Entire home

Home away from Home in Carmel!

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 a decked hot tub and a grand oak and festive lighting
 A  generous great room; great for relaxing with a sip
adjoining dining
Dining
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Carmel Plaza
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Carmel Mission Basilica
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Carmel Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Common area 1

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Home away from Home in Carmel!

Joie de Vivre means 'Joy of Life' and no better way to experince that but in Carmel California!!!!! ... . WE SLEEP 10..
CARMEL IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS EVER WITH OUTDOOR AND INDOOR DINING AND LIVE MUSIC THROUGH OUT THE TOWN.
The minute you drive into Carmel, you can see why we adopted the name for our newest Carmel getaway!
Charm is the operative word at every turn. We have and continue to add features to our home that entice relaxation and celebration!
The front courtyard is peaceful, welcoming our guests with potted flowers, climbing vines, citrus trees, and outdoor furniture for entertaining. The greatest feature, is the gas fire pit to sit around during the evening hours. It is the perfect spot for a glass of wine or roasting marshmallows for s'mores!
The upstairs living area is generous and perfect for gatherings. The dining table seats 8 comfortably,. The table in kitchen nook is set by the front window, and is perfect for your morning coffee. We even have a wine refrigerator equipped for chilling your local wine finds!
The kitchen has new appliances. It is equipped for cooking, with an array of pots and pans, baking dishes, utensils, and dishes. We provide spices and many cooking essentials for your convenience. The Keurig coffee maker, traditional brewing and pressed coffee unit, are new as well! There is a toaster, griddle and small appliances for your needs.
There are two ensuite bedrooms on the upper level.
The master has a pillow top king mattress. All of the bedding is upscale and very comfortable. We use high thread count sheets on all of the king, queen and full-size beds. The master bath has a walk in shower, his and hers vanities and a water closet.
The jr. master is comfortable Queen sized bed with a courtyard view. Its private bathroom includes a bright subway tile and white carrera stone shower, a furniture sink vanity and custom, frameless glass shower surround.
The downstairs bedroom is quiet and secluded, featuring a king-size, body form foam top mattress for the perfect night sleep. We have appointed the room with elements of the ocean... this room can also act as a double twin room upon request.
Our newly renovated downstairs bath is gorgeous, complete with natural stone, river rock, and a travertine topped furniture vanity, that gives you a spa-like experience!
Our spacious bonus room is awesome! We have included a 50" flat screen television, xbox, . It is a great place to hang out, play games and relax.. we have a pull out twin option and a queen sized bed for overflow sleeping. This room has access to the back yard, with its canopy of oak and monterey pine trees.
Our back yard decks and hot tub , out door dining and kitchen fire table and yes, even a play house are family favorites. A Oak tree canopy with festune lights hover, While You're sipping your favorite beverage in the decked hot tub !

Joie de Vivre deux is one of a kind! We know that guests come to Carmel to make memories.. so when we had the opportunity to own a house to share.. we made it happen!
An indoor laundry, closet for extra sheets and towels and every convenience of home await you.
Our garage is painted, clean and finished with epoxy floors. We can allow space for up to 3 cars at this home . We provide goodies to take to the beach. A beach wagon, an Ice chest, 2 beach chairs, a boogie board and some sand toys.
Our back yard is a tierd, partially decked hill, with a large oak tree canopy, hot tub and firetable. Our large gas bbq is also in this get a way from it all spot.
We take great pride in ensuring your great experience.
Here are a few things to note:
Our home is on a hill so it allows for street side entry buts a stairs down to the lower living , bedroom area. The kitchen, livingroom and ensuite bedrooms are on the street level.
Up to 2 well behaved dogs are allowed. As to respect all renters and our home, dogs are never allowed on furnishings at any time. They recommend them to be on leash while in the yard. The front couryard is private but not fully enclosed.
Dogs can never be left unattened without a crate. Carmel is very dog friendly ; please check with restaurants about their pet policies .
PLEASE reach out to us within the first 24 hours with any questions or concerns; or at anytime during your stay. We are here for you!
2095187368/209 5186934


Property manager

rob and susan farrens
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
No high chair available
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Must be crated when unattended
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pets are not to be left unattended, even in backyard.
House is not baby-proof (no clipped cabinets)
No more than 3 cars on property at any time.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Carmel

Located by the sea, this holiday home is in Northeast Carmel, a neighbourhood in Carmel. Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Carmel Beach and Monterey Bay. Travelling with kids? Make time for Monterey Bay Aquarium, or head to an event or a match at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

What's nearby

  • Carmel Plaza - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Sunset Center - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Carmel Mission Basilica - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Pebble Beach Golf Links - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Carmel Beach - 10 min drive - 2.8 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 15 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Vesuvio - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪A W Shucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant & Patisserie - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Toro - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Little Swiss Cafe - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Home away from Home in Carmel! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Home away from Home in Carmel!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Home away from Home in Carmel!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Home away from Home in Carmel! located?

This family-friendly Carmel holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Plaza and Forest Theater Guild. Carmel Beach is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

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. 129 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 153 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Caity C.

