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Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet

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Luxury Bedding and down comforter
Views from all windows
Second story maximizes views-garage storage only,
Indoor and outdoor eating areas
Hot Springs Spa with Moto-Massage

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 465.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Living room sofa couch

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet

Your own free-standing chalet is close to everything Santa Barbara offers with the addition of privacy and views! Perfect as a place to work from home while you sequester. Includes Cox Panoramic Gigablast internet, the highest local speed available. All stays must be 31 days or more, we come up to allow for searching for 28 days or more, but all stays will be edited to 31 days.

Be close to everything downtown offers, restaurants, museums, and shopping, yet you are out of the fray to really relax at the end of the busy day. With attention to detail the Hourglass has taken in account all the needs you may have during your stay. Santa Barbara is known for its gorgeous weather but should it be very hot the house has air conditioning.

Luxurious bedding, and now with a King bed, full kitchen, personal washer/dryer, wireless Internet, gas fireplace. The large new Smart HD 4k TV is equipped with cable TV and use internet to access your streaming apps. On top of this you have your own personal yard and patio with personal Hot Springs jacuzzi to truly unwind and make this the most relaxing time of your life!

Calendar will accept 28 day stays or more so that searches come up for shorter months, but all stays will be edited to 31 days or more.

Guests who know Santa Barbara love our location:

A high percentage of our guests choose us because they know Santa Barbara and know the many benefits of our location. Those who have spent time in Santa Barbara know that the Hourglass is in a perfect location since it is so close to everything and yet you have the peacefulness of the foothills. Parking is another benefit with off street parking provided. Downtown Santa Barbara abounds with parking lots that offer 75 minutes free making it very easy to use a car. There is so much to discover in the area you will want to be able to freely explore and this location is the best place to take advantage of all Santa Barbara offers.

Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities: If you are new to Santa Barbara come experience its magic. Known to have incredible gardens and trees you will not be disappointed by its beauty. The coastline is marvelous with many beaches to explore. The wine country of Santa Ynez is just over the hills providing a completely different terrain so close to explore. The city offers so many cultural events. Check out the Santa Barbara Independent for listings of all the local happenings.

The harbor and pier bring the ocean within reach with a museum and charter boats to take to whale watch or fish.

Wendy and Chuck Rockwood: Longtime residents of Santa Barbara, your hosts Wendy and Chuck Rockwood are happy to recommend restaurants, and activities. Included are directions to favorite beaches and places to walk and shop. If you have questions they are happy to answer them and they look forward to your stay at the Hourglass.

Cancellations are refunded if made 60 days prior to the booking. Under 60 days there is no refund. Trip cancellation insurance is advised for cancellation needs outside this policy.

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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 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Small dog OK
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Cancellations we will attempt to re-book. Amount re-booked, we will refund, minus Homeaway fee and $200 owner fee.
Personalized rental agreement will be provided for all bookings

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
Long-term renters welcome
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

About the area

Santa Barbara

Located in Mission Canyon, a neighbourhood in Santa Barbara, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Golf Club. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Santa Barbara, CA

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Barbara Natural History Museum - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Mission Santa Barbara - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Upper State Street - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital - 7 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 15 min drive
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peet's Coffee Cart In Cottage Hospital - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Mission Street Ice Cream and Yogurt - Featuring McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Daily Grind - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet?

As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet on 11 Apr 2026 start from AU$286, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Retreat with Views, Fireplace & Spa-Close to town. Great internet located?

Located in Mission Canyon, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Mission Santa Barbara and Rattlesnake Canyon Trail are also within 1 mile (2 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. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronald R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mission Canyon

Great stay at a great location. The property was very comfortable and very well appointed. Great hosts extremely responsive to any questions.
Stayed 36 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janice B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic experience

The Hourglass was a wonderful off-street retreat during our month in Santa Barbara. Wendy and Chuck have created a cozy, private aerie among the treetops. We had sun on the deck, shade at the patio table, comfy chaises for reading and a private hot tub and rosy sunsets. There’s even a hammock. And, very important as we worked remotely during the pandemic, there is a fantastic new smart TV and strong Wi-Fi that let 2 of us Zoom simultaneously with no blips. We were very happy and grateful!
Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan 2021
Dear Janice, It was a pleasure to host you and your husband! Thanks so much for choosing the Hourglass and visit us again!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Harvey W.

