Patricia contacted us to send photos of the house and to give us instructions on how to get in about a week or so before our trip. We communicated via email a few times and then by text so she would know we were arriving (since we got in around 11:30 pm). She put lights on for us and told us where to find the keys. In the morning we met up with her to get a tour of the area. This was my favorite part of the trip!

The tour was great because there is a private entrance to walk down to Point Dume and is near celebrity homes (if that intrigues anyone). She has lived there a long time and knows who lives where and will tell you stories and share about her neighbors. She also showed us the beach and gave recommendations on what to do, where to eat and get groceries. There's a tennis court out back to play on when it's warm.

The cottage itself had new flowers in a vase in the bathroom and was really clean with amenities and wifi, parking included. Hotels charge for that so we appreciated that being included! Also she was the most hospitable person and loved to tell us what to see that may interest us in the area if we wanted to know.

The place was comfy, cozy and well worth the money over a hotel. It was secluded, beautiful, near beaches and I learned that Malibu is really just a laid back, cool place where people live quiet lives and enjoy a sort of Hawaiian type lifestyle of surfing, chilling and getting away from the busyness of Santa Monica or LA.

Very close to the highway and access to Santa Barbara, San Diego, anything you want to do. She left magazines to read on the area and a map of previous movie shoots that happened in different beach lagoons and other areas which was interesting (if you have time).

We are going to tell friends and family to go stay and we can't wait to come back. I'm thinking a writing retreat for me would be in order and maybe stand up paddleboarding, horse riding (nearby) and lots and lots of beautiful R&R.