Entire home·Private host

Carmel’s Most ROMANTIC Escape - Walk to Beach&Town - It's a Dream House!

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Sun-loungers
Dining
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Pool
Sun-loungers

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 242 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Carmel, CA
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Carmel Plaza
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, 17-Mile Drive
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Carmel’s Most ROMANTIC Escape - Walk to Beach&Town - It's a Dream House!

Welcome to our Carmel-by-the-Sea sanctuary — a storybook studio cottage where time slows, ocean air cleanses, and every detail whispers comfort.
Tucked behind a private garden gate, this charming hideaway blends old-world craftsmanship with fresh, coastal elegance. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee with hummingbirds or strolling to white-sand beaches and charming cafes, this is the kind of place where you arrive and instantly exhale.


WHAT TRAVELERS LOVE ABOUT OUR COTTAGE

Guests often tell us this cottage feels “like a dream you don’t want to wake from.” They rave about:

• The Best Sleep of Their Lives: Luxurious bed, Belgian linen duvet, and the gentle hush of ocean air create pure serenity

• Sunlit Mornings in the Garden: A peaceful retreat surrounded by whispering pines, trickling fountains, and the soft buzz of hummingbirds

• Sanctuary Gardens: Wander through flower-lined paths, listen to the fountain, or meditate among the cypress trees

• Unbeatable Location: Walk to everything — just a short stroll to downtown Carmel’s cafes, galleries, wine rooms, and boutique shops — and a short stroll down to the beach

• A Magical Host: Travelers often mention our attention to detail and warm hospitality — “It’s like staying with a friend who’s thought of everything.”

• Impeccable Cleanliness: Every corner gleams, maintained by one of the top-rated cleaning teams in Carmel.


ALL THE DETAILS

• Calm, Beautiful Interior Design
- Step inside and feel an immediate sense of calm. The studio glows with natural light reflecting off whitewashed walls and original pine plank floors. Vintage wavy-glass windows and thumb latch hardware nod to the home’s 1920s heritage, while curated coastal décor and plush textures add an elevated, modern feel. Every space feels intentional, soothing, and quietly luxurious.

• Enchanting Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
- Your private gardens are alive with color, fragrance, and birdsong. Relax with morning tea, unwind by the fountain, or share wine beneath the twinkling night sky in the garden. Guests say it feels like “a secret garden tucked within Carmel itself.”

• Fully Equipped Kitchen
- The bright, well-stocked kitchen includes everything you need — from sharp knives and artisan tableware to high-end cookware and three kinds of coffee makers. Whether you’re preparing a cozy breakfast or an elegant dinner, it’s designed to make cooking a joy.

• Sumptuous Bedding & Comforts
- The sleeping area features a hotel-quality mattress, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and a Belgian linen duvet from Restoration Hardware. Fluffy down and hypoallergenic pillows ensure personalized comfort, so every night feels like a spa retreat.

• Impeccable Cleanliness
- Our professional cleaning team — among the best in Carmel — uses premium, eco-friendly products to ensure the cottage is spotless and fresh. From crisp linens to polished floors, we prepare the home to five-star standards for every guest.

• Authenticity & History
- Originally built in the 1920s, this is one of Carmel’s beloved storybook cottages — restored with respect for its history and comfort for today’s traveler. You’ll find original pine plank floors, wavy-pane windows, and charming thumb latch hardware paired with modern amenities including high-speed business class Wi-Fi, smart TV, streaming music, entertainment, and personal development programming.

• Our Commitment to the Environment
- We believe that caring for this magical place means caring for the planet. We use refillable bulk cleaning supplies, LED lighting, and smart thermostats to reduce waste and energy use. Our guests’ stays have helped plant over 1,000 trees worldwide, and we sponsor the replanting of native Monterey Cypress trees right here in Carmel.


SOME FEEDBACK FROM PAST GUESTS

** About The Cottage
**

“Fabulous! I have stayed in many different rental homes from Boston, Nashville, Hilton Head, Colorado, etc. This by far was the most perfect. The owner/host, Barry, goes beyond your wildest expectations. He must love what he does because everything is thought out on every detail. Don’t pass this place up. I can’t wait to return.”

“A little slice of heaven. What a gem! Charming, beautifully decorated, every amenity you could ask for. We just loved it!”
“This cottage is magical!!”

“Don’t walk but run to book this! The bed was so comfortable. We absolutely loved this place and will be back again!”

** About The Host
**

“Dearest Barry, thank you for touching our hearts and for sharing this magical place with us. Our hearts remain full from the love and grace of your beautiful soul touching ours.”

"We have traveled quite extensively and I can say we have never received more gracious and thoughtful hospitality. Barry provides a 5 Star Concierge Level service equal to any luxury hotel or premium resort."

“Our time in your cottage was so memorable. We will always relish our stay at your cottage as if something greater than all of us has suspended it in time. I can still ‘feel’ opening the gate and stepping down the stone entryway into nothing short of enchantment. I relive it often in grace and harmony remembering the creative journey you continuously and so beautifully have given to those of us who need a deep breath of peace. Thank you for who you are, all you’ve done and how you continue to contribute everyday of your life to others. You’re an angel on earth driven with universal guidance in more ways than just one. We adore you!”

