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Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

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Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 269.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Alameda, CA
  • Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Jack London Square
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Oakland Arena
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Oakland, CA (JCE-Oakland Convention Center Heliport)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

Things to note.....
- we have a MAXIMIUM STAY of 8 nights
- In our compact but fully amended bathroom, the toilet is in the shower for space saving reasons.
- we are a studio cottage with one queen sized bed
- Unfortunately, due to California's historic drought, we no longer offer laundry services but there is a clean and well-appointed laundromat just a 10-minute walk away.
- We offer onsite parking. Please let us know in advance if you will need to park.


The island of Alameda is considered by some as the hidden gem of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Your hosts have turned their circa 1890s detached carriage house and stable into a welcoming garden getaway. This tastefully appointed guest spot is perfect for a quiet escape or extended academic or corporate visit.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, you are just walking distance from Park Street, Alameda's central shopping district. Here you'll find everything you need....antique shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and the newly renovated Alameda Theatre. Less than a mile away you'll find a pristine beach park with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.

Want to head into 'The City'? You are just 25 minutes away from all SF has to offer. We are close to the Alameda ferry, AC Transit and BART. A quick drive over the Bay Bridge drops you right into the heart of downtown San Francisco.


The owners have spent decades collecting antiques and designing interiors and have used their talents to create a comfortable,quiet vacation space for those who appreciate a green way of living.

Virtually every item, from floor to ceiling is recovered or recycled in some way.

The Garden: The bungalow is covered by a gorgeous and legendary Wisteria tree that is the star of the spring season.

The practice of 'Living Green' extends to the lush surrounding gardens. Old San Francisco cobblestones, recovered copper downspouts and perfectly placed architectural elements create a serene garden so creative you'd think you were on a movie set.

A Koi pond that is sometimes visited by elegant egrets, sits just outside the bungalow door. The garden is surrounded by three small aviaries that house small families of canaries. Their song and the sound of flowing water will lull you while you read a book in the sun on your own private patio.

The Neighborhood & Beyond: Developed in the late 1800s as a beach resort community, the modern day version still holds much of it's charm from the early 20th century.

Take a drive through the different neighborhoods and you'll see beautiful examples of California architecture. Perfectly restored Victorians share the same street with cute California Bungalows and Craftsman style homes.

Property manager

Melissa Burnley at Bella Bay Vacation Rentals
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
There is a non-childproof pond on the property.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You will be asked to leave with no fees refunded

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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Alameda

Located in Alameda, this cottage is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island, while Greek Theater and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum or Oakland Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
Map
Alameda, CA

What's nearby

  • Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Jack London Square - 7 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Oakland Convention Center - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Oakland Arena - 7 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Fox Theater - 7 min drive - 7.9 km

Getting around

  • Fruitvale Station - 3 min drive
  • Coliseum Station - 7 min drive
  • Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Lucky 13 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Spinning Bones - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway located?

Located in the heart of Alameda, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of San Francisco Bay, Jack London Square and USS Hornet Museum. Lake Merritt and Oakland Museum of California are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 301 out of 311 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 311 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 311 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 311 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 311 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

PHILIP B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our holiday in Wisteria Cottage
We loved this quirky cottage ! John and Arthur could not have been more welcoming or helpful, and we found the cottage very comfortable and spotlessly clean. The kitchen provided everything we needed to make our simple meals with bought things, and we spent 8 happy days exploring San Francisco and relaxing in the cottage in its garden setting. Very highly recommended.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

Excellent holiday within the beautiful surroundings of Wisteria Cottage
We have had a great week thanks to our marvellous hosts Arthur and John. After a 13 hour flight from Australia we were allowed to check in early which we were very grateful. The garden surrounding the cottage is extremely peaceful and beautiful. The cottage is very close to public transport so if you wish to explore the lovely city of San Francisco every thing is easily accessible. The cottage is very clean and well equipped if you wish to do self catering.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dan O.

No hesitation to recommend
This is a belated review (apologies John/Arthur). My wife and I arrived in SF during the school holidays and we wanted somewhere with easy access to the hustle-n-bustle of SF and an easy escape for the evening. Wisteria Cottage was it. John and Arthur were wonderful hosts. The proximity of the cottage to the main house was never an issue. John and Arthur have that amazing knack of being available for a quick chat, providing tips for sight-seeing etc, then melding into the background so you feel completely alone in their amazing garden. And what a garden. Cooking facilities are excellent so plan for at least one evening dining in their back garden, enjoying a bottle of California wine they will have no doubt left for you. The cottage itself is a delight. Comfortable bed (my wife is a 'princess and the pea' type and she slept with no problems. Very clean (I'm almost Howard Hughes clean). Wisteria Cottage is the epitome of a home away from home. The Alameda suburb has a great range of shopping, ranging from hip coffee shops to mainstream supermarkets for groceries. The only consideration i would recommend is a car is essential and (coming from Australia) beware of the tolls in and around of SF. I have no hesitation in recommending Wisteria Cottage if you're planning a trip to San Francisco.

