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Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria

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Holly House Exterior
Holly House - living room.
Holly House - Living Room
Holly House - dining and kitchen.
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Carpinteria, CA
  • Place, Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Carpinteria State Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Friends of the Library Used Bookstore
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria

This charming and stylish, beautifully refurbished cottage is 1.5 blocks from Carpinteria State Beach, 1 block from Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park and a few blocks to the heart of town. Included bikes, beach chairs, beach wagon, and cooler all make a fun-filled day at the beach effortless. When you return, rinse off the salt and sand in the warmth of the outdoor shower.

I was honored to have my cottages (#248884 & #336069) chosen to fill the "Little Gem" category of Carpinteria Beautiful's annual Home and Garden Tour in April 2012. They were also featured in Carpinteria Magazine's winter 2010 edition.

The cottage features bamboo hardwood floors, tasteful furnishings, central heat, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, and all the comforts of home. Beautiful, original paintings by local artists adorn the walls. There is a bedroom with a queen bed and another with a bunk bed with a twin on top and full bed on the bottom. A lovely patio in the yard with an outdoor dining table is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. The cottage is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. There is a fully upgraded kitchen with stone countertops and all new appliances (2023), including a dishwasher, microwave and ice maker. You will also find a washer and dryer for your convenience. I offer a library of beach and summer themed DVD's and wireless internet. Games and books are in the cupboard for mellow days around the house.

The surrounding neighborhood is very peaceful and the neighbors are friendly. There are several antique shops and wonderful restaurants within walking distance, as well as nature trails and wonderful bird watching one short block away. Or, hop on the bikes and head to town! Thursday afternoons offer a fresh Farmers Market. The town of Santa Barbara is a short drive away and hosts a zoo, museums, shopping, golf, art events, botanical gardens, the Queen of the Missions, wine tasting and more! Stop in Summerland for great antiquing, then glamorous, celebrity-filled Montecito along the way.

My cottage offers a charming place to stay while on your vacation. Make it your home-away-from-home!

SEE MY SISTER COTTAGE AT VRBO #336069. GREAT FOR EXTENDED FAMILIES & FRIENDS, OR IF THE WEEK OF YOUR CHOICE IS FULL.


Keywords: Cottage, beach cottage

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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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

About the area

Carpinteria

Located in Carpinteria, this cottage is near theme parks. Santa Barbara Harbor and Tee Time are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Montecito Village Shopping Center and Paseo Nuevo Mall. Check out an event or a game at Santa Barbara Bowl, and consider making time for Santa Barbara Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
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Map
Carpinteria, CA

What's nearby

  • Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Tomol Interpretive Play Area - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Carpinteria State Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Friends of the Library Used Bookstore - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary - 6 min drive - 5.2 km

Getting around

  • Carpinteria Station - 5 min walk
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Brass Bird - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara Hives - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Spot - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria?

As of 1 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria on 16 June 2026 start from NZ$643, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stylish Cottage Retreat by the Sea in Carpinteria located?

Situated in Carpinteria, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park, Tomol Interpretive Play Area and Carpinteria State Beach. Friends of the Library Used Bookstore and Tar Pits Park are also within 1 mile (2 km). Carpinteria Station is 5 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

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. 170 out of 177 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 177 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 177 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 177 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 177 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nanette E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for our family of four. Looking forward to our next stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mo B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful home, location can’t be beat, loved the patio table out front where we could play board games and eat dinner by the BBQ. We had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KEB 9.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet, well appointed cottage. Very clean, easy to access, a wonderful choice. Great location both to downtown and the beach! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a cute cottage with great location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cottage near the beach and walking distance for everything in Carpenteria. Can’t wait to visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little house! It had everything we needed for a relaxing weekend. A variety of restaurants within walking distance. Spent a day on the beach which is right down the road and another afternoon walking on all the nearby trails. Love the fact that we could do it all without having to move the car once!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott and Jill A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have rented here before, this time it was some of our family! They absolutely loved the home! It's very accommodating and cozy. A great beach retreat with all things anyone could want!!! Kat is an amazing Hostess!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay. We rented both of the beautiful cottages on this property which made for a wonderful family trip. We will definitely be coming back. Thanks Kat!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe E.