***************************************

PLEASE NOTE: Due to town ordinance, we accept only one booking per 30-day period.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at this vacation home. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Carmel Beach. Features include laundry facilities. The vacation home includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and a living room
  • Free WiFi (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Within a 10-minute walk of Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Scuba diving nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Property does not allow children
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 450 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
We try to minimize any clean up requirements so you can enjoy all of your time in Carmel! :)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

Property is also known as

724282
Steps to Town Beach. A Quiet Private Retreat. Ideal Location
Steps to Town Beach. A Quiet Private Retreat. Ideal Location.

Carmel’s Most ROMANTIC Escape - Walk to Beach&Town - It's a Dream House! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 144 out of 144 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 144 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 144 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 144 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 144 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barry was an amazing host who has created a remarkable retreat.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deanna E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barry provided so many special touches!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geeta P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the cottage. You cannot beat the location. It was walking distance from the beach and the town. The host was communicative and made sure all our questions were answered.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cottage in thr perfect location. The host is terrific.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you Barry for an amazing stay at your amazing cottage! You thought of everything to make our stay here so special! There's only one place to stay in Carmel...Dreams!Best,John & Sheila
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cozy cottage was a dream. A place where we were able to relax and enjoy the ocean air. Barry’s hospitality is expert level. We appreciated the many thoughtful touches, the well equipped kitchen, the beautiful decor and linens. We’ve visited Carmel dozens of times and this place ranks among the top few.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have traveled quite extensively and I can say we have never received more gracious and thoughtful hospitality. Barry provides a 5 Star Concierge Level service equal to any luxury hotel or premium resort. Location is great and everything one needs is provided. We throughly enjoyed our stay at the cottage. Our tenth Anniversary and Birthday will be one to remember.
Tranquil garden path to cottage.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheetal P.

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

Excellent Location

Great Place, Great Stay, close to the town and the beach.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

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

Wonderful little cottage

We are so glad that we rented this property. We could walk to all of the shops and restaurants, yet we were on a quiet residential street. The cottage itself is lovely, from the decor, original details, and the surrounding gardens. Barry was the perfect host who made us feel welcome and at home before, during, and after our stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rod H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barry is one of the best hosts I’ve engaged with on VRBO. Clear and timely communication are just two of his hallmarks. His Carmel Cottage is pristine and so welcoming. It’s also perfectly situated in Carmel to be just off the beaten path yet walkable to everything. Additionally, there are several thoughtful approaches by Barry to make for an ideal stay. When I booked months ago, he reached out to learn more about the purpose of our trip, the types of restaurants we like and other seemingly small details that all manifest in ways large and small in welcoming us to the cottage. This is a host who genuinely strives to make your visit perfect. We can’t wait to plan our return visit to Carmel. We will absolutely look to stay at Barry’s property again!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

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

Wonderful cottage.

Clean, quaint and private. The host has thought of everything. I would definitely book again .
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kari H.

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

California Dream’n

The cottage was quaint and romantic! Our host suggested a variety of activities & restaurants in the Carmel area and all were exceptional!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Great vibe, great host.Close to everything.A big thumbs up from the both of us.Thanks Barry!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barry is the finest host we have ever had at VRBO, or any other rental platform. He went above and beyond to make us feel welcome - wine & cheese board upon our arrival, homemade cookies with ice cream, and a couple of unobtrusive check ins during our stay to make sure everything was running smoothly.Barefoot Comfort is equally outstanding. It is impeccably designed and furnished, with top of the line linens, bath towels, and furnishings. On site laundry was a plus. The location is fabulous! We walked to dinner, the galleries and shopping.We are excited about our next stay.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brendan W.

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

Great stay, would come back

Clean, bright, nice
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara H.

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

A very sweet place and wonderful host!

A charming little place perfectly situated in Carmel. And Barry couldn’t be a better host! We loved it!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb S.

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

Wonderful

Wow, our trip to Carmel was beyond expectations. The property is beautiful and very clean, comfortable and is perfectly located. We had a great vacation there.
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia B.

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

Fabulous stay in Carmel by the Sea

Our bungalow was absolutely perfect, so stylish, clean, comfortable and walking distance to everywhere. Barry was over accommodating and made sure our stay was fabulous! We can’t wait to go back 😊
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

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

Little place in heaven

The cottage was just as perfect as you could ask for. Has a great location and quite setting in a little town of Carmel by the Sea.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawn C.

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

Beautiful

We spent a beautiful week here. Fabulous place and location. Highly recommend. Barry was an exceptional host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

Sweet Carmel Cottage

The Starfish cottage is perfect. It is a charming and fully equipped space with everything you need. Sweet touches abound with beautiful lighting, deluxe bed and bedding, garden space, full kitchen and a quiet in town location under the pines. Just a short walk to everything Carmel. The host is attentive and gracious. GREAT CARMEL EXPERIENCE
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

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

Wonderful stay in Carmel

Barry is a gracious and attentive host. Thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful property! We loved walking into town and exploring the region from this fantastic location.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annalisa G.

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

Impressive

Great place in a great location. Walkable to downtown area, shops, restaurants. Nice walk to beach. Host is easy to reach and goes the extra mile to make you feel at home and provides little extras which are a nice touch. Well stocked and immaculately clean. Hope to stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Fantastic stay in Carmel

We stayed for a week in Barry’s Starfish cottage. It was cozy, very clean and comfortable. What a treat to find a charcuterie tray, chocolates and a bottle of wine! Loved the location. It was so convenient to walk to restaurants and all of the shops in Carmel. We would definitely stay again. Thank you Barry for taking care of us!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Very cute place with convenient location. Ideal for two people.

Ideal place for two. Attractive decor with everything one needs for a week stay. Owner very attentive and responsive. Would use again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018