Summary:
Welcome to the Zen Den, a cozy studio retreat nestled in the Topanga hillside. This cozy space features a plush queen canopy bed, en-suite bath, and a kitchenette for light meals.
The room opens onto a covered patio with the sound of a soothing fall into the nearby pond, perfect for unwinding in nature.
Enjoy easy access to local attractions including cafes and restaurants, village shops, hiking trails with breathtaking views, and Malibu beaches.
The Space:
PLEASE NOTE:
- This unit shares a backyard with another guesthouse and those guests need to walk by the room and patio space to get there. If you need total seclusion, do not book.
- The main house's living room is right above this room so it is possible that there is noise from above including pets running around as I foster cats and kittens.
- The property is on a hillside and there are two flights of steep stairs to get down into the backyard where the rooms are. There is also a narrow walkway on the side of the house that needs to be passed and the most narrow portion is about 2 feet wide.
- The hot tub is a shared amenity with the other room. It is in an area of the property where people could walk by but there are curtains on the surrounding pergola that help with privacy during use. It is offered on a first come first served basis and I don't do any kind of reservations for it, however guests tend not to use it for more than an hour or two at most. Please be respectful of other guests in terms of length of use and noise.
- There is no cellular service here. The wifi is fast and reliable but in order to receive and make calls as normal you need to enable "Wi-Fi Calling" on your phone and with your provider before you get here.
- No pets allowed.
- There is no TV in the room.
The property has three different spaces, the main house that you will see upon entering the gate and going down the front steps. At the bottom of the stairs, you will pass the front door of the main house and continue on to the pathway to the right that leads out to the hot tub deck and a breathtaking view.
Down the stairs to the left from there is the Zen Den, which is part of the main house and is technically a second bedroom, but has its own entrance, bathroom and kitchenette on the lower floor in the garden.
There is one more guesthouse further down the steps in the garden that is also rented as a separate listing (farmhousetopanga dot com). Guests of this unit have shared access to the backyard (including hot tub) and must use the patio space outside the room as a walkway to get to the guesthouse. The guesthouse itself has its own separate patio and deck space which is private to that room, but visible from this room's space.
Since there is another room on the property, there is always the possibility that there will be other guest, a cleaner, gardener, me, or other maintenance person in the yard, laundry room, or other areas in the yard during the day but this will usually be kept between 11am and 4pm and always minimized as much as possible.
Guest Access:
Full access to bedroom, private kitchenette and full private bathroom. The patio outside the Zen Den is for your exclusive use, however, that area is also a walkway to get to the guesthouse so it is possible that others will pass through this area.
There is a barbecue grill on the patio that is for this room's exclusive use.
The rest of the backyard including the hot tub is considered shared and the other room and its patio are in close proximity.
The hot tub is free to use on a first come first served basis, but is not used frequently so I haven't implemented any kind of reservation system for private time or had any conflicts over it's use. Please note that it is in an open area that is also a walk way down to both rooms and visible from my home, so other people could walk by at any time when they are around or going to their room.
The Neighborhood:
Nestled in the heart of Topanga Canyon, our Fernwood Pacific neighborhood offers a serene and picturesque retreat, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city. Surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's beauty while enjoying easy access to a variety of local highlights.
Take a leisurely stroll through Topanga Village, where you'll discover eclectic shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes that showcase the canyon's unique character. For outdoor enthusiasts, Topanga State Park is just minutes away, offering breathtaking trails for hiking, biking, and exploring the area's diverse flora and fauna.
Relax on the pristine beaches of nearby Malibu and Santa Monica, or catch a captivating performance at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, an enchanting outdoor amphitheater. The Fernwood Pacific neighborhood is truly a hidden gem, where you can experience the perfect balance of tranquility and adventure.
Getting Around:
The best way to get here and get around while you are here is to have your own car. There is a private driveway that can fit two cars (however only one is designated for this room's use) and street parking around the property detailed in the house manual and getting here documents.
It is about a 15 minute ride down to Malibu and the rest of West LA by the PCH, and about 20 minutes to go the other way to the San Fernando Valley and the rest of LA by the 101 freeway.
It is possible to take an Uber or Lyft but it can often be hard to get a car because there aren't always drivers in the canyon and sometimes they are hesitant to come up this way. Expect it to take longer than usual to get a ride.
Other Things to Note:
Parking:
• The front driveway has two parking spots, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Only one spot is designated for this room. If you are bringing more than one car, do not take both spaces.
• Street parking is available near the property, with details on where to park provided in the house manual after booking.
Stairs:
• There are three sets of steps leading down to the room. Please note that the first and last sets currently do not have railings.
Cellular Service:
• Cellular service is unavailable in this area. However, a mesh Wi-Fi system with fast speeds covers the entire property. By enabling “Wi-Fi Calling” on your phone, you should be able to use your device as usual once connected to the Wi-Fi.
Landscaping:
• Landscaping is a work in progress. We appreciate your patience as we continue to beautify the space.
Pet Policy:
• No pets allowed
Interaction with Guests:
I am available by phone and usually close by living on the property. If I am home upon your arrival, I would be happy to welcome you and show you the space, but you can also let yourself in and familiarize yourself with the space on your own if you prefer.
