Deb's place is as serene as it gets in LA. Don't be hesitant because of the distance from downtown. I was still able to get all around downtown LA (and Venice, Santa Monica, etc) in a reasonable amount of time (and I was closer to Malibu, so I got to go there too) and at the end of the day I returned home to peaceful beauty. The cottage itself is exactly as pictured. Very quaint and comfortable. Deb is a great communicator and very easy going. She even gave me a ride into town the first day when I didn't have a car! I hope to return one day!