This charming historic studio was once owned by American author John Steinbeck. It's been featured in several articles: including “20 Romantic Getaways” and in NYT's "Frank Sinatra Slept Here, and So Can You" (August 2020).
There is a 30-night minimum stay for this cottage.
'I bought a small house and garden in Pacific Grove...' (John Steinbeck: A Life in Letters). American author John Steinbeck wrote these words to a friend about this charming house he called home in the 1940s.
This cozy studio retreat has one bedroom with a queen bed and and a sitting area, a spacious full bathroom, and a fully stocked kitchen.
The studio is approximately 350 square feet. It is original 1920's architecture and has short doorways throughout the studio. Taller guests (anyone 5'10" or taller) will need to mind their heads passing through entry-ways and in the kitchen (it has low ceilings). The studio has been renovated throughout in December 2023 - new flooring, kitchen and bathroom.
It is one of three cottages on the property and has a unique and rich literary history, having belonged to John Steinbeck in the early 1940's. He used it as his writing studio and worked on novels including The Sea of Cortez while living here.
The Neighborhood
Pacific Grove has been called “Butterfly Town U.S.A.,” “The Most Romantic City in the U.S.,” “A Dreamy California Destination, ” as well as an idyllic place to get married, to honeymoon or to just hang out. Some of it is self-proclaimed, some the acclaim of people who have actually visited Pacific Grove.
You will find Pacific Grove on the very tip of the scenic, tree-shrouded Monterey Peninsula with a rocky coastline and an ambiance of charm, grace and beauty.
Founded in the 1870s as a Methodist summer retreat, Pacific Grove still bears the look and feel of yesteryear. As you stroll the residential streets admiring the charm of home after home, you will notice little plaques on many of the homes that bear the name of the original owner and the year in which it was built. To qualify for a plaque from the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, a structure must look like it did when it was originally built.
Among its visitors are brightly colored orange-and-black Monarch butterflies, who overwinter in Pacific Grove after traveling up to 2,000 miles, arriving by the thousands starting in October, peaking around Christmas and departing by March.
Besides its scenic beauty and idyllic neighborhoods, Pacific Grove offers an eclectic downtown experience, with small boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, antique stores and more. Other vibrant shopping areas are along Central Avenue at the entrance to Pacific Grove from Cannery Row and at the top of Forest Avenue on Forest Hill.
Getting around
The Writer's Studio is centrally located and a short walk from many scenic destinations. It is located a half mile from The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, as well as downtown Pacific Grove. Lover's Point beach is just one mile away and downtown Monterey is two miles away.
There are many fantastic restaurants, activities and shops in the area.
Other Things to Note
- Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.
- There is a firm no smoking, no drugs and no vaping policy.
- There is a no pet policy.
- We do not have a washer/dryer on the property for guest use.