It’s a lovely property however I was unaware how close it was to the owner’s home - right next to it! So it didn’t feel very private, particularly for honeymooners (which the host was aware of).
The pool and jacuzzi (it isn’t a hot tub - it doesn’t get hot) are behind their home, so it felt very awkward using them knowing there were people right there.
They also had children / visitors while we were there, so that was also awkward when you’re in swimwear and a child suddenly appears and then they’re running about and shouting (I realise that’s what kids do but I wasn’t expecting any other people, let alone kids, to be there). My husband didn’t feel comfortable going outside when others were there, so we didn’t actually explore the gardens as it felt like we were intruding.
So it wasn’t quite the perfect honeymoon find I thought it was going to be!
The road noise is of course very loud, as expected, but was actually far worse than expected. It was impossible to relax outside during the day, the traffic is constant. If you’re used to traffic noise you might not think it’s so bad, but we’re not.
The welcome basket was very nice and the property itself gorgeous inside, with a nice living area and his and hers bathroom with walk in wardrobe, ideal for us to hang up some of our evening wear.
It was a pleasant enough base for what we wanted to do and see in California but not quite the private retreat the listing implied so for this reason we wouldn’t select it again.