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A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature

Photo gallery for A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature

Front of house showing running pond and fern garden
Kitchen with skylight windows
Living Room looking out picture windows to garden.
Kitchen & breakfast nook.
Breakfast nook. Note view of seculded front yard.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Mission Santa Barbara
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Santa Barbara Bowl
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature

This is a unique 4000+ sq. ft. house that has been divided into two separate and very private living units. The unit described here is the largest with over 2200 sq. ft. of family oriented area. Having been associated with VRBO for over ten years, we have had many very satisfied guests and favorable reviews. We take great pride in personally greeting our guests and making their stay as comfortable as possible. We welcome your inquiries and strive to respond to your questions and inquiries within 24 hours.

If you book with us, you and your guests will enjoy three nights, a week, or months in this unique residence located in Santa Barbara's historic Mission Canyon on the banks of Mission Creek. Our unusual house is built among the large oak trees and sandstone boulders that are found throughout the canyon and has large picture windows and skylights throughout that make it seem as if you are living outdoors or in a treehouse. The house is surrounded by a large garden of ferns, coastal live oak trees, maples, and redwoods, is adjacent to the beautiful Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, and is within walking distance to several hiking and bike trails and five minutes to numerous historic and cultural attractions such as the Old Mission (Queen of the Missions), Museum of Natural History, and others. The downtown area and renound beaches of Santa Barbara are only a 10-15 minute drive. The Santa Ynez Valley's Lake Cachuma Recreation Area, infamous wine country, and numerous horse ranches are only a scenic 30 minute drive over the picturesque San Marcos Pass Road.

DISCLOSURES: This is a single family residence on one acre that has a full time Homeshare tenant in a separate but completely private section of the home with its own parking and entrance. The Homeshare tenant and his family have been personal friends of the owner for nine years and watch over the house when the owners are out of town. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara have recently passed an ordinance that eliminates short term vacation renting of single family residences in the unincorporated section of the County unless they have a long term Homeshare tenant or owner living on the property. This ordinance took effect in September 2018.

Property manager

Dave Gledhill or Patti Jacquemain
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
See restrictions on social events in rental agmt
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Pets

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

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking in house or deck.
No loud music, talking, yelling, or television between 10pm and 8am.

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
This property accepts credit cards
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Note from host: See restrictions on social events in rental agmt
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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number Permit#18HOM-00025, Cert# 318

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Santa Barbara

Located in Mission Canyon, a neighbourhood in Santa Barbara, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Travellers looking for local activities can try Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor, while those looking to experience a bit of culture can stop by Santa Barbara Bowl. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Earl Warren Showgrounds or UC SB Events Center. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and cycling nearby.
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Map
Santa Barbara, CA

What's nearby

  • Mission Santa Barbara - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Upper State Street - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 8 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 11 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 19 min drive
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Live Oak Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McConnell's Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Harry's Plaza Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Yellow Belly - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Serene Home on Tree Lined Mission Creek in the Middle of Nature located?

Located in Mission Canyon, this holiday home is steps away from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and Mission Santa Barbara are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 61 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 74 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Random Santa Barbara weekend!
Three of us had a random time off work/between college quarters so we enjoyed this house as a base camp for our wandering around Santa Barbara and the vicinity. The house is a cute family-feeling house with a beautiful garden in a quiet area in the canyon. We were out and about a quite a bit but enjoyed coming home to this character-filled house. Dave was super helpful and communicative and the whole trip worked out great!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Thank you Dave for an awesome stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time in the mountains
Property was everything as described We were there for a 2 day golf tournament Temp was 60 to high of 67 Area is beautiful
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful stay
We had a great time at this property. Loved hearing the frogs and owls at night. Very close to everything, but nice to come back to nature. We hope to be back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Unique and quiet
Had a very nice stay here! David was very accommodating of our group. The creek next to the house was a huge bit with our kids, as was the horrible.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

sharon c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Close to everything
The property was comfortable and in a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kayleigh T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical stay
We had a magical stay in this unique house! We loved feeding the fish in the morning, seeing the owner's art on the walls and relaxing in the hot tub. Dave met us on arrival and was very helpful. We hope we get a chance to return one day!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Ernest C., Meridian, Idaho

