Firstly, the cottage is lovely and exceeded our expectations. It is clean, spacious and cosy. The garden is lovely and peaceful. The location is great for peace and a very pleasant walkable (30-40 mins) to Abbot Kinney et al.
We also walked to the Marina and the beach and back, but we are used to walking.
The cottage had all we needed. We didn't see Chris at all and didn't need anything, it was like we had the place to ourselves.
I would recommend the Garden cottage to anyone who wants to explore the Venice scene from a peaceful $8 cab ride away.