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COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

Photo gallery for COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

Property grounds
The illuminated Gazebo is an especially romantic bonus with the cottage rental!
The Gazebo is perfect for tea time or a meal!
Sit a spell on the old fashioned porch swing!
living room

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6127.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Valley Center, CA
  • Castle Creek Country Club
    4 min drive
  • The Oaks Course
    5 min drive
  • Cal-a-vie
    11 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    36 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY

OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS UNIQUELY PART HOTEL, PART VACATION RENTAL, AND PART BED AND BREAKFAST! This charming cottage shares 7.2 park-like garden acres with the owner's main house. Check out our guest reviews for details about what makes Old Castle Cottage such a special vacation destination.

• Professionally decorated home with a cottage/coastal theme.
• Gourmet coffee & tea for you! Enjoy your tea in the quaint gazebo!
• Springtime guests love the birds and butterflies!
• When in season, fresh cut flowers from the gardens are made into lovely arrangements expressly for YOU!
• Seasonal produce from our organic gardens and orchard await you.
• Beach trips made easy with these amenities: towels, umbrella, chairs, & cooler.
• Gated acres of park-like lawns and gardens provide beauty, privacy, and security.
• Solar power and well-water make this a very eco-friendly property.

THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROPERTY AROUND!

• Redwood play set with swings, slide, and climbing wall are a favorite for the children
• Fully stocked toy box and game cupboard
• Infant friendly with high chair and booster seat
• Assorted picnic gear for family day trips in and around San Diego.

5 MINUTES OFF THE 15 FREEWAY, OLD CASTLE COTTAGE IS CONVENIENT FOR ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS

• There are an abundance of restaurants and resorts from 5 to 15 minutes away.
• Disneyland is 65 minutes away
• Legoland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Safari Park are within 30 minutes
• Major shopping Malls and outlet malls are within 20 minutes
• Wineries and Local live entertainment in downtown Escondido, Temecula, San Diego, or one of the many casinos from 10-30 minutes away.

PLEASE NOTE: Because Old Castle Cottage offers such a charming garden setting, we receive MANY requests for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, and large events. Please note: we are VERY sorry, but we DO NOT offer any events on the grounds. The max capacity of the cottage is 6.

***A signed rental agreement is required within 24 hours of payment to confirm all reservations.***


Features:
* Full Kitchen - with separate wine cooler
• Bedrooms: 3 (1 King bed, 1 Full bed, Two Twin Beds)
• Baths: 2 (Master has shower and separate soaking tub, second bath has large shower)
• Propane BBQ, Private backyard, Patio dining
• Internet access
• Garden Gazebo
• Dish TV with HD and upgraded TV package
• Washer/Dryer
• Non-Smoking

Property manager

Teresa McKeown

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You must sign and return the rental agreement by email within 24 hours to the property owner before your reservation may be confirmed.
Owner lives on same 7 acre property. All Children MUST be supervised by a parent when playing outside the cottage.
No weddings, parties, events, or gatherings that exceed max occupancy of 6 are allowed. Failure to comply= immediate rental termination & no refund.

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
This property uses solar energy
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Valley Center

Located in Valley Center, this holiday home is in a rural area. Rancho Guajome Adobe and Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at The Oaks Course and Cal-a-vie. Travelling with kids? Consider Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Valley Center, CA

What's nearby

  • Castle Creek Country Club - 4 min drive
  • The Oaks Course - 5 min drive
  • Stone Brewing - 16 min drive
  • Harrah's Resort Southern California - 23 min drive
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • Carlsbad Village Station - 27 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Harlow’s - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Pala Mesa Market - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Portino's Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is COME TO SAN DIEGO! CHARMING COTTAGE IN PARK-LIKE SETTING - 5 MINS FROM FRWY located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of The Oaks Course, Rancho Guajome Adobe and Cal-a-vie. Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 64 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Liz Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous property near San Diego!
Wow - where do I start? First, Teresa is an absolutely amazing host. Her communication right from the start was amazing. The directions to the home were very easy to understand and accurate. She met us for a brief introduction and showed us the gorgeous home! This home could be in a magazine. The gardens are out of this world! The home is very clean, comfortable and quiet! We wanted to stay out of the busy city and this was a perfect spot - just a short drive - but so worth it for the surroundings of the home and the serene beauty and peaceful location! The kitchen is huge - absolutely great if you want to cook. The living area is so comfy with a spacious couch overlooking the beautiful yard. The patio is set up for outdoor dining - Teresa left us yummy cookies and even stocked a few small items in the fridge for us. She is so accommodating and such a pleasant host! If you are wanting to stay near San Diego - but out of the hustle and bustle - this is your place! Simply magical and everything was perfect! We will love to stay here again one day in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teri H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Lovely, quiet property. Owner went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I would absolutely recommend this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dick R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin in SanDiego AreaGreat clean
Great clean cabin. Very peaceful and quiet setting. Every thing anyone could ask for. Very accommodating owners. One of the best rental properties I have ever seen. This is on a must list to return. Not really a cabin, but more a wonderful small home. Setting is in rolling mountains between Temecula and SanDiego. Just Wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