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

Great Stay

Great stay! Location and amenities were excellent!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

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

Always love staying here

The house is wonderful. Host is so responsive and great. Perfect walking distance to town and beach
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Kate S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed for a girls weekend and could not have asked for a better bungalow and location. We walked every day on the beach and around town and slept like logs in the cozy beds. We all wished we didn’t have to leave. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi C.

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

College graduation

Love this property! Owners are great to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage has all of the essentials, close to the beach. Beach chairs, umbrella, paddle boards, bikes and other odds and ends are provided in the rear shed which also was handy to keep my road bike in. With no A/C it can get warm in the front of the cottage in the afternoon with the sun exposure during higher heat days especially with no sea breeze. Nice to have the off street parking.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was outstanding. The only problem we had was that someone knocked on our door at 8 pm saying they were from frontier and wanted to know if we were interested in up grading the internet. I thought it was a little weird as it was dark and rainy. Would definitely rebook. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele W.

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

Loved this cottage

We loved staying at this little cottage. It was so clean, charming, great location, safe neighborhood. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teo L.

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

Beautiful cottage

A very nice and clean place to stay just blocks from the beach! We look forward to staying there again this summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan S.

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

Perfect Beach Town Cottage

Excellent location in the wonderful town of Carpinteria! Well appointed and clean. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W.

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

Lovely cottage

What a lovely place to stay. We enjoyed our time in the cottage retreat! So close to the beach and downtown Carp! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevin P.

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

Lovely beach getaway

This house was very cute and comfortable, so close to the beach and had everything you need to make the stay very comfortable and classy. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Sher B.

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

Great Amentities

The cottage is located in a great location close to the beach and town. The owner provided wonderful amenities including beach toys, chairs, a wagon, umbrellas and boogie boards. We appreciated the outdoor shower, patio, and tar wipes. Unfortunately the house was not as clean as I had hoped and there was hair in the bathroom as well as food and debris underneath the bunk beds. The only outlet in the bathroom was not working and could not be repaired during our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah W.

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

Gotta go!

This little community and this cottage were perfect for our long weekend in California. Walk to so many good restaurants and cute shops or hang out at the beach, super chill vibe, less expensive than Santa Barbara but close enough to enjoy it all.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin G.

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

Holly House

This cottage is absolutely adorable. Great location, easy to walk to the beach, downtown etc. Kat was responsive and helpful with all our needs. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin B.

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

Well appointed lovely cottage

Great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

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

Perfect Spot!

The cottage was a perfect end to our trip! Kat, our host was terrific, check in and out so easy! The beach is a quick walk, town is also walking distance. Everything we needed was there. The beds are comfortable, beach towels, toys and chairs, the kitchen is well equipped for the simple dinners we cooked. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Perfect Cottage

Everything was amazing. Only addition that would make it exceptional is a fire pit. Our family of 4 with two teenage boys absolutely loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kat Hirsch

Host profile image
Our family bought 2 neglected, unloved cottages on one lot one 1/2 blocks from the beach. We expertly and extensively refurbished them throughout, upgrading EVERYTHING and making them very livable and lovely. They are now complete and we are ready to share them with people that will appreciate the fine quality of our charming cottages.

Why they chose this property

Carpinteria is a charming town. The beach is amazing and there are many other local activities and good restaurants. We live in nearby Santa Barbara.

What makes this property unique

Beach walks, dinner on the patio, entertaining friends and family, bird watching at Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park which is 1 short block away, days at the beach with the kids, watching them swim out to the platforms with all of the other kids.

Languages:

English
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