I booked George and Susie’s place as a solo writing retreat. I wanted a place where I could write in multiple locations on the property, while still feeling secluded and safe! This fit the bill perfectly! I did most of my writing on the front porch and back patio of the tiny home. I also worked a bit on the desk inside, but the outdoor spaces were so beautiful that I opted for outside. The WiFi was strong and even held up in the lower parts of the garden, which was awesome.
The home itself was very clean and cozy, perfect for one person or two. The toilet being in the shower was a first time experience for me, but it was totally manageable and it was very clean when I arrived. The house is on well water & the water has a bit of a smell, but the hosts provided a water machine outside and I also brought my own water bottles. The kitchen had a hot plate stove that made making omelettes a breeze! I also used the toaster and keurig and everything worked perfectly. They had plenty of spices which I really appreciated! They also left ice in the mini freezer (part of the fridge) for me! The bed was very comfortable. It was nice having an Amazon Alexa that I could ask to play music while I got ready for the day.
As so many other reviewers mentioned, the Secret Garden is just AMAZING! Gorgeous, ornate, beautifully constructed. It’s amazing during the day AND at night, when the lights go on. Because I was working, I didn’t have too much time to sit in the garden and read, but that’s what I definitely would have done if not for the writing deadlines. I had the chance to meditate once near the koi pond and it was a trip highlight for me.
The home was a 15 min drive to Capitola, and a 10 min ride to some great food spots. I grabbed takeout both evenings of my trip, and it was great.
Finally, I have AT&T and did not have self service at the tiny home. This was perfectly okay by me, as I could still get in touch with my family via WiFi and not get endless notifications and texts. Some people might feel odd being disconnected, but I LOVED it.