This 1920s cottage is worth every one of its 5 stars. While the photos absolutely capture its essence, seeing everything in context upon arrival makes for a dramatic first impression. The modern amenities and tasteful decorations throughout are unlike any AirBnB we've been to. Isabelle's European touch is evident everywhere you look. The outside patio has two locations where you can enjoy your meals if you choose to stay in. The kitchen itself has everything you need to prepare hot (or cold) meals. This cottage is perfectly hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, allowing for an exceptional level of privacy. If you're a road cyclist and love challenging climbing rides, this place is ideal. Out the front door you can ride down to Malibu and head westward on the PCH towards Point Mugu and ride towards Potrero Rd and the Hidden Valley area. Or, you can climb scenic roads nearby like Mullholland, Topanga Canyon, or Kanan Dume. Hiking along the trails is literally an option right down the steps: Malibu Creek State Park is a few hundred yards away. Make sure you check out the M*A*S*H filming site nearby. It's an understated landmark worth the walk. My wife and I enjoyed a short day trip to Solvang during our 6-day stay (lots to see and do in this charming town) and just drank in the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean everywhere we went. There are lots of great choices for restaurants and cafes, some of which were recommended by Isabelle. We loved going to Carrara Pastries in Agoura Hills (it became quite a regular ritual!) as well as Basta Restaurant for some great Italian cuisine. If you're driving along the PCH, make sure you also stop at Malibu Seafood for lunch or dinner. It's a casual takeout place and offers an ideal oceanside view if you choose to enjoy your meal on one of their patios (or, bring your own blanket/beach chair and enjoy your meal on the sand watching the waves). At the end of the day, whether after a long hard bike ride or an enjoyable drive along the coast, we always felt like we were coming "home" as opposed to "arriving at an AirBnB". This is a special place and Isabelle's hospitality made it all the more sweeter. Our favorite part of the day was 8:18am: that's when the beautiful water fountain automatically activated on the patio outside the kitchen as we finished our coffee and breakfast. The sound of the rushing water kickstarted our day and continued running until late in the evening. The vibes of the Pacific were always close by.
Reserve this cottage if you're in a position to do so. We're so glad we did.