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Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean

Photo gallery for Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean

Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean
Welcome!
 Native succulent garden speaks of ever growing glory...
...as it claims its ground to further welcome you as you walk in the property.
Front Porch, greeting portal to the home, doubling as an inviting outdoor space.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 474.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Topanga, CA
  • Topanga State Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Getty Villa
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Santa Monica Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Santa Monica, CA (SMO-Santa Monica Municipal)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

+1
2 Single Beds, 1 King Bed, 1 Crib and 1 Child Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean

This Malibu adjacent, 2 bedroom Craftsman gem is set in the natural beauty of sprawling canyons, just a short drive from the beach & hiking trails. With a blend of vintage charm & tasteful modern upgrades, my property offers a unique and inviting experience. The large solid wood dining table and spacious chairs clad the DINING AREA, claim their identity as the “Great Gatherer,” while a wood burning hearth disclaims cold winter nights. The CB2 Piazza sofa and two large swivel cuddlers surrounded by a sea of pillows, provide a perfect spot to cocoon for reading or enjoying Home Theater projections. The front porch with its harmonious blend of nature and comfort, offers yet another serene place to relax.

UNIQUE OUTDOOR FEATURES

The house is proudly erected on a canyon terrain, surrounded by a lovely fenced yard. The property’s secret garden is a sensory delight, with lavender, scented geraniums, mint, and native plants creating an olfactory journey. A growing orchard, vegetable planters, and an herb garden provide fresh ingredients for your meals. The charming gazebo, small outdoor fitness area with a punching bag and inversion table, and hammocks under a towering olive tree extend your living space into the outdoors. The backyard, shared with guests of the "Pristine Bungalow Nestled in the Topanga Woods" if present, is a tranquil retreat filled with natural beauty.

INVITING INDOOR SPACES

The front door opens onto a collection of interdependent environments that blend harmoniously. The house embodies simplicity and honesty in construction, with a bank of windows inviting natural light and fostering a functional relationship with the surrounding nature.

The living room and dining area feature high ceilings with exposed beams and beautiful wooden frames around all doors and windows.
Wall-to-wall mirrors enhance the sense of space and coziness, while recessed lighting and various accent lights create a warm ambiance.

The room exudes an eclectic feel with subtle flavors of Asia, India, Africa, and France, inviting simplicity and serenity. The stunning vintage maple flooring with its natural patterns adds a pristine and refined feel to the house.

MODERN AMENTIES

Despite its rustic charm, the house offers all the amenities of modern life. The high-tech kitchen**** with bucolic accents is equipped with ample stone countertops, modern cabinetry, and large capacity appliances to streamline meal preparation. You’ll find everything you need to hone your culinary skills, including a baking stand mixer, blender, food processor, juicer, rice maker, yogurt maker, ice cream maker, crepe maker, vegetable steamer, slow cooker, pressure cooker, fondue set, toaster, French press, drip coffee maker, Nespresso machine, tea pot, and both electric and traditional gas kettles. The kitchen’s location adjacent to the exterior entrance and outdoor terrace creates a seamless flow for al fresco dining.

COMFORTABLE AND FLEXIBLE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

The two cozy bedrooms are designed for relaxation. They are temperate and well-ventilated, with large windows allowing natural light to flow in and strategically place mirrors to create small spaces that live large. The first bedroom features a twin bed with a pullout bed on a pop-up frame, offering flexibility with four different configurations: king size, OR one single day bed, to create space for a study/reading room, OR two singles arranged in an L-shape at different levels to accommodate young children. The second bedroom offers a stunning canyon view from its comfortable queen-size bed, with a simple white palette accentuated by vibrant cushions.

TRANQUIL BATHROOM RETREAT

The bathroom, located across from the bedrooms, beckons with its cleansing energy. Carved in natural hues, it features a stone feel softened by water, air, and three different lighting systems: bright, soft, and Himalayan. The earthy tones of the tiling echo the greenery peeking through the window, which you can enjoy while reclining in the inlaid bathtub. Bright white walls adorned with Capiz paper shell flat bead curtains add an element of fluidity to the space.

A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF NATURE AND COMFORT

Expect cleanliness, tranquility, and beauty within and without. By day, enjoy a visual tapestry of trees and vegetation, including California Oaks, Olive trees, ferns, massive boulders, and wildflowers. At night, experience an entrancing symphony orchestrated by frogs and crickets, conducted by owls. A wide variety of wildlife thrives beyond the wooden fence, though inaccessible to guests. The pristine sky often dazzles the stargazer, making this property a true retreat into nature's embrace.

Property manager

isabelle Ishabala Cenciai

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Topanga

Located in Fernwood, a neighbourhood in Topanga, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Candy Cane Lane, or check out an event or a game at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Topanga, CA

What's nearby

  • Topanga State Park - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Getty Villa - 10 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Santa Monica Pier - 16 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Pepperdine University - 20 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Santa Monica Beach - 28 min drive - 12.1 km

Getting around

  • Van Nuys Station - 31 min drive
  • Van Nuys, CA (VNY) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lois Ewen Overlook - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Duke's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Cafe On 27 - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mastro's Ocean Club - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Craftsman Gem Sparkling Between Mountain & Ocean located?

This family-friendly Topanga holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Topanga State Park. Topanga State Beach and Getty Villa are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 53 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cristina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

This was an amazing stay, and we enjoyed the area and the views. Quick walk to a coffee shop.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kashyap J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cottage

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 days at the property. It's a beautiful and cozy cottage surrounded by mountains and nature. Less than 4 miles from PCH and close to many attractions including Santa Monica Pier, Adamson House, Getty Villa, state beaches and hiking trails. Isabelle was a great host. We were greeted with fresh fruits and Apple cider. Kitchen was well stocked. Checkin and checkout process was very smooth. Isabelle also provided beach towels and beach chairs. We will come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

I picked this listing based on location while visiting family.

Excellent experience. It suited our needs perfectly for a comfortable place to stay. We were greeted with hot apple cider and a nice cheese, cracker and fresh fruit. My kids aged 13 through 20 all commented that they would like to live in a house like this. We didn't spend much time in the unit -- mainly just to sleep at night. The beds are very comfortable. We didn't do any cooking, but the kitchen was well stocked with cooking supplies. There was some noise from Topanga canyon road, but other than that it was very quiet and peaceful. The gardens are beautifully kept and there are good outdoor seating areas. The only negative would be the windy roads -- if driving windy roads is not your thing, might be best to stay elsewhere.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Isabelle was a fantastic host & this property provided. Wonderful stay for a Malibu based trip.

We stayed for three evenings & found the property very clean & enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Fabulous place!

Things I love: This place has gorgeous views and a fun, upscale, funky neighborhood. Isabelle let me check in a few hours early, and I loved listening to the fountain and crickets. I was greeted with grapes, bagels, jam, nectarines, a pineapple, hummous and apples. The inside is cleaned scrupulously with no obnoxious chemicals! Isabelle responded to my texts immediately. Things I didn’t love: There is living space under the bedrooms, and though the noises are super quiet, I am a light sleeper, and the listing said host lived on a separate lot. I didn’t have control over the central heat; Isabelle was super fast to respond but I got cold one night as the heat didn’t turn on after a power outage (I didn’t want to wake her up so I waited till dawn to text). Moldy sink drain (quickly resolved with baking soda and vinegar care of host.) Overall it’s a gorgeous place and most appropriate for hearty, ecologically responsible travelers with a taste for beauty.
Stayed 16 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful Retreat

This was absolutely a home away from home. Watch a treat to wake to the sun rising over the mountains. It feels rural and yet only 15 minutes from downtown Santa Monica.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Keyur B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique experience in LA

Isabella the host is one of the most warm host I have stayed with in my years of travel. The place is outstanding in its natural habitat and then the way it is done up all through recycled and original art. It’s a true example of sustainabile living. Every little thing you want and more of equipment was there all well managed and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily B., Seattle USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely and peaceful!

This welcoming little spot was perfect for our family of four to relax, go on hikes, and take trips to the beach. We would happily come back. Our favorite things were coffee on the porch in the morning and dinners around the big table. The host was gracious and generous.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B., Vancouver, BC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay near beach, mountains

We had a nice visit. The kitchen was well stocked and we watched movies on the projector. Thanks, Ishabella!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!!

We came to Topanga for our son's wedding. The home and property were even nicer in person than in the pictures. Isabelle was so very kind, helpful and welcoming. She was such a pleasure to work with. It was a very special weekend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Kathryn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute place, nice location and very friendly owner.

Very nice overall location. Nicely decorated and stocked. Convenient to hiking, ocean, restaurants etc. Nice view from porch. Owner was very easy to communicate with. The road is very narrow and steep and rental parking not great. Outdoor lighting is lacking. Projection screen was a bit annoying to use. One bedroom is just slightly bigger than the bed in it. Definitely not good for more than one person per room.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

This is a beautifully maintained property in a wonderful place. Host was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

asher a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The mountains by the beach

I have never stayed in Topanga before. It really is an oasis from Los Angeles while still having access to what the city and the coast have to offer. The home is on a stunning hillside overlooking the mountains and is a short drive down the canyon to some of the best beaches in the world (my opinion). The host was so gracious and kind. Thank you for a great stay. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to escape to the mountians of southern california.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

leigh b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

peaceful getaway

Exceptional host, tranquil setting.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shannon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

This was one of the best places we have beer stayed. Our host was incredibly thoughtful and the house met all of our needs and wants. We’ll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elena D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming oasis

We had a great time staying at Isabelle’s charming rental. From the moment we arrived and throughout our entire stay we felt at home and taken care of. Very few hosts welcome guests with exquisite healthy homemade snacks - Isabelle is one of those rare hosts that go above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable. The location is great - the house is a short drive from the coast and sits up on a hill with pretty views. We hope to come back again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing weekend

We had a great stay and had all we needed in this home. Thanks to Isabelle and Nina for your hospitality and help! We hope to be back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Jacob S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

LA-Adjacent Tranquility

Isabelle's home is the perfect respite for folks who want to be near LA but want to not always be 'in' LA. Cozy, calm, quiet, clean, well-appointed home, GREAT kitchen for those who love to cook, great on-demand hot water, and the comfiest beds ever. So lovely to wake up in the woods each morning. We look forward to staying here again!