katherine g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful setting
The property owner, Teresa, is a very special host. She welcomed us with home grown grapefruit, oranges and apples! Her Cottage is in a perfect place to stay and explore southern California (south of LA). Verizon phone service was spotty in that area and we wish Verizon would do something about it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

fiona m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay
It was amazing. The hostess, the garden, the cottage. It was such a relaxing stay. Thank you for everything. Goodbye from The Netherlands: Fiona, Leon and Jet
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and relaxing stay at the cottage
Everything is perfect. The yard is immaculate and gorgeous. Just like it's straight out of a magazine. The decor in the house is so charming and well thought out and put togther. The home was spotless. It is bright and open with amazing views from all the windows. I loved the front yard with the white picket fence and the roses, but the fenced in back yard was also amazing for the children to hang out in. It was so nice to escape from the city while still being close to the city. The home was very well stocked. The hostess was so thoughtful and thought of everything and made sure we got a family photo in the garden before we left.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelci S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A getaway!
The property was more beautiful than the pictures! Teresa was a fantastic host. We will stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gail M., Florida USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Piece of Paradise
Our stay was perfect in every way. All of the comforts of home and more! Our host Teresa treated us like family and had cookies waiting for us as well as fresh cut flowers. Every room was comfortable. The grounds were quiet and private. It was a perfect location and I will definitely return. 5 stars are not enough!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

robert r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gorgeous property
This is the most beautiful property we’ve ever stayed in. It’s located in a quiet residential area surrounded by rose gardens. The house is large (3 bedrooms) with all the necessary functions and amenities, including a well-stocked kitchen. Teresa, the host, could not have been nicer and more responsive. The property was ideal for us — close to Escondido and supermarkets, within 30 minutes of the Safari Park and Legoland, and 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. If you’re looking for a place outside of the city and relatively close to wonderful sites, this is the place for you.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Gem!
It’s even better than the pictures! Beautiful property, tucked in a canyon but near to all sorts of attractions. Fresh air with the heady aroma of flowers. Teresa and John are great hosts. Very, very relaxing stay. We made side trips to Little Italy in San Diego, Temecula, Carlsbad Village and beach, Lake Hodges and Escondido. Highly, highly recommend this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage is like a warm hug...
Family came in from FL and AZ to meet new members of the family. We were the envy of other family members when they saw this property. It is clean, quiet and peaceful. Roomy enough for the four of us but intimate enough for our own private space. I will remember fondly the laughter and tears shared here. The quiet talks in the pretty gazebo, walks in the garden, swinging on the front porch sharing old memories and making new ones. The cottage is well equipped with plenty of appliances and cooking utensils for all your kitchen needs. I really enjoyed working on the island cooktop with family sitting around the table waiting for breakfast. We could see little quail looking for food in the backyard! Saw a baby bunny, too! The living room is cozy, but plenty of room to hang out. I wished it was cold enough to use the fireplace! Teresa, we could not have asked you to be a more caring and generous host. We cannot thank you enough for providing such a lovely backdrop for our family. I hope, someday, to return to your beautiful property and your warm, caring spirit.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane D., Oaka Park, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just what we needed
We three siblings and spouses came to visit our older brother who was ill. Expected the visit to be good but taxing and wanted a VRBO home away from home that would be peaceful and relaxing. This one gave us everything we needed and more than we expected. Lovely spot with lovely garden and even an orange tree to pick fruit from. Beautifully decorated home with all the conveniences we wanted. Friendly, helpful hostess who went out of her way to make us feel welcome. Highly recommend. One of the best.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Abbey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
This property and the hosts were amazing! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. We arrived to fresh homemade cookies and fresh picked flowers. Everything about this place was amazing. We are already planning our next vacation here
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best VRBO EVER!
Stop clicking. Make your reservation for this cottage now. My family of 4 had the most amazing stay. The cottage is 5 min from the highway and 20-60 min from every attraction. We went to Safari Park, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Beach, several skate parks and community pools in Temecula, Escondido and Cal Oaks. Teresa is a lovely host. The cottage had everything we needed and more and was pristine. Our fondest wish is to return someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Renee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage
This cottage was simply beautiful. The owners were friendly and easy to work with. This has been the best-stocked VRBO I have ever stayed in. Many average pantry items were there and waiting for us. Things like one stick of butter so you didn't have to buy a whole box, fresh eggs, and homemade cookies. It was amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shaun Virtue V., Kingsclere

