Gracious Living

Ruth (Reno, Nevada)
Review submitted: April 20, 2013   Date of arrival: March 18, 2013

My husband & I just returned from a month in this lovely apartment. We were without car, and for those in similar situation, have no fear. The bus is close and the SD transport system is excellent. Kent is an affable and helpful landlord, and he lives on site. The garden is huge & secluded, the neighborhood is good for walking, quiet and full of craftsman houses. An adequate grocery store is also nearby. This is an extraordinarily fine place to stay and both of us recommend it heartily.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Beautiful, relaxing environment, steps from park

Lisa M. ()
Review submitted: January 21, 2013   Date of arrival: November 9, 2012

We absolutely loved our stay here. The suite itself was immaculate and perfectly appointed, with everything we needed from a good selection of books to kitchen equipment. The garden was an added bonus. The house is just a few steps from the park - perfect if you're a runner/walker. It was also a moderate walk to Hillcrest or North Park restaurants through pleasant neighborhoods. Kent went out of his way to make us feel welcome. We would definitely stay here again, in fact we were disappointed when it wasn't available for our subsequent San Diego visit.

Recommended for: sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Loved our Stay

K and K (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Review submitted: December 16, 2012   Date of arrival: October 30, 2012

Right from our first communication with Kent everything was excellent. We stayed in the upstairs suite and it exceeded our expectations. It felt like home. The suite was very comfortable and well equipped. Outside every window was a beautiful green oasis. Our morning tea on the balcony watching the hummingbirds was a great start to the day. The location was perfect for us. We love to walk and we were within 15 to 20 minutes walking to North Park, Hillcrest and the main attractions in Balboa Park. When we return to San Diego, Kent's place will definitely be our first choice of a place to stay.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Idyllic Haven

J & B (San Diego)
Review submitted: December 13, 2012   Date of arrival: December 6, 2012

My husband and I are in love with this marvelous place, having stayed now at least six times. Location! Beauty! Architectural Gem! The owner is remarkably responsible, responsive, friendly, and helpful in small to large matters, and he has created a beautiful arts and crafts house. In the top apartment, we look out onto trees from all windows and down into the gorgeous garden from the living room and kitchen. From the the bedroom and living room, we look down on a private patio with stunning palms and plants and a fountain that is a way station for hummingbirds. Each time we come we feel as if we have traveled to an exotic South Pacific Island. The classy yet comfortable furnishings have an understated, soothing elegance. The king sized bed is superbly comfortable with the softest sheets. As an avid cook, I appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, and we enjoy eating breakfast out on the small balcony overlooking the fountain or dinner down in the patio. Each time we have come, the place has been immaculately clean. And so many amenities are nearby: Balboa Park is a half a block away with tennis courts, swimming pool, and hiking trails; the San Diego Zoo and other museums are a two minute drive away; the ocean can be reached in minutes depending on which beach is your favorite; and excellent restaurants such as The Smoking Goat, and stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, farmer markets, and bakeries are within walking distance or a short drive. The lovely neighborhood is quiet and easy to walk around day and night. We would not stay anywhere else when coming to San Diego.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Great location near Balboa Park.

Kitty (Delaware)
Review submitted: December 6, 2012   Date of arrival: November 22, 2012

The pictures do not do justice to the property. It has been carefully restored to reflect orginal arts & crafts movement design. The gardens and scenery really do create a sense of being in a tropical hideaway. The hummingbirds playing in the fountain were a treat to see. The owner was very friendly, helpful,accessible and provided great information sheets, verbal suggestions/tips for area restaurants, sights and shopping. You definitely need a car to get around. Morey Athletic field is right on the corner and offers many paths for running, walking. Grocery shopping is best done at Trader Joe's and Ralphs.
A great location to stay in SD away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Downsides: washer/dryer not being in unit; weak blow dryer; dull knives

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Another great vacation at Kent's.

Michele (Buffalo, New York)
Review submitted: July 25, 2012   Date of arrival: July 17, 2012

This was our second rental with Kent. All of his properties are well kept and you feel just like you are at home. They are very clean, and the grounds are beautiful! Kent is a wonderful host and answers any questions you have immediately. We love staying at these properties and have stayed in both of the rentals. They are close to Hillcrest and Northpark and offer many great restaurants, and Coronado is only 10 minutes away. Trader Joes is down the street, you could walk to many places if you wanted to. Parking is right in front of the entrance. The neighborhood is clean and quiet, and you feel very safe. We would never stay at a hotel again. You have everything you need, great updated kitchen, two TV's, and great Mission style furnishings. We look forward to staying again. Trust us, once you stay here, you will never go to a hotel again. Thank you Kent for another wonderful vacation experience!