10/10 Excellent

Heidi W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked away in Topanga

My two adult kids and I had a great time staying here. It was the perfect location to visit the area, especially for hiking in Topanga Canyon. The living room is larger than it looks in the pictures, and the bedrooms were very cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Yvonne L., Utah

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Topanga Canyon

We had a great stay in Topanga Canyon. Isabella was so kind and it was a fun family trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Misty D., Chillicothe, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Seclusion

The property is beautiful, clean and Isabelle was a gracious hostess. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and at home and the special touches were greatly appreciated. The only challenge was parking, but it is well worth it for the experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kevin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Retreat

Gorgeous little property in Topanga Canyon. Great porch, and living room area! Love the location and home. Thanks.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Meredith M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Mountain Escape

Isabelle's place was amazing! A beautiful home in the mountains of Topanga. A short drive to Malibu and surrounding shops and restaurants. Isabelle was also easy to communicate with and greeted us in person, which was very nice. Highly recommended place to stay!

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

Peaceful Urban retreat

This was our third visit to Isabelle's light and charming perch in Topanga. She is a kind and responsive host, and we have enjoyed each of our stays. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Holly V.

Beautiful views and comfortable

Everything was great. Isabelle was available to greet us. The views of the Santa Monica Mountains are spectacular. Everything was clean and hospitable. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

About the host

Hosted by isabelle Ishabala Cenciai

Host profile image
Born and raised in the south of France, I am a linguist, with q deep love for all languages and cultures. I practice yoga, dance, and write. I cherish the homes I have created, enjoy maintaining them and beautifying them for myself and all who visit.

The house is private situated on a two-lot property. I live on the second lot beyond the wooden fence surrounding the area offered for vacation occupancy, and am quick to respond if needed.

It is a joy to share the beautiful surrounding I live in and the lifestyle it affords. My last big voyage was an exotic mother-daughter reunion spending two months traveling through Nepal, India and Sri Lanka with my youngest daughter coming from Australia. Since I started hosting, I have enjoyed welcoming guests from various States and countries. The world comes to me in this way, and being part of Los Angeles, where all cultures are represented, I continue to enjoy a deep connection with people in a spirit of world citizenship. Hosting is a creative expression for me spanning the realms of service, hospitality, interpersonal relations, and cultural exchange. I hope you will appreciate the unique charm and creativity expressed in my hosting.

Why they chose this property

I chose this neighborhood because it offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and accessibility. Once the home of Mickey Rooney, this Topanga gem is wonderfully situated for gentle ocean breezes in a "climate-perfect" area. Enveloped in natural beauty, with its own poetry at any time of day or year, it invites one to retreat in tranquil simplicity and comfort, while remaining within minutes to civilization.

This is not an Ikea clad-for-profit-only rental, but a unique, charming, well cared for home and property. Here, time and space blend seamlessly, allowing you to navigate effortlessly between nature and civilization, mountain and ocean, social life and seclusion, arts and technology. You will enjoy both modernity and vintage charm, comfort and ruggedness, domestication and wilderness.
It's ideal for taking a break from the city and the busyness of life, offering a space where you can be quiet, secluded, and creative, or social, active, and busy, as you wish.
This harmonious blend of qualities is why I chose this neighborhood.

What makes this property unique

This property is unique in its ability to offer several distinct experiences within one enchanting space. The secret garden in the back will take you on an olfactory journey amidst lavender, scented geraniums, mint, and native plants. A growing orchard, vegetable planters, and herb garden provide a farm-to-table experience right at home.

The outdoor area is further enhanced by a charming gazebo, a small fitness zone with a punching bag and inversion table, and hammocks sheltered by towering olive trees. These features expand your outdoor living space beyond the inviting front porch and side terrace, creating a serene retreat that seamlessly blends nature and comfort. This harmonious combination of diverse elements is what makes this property truly stand out from the rest.
Inside, the home continues to impress with its thoughtful design and attention to detail. High ceilings with exposed beams, wall-to-wall mirrors, and eclectic décor create a spacious yet cozy atmosphere. The stunning vintage maple flooring and natural light flowing through large windows bring a sense of warmth and tranquility.

The kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring modern appliances, ample stone countertops, and bucolic accents that make meal preparation a pleasure. Whether you're cooking a gourmet meal or baking a simple treat, you'll find everything you need to hone your culinary skills.

Each bedroom offers a unique and relaxing experience, with comfortable mattresses, high-quality organic bedding, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The bathroom, with its natural stone feel and three different lighting systems, provides a spa-like experience.

This property is not just a place to stay; it's a sanctuary where you can unwind, be creative, and reconnect with nature. Its blend of modern amenities and vintage charm, combined with the tranquility of its natural surroundings, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable retreat.


Languages:

English, French, Spanish