Entire home

Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

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Photo gallery for Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

A heated pool
Interior
Exterior
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot
Dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

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San Diego, CA
  • Place, San Diego Black Ensemble Theater
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

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

Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis

Welcome to Mundo Art House in the heart of University Heights! Each room of the house was carefully painted and designed by San Diego Chicano Peruvian artist and muralist Mario Torero, and features over 60 art pieces created over half a century. Renovated in 2024, the kitchen has been updated with new appliances. Cool AC, a shaded patio with pool, outdoor dining and privacy, great for families, pet friendly, private parking, safe walkable neighborhood minutes from all San Diego attractions.

Welcome to an artistic haven in the heart of University Heights, San Diego! This 4-bedroom historical house, owned by renowned artist and muralist Mario Torero, is a true gem, combining charm, comfort, and creativity.

Features:
Spacious Accommodations: Four bedrooms with queen beds and three sleeper sofas ensure ample sleeping arrangements.
- Modern Amenities: Stay cool with air conditioning and connected with fast WiFi.
- Convenience: Enjoy the ease of having a washer and dryer inside the unit.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen: Cook up a storm in the full kitchen, complete with all the essentials.
- Outdoor Oasis: Dive into the swimming pool, relax on the front and back yard patios, BBQ with family and friends, or gather around the fire pit with outdoor furniture.
- Privacy and Safety: The fenced yard and gated off-street parking space provide peace of mind.
- Artistic Ambiance: Marvel at unique artwork throughout the house, including stunning murals by Mario Torero.
- Comfort for All: The home is child and pet friendly, making it perfect for families.
- Entertainment and Work: Unwind with the smart TV or stay productive at the dedicated workspace.

Experience the perfect blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and artistic flair in this unique short-term rental. Located in vibrant University Heights, you'll be close to local cafes, restaurants, the zoo, Balboa Park, Sea World, Gas Lamp, downtown, and cultural hotspots. Book your stay and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and comfort.
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be within walking distance of Balboa Park. Features include a hot tub and laundry facilities. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a private pool.
  • Air-conditioned home with private pool, kitchen, and washing machine
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Balboa Park and a few minutes from San Diego Zoo
This vacation home offers its guests a hot tub, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Office
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

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

Things to do

  • Heated pool

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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

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

Rules

No Parties or Events: Parties and events are strictly prohibited. We have a zero-tolerance policy.
Local Reservations: Reservations from guests within their city of residence are not allowed. Please contact us if you are booking within your city.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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 Registration Number STR-10341L, 645432
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

2053b85a-38a7-456c-a565-4a0ea4366f90

Whimsical Artist’s Retreat | Heated Pool + Backyard Oasis Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arlene G.

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

Weekend getaway

Definitely recommend this stay! Such a beautiful home and roomy! my friends and family had such an amazing time here. Super close to everything & so convenient. Sarah & Mario were so friendly and welcoming, made sure we were all set up and were super communicative with whatever we needed. We are definitely coming back again! Thank you for having us!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen L.

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

Great location

It was a perfect location for all the things we wanted to visit, at or near San Diego. The neighbor had a Sprouts Farmers Market, Tap Room Beer Co. all within walking distance. The house is older but clean and well maintained. Our family of seven was very comfortable there. It was unfortunate that the hot tub wasn't working, it would have been enjoyable in the evenings. All and all it was a great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen A.

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

Lovely stay

Our entire party loved the property. Walking distance to grocery and pub, close to all the San Diego hot spots! The separate bedrooms were great (queen size beds) and we enjoyed the outdoor space during the day (working grill, spacious seating area to enjoy the sun). The kitchen is FULLY stocked, so making a feast was easy. We found something new in the art every day and also enjoyed the selection of art books in the living room. Sarah (our host) was extremely helpful every step of the way. Definitely recommend this property!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024