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Exceeded expectations

tim S. (morton, illinois)
Review submitted: July 15, 2012   Date of arrival: July 4, 2012

All we had hoped for and more. Well located, very spacious and comfortable and Kent was very helpful.
The grounds are beautiful and the accommodation was quiet with a balcony overlooking a private courtyard.
Balboa park is only 5 minutes away and two eclectic neighborhoods are very near by. A grocery store is right down the street as well.
WiFi provided and two televisions if you are so inclined.
I'd recommend this place to any couple seeking a great accommodation in San Diego.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Exceeded expectations

tim S. (morton, illinois)
Review submitted: July 12, 2012   Date of arrival: July 4, 2012

My wife and I would highly recommend this appealing rental. The surroundings are lovely and the apartment itself is very comfortable, spacious and clean. It is well located to Balboa Park and is not far from any of the major attractions. The eclectic neighborhoods nearby were much to our liking.
The owners lives on the grounds but the accommodation assures privacy for all. Kent regularly checks on you and provides information in advance and on an as needed basis.
We couldn't have been more pleased about hour stay in San Diego.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

What a remarkable place !!

J C (Dillon, Montana)
Review submitted: July 6, 2012   Date of arrival: June 26, 2012

The pictures of the property show what a beautiful location you find once you enter your private gate !!
We stayed a week and enjoyed everyday. Long walks in the morning ... after coffee on the deck. Exploring San Diego in the afternoons. And a few naps somewhere in between! The fountain outside the suite was very good for relaxing and the hummers stopping by to bath made the days more exciting.
Top of the list of things to do ... was to visit the Del Coronado Hotel. The "Dell" (as the locals call it) has one of the greatest Sunday brunches.
Kent is the greatest of hosts. This is definitely a "keeper", we intend to return as often as we can.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Another Great Stay

rvershk (Norton Shores, Michigan)
Review submitted: May 7, 2012   Date of arrival: April 10, 2012

My wife and I just spent three wonderful weeks at this property. We had stayed in the other unit previously and loved it so we thought we would try this one, what a great choice. Since there was just the two of us we felt this one bedroom, king would best suit our needs this time. The unit is spacious, well appointed and just a pleasure to be in. The view is super regardless of what window you are gazing out of.

Both the cozy deck and the very private patio with fountain offer a wonderful, peaceful location for solitude, reflection, while surrounded by beautiful plants and fragrance.

The lower garden area is also spectacular and offers another great location for reading and just being with nature.

The property is located near major access to get to any location withing the greater San Diego area. The walking opportunites around the area offer a wide range of options and level of difficulty. My favorite was to walk the many trails of close by Balboa Park.

Rest assured that anytime while in San Diego THIS will be the place we strive to stay at.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Memorable stay in San Diego

Barb (Carmel, Indiana)
Review submitted: April 18, 2012   Date of arrival: March 3, 2012

My husband and I recently stayed in this lovely San Diego apartment for two weeks. During the process of looking for accommodations, the owner Kent was most helpful with my questions about the apartment and the city. I appreciated his promptness to my inquiries and his helpfulness prior to booking and also while we were in the apartment. The apartment could not have been better -- very spacious, tastefully appointed, extremely clean and comfortable. It is located in a neighborhood, not a commercial area -- less noise and traffic! The sound of the fountain on the patio was delightful. And the beautiful, lush surroundings on the property made for a relaxing setting.

The proximity to Balboa Park was great and my husband was able to take off from the apartment to run in the park. Kent was very knowledgable about interesting sites to see in San Diego and his suggestion for restaurants, coffee shops, and farmers markets in Hillcrest and La Jolla were excellent. The apartment was centrally located and within easy driving distance for sites in the city. In Balboa Park we enjoyed the Sunday afternoon outdoor concert, the San Diego Zoo, the Japanese Teahouse, a ranger-led tour of the park, lunch at El Prado Restaurant, the great museums, and strolling thru the Spanish Village Art Center. By staying 2 weeks, we were able to enjoy many “gems” of the San Diego area: Coronado Island, the Midway Museum, the Gaslamp Quarters, Little Italy, walking the boardwalk at Mission Beach, La Jolla beaches, hiking a scenic trail in Torrey Pines State Park, Point Loma, a bus tour of the sculptures and buildings of the University of California San Diego campus, and touring the beautiful San Deigo de Acala Mission. This bungalow suite in its tropical oasis is an outstanding choice when visiting San Diego!

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

We love it here.