Charming Retreat in Excellent Condition

First, Wendy Rookwood is a pleasure to work with in planning and completing your stay at the Hourglass. And, we found Wendy very responsive needs you may have during your stay. Finding the Hourglass with HomeAway was a first experience for us that turned out very, very enjoyable. The Hourglass is nestled in the scenic hills above the Santa Barbara Mission with both privacy and hiking trails right at your doorstep. It has a warm and inviting ambiance and is in excellent condition. On our very first trip it truly felt like our second home! For first time visitors, I'd recommend paying particular attention to Wendy's excellent directions. We highly recommend the Hourglass for a memorable stay in Santa Barbara.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joy H.

Very clean, quiet and well equipped.

It is a wonderful place to stay to tour the Santa Barbara area. So very clean and quiet. Relaxing place to be after a day of touring. The bed as well as the sofa sleeper are comfortable. If you wish to prepare some of your meals the kitchen is well equipped. There is a hot tub. There is a flight of stairs to get to the apartment. It is very near the old mission and close enough to other attractions yet away from the noise and bustle so you can get a good night sleep. I highly recommend this apartment.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
So glad you had a good stay! All the best, Wendy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

Cozy and comfortable

This was a really good location. Everything we wanted to see or do was just a short trip away, but at the same time it felt remote and relaxing. The view was beautiful. The accommodations were just what we wanted and it was supplied with everything we needed. Furniture, including the bed, were all very comfortable. We were pleased with the cleanliness of this well maintained property. We wouldn't hesitate to return here on our next trip to Santa Barbara. Also, check out Farmer Boy for amazing coffee and giant cinnamon rolls.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Galen S.

Fantastic Home & Hosts

The Hourglass Home is on the base of the mountains with a fantastic view. The home is clean, nice size & comfortable with all the amenities needed for however long you are staying. Wendi is very available for whatever is needed . We loved our stay in Santa Barbara & will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

The Hourglass was perfect for our Honeymoon!

My wife and I were looking for a quiet and private rental that would feel like "home" during our time in Santa Barbara -- the Hourglass was a perfect fit for the two of us! What really stood out to us was the attention to detail the owner, Wendy, pays to this property -- she has thought of EVERYTHING! Warm robes and battery-powered lanterns for the spa, a bottle of wine on the table when we arrived, beach chairs, and even a rewards discount card attached to the keys for the local supermarket! Wendy was a pleasure to communicate with as well, she almost always responded within the hour (sometimes even minutes) to anything I wished to know. The Hourglass will forever be a highlight of our time in Santa Barbara!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karen Z.

Very nice! Exactly as described

We enjoyed our stay. Everything was exactly as described. Very quiet and private!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pam S.

Clean, quiet, and private

So many good things about this retreat. This was our first trip to Santa Barbara and when looking for a place to stay, the location of this cottage was an attraction. We were not disappointed! From the moment we walked in the door we knew the cottage was going to as advertised. It is comfortable, very clean and private. The hot tub was a plus. Very clean, the best we have every had at a VRBO. The kitchen was well supplied for the meals we cooked in the evening when we did not go out. The cottage is close to Inspiration Point, a local hike that did not disappoint on one of 3 days we did not have rain during our week long stay. The owners are next door and ready to answer any questions or concerns, otherwise you would not have known they lived next door. Our phones got us around town as far as navigation....Trader Joe's is not that far away so we did our grocery shopping there. I could go on and on.....but when we visit again, this cottage will be our first choice to stay. We did have two sugggestions.......even though rain is usually not the norm in SB, an umbrella would have been nice to have in the cottage. It rained a lot during our week. Also, there is a washer and dryer in the cottage. The owners supply a lot of the basic soaps per their site so we did not bring our own small container of laundry soap. That was the one soap not supplied so we bought a container to pass on to other guests who might need it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

Comfortable and peaceful

Spacious and comfortable place with good view of the mountains behind SB located a few blocks above the Mission. Privacy and peaceful surroundings. We happened to hit an infrequent SB heat wave but fans & AC unit in bedroom kept us cool. Will happily return.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Maxim S.

Nice, clean, and quite

Will recommend to friends
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tess L.

Excellent, comfortable stay!

My husband and I had a short getaway in Santa Barbara and the Hourglass was a wonderful place to have our own secluded retreat. We loved how clean it is as well as the opportunity to use the hot tub when we wanted. We felt like we were in the little birds nest in the Hourglass looking out over the hills . Wendy was excellent. She was very clear with communications about and she quickly responded every time we had a question or request. We would definitely come back to the Hourglass in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2015
Archival

10/10 Excellent

alfred h.

Quiet and comfortable

We have stayed at the Hourglass and number of times and have enjoyed each visit. It is off the beaten path and affords an interesting view of the hills of Santa Barbara. There is easy access parking, a large kitchen area, a spacious walk-in closet, and comfortable living room and bedroom. We have comfortably hosted a dinner for six. And everyone enjoys the spa. We'd recommend this venue for anyone who plans to visit Santa Barbara.
Archival

8/10 Good

alfred h.

