Santa Monica, CA

310.678.6139

Welcome! Short term vacation rentals with garden courtyard...

Turn of the century cottage or charming upper....

At the back of what many describe as a Secret Garden is a Turn of the century cottage and a lovely upper unit;  the upper is  a duplex really as it shares only a kitchen wall with another unit in a  freestanding space.   With Venetian plaster walls, hard wood floors,  travertine in kitchen and bath, crown molding, recessed lighting,  fresh linens, a King bed, feather pillowed sofa in living room, it's a  hidden jewel.  A perfect blend of yin and yang, masculine and feminine; a  sunny, simple, sweet, uncluttered and quiet unit.  Empty closets and  chests for short term storage and a full bath with tub.  Two sided desk,  with wifi, garden views; super clean with plenty of charm, and larger  than the cottage.   

The cottage  speaks for itself, standing alone in a magical garden with everything a  home could want, but in cottage size - a living room, a kitchen, a  desk-work area, a bedroom with king size bed and a renovated bathroom  with a claw foot tub and a private garden space.  The inspired  garden Has over 500 flower blooming plants ranging from bougainvillea  to six varieties of sage,  as well as lavender, hydrangea and roses, to  name a few.  See the gallery page for photos.  Scroll down on every page  for reviews.

Location, fun & rates

 Just blocks  off the pacific ocean is a home away from home.  Close enough to  downtown to make it easy to walk, far enough away to give a sense of  peace. close to everything in a world class city; Wonderful coffee shops  (Funnel Mill, Starbucks, and groundworks, several health food stores  ; 9 blocks from Tiffany's and Santa Monica Place, Third St. Promenade,  yoga studios, movie theaters, and many of the best restaurants on the  west side of Los Angeles, (Melisse, Jiraffe, Capo, Michael's, La Botte,  lobster) as well as less expensive choices, (Fritto Misto, Mercado,  Border Grill, Huckleberry's, Rustic Canyon).  just blocks from the Broad  Stage for cultural events and close to three markets including whole  foods, a five minute bike ride to the beach, and blocks from the world  famous Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and the Pacific Ocean. 4  minute drive to Montana Avenue, and Main Street for upscale shopping.  Close to Venice, Pacific Palisades, 25 minutes drive from Los Angeles  Airport, (LAX), gateway to Malibu (25 minutes), downtown Los Angeles (25  minutes).  

Rates;  please call -   Looking forward to seeing you, and thank you for your interest!  city of santa monica dictates 31 day minimums; 


Please text me 

310.678.6139 

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My  husband and I have been local Santa Monica residents and business  people for the good part of our lives.  A clothing designer at heart, I  enjoy working with beautiful objects and transferring the joy of doing  so into our rental business. While I handle our guests,  Eric is the  nuts and bolts guy and handles the real work associated with the  property.  Only nice people need apply and you will certainly be met  with gracious appreciation.


Welcome to our garden!  

Reviews


Andrew
June 2019
This is a really special spot. The garden is so pleasant, we just elected to spend half of our time hanging out there. The interior is tiny, all the amenities are there but each room is quite small. This was not a problem for my wife and I with one small child, however. Small details are thought through- we appreciated the sharp knives since we like to cook. All in all a very pleasant place and close enough for us to walk to most of our destinations.

Lesley
May 2019
Amazing cozy cottage, gardens, location and host. We loved it! The flowering garden provides a slice of privacy and peace in a busy city. Great location too!

Response from Cara::
Leslley, you were so much fun to have... thank you so much for your stay with us… And I’m so glad that we worked out getting the permit back to us via Uber from the airport LOL. I will try to remind guests more frequently in more places in the house rules etc. about returning the clicker and the parking permit!! Was a pleasure hosting you!!
May 2019


Christopher
April 2019
Blown away by the cottage and the garden that surrounds it. Amazed in a city to find such an oasis of peace, tranquility and beauty. The cottage is beautifully decorated with great touches. Flowers had been picked from the garden and placed by the bed. It was so much better than our wildest expectation. The bed was very comfortable. Could have spent so much longer, it was unfortunate that we were only there for two days at the end of our holidays. After 10 days of hiking it was so nice to lay back and “smell the roses”. The garden is filled with so many wonderful flowers and Dotted around it are chairs to lounge in. There is a wonderful outdoor table and chairs that are reminiscent of a French outdoor eating area it would have been so nice to have had a dinner party. Being New Yorkers we found the walk to the pier and beach area easy and not that bad. Probably about 20 minutes - although there are Uber’s and scooters to rent we did not find the need to use them. We took the suggestion from the hosts of breakfast at Blue Daisy which was awesome. Highly recommend. We also had a lovely dinner at Rustic Canyon five minutes away. Thank you so much for opening up your cottage to us and giving us such a warm welcome when we arrived. We will be back. Chris and Gail

Response from Cara:
Absolutely love sharing our garden! Thank you so much for your kind review!!!
April 2019

Adriana
March 2019
I had a very wonderful (Email hidden by Airbnb) fortable and very clean. It was very a very peacful place in a great location. The host were very quick to communicate. My stay was great!

Jan
January 2019
This is a wonderful cottage and garden - in a great location! It is a gem of a place....

Saphira
January 2019
A lovely and peaceful hideaway in beautiful Santa Monica. Caroline sets a gold standard for an outstanding hostess. It was truly a lovely visit.

Timothy
January 2019
Bright, clean, and homey experience. The hosts were attentive, friendly, and communicative. The apartment was perfect in every way!


Taylor
November 2018
This is a very unusual setting for Santa Monica, a small cottage in a quiet charming garden away from the street. Downtown and the beach or pier is walkable, as are many restaurants. The rental bikes and scooters are practically on every corner.

Lisa
November 2018
Charming, sweet cottage with beautiful outdoor garden. Well appointed and beautifully decorated. Great location. We highly recommend and would stay there again. Big step into bathtub for shower and narrow space for shower may be of concern to older adults.

Joanna
October 2018
One of the best Airbnb stays I've ever had. This place so charming and calming that I started telling everyone I was on "workation." I couldn't wait to leave work and go "home!" It was super clean, has THE MOST GORGEOUS GARDEN EVER, and the location is very convenient. My office is right off the promenade and I could walk to work every day. No surprise that its already booked out pretty far, otherwise this would be my stay every month! Thanks Caroline!


Jeff
July 2018
Wonderful place to stay with beautiful garden for relaxing outdoors.

Response from Caroline:
Thanks, Jeff! So happy you enjoyed your stay~! Lovely to host you and your son!
July 2018

Joanne
June 2019
First class property - we had an absolutely wonderful stay at Cara’s. It is home away from home. You have everything you could possibly need here. The biggest surprise for us was the lovely garden area which is like a sanctuary. The property is a short walk away from the shopping precinct and Santa Monica pier. Communications with Cara were always prompt and detailed. It is clear that there has been a lot of care and attention put into the property from high quality linen, to water feature, to a British plug adaptor; from our point of view absolutely faultless and would return again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much!

Response from Cara:
Joanne - thank you so much for that lovely review oh my gosh it is so wonderful to have appreciative and kind people... makes the hard work feel right !!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! ❤️❤️
June 2019


Keith
June 2019
Awesome place amazing host

Response from Cara:
So happy you enjoyed your stay ! Grateful !
June 2019

Philip
June 2019
The cottage was spotlessly clean with fresh flowers inside and outside. Very comfortable bed in a quiet location. The cottage is well located. We will be back


Aron
April 2018
We enjoyed this  place a lot. It was great location and Cara was on top of everything.  She did a great job and we really enjoyed our stay.


Morgan-Rae
April 2018
The  cottage was so cute, cozy, and clean! While the outside garden area was  absolutely breathtaking. It was the perfect hideaway in a busy city.  The location was perfect making it easy to walk to the downtown shops,  restaurants, and pier. Cara was an awesome host and supplied one of the  best city guides I've seen yet!

Response from Cara:
Thank you  for such a beautiful review… We really enjoy creating a beautiful space  for our guests and you were so lovely to communicate with!!!! 
April 2018


Danielle
April 2018
Cara's  cottage is in a great neighborhood of Santa Monica. The cottage is set  in a cute little garden. The cottage is small but all you need for a  single person or a couple. Cara had great communication throughout our  stay. I would definitely recommend her cottage to anyone looking for a  small getaway.

Response from Cara:
Thank you so much, Danielle, Appreciated your stay so much!
April 2018

Aaron
March 2018
Cara’s  place is truly a hidden gem in Santa Monica. The smell of the flowers  and quiet chirping of the birds (and wind chime) were an amazing source  of calmness each day. Cara herself is extremely communicative and  friendly, and her guide to the area is top notch. Highly recommend this  place; wish we could have stayed longer!

Response from Cara:
Aaron! So happy you had a good time - so grateful for your stay! 
March 2018

Jonasz
March 2018
One  of the best AirBnBs we've ever stayed at (and we tend to stay with  superhosts)! The cottage is clean and cosy and the garden is just  amazing. The location is very convenient, the place is within walking  distance of downtown Santa Monica and the beach and very close to the  metro station that can take you to downtown LA in about 50mins.


Nancy
March 2018
This  cottage is the cutest and very cozy. Cara communicated with me  immediately upon booking and was prompt at answering my questions. The  place is easy to find with the instructions. We were met upon arrival  but also had the key code for easy entry. A major plus was that we were  able to park in the garage in the alley behind the cottage. The cottage  has a full kitchen with coffee, tea, spices, oils for cooking. We sat on  the porch enjoying the garden one evening. Bed is very comfy &  cozy. She even provided cream for our coffee. Nice sitting area for TV  watching and another desk area off of kitchen. Bath is very clean with  linens, soap, shampoo, hair dryer. Great location for easy access up and  down the coast. One rainy day we made our way to Third St Promenade to  see a movie. Thank you Cara for a great stay in Santa Monica. ❤


Janet
March 2018
This is adorable cottage is in a great location! Everything you need and more. Fabulous host -- highly recommend!


Alex
February 2018
The  pictures are dead on, the house is like a little cottage from the turn  of the century. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit cool or I would  have used the beautiful garden as well. Well worth the money with a  great location.

Response from Cara:
Alex..you were really a sweet guest! Thanks for the great communication!
February 2018


Merrilynn
February 2018
The  cottage was exactly the quiet oasis we were hoping for in a busy city  like Santa Monica. It was less than a 10 minute walk to the downtown  shopping area and it had many cute restaurants along the way. The house  was spotless when we arrived and had the cozy feel we wanted. Cara and  Lori had put out Keurig coffee pods, asked what kind of creamer/milk we  wanted, had the basics for the home. We’re already trying to plan for  our next trip to the cottage! The garden was breathtaking. It provided a  serene space to have coffee or read in the morning. Highly recommend  staying here as it is so central to the surrounding action.

Response from Cara:
Completely loved having you! And we are so happy it was a great experience for you!!! Thank you so much, Merrilynn!! xo 
February 2018

Judy
February 2018
This  is our second time and probably not the last bCara’s house is adorable  but the outdoor garden space makes it perfect. The long farm table was  great for lunch with the kids and grandkids. She and her husband are  gracious, helpful hosts.

Response from Cara:
Judy, thank you truly for your second stay with us! And Eric enjoyed drinking wine in the garden with you all! xo 
February 2018

Jon
January 2018
Amazing location, great space, and a beautiful garden. Cara was responsive and helpful. 5 stars all the way around!

Response from Cara:
Thanks, Jon!! So happy you enjoyed your stay with us! 
January 2018

Victoria
January 2018
This  enchanting cottage is a perfect home away from home. Located in a  beautiful garden it offered a peaceful and serene oasis right in the  heart of Santa Monica. Cara’s attention to detail was outstanding as was  the cleanliness and the home offered us everything we could possibly  need. We can’t wait to stay again soon!

Response from Cara:
You  were just such a delight to host, thank you so much for your  compliments and your kindness always. Thank you so much, Victoria!
January 2018


Liza
January 2018
Cara’s place is pristine and cozy. We had everything we needed and felt immediately at home.


Vanessa
September 2017
Coffee, towels, cable, and ambiance!

Cara
September 2017
We  enjoyed our stay at Cara's cottage. It was a wonderful experience. The  garden was so cute and we saw hummingbirds everyday! She had excellent  communication if we needed anything and provided an extra fan for us  (Just in case it's not clear this place does not have A/C but the fans  were sufficient). The bed was very cozy and we slept great! I would  definitely stay here again.

Response from Cara:
Hi there Cara,  you were both quite lovely and we enjoyed meeting you and greatly  appreciated your stay with us~~Santa Monica is so amazing - with an  annual high temperature of 66.2 degrees F, it is unusualto need a/c in  Santa Monica. A average low of 56, and average of 61.2 it really is one  of the most mild and lovely cities temperature wise, in the world. 

September 2017

Anthony
August 2017
The  cottage is quiet, light, compact and comfortable, and is surrounded by a  flowering garden. Great place to stay in Santa Monica and close to very  good restaurants, the ocean, and other ammenities.

Response from Cara:
Thank you, Anthony! It was a pleasure hosting you! ; )
August 2017

Uriel
August 2017
What  can I say, a glorious place to stay. I came because of a work project  that had me stay a little over a month at Walk Everywhere Garden. I did  not have a car and survived quite well without. The times I did need, I  used Uber or Lyft. Mind you I live in NYC so perhaps we have a little  different definition for walking distance. However, the place is in a  prime location that is near the beach, near many restaurants, and within  walking distance of what I believe was an organic Co-op grocery market,  where I did my shopping of food. The Getty Museum is a short car ride  away. I loved working outside in the evenings on specific cool days. The  place is fairly quiet and the wind chime bells in the background were  welcoming. Dreamy and picturesque I would say. The Internet WiFi reaches  outside, which was useful for my work. And when done, it was nice to  drift away while dusk came. The temperature was more than tolerable  throughout my general stay (low 70s), though there were a few weekends  the reached 90 F, though I was told that was unusual and only really  happens in a small period in the year. The kitchen is more than usable  as I did my evening cooking. The toaster was useful for the early  morning rush (for me at least). There is a Keurig machine one could use  as well. I never ran out of hot water for washing dishes or taking long  showers. There is a paid laundry room that is maybe 10 steps away from  the door of the unit. Cara (the host) was also supremely responsive for  any questions I might have had. Facilitating where one might go and if  there were any problems. I regret not taking more advantage of the place  (being more outside and staying in a garden meant for paintings) and  taking longer walks. The garden is truly a memorable place to be. I can  say with great certainty that I would and will come back again. Thanks  Cara! Walk Everywhere Garden is truly a wondrous place.

David
June 2017
Small  and cozy one bedroom was perfect for our weekend in LA. Walking  distance to grocery stores, 3rd St, and beaches. Quiet neighborhood with  stunning courtyard. Looking forward to a return trip.


Felicia
June 2017
Great stay! :)

Ryan
May 2017
Wonderful and pretty place, about a 10-minute walk to the beach

Irene
May 2017
Cozy place with really lovely garden. Cara is very nice and she cares about your experience. We had a great time.

Response from Cara:
Happy to have had your father! Was wonderful! Thank you for your stay!
May 2017


Scott
April 2017
Perfect! Peaceful. Quiet. Private. The foliage is amazing in the garden and the Jasmine smells amazing in the spring. 


Alex
April 2017
The  beautiful garden space is truly what made this place a gem. The cottage  itself was cozy and clean. I would definitely love to stay again!

John
March 2017
The  cottage was lovely, set in a beautiful, tranquil garden. There was  nothing we needed that wasn't available in the cottage. The decor was  lovely. Communication was always timely. We were impressed by the  ambiance. The cottage simply exceeded our expectations.


Dora
March 2017
I  absolutely loved my stay at the lovely cottage. Very well laid out ,  decorated and organized , it had everything I needed and plenty of  storage for my things. Comfy bed, nice linens and towels, well stocked  kitchen had everything I needed. I love flowers , so the garden setting  was a huge plus for me. The cozy cottage is set in a lovely garden  filled with many blooming fragrant plants . It was a treat to be there  when the jasmine that's all around the cottage was in bloom and the  house was filled with the delicious smell. There are plenty of seated  areas all around the property to enjoy the plants, watch the humming  birds, have a meal , visit with friends or have some peace an solitude  near the fountain. One of the partners was on the property when I  arrived and several times after. She was very friendly and helpful with  suggestions and any questions I has about the area. The " walk  everywhere " description is very accurate . Most everything I wanted and  needed was within walking range , including my favorite- the beach. I  would definitely stay there again and highly recommend this jewel.


Michelle
March 2017
The  property is exactly as described...a small, clean, quiet and  comfortable cottage with a wonderful courtyard. It is shared with  another small home and some apartments. The location, although in an  alley and seemingly bordering on commercial areas, is close to so many  things to do in Santa Monica. The hostess was welcoming and communicated  well. 

Response from Cara:
Hi Michelle! Thanks too much for  your stay! Just to be clear the cottage is not on an alley, the cottage  is in the courtyard, surrounded by the garden, bordering a single family  home on the other side, protected from the alley by another structure,  the duplex. (can't think of a property in Santa Monica that does not  have access alleys ; ) Thanks for picking our property!
March 2017

Jeannie
January 2017
The  cottage is quaint with lovely gardens. It is small, but clean and  perfectly adequate for two people. The host even had coffee, tea and a  few other condiments in the fridge. The location is an easy walk from  the 3rd Street Promenade as advertised - but the few blocks nearest the  cottage made me feel a bit uneasy as a female - especially when walking  alone. I felt perfectly safe, however, at the cottage and its grounds.  Cara was an excellent host- responsive- a good communicator. She tried  to accommodate our requests. There was an area power outage for almost  an entire day - she was helpful in trying to navigate the inconveniences  this posed. I would consider staying here again if in Santa Monica. I  believe it was a good value.

Response from Cara:
Jeannie,  thank you so much for your stay! I am so sorry you didn't feel safe; is  there something I should know? We walk all the time in the area for the  last 25 years and never felt unsafe. It is true it is an international  destination with all that may imply. Santa Monica has a way of feeling  like a small town and a big city all at once, interestingly enough. We  do appreciate your stay, very much!! Thanks for the lovely review. Yes  the power outage was unexpected and longer than they notified us about.  Best to you! Cara
January 2017

Brad
December 2016
This  was my first Airbnb and I have to say it was absolutely great! The  pictures of this place are a great representation of how beautiful this  perfect spot is. It's close to many of the great eating and  entertainment places in Santa Monica. Cara is a great host and was very  attentive to whatever i needed which was almost nothing because it was  all there already : ) I almost struggled wanting to go out at night  because it was so relaxing to pour a glass of wine and relax in the  garden or veg out with some movie channels in the cozy cottage. I will  go back again as soon as possible!

Ashton
October 2016
Neighborhood  was walkable and safe. Cara was always available if an issued arose and  was nothing short of welcoming and friendly. 

Response from Cara:
THANK  YOU Ashton for staying with us for this wonderful month's stay! We  loved having you and am so happy you told me we that it was charming and  relaxing for you and that you loved everything about your stay, lol! We  understand how busy you are and Godspeed with your wonderful career in  the food/television world! And thank you too for the bike you left for  future guests! Super sweet!!!! xoxo 
October 2016

Charlotte
May 2016
Our  experience at the "Secret Garden Cottage" was truly amazing. This  picturesque apartment was even more welcoming and accommodating then we  had anticipated from the description online. It was exactly the kind of  space my boyfriend and I were seeking. The cottage is located in the  perfect area as well, close to great restaurants and an easy walk to the  beach (but far enough away so it is very peaceful and quiet at night).  It was also VERY clean and tidy (always a plus)!!! Cara and Eric were  exceptionally kind and hospitable and we feel very grateful that they  allowed us the opportunity to stay in this sweet oasis. We most  definitely would love to come back for another visit and recommend it to  anyone looking for a charming and welcoming stay! 

Response from Cara:
Charlotte,  you were a wonderful guest! I meant to leave a lovely review for you  but think it got past the due date! I have an inquiry out to AIRBNB  about it! 31 days is never enough time to enjoy perfect guests as  yourself! THANK YOU !!!!!
May 2016

Alix
May 2016
This  cottage is a dream! It's close everything, set in a picturesque garden,  and very well appointed. Cara was very welcoming and has incredible  attention to detail on both guest experience and the cottage's  amenities. House has a cozy bed, great kitchen, and the many options for  garden sitting are truly a treat. Easy check in and check out process.  It's like living in a magazine, really. Book! 

Response from Cara:
Alex  - it was so lovely having you and thank so much for your stay! I loved  sharing the property with you and I so appreciate my month long guests!  Cara ; )
May 2016

Liam
April 2018
Highly recommend! A  beautiful spot just like the pictures! Quite a bit of correspondence but  all in good faith Cara just wanted to ensure we were always comfortable  and had everything we needed.


Martine
April 2018
I  strongly recommend this Airbnb ! The place is amazing, the garden is  gorgeous, the cottage really cute with everything that you need, the bed  is super comfy and most of all the hosts are really sweet and  responsive. Thank you, we had an excellent stay.


Caitlin
August 2017
Cara's  place was perfect for our stay in Santa Monica. The house was gorgeous  and so well equipped. Great walking distance to the pier, promenade and  the beach. A lovely place to relax and the best Air BnB we stayed in  during our month long trip to the US.

Response from Cara:
Caitlin, such a sweet review; always makes us happy to have folks enjoy this special little property!
August 2017

Rebecca
August 2017
You  cannot deny the sheer beauty of this apartment and it's surroundings.  We made a last minute booking to stay for 2 nights. The one thing I will  note is that it is 'walkable' to the beach and shops but it is  definitely a good 30 min walk so bring comfy shoes. Additionally there  were little things though our stay that we were a little let down by. We  located the iron but there did not seem to be an ironing board. We  really enjoyed the coffee machine provided but we're only given two  coffee capsules for the 3 days we were there so we couldn't use it. I  suspect that due to our last minute booking some things had been over  looked. The £80 ($100) cleaning fee seemed a bit much considering there  were other places near by with a £15 fee! On the plus side the apartment  is lovely, suited to a couple. The bed is huge and very comfortable.  The kitchen is fully equipped so you can easily cook. They even provided  beach towels as well as bath towels. On that note, the bath tub is  amazing too. Cara was very accommodating throughout our stay, letting us  leave our luggage before check in and after check out. Communication  was very easy and we always got a swift response.

Response from Cara:
Hi  Rebecca..; ) thanks for your stay! Yes I always qualify those 11-13  blocks are for "fit" guests! Yes and agreed it always seems like a  cleaning fee is a lot when you have to spread it out over just a day or  two. But that is exactly what housekeeping charges us as it does take  all those hours to fix things up again. Housekeeping is instructed to  leave 2-3 capsules per day per (Website hidden by Airbnb) sorry about  that! Also please note that my place is one of the most reasonably  priced places in Santa Monica and is why i am almost always booked.  Sweet of you to leave a lovely review, thanks so much!

Doreen & Chris - Park City, Utah

March 2016 AIRBNB

“We  had a wonderful one month stay at the Enchanting Garden! The moment I  stepped into the garden I was captivated by the fragrant blooming  flowers and the tranquil feeling of the surroundings. Our "cottage" was  exactly like the pictures posted. I felt as if I had been there before.  The cottage was equipped with everything we needed to make our stay  comfortable and relaxing. We loved the neighborhood because it was  located to shops, restaurants, and the beach. We walked everywhere; we  hardly ever drove our car. The available parking spot was a huge  convenience. The icing on the cake was the wonderful owners/landlords.  They are sweet, warm, and friendly people that we hope to see again! Our  stay was perfect! Thank you Cara!!”

