The Steinbeck cottage was, in the words of our 13 year old daughter, "epic". She claimed the reading nook while we all explored the kitchen, bookshelves, and artwork. The living room ceilings gently curve out at the base almost like a fairy cottage. There is a great 5 mile run from the cottage down to the aquarium, along the bay, past the lighthouse, around the coast, then back thru Pacific Grove. Would certainly recommend this for a relaxing retreat.