This fabulous twin-home is located close to the beach in the heart of north coastal San Diego. Our three-bedroom/2.5-bath home is situated in a distinctive private, gated community that features a private courtyard entry with custom wrought iron gates, and a beautifully landscaped front entry and common area.
You'll enter through a private gate to an 18 ft high dramatic cathedral ceiling leading into the living room. A light and elegant formal dining area catches the eye. Special features include nine-foot-high ceilings, spacious open floor plan, and multi-paned windows bringing in lots of light. Ceiling fans are throughout the home.
Relax in the family room by the cozy fireplace. Catch your favorite sports or movies on the 42' HD flat screen TV. Beautiful and comfortable furnishings add to the ambiance.
Interior and Patio Description: The family room is open to the gourmet kitchen, for family and friends to gather. Outside the glass door there is a lush and spacious landscaped patio -- complete with a gas grill, custom built table, and benches, beautiful swing and loveseat. Share hors-d'oeuvres, and a beverage as you enjoy the incredible weather this San Diego location offers.
The sunny remodeled kitchen has big-view windows overlooking this succulent and flower filled patio. It offers a breakfast nook, with a unique table that opens to seat 6-8, all are provided to make your stay warm and welcome! There is a powder room on the 1st floor.
On the second floor, you'll find the large master bedroom suite with its spacious vaulted ceiling, flat screen TV, treadmill and exercise bike. In the comfortable bathroom, you'll find double sinks, full tub, separate shower, private toilet, and spacious walk in closet. The second and third bedrooms each feature full-size beds. The upstairs 2nd bath features double sinks, a private toilet and tub with shower. All upstairs bathrooms have windows for natural lighting.
Located on the second floor is a laundry room with washer dryer for all your cleaning needs.
Enjoy a swim in the large beautifully landscaped pool area, or enjoy a soak in the jacuzzi spa. The recreation area comes complete with a cabana with umbrella-covered tables, a shower, and restrooms for your convenience.
A large grassy area invites a place for children to run, have a catch or play.
World Class Golf and lots to do! It's less than a 10 minute drive to the beach. And it's just 10 minutes to both the Del Mar Race Track and the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. Several other golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts are within an easy drive.
It's just 20 minutes to Sea World, downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, and Legoland -- and an easy drive to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Disneyland and California Adventures is just 1.5 hours away. . Carmel Valley, Del Mar, is the best that San Diego has to offer. Many famous people have homes or vacation in Del Mar. Who knows who you might run into!
It's just a short walk to playgrounds with tot equipment, basketball nets, and walking trails. Boogie boards, beach, wheelchair rentals are beach convenient. Visit Powerhouse Park in Del Mar for gorgeous ocean views from the comfort of the grassy picnic/barbecue area or beach below.
Torrey Pines Reserve is breath-taking for hikes overlooking the ocean.
A beautiful shopping center with Trader Joes, restaurants, boutiques and Crunch Fitness Center opened just 3 minutes away!
5 minutes away is the Highlands Shopping Center with 2 stories of stores, sweet shops, restaurants, a unique fountain for the young or young at heart to play in, Cinepolis Luxury Cinema with reclining leather seats, a full bar and wait service available at your seat! A brand new dining experience called Skydeck opened in the Highlands Shopping Center as well. A must see!
More to See and Do! Because we are little east of the ocean, we have the added luxury of waking to sunshine when the coastal fog may take a few hours to burn off from about mid May to mid July. Take a swim in the pool or relax in the jacuzzi before heading to the coast, or play tennis, go horseback riding, go for run or ride at the bike trails that are all close by. Your preferred church or synagogue are all convenient.
Quaint Del Mar is a haven for strollers who enjoy window shopping, dining outdoors on the patio, and exploring Del Mar Plaza with its three-level shops and restaurants overlooking the magnificent ocean. This is a favorite village, with a village feel. Along with all of the shops and restaurants, manicures and pedicure salons are conveniently located. Renowned L'Auberge Del Mar Hotel is a beautiful place to have a sunset cocktail and people watch.
North Coast San Diego is full of places to run, bike, hike, take a yoga class, and take advantage of a luxurious spa day at The Grand Del Mar, Enjoy the Del Mar or Solana Beach Farmer's Market on weekends. Cedro Design District is a favorite place for antique shopping and shopping for unique gifts. Spas are plentiful and close by. All in all Sunlit Garden Escape is the perfect spot for your vacation!
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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 and a deadlock
Property Registration Number STR-12263L, 630797
About the area
San Diego
Located in Carmel Valley, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. While the natural beauty of Del Mar Beach and La Jolla Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Del Mar Fairgrounds and A Balloon or Biplane Adventure by California Dreamin' are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and ecotours.
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 7 min drive
Sorrento Valley Station - 10 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Omomo Tea Shoppe - 3 min drive
Urbana Mexican Gastronomy - 3 min drive
Culinary Dropout - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Distinctive Del Mar Haven have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Sunlit Garden Escape?
As of 10 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunlit Garden Escape on 13 Apr 2026 start from AU$639, 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 Distinctive Del Mar Haven pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Distinctive Del Mar Haven?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Distinctive Del Mar Haven?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Distinctive Del Mar Haven?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Distinctive Del Mar Haven located?
Located in Carmel Valley, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Meadows Del Mar Golf Club, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Del Mar Horsepark. Del Mar Plaza and Seagrove Park 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.
We had a wonderful stay at Patti’s Del Mar Haven. Patti was a fantastic communicator and was so kind and gracious to have pool toys and beach gear ready for us. Our boys loved the community pool and we were close to everything in San Diego we wanted to see. The home is comfy and so welcoming. We loved our stay!
Elise F.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2025
Thank you! We came home to an absolute spotless home, so I was wondering… Did you really stay?😉
Awesome vacation, we were all so comfortable and felt right at home on our stay. Kids enjoyed the pool everyday as well as the back patio. The house was stocked well and had everything available at your fingertips.
Mark P.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you Mark! It was a pleasure to host your family.
We couldn't have been happier with our stay at Patti's place. Brought our family and had plenty of room for everyone. Super communication, all the amenities we needed, and the location is great to access everything in and around San Diego.
The house was very nice. Kitchen was stocked better than any place we’ve stayed at. The owner contacted me ahead of time and asked the ages of the kids so she could have pool toys and beach chairs and umbrella for us. She also told us where some nice beaches and restaurants were at. We had a great time
Paula S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you! Come back anytime! A pleasure to have you in our home.
The house is lovely and the hosts were accommodating. They met us and made us feel welcome. We were party of 6 and the house has plenty of space for us. The house is comfortable and we have everything we need. The location is perfect and close to several beaches, attractions and restaurants. They provided towels and linens which were as if you were in a hotel. The pool and hot tub are walking distance. I definitely would come back and stay again . Thank you for sharing your home to us.
Jovitita E.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Lovely to have you! So glad you enjoyed your stay.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Raphael L.
13 Aug 2016
Gorgeous place!
We had a great experience dealing with Patti from A to Z. We were originally supposed to come with our children only, but Patti was kind enough to accommodate 2 additional guests (parents) as well as lend us a crib for our 2-year old toddler. She also gave us plenty of details about her house prior to us booking it as well as after when we were arranging our trip to San Diego.
Patti's house is spacious, located in a quiet, gated community. We stayed there a whole week of July 2016 and we very much enjoyed both the proximity to Legoland (15 minutes away from Patti's home) as well the community pool. The nearby mall with a large Ralph's was very convenient to stay well stocked during the week.
We highly recommend Patti's home for a family or up to 3 couples who are looking for a comfortable and quiet place to stay in the San Diego surroundings.ex
Thanks again Patti and Steve for the excellent vacation we had in San Diego thanks to you!
Raphael L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you so much! What a glowing and thoughtful review. Very much appreciated.
The townhouse is in a very nice area - gated community and spacious. The host Patti was very responsive and even put a couple of nice drinks in the refrigerator for us. The townhouse has a pool area and was a quite place to stay, not too far from Del Mar downtown, restaurants and other attractions.
Our family of four had a wonderful stay at this property. Patti was very welcoming and made us feel at home right away. The house was very well equipped and aesthetically decorated. It had all the comforts, an equipped kitchen, full pantry, lovely backyard and lots of entertainment including good books, tv subscriptions. Patti even offered toys for our kids to play with.
Due to COVID restrictions, we weren't planning to visit many local places so a relaxing stay with some outings is what we had in mind. Patti recommended great nearby beaches that we really enjoyed visiting. And the neighborhood was very family friendly, walking distance to a park, swimming pool within the community and a few minutes to a plaza with plenty of options for food. Overall it was just the right vacation spot we needed during the extraordinary situation.
Deepika V.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you Deepika! It was a pleasure to host your family. We love our home are glad it, "felt like home," to you. The flower you left and the sweet face with the magnet balls on the fridge make our day! Hope to see you again.
Condo was located in a very nice community, super close to shops and dining. We stayed here with a party of 5 and had plenty of room to roam. Very comfortable layout and Patti was super helpful. She met us at the property to let us in and explain where everything was.
Laura B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
It was a pleasure to host your family!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bryant T.
31 Mar 2019
Perfect Vacation!
We just returned from our first trip to San Diego and could not be more pleased. This property is better than advertised. The property is in excellent condition and has a great location (easy drive to LEGOLAND, the zoo, beautiful beaches, dining and other local attractions). It was a perfect fit for our family of five. What's more, Patti is truly a warm, gracious person and a fantastic host. She was very easy to work with and gave us great tips during our stay about activities, dining options, etc. We will definitely return to San Diego (best family vacation ever), and we plan to stay at this property when we return. Thank you Patti!!
Bryant T.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you Bryant it was a pleasure to host your family . When I’m in Minneapolis I will definitely join you for happy hour!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Michele M.
10 Nov 2017
Terrific Rental!
Property was in great condition and everything was as advertised. Very spacious, clean and comfortable. Patti was great and timely with all communication and inquires. Very convenient location for getting around San Diego/Del Mar area. Would highly recommend and would consider renting again if in the area.
Michele M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Gail T.
11 July 2017
Patti's Place is Perfect
Patti's place was absolutely perfect for my family and I to relax and recharge. The home is clean and has everything you could possibly need - it was like going from home to home. Patti made everything easy for us all - there were six of us including our little dog. The pool is close by and all the wonders of San Diego and La Jolla are just on your doorstep. I could not recommend Patti's place highly enough. It's great!
Gail T.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thank you so much Gail. It was a pleasure to host your family. Come back anytime!
Also love the alliterations 😉
Archival
8/10 Good
Sue W.
16 Apr 2015
Great vacation property
Patti and Steve have a lovely townhouse in a great location. It is spacious and comfortable and had everything we needed. Patti and Steve were very accommodating and quick to respond if we needed anything. The pool at the complex was warm and never busy which we really liked. There is no A/C at the townhouse but there are ceiling fans throughout the home. The location can't be eat. It is close to the freeways and all amenities. We spent a month at this home and had a wonderful stay.
Sue W.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jill B.
13 Apr 2015
Spotless Attractive Safe, LOVED IT!!
We had the opportunity to stay at this beautiful home this past March. The home was as shown on the photos and perfectly located. We were able to enjoy San Diego and look forward to coming back to a comfortable well appointed warm home. Patti and Steve were completely available to recommend babysitters, restaurants, attractions for teenagers and young children. We made the perfect choice!
Jill B.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Debbie S.
11 Apr 2015
Beautiful oasis in Del Mar
Our stay was absolutely perfect! The house was stylishly appointment, immaculate and most importantly had a warm and caring feeling about it. You can tell the owners go to great length to create a beautiful environment for your stay. The location is perfect for the beach, shopping and great restaurants. Will definitely be back!!!
Debbie S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
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9 Apr 2015
Delivered Everything and More Than Promised
"Distinctive Del Mar Haven" delivered everything and more than promised. As pretty as the pictures, ideal location and welcoming/organized property host. Everything was so easy. Amenities of home (loved having a washer/dryer) plus a swimming pool, lots of space, and a private backyard (so pretty) -- plenty of room for all of us to stretch out and enjoy the trip and each other. Plus, so close to a fabulous beach, parks, many really good restaurants and even a movie theatre. This was our first time staying in a rental home. No reason to ever check into a San Diego hotel again with my family. We'll be back!
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Archival
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth M.
4 Sept 2013
A beutiful stay in a beautiful home
Our family of four (children aged 12 and 9) stayed in this home for 6 nights in August. Patti was terrifc to deal with - extremely welcoming and helpful in all matters.We had a super time here. The place was spacious enough for all of us to enjoy our peace yet still enjoy eachothers company over breakfast in the enclosed garden or cuddling up on the cosy couch in front of the large tv for a family movie. We used the lovely pool on site every day and stopped into the nearby mall for all our grocery and kids toys buying needs. We enjoyed the location of Del Mar and found the security of the gated community particularly handy for the kids. All in all, we throughly enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend this place to any other family looking for a bit of style, a bit of peace and a lot of fun in San Diego.
Elizabeth M.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
thank you! wonderful guests make it easy!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Galey D.
8 July 2011
Perfect for our family of 4 adults and 2 children
We just got back home after spending 5 nights in this cute townhome. Located in a very quiet and safe residential neighborhood in Del Mar, we felt comfortable and quite "at home." The house was spotless and the location perfect: after fighting traffic and crowds all day, it was so nice to return every night to the calm and relaxing atmosphere of this Del Mar neighborhood. The kids were able to swim in the community pool in the evening and there was a large municipal park just down the street within easy walking distance that, unfortunately, we never had time to visit. We enjoyed breakfast every morning outside on the secluded (and very green!) patio. The weekly rate is very reasonable and owners accommodated our every need. Thanks again Patti. We had a GREAT time and your wonderful home had a lot to do with it ! We would not hesitate to come back.
Galey D.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
17 July 2009
Great place
Lovely house and lots of space for our family of 5. Decorated to a very high standard and very clean and comfortable. Shared swimming pool is quiet and in a great location. Restaurants are in Del Mar so you will need a car but this should not cause an issue. We didnt use taxis but this would be an easy option. Very easy to get to and I would recommend San Diego to everyone as a great place to visit.
About the host
Hosted by Patti Aretz
We purchased this townhome with the excellent schools in mind, and proximity to Del Mar and Torrey Pines beaches. The area has grown up around us to include many excellent restaurants, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, gyms, boutiques, parks etc. We love the convenience to freeways going north and south. The airport is 30 minutes away as is the Aquarium at Legoland, and in La Jolla at Birch Aquarium. The Polo Fields, 10 minutes away for the soccer enthusiasts. The Oceanside Pier and the Museum of Music, are favorite spots. As a parent educator, I am always looking for special places to recommend to take children for hikes and experiences that expose them the to the gorgeous environment that is San Diego.
Why they chose this property
This property is our primary home. Many of the pieces are designed and built as one a of kind pieces. The home is decorated with a contemporary look and comfort in mind. It is immaculate, breezy with fans throughout, very well organized with living in style in mind. The kitchen and den overlook the lush garden that the homeowners have enjoyed nurturing for 23 years. The foliage is beautiful and a pleasure to enjoy over morning coffee or tea in the kitchen nook. We absolutely love our home, proximity to the pool and spa and beaches, and are proud to have our guests enjoy it as well!
What makes this property unique
Location! Carmel Valley is conveniently located between beaches, North County's beach quaint cities, Legoland, and downtown's Gaslamp Quarter, funky Hillcrest, Balboa Park.