We are a family of 5, with 2 teenagers and a 12 year-old, who have just spent 3 weeks driving around California. We finished up with 4 days at the Buddha House.
We all loved this house. It was, by a comfortable margin, the best accommodation we had in California. It was such a pleasant place to stay during the afternoons and evenings that we were reluctant to leave it for the sights of LA. The views down to the sea, and of the sunset are magnificent. When the sun goes down a collection of scattered solar-powered lamps gently sparkle into life around you on the deck, to mirror the stars overhead.
The house is situated pretty much on top of a hill, almost 3,000 ft above the Pacific at Malibu. Regardless of which direction you come from, you'll approach it by steep winding roads through the Santa Monica Mountains. There are neighbouring houses, but the Buddha House feels peaceful and secluded. It is hard to believe that the city of LA is only half an hour away, as this tranquil mountain home in the sky gives nothing away.
While we were staying the weather was much better at the Buddha House than down in Malibu, or in the city. On more than one day the whole Pacific coast was covered in a layer of dense cloud, while we basked in the sun, hundreds of feet above.
The interior is spacious, with a big living room and a nice kitchen. The main bedroom is lovely, with lots of room. But the external areas, in particular the decking, are the real highlights. There are plenty of seating areas overlooking the mountains and sea, so you can always find the shade, or the sun if you wish. You'll be surrounded by statues, pot plants and decorative lamps. The pool is small but the water is clean, clear and refreshing.
This is not be the house for someone craving ultra-sharp modern monochromatic minimalism. It is warm and welcoming, hippyish and lived-in. In places the paint is peeling on the decking, and it is probably some time since the bathrooms were installed. But it is clean and airy. The kitchen and bathroom facilities, external gas BBQ, WiFi, TVs, and clothes washing & drying machines all worked well.
Azmina is a lovely host. She welcomed us upon arrival, and had bought in some snacks, fruit and other provisions beforehand. She responded very quickly to any questions that we had. She clearly loves the house and wants her guests to enjoy it too!