Quiet and comfortable

Wendy...all was good except the sink in bathroom was very, very slow to drain. This was also a problem several years ago, as I recall. fh
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joyce S. H.

Our sent year; delighted once more

The property is special as to views, conveniences and location. The owner has always been responsive and we have always been delighted. Hoping for 6 weeks next year.--Joyce and Bob
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
It is our pleasure to have repeat guests such as yourselves. Thanks for your patronage and we are so glad you had a good visit.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Everything was superb

Loved the quiet, secluded location. Everything was extremely comfortable. The setting made you feel like you were in the mountains, yet we were only minutes from the beach. It was a most enjoyable time. Thanks for everything!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Alan P.

Beautiful location, wonderful hosts.

This is a beautiful unit located in the foothills with a breathtaking view of the mountains on one side and glorious sunsets on the other. It is spacious, very comfortably furnished with all the amenities, with nice linens and very clean. The location is just rural enough to be private and near enough to the city and it's services. Enough of the description of the property...the hosts, Wendy and Chuck are the property's greatest assets. While staying there, Alan had a serious health issue that required a trip to the Emergency Room and an overnight stay at the nearby Cottage Hospital. Not being familiar with the area, I was lost. Chuck guided us to the ER and he and Wendy stayed in contact with us. I cannot explain what their support meant to us. Thank you again, Chuck and Wendy. Alan and Kathy (Connecticut)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Urban W.

Perfect stay!

We enjoyed a perfect stay at the Hourglass retreat without any troubles. If you like a nice and quite location near the state street at Santa Barbara this is a perfect location. It was our second stay at this house and we enjoyed especially the sunny balkony and the Spa in the backyard.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

nate s.

Clean, comfortable, private

great place to stay. Jacuzzi was easy and fun. Great lighting, very romantic. Easy check in check out. Many of the comforts of home. never saw another person from the property. Close to the beaches but feels miles away. Wish I could have stayed a couple more days.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Escape In The Hills of Santa Barbara

What an awesome experience my wife and I had at the Hourglass and S.B. Each day held a new adventure for us from a 6 mile walk (round-trip) on Arroyo Beach to hiking at the end of Paradise Road (Gibralter Road Dam trail) to wine tasting in Santa Ynez and Solvang to dining out at Stella Mare's, Opal, Cold Springs Tavern and Rudy's. Santa Barbara has so much to offer and the Hourglass is conveniently located so that you can reach many destinations in a very short time. 5 to 7 minutes to Arroyo Beach (our favorite beach we found), 20 to 25 minutes to Paradise Rd. and hiking trails, 30 to 35 minutes to Santa Ynez and Solvang and only minutes from all the shops and restaurants on State St. Another A+ for us was the tranquiluity of returning home to a clean, well-maintained chalet with hot shower, comfortable bed and relaxing hot tub that allows a view of the stars. We did extensive research online and explored quite a bit while we were there and believe you would be hard-pressed to find a better price, location and amenities then you can find at the Hourglass. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did. A&L from Arizona
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We are so happy to share a spot with our wonderful guests that truly offers all the best of Santa Barbara!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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Great!

This place is wonderful! The owner provided great correspondence and the property is exactly as described. I was a little sad to see that there were set hours on the hot tub, but that's just because I am a night owl. I would definitely have a car if staying here. I left my phone charger there and Wendy was kind enough to mail it to me. The the stay and experience was great!

About the host

Hosted by Wendy Rockwood

Host profile image
Wendy and Chuck are longtime residents of Santa Barbara, California. We are happy to share our love of this community with our guests. In fact, that is what makes being vacation rental owners of four properties and managing them ourselves, so rewarding. We have made many happy memories in all of our properties (we have lived in each one of them) and can share all the special features and local ideas with guests.

We love gardening, biking, walks on the beach and spending time with our own family which includes three grown children and five grandchildren and a great granddaughter on the way!

Why they chose this property

This is one of the best locations in town. Close to everything and yet you feel miles away. With plenty of privacy and views, the Hourglass in one of our favorite spots to spend time and all our guests have agreed. Many return again and again to relax in its magic.

What makes this property unique

Walking distance to the Botanic Garden, the Mission and Natural History Museum this property is close to all the special things of the area without being in a crowded area. The privacy of your own patio and personal hot tub are a real plus as is the on site off-street parking.

With having a direct relationship with the owner/manager you will deal with one person from your booking to any necessary details during your stay.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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