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just like staying with your grandparents
home in a quiet, secluded area, not far from the action, but very private.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Woodsy Feel Just 15 Minutes from the Beach!
We very much enjoyed our stay at this property. Dave and Patty were gracious hosts and very accommodating. The setting is very quiet, and it feels like you're up and out of the bustle of the City even though you're at most 15 minutes away from the most popular parts of Santa Barbara. The house was very charming and great for a family. The bed's were comfortable and both sleeping areas have a private bath. Even the little spa was ready to go! Being pet friendly was also a huge plus. We liked it so much that we brought extended family in for a Sunday brunch and it will be our go to when visiting for as long as it's listed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Santa Barbara Mission Canyon
We really enjoyed staying at this house and it was great to be able to spend time together as a family in a comfy location. The garden view is also very calming from the dining nook. The host was very friendly!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Eugene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful sojourn in very comfortable house in unique setting
My sister and I very much enjoyed our 7 day stay. The house is located right next to mission creek, I believe. There is beautiful rocks, a pond with I suspect Koi in it. And the creek itself as an appealing pool. The main floor of the house is very comfortable and clean and all appliances etc were in working order. We are both from Santa Barbara originally. But never have stayed in Mission Canyon. It was a good experience.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

sue J.

What a beautiful home and garden as well as a perfect location.
Our stay at Mission Canyon could not have been more perfect- a stunning home, picturesque setting and a convenient location offering easy access to all Santa Barbara has to offer. This home was by far the quintessential rental for us from the well-equipped kitchen to the comfortable beds to the glorious California oaks outside the windows as well as our caring hosts. We hope to return each spring for our annual visit of three weeks!
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rene O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene location, cool house
Really cool place to stay, quiet, 2 min drive to the Botanic Garden, less than 10 min drive to stores/restaurants. Comfy bed, lots of movies streaming (great for a rainy night). We got to feed the fish in the pond. Well stocked kitchen. Dave greeted us & gave the tour, and checked in after the first night. Unfortunately the hot tub was not working while we were there. The patio where it’s located is still a lovely place to sit outside when the weather’s cooperative.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shari C., San Jose ca

Peaceful and tranquil
Really large master bedroom. You can throw down a futon in the closet or divided office area for the kids. Not really ideal for the elderly or babies as the stairs are steep for them to the master bedroom. Beautiful koi pond and nice views. We loved that the owners accepted our other member of our family- our dog!! Enjoyed our stay and would recommend staying there!!

10/10 Excellent

Lois G., Cave Creek Az

Lovely Stay
The house is quite comfortable with plenty of space for all. Koi pond is a nice treat and the fish are huge with many babies in there as well. The owners, who live just down the road, are the most friendly and responsive we've ever seen without being intrusive at all. Lots of stairs here so be in shape and could be difficult if you have physical issues. Very unique property with multiple skylights and lovely landscaping all around. Short walk up the road to the Botanical gardens was very nice as well. We had a very lovely stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

6/10 Okay

Jay K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Large house with plenty of room for family
The house was nice and spacious. There were some issues. The dishwasher didnt work, one of the barstools was broke and i fell off, the chair in living room is broke, toilets flush poorly (likely septic issue), the master shower had grout brekaing off and cut our feet, many of the screens were torn and there are mosquitoes everywhere. Nice place but needs some attention
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Deborah W.

Relaxing wooded retreat
We had a perfect weekend visiting my son who attends UCSB. He wanted a break from the crowded dorms and a visit with the family dog (and us:) ) We had a lovely relaxing stay. The common areas are large and spacious with beautiful picture windows looking out at the gorgeous garden area and trees. The kitchen is well equipped. You're within walking distance of the botanical gardens and very close to nice hikes and State Street is just a quick jaunt down the hill. The house feels very private. I'd put a caveat out to families with babies or toddler or the mobility impaired that there are steep steps leading up to the master bedroom--not a problem for most people, though. All in all, for us, a great experience.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie M., LA

peaceful and romantic retreat
My husband and I truly enjoyed this comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped house. Dave and Patti are great, and they were incredibly helpful with everything. The location of the house (near the Botanical Gardens and adjacent to a stream) made for a peaceful retreat. The house has a great deal of light, and the myriad windows look out onto greenery, whether in the garden or from the trees behind the house. It is an easy drive from the house to everything on both lower and upper State Street and surroundings. It's also close to some great Santa Barbara attractions-- beyond the Botanical Gardens, are the Natural History Museum and the Mission, all within walking distance. We also loved the private hot tub off of the master bedroom. What a treat! We would love to return.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Enrica K.