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

Like staying with family

Incredible hosts. We were in town for the pro am so the location was perfect. Great spot for kids- the hosts were so welcoming and even picked up some kid utensils/towels/spoons for us ahead of time. They also responded within an hour with a brand new baby gate for the stairs which was so above and beyond. We were touched by their thoughtfulness and could not recommend this spot more highly!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

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

Wonderful Holiday!

The home was decorated for Christmas and very welcoming. Everything was as expected. Our family of 4 enjoyed being there very much.The only unexpected challenge was being compelled on check out day to wash all of the towels and sheets to avoid an additional charge. So - rather than a leisurely check out by 11 am we were pressured to get bedding and towels clean and dry.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole C.

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

Our favorite Home away from Home

We had a wonderful stay in this beautifully appointed home in Carmel! The location was perfect— 20 min walk or very short drive to downtown, making it easy to explore local shops, restaurants, and the beach. The house itself was spacious, comfortable, and offered all the comforts of home, from cozy living spaces to a well-equipped kitchen. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hosts were excellent communicators, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to enjoy our time in Carmel and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing, convenient getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pam G.

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

Cozy house for exploring Carmel

This house was perfect for a family of 7. The kitchen is incredibly well equipped and the beds very comfortable. The hosts were very quick to respond to any questions, and we felt warmly welcomed to their home. Just 10 minute drive or so to the Monterey Aquarium and Point Lobos, and a 20 minute stroll into downtown Carmel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

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

Good location

I felt like I was in my home away from home. It was lovely!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lynn H.

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

Golfing Getaway

Great location for golfing at Poppy Hills with easy access in and out. We were surprised that the refrigerator had a lot of condiment items stored in the door shelves and the kitchen tools were somewhat disorganized but we were able to work around all that. Liked having access to the garage. The back deck and hot tub area had a lot of debris which was uninviting so we did not use it. Easy access to a broom and/or blower would have helped with that.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne W.

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

Family getaway.

We had a wonderful time. The house was perfect and so inviting. Would highly recommend this house for anyone wanting a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas M.

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

Easy access to Carmel and surrounding area

Great house, great shape. Slept 5 adults and 3 kids very comfortably.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon P.

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

Recommended, great place to stay!

Great place to stay for me and my family! Hosts were quick to respond with any questions I had. Home was lovely and clean. Great central location too as we were in town for a wedding. Highly recommend and would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gilda G.

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

Terrific place and location

We had a terrific stay and were glad to be able to take the dog. Great area for walking him and dog friendly area downtown. Owners were quick to respond to questions before and during stay. House had everything we needed, it was close to town, to the aquarium and 17 mile-drive. Many choices of where to eat or access to everything to make meals at the house. The hot tub was a good addition and we used some of the games available. Will certainly look for this property when we visit the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

PAMELA M.

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

Home away from home

This property look just like the photos….one exception is that it’s bigger than I thought it would be. Upstairs which is entry level, two bedrooms, two baths. Lower level which is a flight of stairs down, a bedroom, bathroom, and what I would call, a family room. Lower level is your access to outdoor area. We really didn’t use it since the hot tub doesn’t really get very warm, but only the teens really wanted it anyway. The front deck (entry level) was used the entire time since the weather was gorgeous. Plenty of seating everywhere, inside and out. I was worried the traffic noise would be bad since several people mentioned it, but it was not distracting at all, hardly heard it even when outside. Kitchen was fully stocked with everything a family would need. The very only negative was its walking distance from Ocean Ave. I had thought I’d be able to walk there. While walking there was a nice long walk (30 min), walking back was uphill. However, that said, it was a VERY easy drive 3-5 min each way. Susan was the perfect host, just a phone call away (we only called once re the hot tub). And she was totally flexible with check in and out to accommodate my young grandson’s nap schedule. I love Carmel by the Sea and could not have asked for a more perfect house to celebrate my 70th.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Michael B.

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

Celebration: 4th of July and wedding anniversary

Enjoyed all the little extras this vacation home offered. Plenty to do in the area with fantastic restaurants, shops and pubs. Our thing is golfing so this trip was a blast, played 3 rounds during our stay. I especially loved both 75 inch TVs in the living room and the overflow room. Beautiful weather was the icing on the cake. Looking forward to potentially staying again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chickn M.

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

Graduation celebration

Other than the locks being on backwards in the upstairs bathrooms, making them unlockable,it was great
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

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

Great stay for a family reunion

The house was perfect for our vacation. We enjoyed all the luxuries and amenities this property offers. The host was really great and keeping in touch. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie B.

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

Best

We love everything you should come stay. Beautiful place!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

T C.

