My wife and I were searching for a location both nature-filled and close to the man made bustle of LA, Malibu and Santa Monica. Shari & Bert's Cottage here fulfilled that blend. This set of structures (a cottage and a couple houses) cling to the side of the canyon, anchored by Bert's landslide reinforcements and large oak, eucalyptus and palm trees which they planted here many years ago when only a hunter's blind occupied the property.
Access through the windy canyon road and then parking, once you have located the small driveway apron along the 27, is challenging. However, once you have climbed the hillside stairs through the park like setting and set down your bags, your pulse returns to a resting pace. The cottage itself is cozy in a generous way. We applaud the furnishings. There is a space heater that we turned on in the morning. There is a complete kitchen set which we utilized for our delightful al fresco breakfasts . At night, when returning to the cottage from our LA wandering , the darkness is broken up by thoughtfully placed footpath lighting and the romantic presence of many votive candles along deck & bridge railings. Magical.
We were close enough to hop over to the San Fernando Valley for groceries, visit Hollywood for St Patricks Day partying and a visit to the nearby and splendid Getty Villa. We hiked along the beach and another day into the hills of giant Topanga State Park.
This place gives you both worlds represented by sound, the ebb and flow of cars and motorcycles racing by below you, then at times deep canyon silence - surrendering only to cheerful birdsong and water fountain gush.
All in all charming hosts, enchanting setting.