I don't even know where to begin.... Paul & Ursula's guest house is simply wonderful, the photos don't do it justice! While I loved fireworks growing up, I have completely lost patience with the mania of my LA neighborhood around the 4th of July. We listen to nightly fireworks for at least 3 months straight, and it looks & sounds like a war zone on the 4th. Based on my experience last year, I knew Topanga Canyon was where I wanted to be again. I was so excited to find this guest house--it was close to where I stayed last year, so I was familiar with the area. Paul's place is even closer to Red Rock Canyon Park, however, which is fantastic! Stand at the driveway, Red Rock Rd is just a solid stone's throw away! No beach trips for me this year, but I know from experience that Malibu beaches aren't more than a 10 or so minute drive, and Leo Carrillo Dog Beach is about a 40 minute drive from here.
This is the first time I've stayed in a guest house with the owners on the property. I wasn't sure how 'private' it would really feel, and I'm socially awkward most of the time, so I was slightly anxious. Paul & Ursula couldn't have been more wonderful hosts, I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived! The property is fantastic (and Paul is building the most amazing treehouse right now!) The back space truly feels private and you have the back yard all to yourself. There was bottled water and a bottle of Chardonnay waiting in the fridge for me, holy heck! I mentioned in my initial inquiry that I was looking forward to relaxing, enjoying quiet time with my dogs and enjoying a good book and glass of wine by the fire pit-- Talk about an extra touch! And fresh little apricots from the tree out front to boot.
It is truly amazing to sit outside on the deck in the a.m. and hear nothing but beautiful birds chirping and flying from tree to tree; to sit out early evening and see bunnies hopping across the lawn to munch grass; to sit out in the evening and hear nothing but crickets calmly chirping, the occasional croak of frogs, and the hoots of owls in the distance. Such a beautiful escape from the smell and haze and noise of Mid-City Los Angeles. Being in the back house, much of the noise from the main road is muted.
The space was more than enough for my 12 & 18 lbs pups and I. I understand how couples & small families have said the same in their reviews--there's more space than comes across in the photos. There are additional kitchen amenities you don't see pictured--microwave, singe-serve Keurig. And I always love a tea kettle in house! Enjoying fresh iced tea on the porch....ahhhhhh. Everything was clean, plenty of extra blankets around for evening cool offs, chopped wood for the fire pit. Paul gave me a hand bringing things inside at check-in, has plenty of great stories to share about the neighborhood if you're interested, a very friendly and honest guy. Ursula is an absolute sweetheart and a love; they both want to make sure you have the best stay. They were both such a breath of fresh air!
Well, I'm sure I've missed something, but I've also rambled on quite a bit here. So, I'll wrap it up by saying if you're looking for a getaway from the hustle & bustle of LA, or coming from out of town and want to see the best side of Los Angeles, this guest house is absolutely the place to come to! Especially if you have dogs!