“Great location and amenities”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed February 2, 2015 for a stay in January 2015

My  wife and I stayed in one of the upstairs apartments for a the month  of January. Cara and her husband were great and provided a lot of  information to us ahead of our stay to make everything easy. From  meeting us after hours upon arrival, to sharing some of the best places  to eat, to simply having a place that was well decorated, clean, and  inviting, we couldn't have asked for anything more. The house is well  positioned within walking distance to restaurants and shops. We did  drive some (and they have a parking space available for free), but often  we'd simply walk to places from the cottage. We would recommend this to  anyone looking for a very cool place to stay in the area.

“Magical place to relax in!”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed October 25, 2014 for a stay in September 2014

I  stayed here for over three weeks in all, and was reluctant to leave - I  found the Secret Garden very peaceful even in such a busy place as  Santa Monica. It seems to generate its own atmosphere, and the fountain  tinkling away in the background is also most relaxing. I felt  immediately at home, and the furnishings in my apartment were entirely  to my taste, and suited the era of the apartment exactly. Everything was  superb, my bed was clean and very comfortable, the fan kept me cool on  hotter nights, and the kitchen and bathroom were equally well equipped. I  really hope to stay again, and I know I would enjoy my holiday there  again! Highly recommended. 

“Fabulous Hideaway” 
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed September 2, 2014 for a stay in August 2014

Apartment  belongs to Cara who we found very pleasant and most welcoming. Very  contactable should we have queries and very accommodating with the need  to park our car on the street rather than use off street parking. The  gardens were fab, very peaceful and calming especially after a long trip  to USA from Scotland. The apartment catered for our needs, beautiful  bedroom and bathroom. ALL was very comfortable. wifi/tv/movies -  available suited us very well. Restaurants/diners/shops within a  reasonable walking distance . Thank you for letting us use your lovely  place!

Perfect place to stay”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed May 18, 2014 for a stay in May 2014

We,  Theo and Anneke, from Amsterdam, stayed for six nights in Mai 2014 in  Santa Monica in Secret Garden. We enjoyed staying there so much  especially because of the beautiful garden. We stayed in the garden  every single day after visiting the beach, the city , the museum or the  surroundings. We can recommend Secret Garden!  The place is very nice  & located in the CENTRE of Santa Monica, which is very nice too.

"Cozy oasis”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed December 5, 2013 for a stay in November 2013
Husband  and I stayed four weeks while visiting daughters. This was our 4th  rental in SM and the best so far. The garden is fantastic, furnishings  beautiful, parking easy and hosts wonderful. Cara even took the coat off  her back to loan me during our stay. We are bird watchers so the  hummingbirds and warblers in the garden were magical. Only wish the  weather had been warmer so we could dine in the garden. Everything is  fresh, clean and pretty.  The fact is that this is a lovely place to  stay and a good value. Would definitely stay again. (AND DID)

“Wonderful Condo and Garden”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed November 21, 2013 for a stay in November 2013
My  husband and I enjoyed our stay in this lovely condo. Rooms are  tastefully furnished and the garden is simply beautiful. The owners have  done a wonderful job and as a result have made this a memorable  vacation for us. Thank you Cara and Eric.

Massachusetts

Peaceful, stylish and private.”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed November 6, 2013 for a stay in November 2013

What  a treat it was to stay at Cara's apartment! Beautifully furnished,  spotlessly clean and completely peaceful and private. After a long  flight from New Zealand and a 10 hour delay it was bliss to arrive at  such a little sanctuary. The bed and sofa are both super comfortable,  the shower is excellent, and the kitchen is so well equipped that we  felt bad for not doing any cooking. The garden speaks for itself - such a  lovely oasis. We didn't have enough time to make use of it but we  enjoyed walking through it each day. The location is excellent too -  walking distance to the shops and cafes of Santa Monica and the beach.  We will definitely be back!

New Zealand “LOVELY”
[5 of 5 stars] Reviewed October 16, 2013 for a stay in October 2013

This  is a quiet, beautiful, peaceful apt with an amazing garden filled with  hummingbirds. We loved our stay here and would absolutely return