This magical place is the total Topanga experience. From the glorious natural setting, to the beautiful design of the property and decor, every detail adds up to create a fantasy retreat. Your host Sylviane, as many other reviews have pointed out, is so welcoming, so kind, and a true artist at creating a beautiful space and vibe. This place has got to be her masterpiece!
I was moving out of a long-term apartment in a loud and hectic part of L.A., and decided that I needed some time somewhere quiet and pretty before I chose my new place. By some miracle, I found Sylviane and the timing worked out to book the apartment for a full month, and I’m so glad I did.
The moment you step onto the property, you can feel the great vibe. It’s like walking into an enchanted garden, serene and pretty. The apartment itself is incredible - full of amazing details. A gorgeous glass shower, really cool living room, great lighting you can change up a million different ways, cozy bed, kitchen with everything you need. It all looks even better in person than the photos. Being in this space is like suddenly having the coolest apartment of your life, decorated way better than anything you ever could’ve come up with, cool colors/textures, and little artifacts from all over - the kind of details that transform a room into something charming and warm and inviting. You should’ve seen my friends’ faces when they came for a visit. It was impressive!
Here’s what a typical day is like: Wake up and, right outside your front door, step into a delightful grassy garden with a fragrant orange tree and dappled sunlight. Fresh clean air. Landscaping that makes you feel like you’re somewhere secret and special. Have a tea and listen to the birds and the wind blowing through tall trees all around. Then if you’re up for a hike, it’s a 5-min walk to Red Rock Canyon trailhead, which takes you to stunning views of snow covered mountains in one direction and the Pacific Ocean in the other.
You’re close to the Topanga shops and just minutes from Malibu, Santa Monica, etc, but the canyon itself is the most beautiful and impressive of all. The canyon drives are magical - beautiful winding roads through spectacular mountain views. It’s mindboggling that you’re only a few minutes out of L.A.
The evenings are the very best part. If you’re used to city noise back home, get ready for SUBLIME quiet at night here. “Peaceful” doesn’t begin to cover it. The nights are heaven. You might turn on the gas fireplace, draw a hot bath, and float away into another dimension of peace and calm.
I also was able to do “real life” stuff here easily. Took my Zoom meetings, used the washing machine, ordered Amazon, watched Netflix... but the more time I spent here, the less interested I was in Zoom meetings. The beauty of the canyon saturates you quickly - it’s a great way of life.
If you ever need assistance, Sylviane is always available and clearly devoted to giving you a great stay. I can’t thank her enough for creating this wonderful experience. My month-long stay was phenomenal from start to finish, and gave me the mental, physical, and spiritual break I wanted.
If you are lucky enough to have the chance to stay here, do it! Especially if you can stay for longer. It’s just so nice to let yourself decompress in a place as wonderful as this. Move the schedule around. Make it happen. You won’t regret it.