Sunny home near the Botanic Gardens
We are a family of four and found the home to be very spacious and accommodating. The master bedroom is upstairs with a large bathroom and walk-in closet, and the guest room is through the second bathroom on the first floor. The two floors are carpeted (the carpet was very clean), and very quiet at night. The kitchen is a full functioning one, also spacious, with a gas grill outside next to the koi pond (yup, big beautiful fish that kids, and adults, will enjoy feeding). Dave, the owner, lives nearby and is easily available for any questions or concerns. He also regularly checked in with us (non obtrusively through texts or email) and even dropped off a map with an alternate route when road construction created traffic close to the house. I grew up in Santa Barbara, and very much enjoyed our 6 days at this Mission Canyon rental!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

John C., San Jose

Mission Canyon Forest Retreat
This unique, custom home absolutely lived up to the pictures. Windows all around to let in all the natural light and make one feel a part of nature. The house was immaculate, beds were extremely comfortable, internet and cable worked great, and the owners were very gracious including trusting us to feed the Koi. Frogs in the stream (creek?) next to the house kept us company at night, then we wandered the neighborhood hills each morning seeing hawks, woodpeckers and wild turkeys. Enjoyed day trips to Ojai, El Dorado National Forest, Montecito, Carpenteria and the Los Olivos wine region. Would also recommend the downtown Santa Barbara architectural tour led by volunteer docents each Saturday and Sunday. We would recommend and return to this home, but we would caution against it for anyone with an aversion to stairs.

10/10 Excellent

Dianne M., Albany CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Warm & welcoming home that feels like a calming retreat
Great communication with host, well equipped and comfortable gathering place for our holiday family visit. Lovely canyon location, grotto atmosphere.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature haven
We had a lovely time enjoying being in Mission Canyon, watching the birds and the Coy pond.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte B., Louisville, KY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay tucked away in Mission Canyon
Dave and Patti’s house was a cozy delight for my family and I! We were in town for a wedding and opted for accommodations outside the bustle of downtown. It was quiet and restful. An easy/short drive into town. We loved the spacious layout and all the natural light. We enjoyed the koi pond and the hot tub! There were some ants making themselves at home in a couple places but the house was clean and perfect for what we needed. We would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10th anniversary
This house is very unusual with it's many windows that really bring the outside into the house. You will get your exercise with all of the stairs((19) just to go upstairs with many more outside.. We did get invaded by ants and many spiderwebs inside but that's nature. The owner was very professional and we say thank you.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property For Our Santa Barbara Trip
This is a beautiful property in a convenient location to anything you want to do in Santa Barbara. We found that we were only 10 - 15 minutes from town or various other locations we were going to. The house is very unique. Beautiful artwork throughout by one of the owners. Rooms are large and comfortable. Anything we needed was provided for. The owner was accessible for anything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Dave Gledhill or Patti Jacquemain

Host profile image
The Owners, Dave and Patti, are long time residents of Santa Barbara. Dave is a third generation Santa Barbarian and Patti has lived in the canyon nearly her entire life. Dave is a retired U.S. Army officer and Computer Scientist. Patti is a well known Santa Barbara artist who specializes in woodblock prints (a.k.a. Woodcuts) and mosaics. You will see her mosaics at several institutions in town such as Cottage Hospital, the Maritime Museum, First Presbyterian Church, and the Botanic Garden. He and Patti are founders of the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in nearby Solvang, CA and would be happy to provide you with guest tickets to see their latest exhibition.

Why they chose this property

The property was originally built by Patti before we were married. It's location on the property and construction are unique in that there are no windows facing busy Mission Canyon Road. The entire focus of the house is inward, to the lush trees, ferns, and lush and Koi pond that comprise the central garden. It is a one owner house that we lived in and loved before moving next door to another house we own, where we can keep watch and maintain the one we now rent. As discussed above, it is divided into two separate but private sections with a full time tenant living in the smaller area at the rear of the house with their own private parking and entrance. The renter of this property will have their own private parking and entrance through the main part of the house. They have complete and unencumbered access to a full 3/4 acre of the front garden facing Mission Creek and direct access to Mission Canyon Road.

What makes this property unique

Our property offers all of the serenity and privacy of a mountain cabin while being only 10-15 minutes to downtown Santa Barbara and its renowned beaches. Enjoy an afternoon barbeque on the patio, morning strolls through its garden and Koi pond and the adjacent Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. View the beautiful garden below from the private patio off of the master bedroom on the second floor. The home is adjacent to a three acre private garden (not included) that can be rented for activities such as reunions, retreats, graduation parties or family gatherings.

Languages:

English

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