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Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes!

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Exterior
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Los Penasquitos Marsh Nature Preserve
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Del Mar Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Livingroom

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes!

James Hubbell is a local artist who is renowned for his organically and nature, inspired sculpture, Stainglass and architecture. He built this home in the mid 80s and is a true delight, and a wonderful place wherever you look. This is one of a kind home situated in a secluded Canyon close to Del Mar and Local beaches, the location is a peaceful oasis surrounded by mature trees. The second bedroom is upstairs, up a set of outdoor stairs. The bathroom is downstairs. Enjoy our meditation station, hot Jacuzzi, custom palapa with ceiling fan and barbecue for your enjoyment year-round!
We are pet friendly, but please pick up after your pets hair and poo $50 per pet ( 2 max).
Please enjoy our Rave Reviews, cool house, quiet home, everything you need to rest, truly memorable, San Diego’s lovely weather, comfortable, outdoor/indoor living spaces, Karen is a great hostess, this is like stepping back in time! This home is unique, read details! No EVENTS, Parties or gatherings EVER.
When you arrive at our unique property will park in the driveway, free, laundry, and laundry soap is available for your use. Our kitchen is fully equipped.
When you arrive, there will be three steps going up to the primary suite bedroom, and living room, three steps leading down into the living area, there are several steps going up the outdoor staircase, leading to the bedroom and veranda upstairs “Tree house feeling “ 1- queen 1 trundle = 2 twin beds. Primary suite 1 King bed.
Our second outdoor living area consist of a handcarved outdoor pergola, made in Bali, and a meditation station up by the Jacuzzi for yoga and meditation and relaxation. EXPLORE OUR WONDERFUL AREA: Del Mar is only 20 minutes from the San Diego airport, 15 minutes from La Jolla. It is a great location off the five freeway and Carmel Valley Rd. close to Beach, Torry Pines State Beach, great surfing, great restaurants, golf, local hikes, and more.
Grab organic food at Jimbos or Whole Foods, Vons is close by. ENJOY Legoland, Seaworld, SD Zoo, Safari park, BEST BEACHES, surf lessons, fishing, Del Mar Race Track (Check dates from Race Season) summer & fall the ponies run! Try some of San Diego’s fine dining by the beach! Monarch Ocean view club, Poseiden , Jake’s, George’s at The Cove, Las Olas, chart, house, Pacific Coast, Grill, Brigantine, and much more. I have named the rustic emerald retreat because the home was built in the 80s, it’s unique with organic vibe and round walls, amazing curves everywhere. It’s true experience. Enjoy!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
We hope you enjoyed your vacation here at the Rustic Emerald Retreat. If you could please just clean your dishes and put them in the dishwasher. We will do the rest! Safe travels home.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR-01796L, 004567
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

About the area

San Diego

Located in Carmel Valley, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. Shoppers can check out Fashion Valley Mall, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Torrey Pines State Beach and Mission Bay. Del Mar Fairgrounds and Pelly's Mini Golf at Del Mar Golf Center are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
View more Holiday homes in San DiegoOpens in a new window
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
  • Los Penasquitos Marsh Nature Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.2 km
  • Del Mar Fairgrounds - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Del Mar Racetrack - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Del Mar Beach - 11 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • Sorrento Valley Station - 6 min drive
  • San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 7 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Ken Sushi Workshop - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Carmel Sushi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bird Rock Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

As of 6 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! on 15 May 2026 start from NZ$637, 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 Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rustic Emerald Retreat - Rave Reviews! Shown in HGTV Extreme & Unique Homes! located?

Located in Carmel Valley, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and within 6 miles (10 km) of Torrey Pines State Beach and Seagrove Park. Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and University of California, San Diego are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 6 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 8 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A truly unique and beautiful property. Quiet neighborhood, well stocked with kitchen appliances/utensils, spacious and comfortable outdoor seating, and easy access to all points San Diego.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing, indoor/outdoor living!! Perfect oasis for our family as we celebrated our son’s graduation from UCSD. Host was responsive and provided some food recommendations. We LOVED it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy P.

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

One of a kind house

We love staying at rustic emerald retreat. It has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Plus, there is the unique architecture of the buildings which are so beautiful. Thank you, Karen for hosting us.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy P.

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

Wow! This place is stunning.

Impressive, beautiful place. We felt lucky to stay here. The architect who built this had such an incredible and unique vision. Everything you need is here and the outside area is so beautiful. We’re looking forward to a return trip to stay here.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

David A.

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

Thanksgiving stay

Very unique and artsy home. Hosted a family style thanksgiving dinner outside under the palapa covered patio
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared B.

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

Outstanding and unique retreat in San Diego

Our family including an 16, 11, and 8 year old had the absolute best time staying here. There was always something new to see, so many great places to sit, read, drink coffee, and play games. The location is fairly central to many fun spots and beaches to visit. Everyone agreed we would stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremiah D.

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

Fantastic Family Vacation

Our family had a terrific stay at this truly unique venue. We had fun researching the artist who built the home and his legacy. The property is very quiet and peaceful even though it's not far from major thoroughfares. Roughly a 10-15 minute drive to a few different beaches (Del Mar & Torrey Pines). Easy access to groceries and pharmacy. Close proximity to great restaurants. The property has multiple outdoor spaces which is very nice. Host was responsive and pleasant. We would stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sue W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
yes, however, a giant leak under the sink on the last day nearly flooded everything. Also, this is not a property for the elderly or infirm, as there are no safety railings on multiple steps, and the shower in the master BR is a deep 3-step cavern with nothing to hold on to. The way in is uphill with baggage. The Hot tub is on a dias with no railing and broken pavement. The doors and windows shrank over the years and were not repaired, and you can see outside thru most of them; they cause cold, wetness, and drafts. Poorly lit home altogether. TV in BR is video-only, and no videos are available there; TV in LR is difficult to operate for Senior citizens unaccompanied by tech. The BBQ is not heating. Sofas and cushions are in the weather all the time and as a result are not clean. Upon arrival, there was a giant spider in my bed. Linens had a stale odor. Later discovered that the Washing Machine and Dryer were in an outside shed, very dirty. Towels had been hung up to dry, which is why they were so scratchy. Or were they never washed at all and just hung up? All in all, left two days early, a waste of money. Had we wanted a broken-down art palace, we could have gone to a museum. Pictures were very deceiving.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Karen Kelly

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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