If you are looking for a classic Malibu beach cottage in an exceptional location, with all the necessary comforts and great style, you've found your place!
The communication with Eric, directions and check-in were all clear and simple. Parking on PCH is not for the faint of heart, but the location made it relatively easy to pull in and out and flip a u-turn as needed. We appreciated having a code instead of a key to get in the gate and front door. Once the gate is open, there are a few steep steps with no handrail, so anyone with mobility issues will have a hard time getting to the house. But the lowered location is great because it cuts down on the road noise from PCH significantly. Not that you'd be bothered by it anyhow, because the bedrooms are on the ocean side, so you fall asleep to the sound of crashing surf.
Once inside, we were completely charmed by the cottage's compact size, clever layout, and charming details. It was fun seeing all the vintage surf art and original antique marine details - I kind of want to copy the design in my next home! As soon as you walk in you are greeted with a wall of openable glass doors facing onto a huge deck directly over the beach, with an endless view of ocean and sky - it's breathtaking! Even sitting inside, on the living room couch, you feel as though you're outdoors with all the light pouring in and the incredible view.
The floors creak and slope as they do in many older homes, and the bedroom ceilings are rather low, but I'm 6'0 and never felt the need to duck or worried about hitting my head on anything. If you're 6'5 it might be a different story. There is a full bathroom with ample counter space, shower over tub and a stacked Miele washer-dryer.
The beds are firm but comfortable with super soft bedding, there's a large TV, the wifi is excellent, the kitchen has a four burner gas range and full sized oven plus a small toaster oven, an automatic drip coffee maker and electric tea kettle, and is fully stocked for 2 people - if you have more than that, you might wish for more wine glasses or large dining plates. We really appreciated the ice cube trays, cocktail shaker and blender - mango daiquiris are perfect for a beach vacation!
The deck has a dining table with umbrella, bench seating area, romantic daybed for two, plus three lounge chairs, all with an amazing view. We loved watching happy dogs romp up and down the beach and got to know the resident pod of five dolphins, whom we'd see at least once a day. On weekends we saw a bit more activity, but it still is quite calm and feels like a private beach.
This is one of our all-time favorite Air BnBs and we definitely plan to come back!