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

Lovely Carmel Rental Home

From the moment we walked in, we felt confortable and knew we made a great selection for our girls weekend. The home was clean and bright with plenty of room for 7 of us. Due to rainy weather we didn't use the hot tub as its uncovered. Some things to be mindful of: 1) there is loud road noise but only heard in main floor back bedroom and lower level open bed/tv area. 2) There are three full bathrooms but one of the upstairs bathrooms is a shared jack-n-jill style. 3) The front door uses a code to enter/exit but it was tricky to get the door to lock when exiting. Home is in upper Northeast Carmel and its a solid 20 minute walk to all the great spots in Carmel-by-the Sea (on Ocean Ave) or a five minute Uber ride in rainy weather. Great location for rental. So many different outside patio areas, but we didn't get to enjoy them due to weather. Would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

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

Carmel visit

Susan and Rob were excellent hosts for our stay in Carmel. We were celebrating a milestone birthday and they ensured we had a lovely weekend. Susan was very responsive to my questions and provided detailed responses. The home was beautiful. The space met our needs for 8 people comfortably. The departure instructions were easy to follow. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

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

Excellent place to stay in carmel

We had a great time with two families with three kids. Downstairs with tons of space for kids. Hot tub was a highlight. Kitchen had everything to pull off an ambitious dinner. Beds were extremely comfortable. We were able to walk to the pebble beach Carmel gate for the pro am. It is quite a descent so walk up would be difficult for some and really hard with strollers.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

J&T B.

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

Excellent Home and Wonderful 2024 Celebration!

Excellent and clean property in Carmel, CA! Close to downtown (Lyft/Uber highly recommended) and the beach. Susan was a wonderful host and left a (very much appreciated) personal note for us upon check-in. Despite lots of rain during our stay, the hot tub got lots of use as did the fire pit! Only wish is that there were more covered patio spaces and that Hwy 1 was a little farther away. But we would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

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

Best Christmas ever!

Great house ! Appointed with everything you could need or want! Location is awesome- a beautiful 15 minute walk into town. Susie and Rob were terrific hosts and super responsive. Best Christmas ever!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful Time in Carmel

We enjoyed our stay in Carmel at this wonderful property. The house was clean and in a great location that was convenient to both Carmel and Monterey. The kids in our group loved the play house and the hosts were very responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

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

So comfortable

We were four family couples staying for my nephew's wedding weekend. We all had our own space and the bedroom to bathroom ratio is awesome. The outside space is really enjoyable and the kitchen is very user friendly! Would love to stay there again sometime.Thanks Rob and Susan!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert & Joyce I.

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

Wonderful!

We really enjoyed our stay. Convenient location; tastefully decorated, and lots of amenities! Host was very helpful. We would love to stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanie P.

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

We loved our stay! Definitely recommend this lovely home.

What a gem this house is! And in such a great location! We stayed here for a family wedding at Mission Ranch, which is between 5-10 minutes away. The house is close to the town and the beach; some of our crowd walked or ran there; the rest of us drove the short (5-7 min?) drive. It is a cozy, welcoming home that has plenty of room for a large group. When we arrived and began to settle in, we noticed so many welcoming touches that Susan and Rob had left- it is evident that they take great care to anticipate what guests might need or want in order to feel at home. The kitchen was well stocked - we never found ourselves in need of anything. The bedrooms are lovely with comfortable beds. The whole house is nicely decorated and has lots of seating areas to lounge in; the living room area fit us all so we spent lots of time all together in there. The 5 teens/young adults in our group all ended up sleeping comfortably in the bonus room which had the door out to the hot tub and seating area in the back yard. They had a blast down there. The front porch/deck has plenty of seating for the gas fire pit and we enjoyed hanging out together by the fire. Susan is wonderful- she is extremely helpful and responsive. It seems clear to me that she takes pride in this lovely spot and makes a genuine effort to ensure that guests are happy there. Cant wait to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara D.

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

Love it!!!

Three couples were very comfortable in this lovely, well stocked home. Location is excellent and the owners are AMAZING HOSTS that are exceptionally responsive if there are issues. Without a doubt we will endeavor to secure this property in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by rob and susan farrens

Host profile image
We are Rob and Susan Farrens
We moved to Carmel two years ago and sincerely fall more in love with living here every day!
We have 5 children and FIVE grand babies. Our three adult children have flown the nest. Our son Robbie attended Stevenson Boarding school, for Highschool which made for an easy move to Carmel. Robbie is an avid road cyclist and National Champion. Riding on the Peninsula and into the Santa Lucia Mountain range was his passion. He is now off to Colorado and College. Stacia is our teen who just graduated from Carmel High.
Rob has been in the Health club industry for more than 30 years! He has loved helping people improve the quality of their lives through good health. Susan is an interior designer. (thats me!) I have been working on projects in the Carmel and Pebble Beach area for decades. The remodeling and sharing of our homes to guests is a joy for me. When we travel, having our family and friends connected to us with a brewing coffee maker in the morning and wine around a fire.. a place to play a board game, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie is just something we can never find in a hotel setting.

Why they chose this property

The biggest draw, is the convenience. Its location gives easy access to Carmel by the sea, monterey, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley and of course, Big Sur. The front Court yard is secluded and quiet and there is fabulous space for families to spread out!
It is a quiet neighborhood with a real time feeling of home while on vacation.

What makes this property unique

Many guests who stay with us are excited about Carmel, but they carve out time to experience our home and enjoy the environment. That is the ultimate compliment as we know there are so many wonderful options. A hop in the hot tub, bbq on the patios and relaxing around the out door fire, after a big day of exploring the sites of the peninsula is exceptional!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests