We are Mark and Karen Stevens, and like many families, we know firsthand what it means to be the ones who make the gathering happen. After 50 years of marriage, four grown children, and seven grandchildren spread across different cities and different seasons of life, we understand how rare and precious it is to get everyone under one roof at the same time. We've always been the ones to say yes — yes to the bigger table, yes to the longer trip, yes to picking up the tab — because we believe that time together as a family is the greatest investment you'll ever make. That's exactly why we created Stevens Villas, and why we purchased Buena Creek Villa. We wanted a place that was worthy of those moments — spacious enough for every generation, comfortable enough for everyone to truly relax, and beautiful enough to make the occasion feel as special as it is.
Stevens Villas was born out of a simple but powerful conviction: families deserve a vacation experience designed forthem, not just adapted to fit them. We've lived the multigenerational vacation — the grandkids running through the halls, the late-night conversations on the patio, the big family dinners that stretch on for hours — and we know what makes it work. We built this for the families who want to stop splitting up across hotel rooms and start sharing something meaningful together. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, starting a new tradition, or simply making up for lost time, we want Stevens Villas to be the place where it all happens. Because at the end of the day, the memories you make together are the ones that matter most. Living, Laughing, Loving, Under One Roof.
Tucked in the hills on a secluded, gated 1.5-acre estate, Buena Creek Villa offers a true escape—just minutes from San Diego’s best attractions, yet a world away in serenity and beauty.
Whether you're planning a family gathering, friends’, or retreat, this stunning 4,000 sq ft storybook home has everything you need to relax, recharge, and reconnect.
The Space
With 5 spacious bedrooms, plus a charming garden cottage with trundle beds a kids’ kitchenette, and 5.5 private bathrooms, everyone in your group will enjoy comfort and privacy.
Elegant interiors blend timeless architectural charm with modern finishes, plush furnishings, and thoughtful details throughout.
Just added new Tesla charger for guest use.
What Guests Love Most
• Multi Generational private spaces, patio, jacuzzi, sauna, hammock.
• Resort-Style Amenities: Heated pool (April–Oct, optional Nov–March), jacuzzi with remote control, infrared sauna, gas fireplace, and multiple patios for relaxing and dining.
• Private, Peaceful Setting: The villa feels like your own personal resort, away from the noise but close to everything.
• Kids love exploring the lush grounds—including a Monarch butterfly garden.
• Chef’s Dream Kitchen: Cook with premium gas Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances, a commercial ice maker, and fully stocked cookware.
Perfect for Families
• Large game room with ping pong, foosball, Xbox One S, and 80s-style arcade games
• Outdoor volleyball, cornhole, Jenga, putting green, and more
• Pack-n-play, high chair, toys, and board games for little ones
• Surfboards, boogie boards, and beach gear for your next ocean adventure
• Multiple outdoor gathering areas, including a fire pit for late-night s’mores
Convenient Location
• 20 mins to Legoland, Safari Park, and Carlsbad beaches
• 40 mins to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and Del Mar
• 45 mins to San Diego International Airport
• 1 hour to Disneyland
Peaceful by Design
To protect the restful environment and honor our neighbors, quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM. This helps ensure a peaceful experience for all guests.
What Guests Say
"Even better than the photos. The pool and gardens are stunning, the home is spotless, and the host is incredibly responsive."
"It felt like a private resort. Our kids loved the pool and game room. We’re already planning our return!"
Come Away to Buena Creek Villa
If you’re looking for a luxury escape that’s family-friendly, group-ready, and packed with beauty and fun—Buena Creek Villa is your perfect refuge.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Leave gate opener on kitchen counter
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Sound Curfew from 10pm - 7am. No outside noise to respect our neighbors.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1814590vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Vista
Vista is home to this holiday home. Shoppers can check out Carlsbad Premium Outlets, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of SoCal Sports Complex and Flower Fields of Carlsbad. Travelling with kids? Consider LEGOLAND® California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
California State University San Marcos - 14 min drive - 10.1 km
Getting around
Carlsbad Village Station - 26 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Taco Bell - 8 min drive
Albertacos - 6 min drive
Panda Express - 7 min drive
Frida’s Taqueria - 7 min drive
Los Junior's Mexican Food - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego. have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Buena Creek Refuge: pool and spa pool?
As of 21 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Buena Creek Refuge: pool and spa pool on 28 Sept 2026 start from AU$6,019, 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.
Is Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Family Villa – Private Secluded Resort San Diego. located?
Set in Vista, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Twin Oaks Golf Club, Alta Vista Gardens and The Wave Waterpark. Moonlight Ampitheatre and California State University San Marcos 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.
What an amazing stay at this stunning property. We truly felt like we were at a resort with the amenities and backyard space. We used all areas of the spacious yard. The interior was equally stunning, from the open concept which allowed us to all be together to the large sitting areas so everyone was comfortable. The communication with Mark was quick and easy. He was accommodating to ensure that we were comfortable after a lo my day of traveling. Everything was clean and nicely decorating. There really wasn’t anything else that we needed. We would highly recommend this beautiful space to people looking for a home away from home!
Mark and Karen were incredible hosts, always responding promptly, and provided everything we could need and more for our stay. Their home was indeed a beautiful refuge and our family had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the grounds, different sport courts, and pingpong/game room. Thank you Stevens!
Our family had a wonderful time! The house was perfect for all of us with plenty of space for family dinners and kids to run and play. It was especially nice to have a bathroom attached to every bedroom. The kitchen was very well stocked with items to cook and serve large meals. The property is lovely with several neat places to explore and play outdoor games. There's a large game room which was perfect for the kids to be together and in their own space. The home was very clean and well stocked with towels, sheets & blankets, etc. There were also sand toys, beach chairs & boogie boards for a wonderful day at the beach. The house is well-placed for short day trips out to legoland, the beach, the flower field, etc. Mark was very communicative and responsive. We all had such a great time together and this home was perfect for our needs.
The kitchen was equipped for cooking including a lot of details I don’t normally see in most VRBO’s. The entertainment activities for kids and teens were perfect. The only issue was the maintaining heat in the heated pool and hot tub. Otherwise, the host was attentive and answered any questions we had immediately. The attention to details provided in the home was outstanding.
Marlena N.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2025
Marlene,
Your family is always welcome back.
As we communicated to you prior your stay, it will take 2-3 hours to warm the pool to 80 degrees every morning during the winter. We also told you it would take 45 mins to heat the spa to 103 degrees. Based on our remote pool records we achieved your daily use requirements.
This was the most comfortable convenience day I’ve ever had. We came for a wedding and stayed with my family of five my in-laws and my niece and her family of four. We were all comfortable. Had enough space for all of us to spend time together and would highly recommend this location to anyone. We will definitely book again the next time we have to come for a wedding or event.
Host was very accommodating and nice, communication and response time was very fast. I would love to have my family stay here again, very fun time! We had no problems while staying here
Beautiful home, professionally decorated, and spotless. We appreciated the well-equipped kitchen and plentiful linens. The pool and yard were a particular treat. Overall, the place felt peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. Just what we needed. Thank you, Mark, for sharing your home with us and being such a responsive host.
My family and I all stayed here for the second year in a row and couldn’t be more pleased. This is a perfect property for family fun - especially for competitive siblings! There’s ping pong and volleyball and lots of space to lounge.
Amazing family-friendly property! Great location for a family get together. Mark and Karen were very communicative and accommodating on our week long stay. Everything we needed was readily available. Highly recommend!!
We had a very nice stay at Mark and Karen’s home. The house was very accommodating and relaxing for the 8 of us. Thank you Mark for being so attentive.
audrey s.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2023
Thank you Audrey, glad you and the family got to use our place. Come back anytime.
Could not have asked for better. Clean, exactly as described, very well taken care of rental home. My family books similar annually and this has been by far the best; the TLC given to this property is apparent and appreciated.
We were looking for a place where our extended family could be together for the holidays and have something to keep us all entertained. This place was perfect. Like having our own private resort. Clean, perfectly equipped, and luxurious.
Elias F.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jan 2022
Elias Family,
Thank you for staying with us and taking care of our place. It was great having you family use all of the amenities during the holidays…. Come back again!
This is an ideal property for a multi-generational family gathering. We enjoyed it thoroughly. There is a wide variety of games available, inside and out, a wonderful heated pool with a hot tub, and even a sauna. The kitchen is well-equipped and the owner was very responsive. Beautiful grounds.
It’s an outstanding place, plenty of spaces, room, games and activities, very well furnished and decorated, plenty of room for eating, several places, big kitchen with all stuff you may need plus fully equipped bathrooms and amenities. It is 11 points over 10 place. The owner gave us references for places, restaurants and tourism, our best for Marc & Karen.
Rodrigo H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2023
Thank you Rodrigo, you and your family are welcome back anytime. Thank you for taking care of our home!
We absolutely LOVED our stay at this VRBO! The home was exactly as pictured—beautiful, spotless, and incredibly welcoming. Our extended family of 16 (ages 1 to 65) gathered for a Thanksgiving trip, and this was hands-down the perfect place for us.The spacious living room and kitchen/dining area were ideal for bringing everyone together. We cooked, ate, visited, played games, and made so many special memories in those common spaces.The property has something for every age group: a wonderful swimming pool, relaxing hot tub, a fun 3-hole putt-putt course, croquet, badminton, game room, and even a cute playhouse for the little ones. The outdoor space is gorgeous—perfect for family photos and truly private and secluded.The bedrooms were comfortable with great beds, and the home was stocked better than any VRBO we’ve ever stayed in. We were so impressed by the ample supply of paper products, detergent, soap, shampoo/conditioner, towels—you name it, they had it. Such a thoughtful touch!The hosts were also fantastic—friendly, responsive, and quick to answer any questions before and during our stay.We just cannot say enough wonderful things about this home. It exceeded every expectation. A true 5 star stay! Highly, highly recommend.
The house is fantastic! It has a large family room with an open floor plan to the kitchen and eating area. This allowed our whole family to gather and talk. If wanted a quiet time, there are places outside to sit or rest (hammock) and reflect. The host was responsive and very kind. The house is better than the VRBO listing. We had a wonderful family reunion. Everything was perfect from the pool to the game room to the kitchen!
I came with my family and some dear friends to celebrate my 50th birthday. This home was absolutely stunning. Clean, beautifully appointed, incredibly stocked kitchen and linens... it really felt like a comfortable home. Mark was honest and accomodating, and I showed up with gifts for my birthday left for me! Such a perfect place for celebration, connection and relaxation. It was a perfect four days. I highly recommend this home, one of the best VRBO experiences I have ever had.
The Buena Creek Refuge is indeed a beautiful refuge. We felt relaxed the moment we popped out of the cars. Nine of us spent 6 nights celebrating our 50th anniversary and visiting the area attractions. It was wonderful to have the Refuge to come home to rather than some hotel. The 2 grandkids loved the pool and climbing to the gazebo almost as much as Legoland. Great kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas and did I mention 5 king beds! Our host was easy to communicate with and I enjoyed all our exchanges. On a scale of 1 to 5, it’s at least a 6!
This beautiful home is truly an amazing place to get away from it all. There is something for everyone...sparkling pool and hot tub, sauna, game room (ping pong, X Box, Foosball, Pac Man), badminton, corn hole, an outdoor living room and pool side fire pit for roasting marshmallows with the kids. The property is well equipped with everything you need to make you feel at home. There are lots of blankets, towels and kitchen is well stocked with all you need to cook a feast. Mark is an attentive host, checking in frequently and quick to answer any questions. Thank you for sharing your home. We will definitely be back!!
Katie J.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2023
Thank you Katie, you guys were great guests and we were glad you used all of our fun toys and activities. Come back again anytime!
Th property was lovely and well equipped. We did have problems with the internet connection frequently going out. Our host stayed in touch through the week and attended to any minor problems swiftly. I was disappointed with the 5th bedroom. The bed was a trundle and the room didn’t have a closet or dresser. We were a group of 10 adults all over 60. I am sure guests needing a large house will enjoy this terrific property.
Pam R.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
About the host
Hosted by Mark Stevens
We live in San Diego and have 4 children and 7 grandkids. We bought this property for our kid's and grandkids to use. We call it "Grandkid Bait," they love spending time with us here and keep coming back for more!
Why they chose this property
Secluded but close to everything.
What makes this property unique
Completely secure refuge location. Mature landscaping and retreat like location. Each bedroom is set-up like a suite and private.