Review submitted: June 1, 2011   Date of arrival: May 7, 2011

Each time my wife & I return to this perfectly appointed and warm Craftsman home in the perfect location (minutes to Balboa Park, Coronado, Hillcrest, Downtown, shopping -- everything!) we feel like second-home owners ourselves, as we sip our coffee in our private hummingbird- and fountain-filled garden. Seriously, we dream about this place when we're not there! And the bed is so perfect, we're getting a duplicate for our own home. Robert & Linda, Bozeman Montana

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Kent's bungalow

HAC142649 (Vancouver Washington)
Review submitted: May 28, 2011   Date of arrival: March 25, 2011

Kent offers two lovely apartments in his large renovated Craftsman Bungalow. Each has its own entry and the house is set within a private tropical garden. It is in a great location, close to Balboa Park and other attractions. He is readily available and addresses your every need.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

amazing place

drjoe (washington/baltimore)
Review submitted: May 25, 2011   Date of arrival: May 17, 2011

This is a wonderful apartment for one or two adults. Great neighborhood, a stone's throw from Balboa Park and all of its attractions and close to shopping, restaurants etc. The apartment itself is stunning - beautifully furnished and appointed, clean and well maintained. The garden is spectacular and creates the impression of being miles away from urban stress. I found myself not wanting to leave the premises and, in fact, on a couple of days didn't. The owner is very accommodating, helpful, friendly but not intrusive. I would, and have, recommended it to colleagues and friends and will most certainly be back early and often.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Fun week in San Diego

Chicagonurse (Chicago, IL 60561)
Review submitted: April 27, 2011   Date of arrival: April 2, 2011

My husband and I spent a week in this property and loved every minute. The apartment and the garden were both beautiful and the bed, was so-so comfortable. We had total privacy yet, Kent was just a phone call away if needed. The property was right in the middle of a great neighborhood, a block away from Balboa Park, and ten minutes away from the beautiful Coronado Beach, yet quiet and private. Almost like a " little Oasis" within the city.

This is a great place for any age couple, or a few couples if you rent both apartments. If you want some great restaurants check out, The Smoking Goat, The Mission for breakfast and Prado in Balboa park.

This is a great place to stay if you really want to experience San Diego at it's best. Can't wait for our next trip to San Diego.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Ideal Vacation

David Abramowitz (Charleston, WV)
Review submitted: February 13, 2011   Date of arrival: February 5, 2011

This place has something for everyone. Close by are wonderful restaurants along University Blvd and 30th street district. Many coffee shops in the area and absolutely to die for bakery at 3rd and University. Want more activity....hiking trails and Balboa park are a short walk. All the other sites of San Diego and along the coast are a short ride away. Airport is about 15 minutes by car. The rental was immaculate. King size bed, nice bathroom and kitchen and large living room. Private patio and veranda was an added bonus. What can I say...it was a great vacation. If you must have a view of the ocean, go somewhere else. Otherwise, great beaches within 15 minute by car. Can't go wrong with this place.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

beautiful property, really nice owner!

robyn (san francisco, ca)
Review submitted: August 13, 2010   Date of arrival: July 19, 2010

you will love it here! a gorgeous apartment surrounded by truly lovely grounds, and kent is really fabulous as well. very centrally located, close to balboa park, the san diego zoo, downtown and etc. i would DEFINATELY stay here again!

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Beautiful relaxing getaway near great restaurants

Kmcou (Fort McMurray, Alberta)
Review submitted: August 13, 2010   Date of arrival: July 20, 2010

We stayed here in July for a week and had the best time. Kent was amazing and had an outline of different restaurants that he recommended and other activities closeby all typed up and available to us when we arrived. We tried one of the restaurants and we were hooked! All the local spots, delicious food, cheap and good service.

The condo is beautiful, a little retreat opening on a beautiful garden with a bistro set where you can drink your coffee in the morning. It's also steps from the zoo. Insanely comfortable bed as well.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Perfect Stay!!!

Adam (Austin Texas)
Review submitted: August 12, 2010   Date of arrival: July 28, 2010

What an amazing property and a perfect location while visiting San Diego. The owner "Kent" has done a magnificent job restoring the home and surrounding gardens, which are equally stunning and provide a lot of privacy. Our 4-night stay couldn't have been better and Kent made sure to provide a comfortable and relaxing home for our stay. We have stayed in many homes using VRBO and this is our best stay yet.

Located in a great neighborhood that is within two minutes of many great restaurants and of course Balboa park. It was an absolute pleasure to stay here and we can't wait to get back!

Recommended for: girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

An Oasis indeed!

