What can we say? This was simply an all round wonderful experience. We were in town at the end of a long family road trip down the California coast: part family vacation, a lot location-research for a possible move. As such, we knew we had "work" to do while in LA: to familiarize ourselves with the vastness that is this immense city while trying to take it all in. Enter into this overwhelming task two of the nicest, kindest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet; our hosts, Susan and Andrew.

Right from the moment we contacted Sue about staying in their place in Topanga, we knew we had found someone special. She was just incredible, offering up a true wealth of information, suggestions, itineraries and insider info.

Any nerves about our LA leg were dispelled on arrival in Topanga. We were much later than planned, arriving after dark with two tired and over-excited young children. Immediately, Sue and Andrew made us feel like we had arrived to stay with family and put us all at our ease, showing us around and making us feel completely at home.

The house itself: the photos really don't do it justice. It's huge and very lovely. Restful, airy, light and spotlessly clean. Everything you could possibly need is in here already and if it weren't for any reason, I am certain Sue or Andrew would find it for you. Beds are super comfy, lovely clean linens and sheets, brand new beach towels, everything you could need (incl wetsuits!) and a super kitchen for cooking up a storm when you can't face another restaurant.

Topanga itself was perfect for us: we don't like to be too much in the mix of things and love to be surrounded by nature. Being here made so much sense as we could easily get to all the many neighborhoods of LA we needed to visit (and we did - we toured just about the whole city in 3 days!) but still have a quiet "rural" feeling home to retreat to at the end of each day. We loved the vibe here.

Our children adored the hill behind the house: there is a wooden fort, a composting toilet (they LOVED this!) a wendy house and all sorts of fascinating things for children to do and find. We all loved the spacious restful deck and only wished we could have spent more time on it relaxing!

Another word about Sue and Andrew: they live on-site but are super super mindful of your privacy when you're staying. You won't even know they're there unless you want to - but we did want to! If you want to connect, they are truly some of the nicest, most caring people you'll meet, we were so sad to leave and say goodbye to them, but feel we've made new friends.

Thank you Sue, Andrew, Guy and Rachel for having us to stay! X
(Written by Laura on behalf of Peter, Laura, Seren & Rowan xxx)