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful!
From the outset of booking until we left Teresa has been fantastic- accommodating, helpful and friendly host. The cottage is twice as good as the photographs! The garden is breathtaking both in appeance and fragrance! So much space to sit and enjoy the garden. Swing chairs, Rockers and relaxing gazebo. Then the cottage, this is not a rental but a home. Comfortable, clean and so well equipped. We slept so soundly on the comfy beds. The kitchen has everything you could need. Teresa the wonderful host had baked scrumptious cookies. Then fruit from the garden. Plus a few provisions to get us started. The location is relaxing but not too far to enjoy the area and 35 minutes in to the heart of San Diego. Loads in the area to enjoy, plenty of good restaurants and craft breweries just 10 mins drive away. Teresa treated as friends and guests, attentive but not imposing. So very kind and generous. We would not hesitate to come back to the cottage. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely getaway
My husband and I rented this cottage while visiting family in the area. While it is at least a 10 minute drive to most restaurants and grocery stores it was worth it. The house had basics to get our stay started included freshly ground coffee and creamer if desired! Had great communication with Teresa and enjoyed all the nice special touches in the house.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Shannon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice spot
This is a peaceful house set in a nice garden- the house is well appointed with a grill, patio furniture, rocking chairs and everything you need in a kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Manoj S., Irvine, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Close to Nature - Excellent
John and Teresa understood the situation during the COVID and gave us contactless experience. Everything was organized from Check-In to CheckOut and the process was smooth. This property is close to mountain and we enjoyed our stay there. We can reach to grocery store and beach in 15-20 minutes. If anyone is looking for a relaxing break or vacation, you should visit Old Cottage at the Valley Center.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Vacation; Exactly as Advertised
This was a great place to reconnect with family after more than a year of Covid and 3000 miles of distance apart. We had a wonderful time. The property is beautiful, well maintained, secure and includes many amenities. The owners went out of their way to be sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed to have a fabulous time. The surroundings are beautiful, including the flowers and gardens on the property and the mountainous/desert area with its cactus and valley views. The cottage itself is welcoming and comfortable. The bedrooms were very comfortable as was the family room. We spent a lot of time around the dining table playing games and just reconnecting. The enclosed backyard, front yard and play area were a big hit with our grandson. The adults (and our grandson) loved the flowers; the roses and gardenias were especially gorgeous and fragrant in May. This was the first time we rented through Vrbo and were not at all disappointed. Would not hesitate to rent again... especially the Old Castle Cottage. Thank you for such a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hadley H., San Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best of the best
We are a family of 4 - we had the best Thanksgiving ever here at the Old Castle Cottage! Located in such a desirable area, we were happily surprised with spacious grounds, a clean & lovely interior, and fresh cookies, persimmons, and avocados to boot! We all slept very comfortably & cooked a ton, plus we rode bikes, played golf, and learned how to surf from this warm oasis. We are so sad to leave, but we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tomas P., Keller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Trip
This property was amazing, and I must add , every aspect of my visit was perfect. We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle, and it was so quiet and secluded (beautiful and maintained as well). However, you aren't far from many of the beach towns, or San Diego. We also hit the mountains on a day trip to Julian to tour the gold mine shafts and try the apple pie. We cooked in as well, and everything we needed was stocked. Again, such a wonderful time at the Old Castle Cottage. Thank you Teresa for everything!!! Much Appreciated.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Renata S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Perfect Getaway
I had the best time at the cottage. It was relaxing and just what I needed. The cottage with all the gorgeous details is so welcoming and serene. Teresa baked delicious cookies and left fresh flowers in all rooms. The place was immaculate and the property is expansive, gorgeous, and private. I will definitely be back! Thank you for everything Teresa!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful experience
The rental was even nicer than portrayed in the pictures. The grounds are spacious and meticulously maintained. The cottage was attractive and very clean. Not portrayed in the pictures is an enclosed backyard with with a large table, 6 chairs, umbrella, and new gas grill, which we put to good use. We picked oranges, lemons and apples. Our 2 year-old grandson really enjoyed the swings, slide and climbing "wall."
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely mountain getaway
My family and I stayed at this peaceful cottage for a few days as a staycation before the kids went back to school. The cottage is lovely and photos doesn’t do its justice. Teresa is a magnificent hostess. She had baked goods, fresh fruits, eggs, and lemon water prepared for my family. This cottage is ideal for families or anyone who wish to get some peace and quite on the countryside while staying relatively close to all the action.

About the host

Hosted by Teresa McKeown

Host profile image
We have been in Valley Center since 1985 and love the 'home town' feel here. We hope you have opportunity to visit this charming community!

Why they chose this property

We had admired this property for many years and jumped at the opportunity to purchase it in 2007.

Those who visit here, frequently comment about the unique beauty of grounds. We can only give credit to God and the original founding family who had a great vision for enhancing the natural beauty of this property.

What makes this property unique

The three acre lawn, formal rose garden, gazebo, and bird and butterfly gardens are very special! We feel most fortunate to share a piece of it with you!
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