach. Walking to some good beach restaurants, local shops, a Ralph's grocery and many bars and breweries. A cool, funky beach town. We also picked it for being 100 feet or so back from the beach. Can see and hear the surf and the sunset, especially from the upstairs decks.
- If you like to walk or run (or scooter or bike) you can go for miles on the boardwalk which runs along the beach. Tons of people watching as well.
- House is well laid out for getting together but also having some privacy. Master suite on 3rd floor with a king and two twins, queen on 2nd floor and a bedroom with 2 beds on the ground floor. Could get 9 in comfortably if have kids and share rooms with them.
- Home is about what you would expect from a beach house in terms of cleanliness. It's hard to keep the sand out!
- Owner is responsive to any issues. We had a problem with the heat and she sent someone over to help with it right away.
- Some upgrades to the kitchen, new flat screen TV’s, etc.
- The house is pretty well equipped, particularly if you are hanging on the beach. Plenty of beach towels, beach chairs, beach toys, boogie board, etc. Kitchen as well.
- Close to San Diego attractions, most within a 20 minute drive.
Cons
- Lots of little maintenance issues typical of an aging house. If you want pristine, then this is not for you. Missing drawer pulls, broken window shades, closet doors off track, broken door closures, limited hot water, torn furniture, scuffed walls, aging cheap patio furniture, etc. Internet is weak off the main floor. A bit of an ant problem as well.
Rust everywhere on anything made of metal, which is common near the beach.
Aging, southern California style wall heaters on each floor. An issue in December.
- A very large security deposit required, I think related to the wear and tear they have had with the place. We had to put up $3,000 for 5 nights. Given all the issues in the house we were a bit concerned we would get it back, though it was promptly refunded.
- Houses in the neighborhood are very tightly packed. Fun but crowded.