10/10 Excellent

Terry K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfection!
We stayed here for three nights. The directions were excellent and we found this magical spot very easily. The place is spotless and well appointed with all we needed. Everything in the gardens surrounding us was in bloom. There are niches along pathways to sit and take in every aspect of the beauty. John and Arthur are the best hosts we've had. Attentive, concerned that everything was just so and they encouraged us to take lemons home! I will book again next time I am up that way. Thanks for a wonderful stay J & A.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
garden paradise
There’s really nothing like this quiet garden paradise. Truly magical, with such thoughtful attention to detail inside and out. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cottage in the middle of a heavenly garden
We absolutely loved our 4-day stay at Wisteria Cottage. Located walking distance to Park Street with its many restaurants and fun shops was a plus. We enjoyed sitting in the beautiful garden and walking around the neighborhood with its many charming Victorian cottages. John and Arthur were great hosts.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful gardens
John and Arthur are outstanding hosts. So much attention to detail. Every need anticipated. The gardens in back are so wonderfully laid out. Several areas to sit and read, enjoy coffee and conversation, or simply rest. We will come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Great place. Super quiet
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway spot
This is a beautiful, peaceful property within walking distance of restaurants and shopping in Alameda. The garden is lush, the rooms are clean and well-equipped. I loved staying here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature
A quiet escape
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arlene L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful work trip
The perfect spot to unwind and prep for the following day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet and calm
Lovely, as always.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kent J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot in the heart of Alameda
Perfect location for a business trip. Everything you need. Unique Asian garden atmosphere. Be sure to take some time to relax and take it in.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

lynn s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heaven
Best little slice of Heaven I’ve ever experienced in a vacation rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay!
My husband and I had previously stayed at the cottage. John and Arthur are great hosts! Helped me with restaurant ideas for a surprise birthday gathering for our daughter. Everything you need is provided and if you have a question or request it is answered promptly. Lovely setting, 3 min. walk to downtown Alameda to shops and restaurants. We enjoyed the beautiful, peaceful garden with lounge chairs provided. Canaries singing and a koi pond. All in all, a great stay!
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

mavis d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Green Oasis
Unique
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous & cozy
Serene.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wisteria oasis
We enjoyed a peaceful stay at Wisteria cabin. Charming and comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myles S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique but excellent
Hosts were friendly but unobtrusive. They gave us privacy in the amazing garden. The cottage was comfortable and ecclectic - loaded with the owners' special touches. Everything was well stocked and clean. And you are two blocks from dozens of ethnic restaurants on Park St. This is an oasis in Alameda.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trish D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Blissful
The cottage and property was lovely (beyond all expectations). The hosts were delightful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Gem
This is a magical property. Plan to spend time enjoying the beautiful garden and soaking in the sounds and sights in each little nook and cranny. In the cottage your awesome hosts have thought of every little detail to make your stay perfect. Loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lea F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, great hosts!
My husband and I loved our stay in this beautiful cottage! John and Arthur were wonderful hosts and gave us lots of great recommendations. So many fantastic places to eat nearby. Perfect getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
VERY special oasis-highly recommended
John & Arthur and team are wonderful hosts, and this is a magical property in one of my favorite areas in the Bay Area.  John and Arthur have put a lot of love, elbow grease, thoughtfulness, and beauty into creating this special retreat nestled in their charming garden of treasures of the plant, bird, and antique variety!  I booked this place for my parents and they were delighted to spend hours in their cottage and the gardens, and to get to know John & Arthur a bit, who are very kind, funny and interesting humans that are creating beauty with regard for the planet and sharing it with others.  Besides the lovely space they have created with their keen eyes for design and love for antiques, they also are generous with their hospitality; attentive and friendly but also left my parents to enjoy their space.  I adore and am amazed by what they have created and am so grateful to have experienced it with my parents.  It was so delightful and my parents and I so appreciated their kindness and hospitality! I highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

mark b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Visiting mom
Very nice place. Next time we come back to visit my mom I’ll be sure to try and stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great again
Been here before and always excellent
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Melissa Burnley at Bella Bay Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Your reservation will be manged by Melissa but John and Arthur live in the Main House and will be your hosts.

The talents of your hosts, John and Arthur, have appeared on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and in a series of books on Arts & Crafts bungalows by Paul Duchscherer – The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow and Outside the Bungalow. Their business, House of Orange, specializes in European Arts & Crafts furnishings, and some of their most outstanding pieces are now in the homes of local collectors who have become close friends over the years.

Why they chose this property

Their carriage house – circa 1890, has been turned into a garden guest getaway – and except for a few planks, tiles and a sofa bed, the space and its contents are all recycled in some way. The wood interior and exterior siding are bits and pieces from old projects, and with their creative eye, all the pieces work: as ceiling and wall sections, windowsills, door jambs, storage closets - you name it!

Their recycling even extends to the surrounding yard. Reclaimed copper downspouts from the roof divert rainwater into the koi pond and an existing well. The outdoor lighting is on a sensor to save energy, and old lanterns were rewired as lamps. Chimney liners were turned into water features and pulley hooks into sturdy plant hangers. All plants need little to no watering and bloom beautifully.

Wisteria Getaway – a name given to it by friends and guests – may be small, but every idea John and Arthur used was big on result and can easily translate on an even grander scale. They provide decorating, remodeling and landscaping services and advice.

What makes this property unique

John and Arthur are called the “Green Giants” because they are all about reducing, reusing and recycling in a BIG and BEAUTIFUL way. Whether shopping at thrift stores for clothing, repaving their driveway with old cobblestones from a San Francisco street, or resurfacing floors with reclaimed wood, they make mindful and creative use of materials with spectacular results!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests