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Cozy living room, plenty of natural light.

Spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom,. side door to native plant garden.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Pasadena, CA

California Institute of Technology8 min walk
Pasadena Convention Center3 min drive
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens5 min drive
Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)51 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

The property and hosts are wonderful. We extended our stay and enjoyed being here. Very relaxing.

William H.

Jan 6, 2024

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bed room

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Pasadena - Birds, Butterflies and Books

Five minutes' stroll from the many shops and restaurants on Lake Ave, yet nestled in a safe, quiet, and leafy residential neighborhood, you are ideally placed for Cal Tech (7 minutes' walk), the annual Rose Parade (20 mins), or NASA's JPL (20 min drive). This tastefully furnished garden property is filled with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing vacation, fun-filled birding day, or a productive business trip to beautiful Pasadena.
Our guest house is a welcoming, spacious self-contained flat with private access and off-road parking set to the side and rear of the main house. It comprises a living room leading into bedroom (no dividing door), kitchen, and 3/4 bathroom. Your hosts personally deep-clean all areas, inside and out, between stays so you can rest assured that everything will be sparkling.
The cozy living room is a lovely place to relax. It has a bed-settee (usually set up as a settee, but please say if you wish to use as a bed *NOTE: suitable for a small adult only*), two comfy armchairs, a window-mounted air conditioning unit, central heating, TV (Netflix and Amazon Prime included), and a piano (should you be feeling musical!) Hundreds of books line the walls, please feel free to browse and dip in to a volume or two during your stay.
The bedroom also has a piano (yes, really), a walk-in closet and plenty of useful drawer space. Here the bed-settee is permanently made up as a double bed for you, with a memory foam-topped mattress and freshly ironed bedding.
The large kitchen overlooks the back garden, and is fully equipped with a gas oven, four burner gas range, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, kettle, Keurig coffee maker, table, chairs, and full kitchenware.
A small, private patio area to the rear of the property makes an ideal spot to unwind in the evenings whilst enjoying the birds and butterflies in our native plant garden.
WiFi is included, and guests are welcome to use the washing machine and dryer outside the main house by arrangement.

NB: We have two friendly medium-sized dogs who like to sit in the garden during the day, but they never enter the guest house or back patio.

Property manager

Laura and Gavin Solomon

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Hot tub

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Living room with pull out full size sofa bed

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Absolutely no smoking or drug use of any kind is permitted anywhere in the guest house, garden, patio or driveway.

Extra guests are not allowed.

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

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pasadena

This guesthouse is located in Pasadena. The area's natural beauty can be seen at San Fernando Valley and Echo Park Lake, while Walt Disney Concert Hall and Peacock Theater are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Rose Bowl Stadium or Dodger Stadium. Relax and indulge in the area's health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.

Pasadena, CA

What's nearby

California Institute of Technology - 8 min walk
Pasadena Playhouse - 2 min drive
Pasadena Convention Center - 3 min drive
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - 5 min drive
Rose Bowl Stadium - 7 min drive

Getting around

Pasadena Station - 3 min drive
Fillmore Station - 3 min drive
Burbank, CA (BUR-Hollywood Burbank) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mandarin Coffee Stand - ‬9 min walk
‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬13 min walk
‪Cava - ‬10 min walk
‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬5 min walk
‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Pasadena - Birds, Butterflies and Books pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Pasadena - Birds, Butterflies and Books?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pasadena - Birds, Butterflies and Books?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Pasadena - Birds, Butterflies and Books located?

Situated in Pasadena, this guesthouse is within 1 mile (2 km) of California Institute of Technology and Pasadena Playhouse. Pasadena Convention Center and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens are also within 2 miles (3 km). Fillmore Station is 24 minutes by foot and Del Mar Station is 30 minutes.

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

K. E. Saavik F.

15 May 2024

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

Wonderful Work Stay

We stayed for 2 back-to-back stays (and I already gave the first 5 stars)—the first part we had our teen with us, but the 2nd part was just as lovely!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

K. E. Saavik F.

7 May 2024

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

Amazing spot, perfect for Caltech visitors

We stayed for almost 2 weeks (my husband & me—our teen son stayed for one week with us) and the cottage was perfect for us while we were visiting colleagues at Caltech. Close to everything, quiet, well-equipped kitchen, allll the books(!)—just a fantastic experience. Next time we visit we’d love to stay here again!

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

23 Apr 2024

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

Great Stay, Great Location

We had a wonderful stay. Everything you could possibly need is there. We will definitely stay there again.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

William H., Chicago, il

6 Jan 2024

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

Extended our stay

The property and hosts are wonderful. We extended our stay and enjoyed being here. Very relaxing.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

William H., Chicago, il

6 Jan 2024

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

Back Again

Booked the property again after the new year. Hosts were again a pleasure and the property great.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

William H., Chicago, il

30 Dec 2023

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

Cozy, clean and quiet

Communication great from inquiry throughout the process. The property is in a quiet area of Pasadena with anything you need within walking distance. The property provides all the amenities one needs, clean, quiet. A great place to recharge. We very much enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryan H.

28 Dec 2023

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

Cozy guest house

The place was a cozy guest house that made it feel like you could stay longer. The kitchen was a nice space and the bathroom was a good size with a shower stall. The owners were extremely accommodating and even offered additional amenities that was unexpected. The neighborhood was great to walk around through and there are a couple breakfast places about a 5 minute walk away. I would be glad to return here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rick V., Batavia, IL, US

19 Oct 2023

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

Great stay in a great location

Very nice accommodations. The library and piano were a special treat! Accurate description, and probably the best equipped property we've stayed at. Great hosts; Looking forward to returning!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

charlotte s.

26 Mar 2023

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

Wonderful retreat

Welcoming and cozy on a soggy day.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Irene V.

28 Nov 2022

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

Very Satisfied Travelers

It was the perfect spot for our family meet-up. The location is quiet but centrally located. Enjoyed walking the neighborhood. The kitchen is fully equipped, clean, and convenient to cook in. Loved watching the birds morning bird bath antics. Thanks a bunch!

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rich C.

22 Nov 2022

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

Great Pasadena get away

This place is perfect for a weekend get away to Pasadena. It is a separate house behind a main house. Nice kitchen and cozy little home.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

10 Sept 2022

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

Quiet Stay in Pasadena

If planning to stay in Pasadena, CA, be sure to look into this place. Wonderful!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

29 Aug 2022

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

Perfect place for Pasadena.

This rental was everything it was advertised to be and much more. Very clean and quiet and the neighborhood was just lovely. Thank you so much, Laura and Gavin!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maryanna L.

8 Aug 2022

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

Charming home, gracious hosts!

My husband and I (grandparents, visiting our son's family) spent a week here and this place was perfect for us. Our adult daughter was with us a few of those days and slept on a comfortable foam mat on the livingroom floor. The livingroom is pretty small--not a problem for us since we were out all day. Everything was very clean and welcoming, including the extra touch of a bouquet of fresh flowers in the living room and milk in the refrigerator. The kitchen is very well supplied with everything you could possibly need. Gavin and Laura were friendly, helpful and even graciously offered to refund for one night when the hot water didn't work--a problem that was quickly resolved. We enjoyed getting to meet them. The neighborhood is very quiet. We enjoyed walking in the early morning through streets with lovely homes and gardens and tall trees over-arching the streets. We would definitely recommend this home, and would stay here again if the opportunity arises.

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet W.

17 July 2022

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

Restful Retreat

The guest house was a restful retreat after a long drive. I was welcomed with a bottle of wine and fresh cream for my morning coffee! The furniture was comfortable & the air conditioner / fan combination kept the house cool. The library drew me in and was a pleasure to explore. The garden of native fauna attracted a variety of birds and butterflies. It was the perfect backdrop to enjoying an outdoor snack. The guest house is in a great location & is very private. Laura and Gavin were easily reached by phone for anything one might need. I would definately stay again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marifrances K.

23 Dec 2021

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

Enjoyable accommodations

Quiet, private and comfortable guest house. Plenty of room. Owners provided nice little extra touches. Would stay here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Annie M.

31 Oct 2021

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

quiet and comfortable

I stayed here while doing research at the Huntington Library, and it was a perfectly quiet, comfortable place to stay. Gavin was very quick to communicate!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

10 Oct 2021

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

Cute, quiet and convenient

Nice location in a quiet neighborhood, enjoyed listening to the birds. Plenty of room and private, liked having the little patio outside. Only nitpick would be the difficulty in backing up narrow driveway to get out onto the road when leaving property. Would stay again.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

9 Aug 2021

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

Clean, cozy and quaint

A great place to stay. It was a nice, quiet neighborhood. It was 5 minutes from the convention center. It was a peaceful place to come home to after a long day of meetings. We took advantage of reading one of the books and my wife played the grand piano.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

25 July 2021

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

Super, cozy, quiet

Lovely quiet location, in a cozy cute house. One of those places with character - not just an empty shell for lodging, a fully furnished cottage with personality and an astonishing library - and bonus, even some toys for our 3-year old! The patio was a great place for morning coffee, and the A/C provided shelter from the 98F summer heat. The location had easy access (by car) to all of Pasadena. It was a great stop on our SoCal road trip.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Doug M.

24 July 2021

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

Nice peaceful stay

Enjoyed the visit thank you for your hospitality

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

3 July 2021

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

Perfect retreat close to downtown

We had a wonderful stay in Pasadena! We loved being surrounded by books and waking up every morning to birdsong. The property was spotless, spacious, and comfortable, and the neighborhood was quiet and perfect for morning walks. It was an easy walk to shopping and to our son's apartment, and easy to get to the freeway to get around LA. Laura and Gavin made everything easy!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

31 May 2021

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

Perfect for My Purpose

I wanted a cozy, fuss-free retreat for an arduous visit, and this bungalow more than met my needs. It was spotless, well-equipped and furnished for comfort. The feeders in the yard draw a lovely chorus of songbirds for a morning seranade.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

30 Apr 2021

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

Beautiful and peaceful

Perfect location, quiet and flower-filled garden. We plan to come back when we visit Pasadena again.

Stayed 15 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bruce M.

15 Apr 2021

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

Sad

Sad I can’t book this property longer and every time I come Pasadena it’s spectacular in every way Laura and Gavin present an awesome property the detail has to be experienced

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021