Elenee (Chapel Hill,NC)
Review submitted: August 1, 2010   Date of arrival: June 17, 2010

We came to San Diego to visit family and wanted to combine it with a 10 day vacation. We arrived with the usual apprehension when renting a place sight unseen--for the first time. We needn't worry. The cottage was indeed an oasis of comfort,yet within easy reach of Hillcrest, Balboa Park and many San Diego areas.
It was accurately described, but what was wonderful about the place was the sense that it had been carefully put together, so it was comfortable, clean and easy to live in. There was a sense that someone cared about the place --in both decorating and maintaining it. The little patio in front of the french doors opened to a private, tropical garden. We made a habit of starting the day there with coffee and taking a break in the afternoon before starting out again.

The owner was available to answer any questions--just a short flight up the steps to his office or by phone. At the same time, if we wanted privacy, we could go days without seeing him. Thanks to his suggestions, we found a wonderful neighborhood restaurant nearby.

The neighborhood was safe to walk around in, day and night and we made a point of walking the half a block to the northeast end of Balboa Park every day. We drove to reach the more popular areas of Balboa Park, and that was about a two-minute drive.
We will definitely return.

Recommended for: age 55+, sight seeing

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Believe!

English gardener (Springfield MO)
Review submitted: July 21, 2010   Date of arrival: July 6, 2010

For once in my life, everything was as described! A truly beautiful secluded spot in the city.

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 2 / 3

Excellent place, very nice experience

Yogesh D. (New York NY)
Review submitted: July 1, 2010   Date of arrival: June 23, 2010

My wife and I stayed at Kent's place from June 23rd to June 30th. There are three units in his house, on three different floors, the bottom two of which he rents out. When we were searching for a place to stay, we really liked the look and feel of his two advertised units and contacted him about them. Seeing our eagerness to stay at his property rather than other vacation condos/ houses in SD, he graciously agreed to move out for a week and gave us his own suite on the top floor to stay in, as the bottom two units were booked!

His house is meticulously landscaped and has differing levels on his nearly one-acre property, with three separate entrances. Each of the three units has their own private garden and patio space. During our time there, we did not hear or see the other renters at all. We spent a fair bit of time sunning in his garden and relaxing on his lounge chairs under a beach umbrella.

Kent's property is located a few blocks from Balboa Park and 6 minutes walking distance from nearby bus stops. Except for one day when we went to Laguna Beach and LA, we did not even rent a car but went everywhere in San Diego by bus, trollley, or on bicycles (plenty of bike rental places around). We went to Balboa Park, its museums and the zoo, Corondao Beach, Mission Bay, Pacific beach and downtown SD (less than five miles away) without once feeling the need for a car! In case anyone's interested, you can plan your trips using public transportation in SD at this very helpful website:

http://sdcommute.com/TripPlanner/index.asp

Kent's house is situated in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, with lots of nice restaurants, cafes, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and other supermarkets around. The university area is close by too, with lots of ethnic and vegetarian restaurants around.

His place is very clean, nicely maintained and private. The neigborhood is nice and quiet, but very close to everything. Kent was a very gracious host and helpful with local info and what to do/ what to avoid. We paid him half the money up front and the balance when we met on day 1. He was very responsive on phone and e-mail also, even before we landed up there and also afterwards. Other than when we needed him, he was unobtrusive.

We would heartily recommend renting one of Kent's units and staying there. Kent can give you our contact info in case someone needs to chat with us personally. Bear in mind the time difference when contacting me, though (I live in New York).

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Excellent Choice!

s.k.e. (Phoenix, AZ Southwest USA)
Review submitted: June 19, 2010   Date of arrival: June 4, 2010

This is the second summer in a row that we've stayed at this property. It is immaculate, beautifully appointed, peaceful, quiet and private. Do not hesitate to rent from this owner. He is conscientious, friendly and helpful! The location is wonderful and the gardens and units are the best we've ever found.
Look no further!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Better than expected

Me & Him (Northern CA)
Review submitted: June 7, 2010   Date of arrival: May 13, 2010

Great location, centrally located to just about anything you might need (groceries, Peets/Starbucks, shopping, and the Zoo. We could probably have walked to the Zoo if we weren't so lazy :) The unit is modern, simple and clean... actually nicer than the photos. The owner was available for any questions we had, and had a pre-printed a list of cool places to visit in the area. The yard, right outside the patio door, is spacious, quiet and absolutely gorgeous. All in all a magical stay. The owner says he has people that come back every year, and from our experience, we can understand why.

Recommended for: age 55+, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

Do you find this review helpful?   Yes   No

Helpful votes: 0 / 1