Entire home

Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach

Family-friendly holiday home with water park and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach

Outdoor dining
Pool
Pool
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 10399.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

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La Jolla, CA

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

(1) Master Suite - California King - upstairs

1 King Bed

(2) West Master - California King

1 King Bed

(3) King or Twin Bedroom - Upstairs

2 Single Beds

Office 1

1 Single Futon

Sun Porch

1 Single Bed and 1 Single Futon

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 - Master en suite

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2nd en suite - toilet , tub and shower

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3 en suite - sink - toilet , combination tub/shower

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 4 - Cabana/Family Rm downstairs toilet/sink/shower

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5 - Downstairs off kitchen

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach

ROMANTIC ARCHITECTURE, WALK TO BEACH, LARGE SUNNY BEDROOMS, PRIVATE POOL AND LARGE ENTERTAINMENT AREAS.

La Jolla of the 1920s—during the era of Old World Spanish Revival design—lends romance and character to this prime beach and village retreat. Beautiful architectural details and stylish décor combine with a superb location, making Casasol the perfect getaway for families and friends. Picture yourself strolling to the beach to watch the sunset, then returning to relax with drinks by the pool.

This historic property offers spacious rooms, a lush garden, and a private pool—creating both comfort and ambiance for your holiday.
LOCATION
Casasol is located near Windansea Beach in La Jolla’s exclusive Lower Hermosa neighborhood. Unlike hillside homes where sidewalks are scarce, this area is ideal for walking, jogging, or bike riding - through the neighborhood and above the beach. You’ll be just an 8-minute walk to the beach or the hamlet of Bird Rock, a 5-minute drive to the Village, and about 30 minutes south to downtown San Diego and the Zoo.

Architecture & History
Built in 1928–29 by noted architects Mann & Shepherd, Casasol has been thoughtfully restored and modernized while preserving its original Spanish Revival character. The architects also designed La Jolla’s landmark La Valencia Hotel, with its same Mediterranean romance. Architectural details abound—carved stone benches, leaded glass windows, hand-crafted tiles, high beamed ceilings, a walnut-paneled dining room, and wood and tile floors throughout.

AMENITIES
-Pool with adjacent cabana bath
-Family room with flat-screen TV
-Gourmet eat-in kitchen with travertine floors, granite & ----Corian counters
-Exquisite furnishings and high-quality linens
-Wood-burning fireplace (with gas starter & firewood)
-Large bedrooms with blackout curtains for restful sleep
-Dining for 10 in the formal room, 6 in the kitchen, and 6+ outdoors
-Two folding beds and two Graco cribs for children
-Beach gear provided: folding chairs, coolers, towels, and toys

PRACTICAL NOTES
-Pool service: Wednesdays around 4:00 p.m.
-Garden care: Friday mornings; extra watering may occur during summer heat
-Owners maintain a private apartment with a separate entrance in an adjoining building; your access and use of the main house are completely private.

Casasol blends the romance of 1920s Spanish Revival La Jolla with modern comfort—everything you need for a stylish and memorable holiday by the sea.

**********************
House Layout:
The 4300 sq. ft. home includes three large sun-filled bedrooms upstairs, with bathrooms en suite, a bathroom off the kitchen, and a family room with its own bathroom. Total of FIVE BATH ROOMS.
Bed configuration:
UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS:
Master Bedroom 1: California King -- sleeps 2
Master Bedroom 2: Cal King -- sleeps 2
Twin Bedroom: Twin beds or pushed together are a King
Sun Porch Trundle: Sleeps 2
2 folding beds: if required one folding bed can be placed into any of the large bedrooms.

All of the bedrooms are furnished with seasonal quality linens.
For Littlest Ones (Please Request): Graco Pack-n-Play, diaper pail, stroller, Newborn bathtub, High chair, Booster seat,Toys for beach and pool, Childrens books

**************************
Private Pool:
Surrounded by a wall and 60’ tall trees and a garden, the Private Pool is about 50 feet in length and is 9 feet deep at the deep end. **************************
Kid friendly beaches: Within a few minutes walk is a beach for wonderful tide pooling and exploration. A few minutes into the village, and any day you can watch the seals play at the Children’s Pool.

CLEANING PROTOCOL
Special attention is made to clean then disinfect the typical areas we frequently touch (all electrical switches, bannister, knobs, chair arms, backs of chairs).

No smoking is permitted in the house.

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Only in outdoor gardens

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Turn off all heaters and fans/air conditioner off (if applicable).
Depending on length of stay: Please try to wash/dry all pool and bathroom towels that are not needed the day of departure. Especially the pool towels - they take us so long to dry!
Return the hairdryers, and any moved furniture back to the spot where they were found.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Instant Booking must be approved by owners /requires two week lead time for cleaning protocol. No bachelor/bachelorette parties.
SPECIAL RESIDENCE: This is a historic home. Thank you for treating it with care. Quiet outdoor hours 10:00pm - 9:00am.
HOLIDAY/SUMMER CANCELLATION POLICY: You must cancel 90 days prior to your arrival date for a full refund. VRBO fees are not refunded.

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
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
Property Registration Number STR-00303L, 617001

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

La Jolla

Located in Lower Hermosa, a neighbourhood in La Jolla, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Valley Mall and Seaport Village are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mission Beach and La Jolla Cove. Travelling with kids? Make time for Belmont Park, or head to an event or a match at Petco Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
La Jolla, CA

Getting around

  • Balboa Avenue Transit Center Station - 8 min drive
  • San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 13 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Paradisaea - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Bird Rock Coffee Roasters - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Bahia Don Bravo - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Beaumont's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Verdes El Ranchero - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Romantic Spanish Home, Private Pool, Walk to Beach located?

This family-friendly La Jolla holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Windansea Beach and Bird Rock. Mission Beach and La Jolla Cove are also within 3 miles (5 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. 115 out of 121 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 121 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 121 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 121 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 121 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gregory F.

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

Great place for families staying in La Jolla

Great location, super nice pool especially. Owners were very helpful providing good recommendations for the area and lots of amenities for our 2 young kids.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate S.

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

Piece of paradise in La Jolla

Beautiful, historic home in the heart of La Jolla. Every detail was thought through on this home, and the hosts were great to work with. There was a lot of space for our large family to celebrate our daughter’s college graduation. We even hosted a small get together with some of her friends and their parents, and it was a beautiful place to entertain and make memories.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

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

Excellent getaway

Beautiful property. Cordial and accommodating hosts.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

ANDREW J.

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

Spanish Home - La Jolla

Great accommodation for a family. So much space and very well equipped not only kitchen but toys for the children. Shona was a great hostess always ready to answers any queries we had. We loved the pool which was perfect for the children to play in. We had a great week and would highly recommend.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

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

excellent experience

Perfect in every way!
Stayed 25 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Solomon R.

Charming & spacious

We were impressed with the character of this elegant home. There is ample room for large groups and the courtyard and pool area are wonderful options for the climate. We would (and likely will) gladly return!

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

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

Staying in a castle !!!

Spectacular home. Kitchen equipped for a chef - has everything you could imagine. Gorgeous pool. Elegant dining room.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Casasol Is Fabulous!

Casasol has it all. Exquisite architecture in the Spanish style, stunning dining room, with wood paneling, a beautiful chef’s kitchen with everything you need, lots of space for visitors to spread out, and a show stopping swimming pool surrounded by lovely gardens and plenty of outdoor space to entertain. And only minutes from La Jolla Village and local beaches. We were a family of six from age 76 to 2 1/2 and everyone loved this property. So many thoughtful touches by supreme host, Shona. If you’re headed to the beach, she has you covered with towels, a nice stroller, sand toys, and so much more..The home is lovingly restored from a shell of its former self. The history is fascinating too. Shona is a superb and welcoming host who thinks of every detail.You get the idea. Treat yourself!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay M.

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

Perfect getaway for family

Shona and Barry were incredible hosts. We were provided an in depth in person tour of the house upon arrival with snacks, beverages. The house was well stocked with many non-perishable food items such as teas, syrup, etc. and useful items such as travel size toiletries, soaps and even fresh flowers! Casasol is a historic property with a beautiful yard and pool. Our kids enjoyed the warm pool daily and we were able to keep easy watch while reading, or BBQing. We truly enjoyed our getaway and would recommend Shona and Barry as hosts to anyone looking for a relaxing retreat.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

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

Beautiful home in a wonderful location with fantastic hosts!

This home is absolutely incredible! If you are looking for a place to stay that has that La Jolla charm, this is it. The history of this home is fascinating and the care the owners have put into preserving it is obvious. Shona, the host, is so incredibly kind. She greeted us with beverages and snacks, gave us a personal tour of the home and had beautifully-wrapped books for our young children who were over the moon with their little welcome gifts. The backyard with its beautiful gardens and huge pool, grill and multiple seating areas, is a great area to relax and have meals. The home has central A/C, which is rare in the area and made for a comfortable night’s sleep. The home is well-stocked with pool and beach supplies, kids toys and books, linens and everything you could need in the kitchen. A very short distance to Windansea Beach, La Jolla Shores, downtown La Jolla, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and great restaurants, this home is in a great location and beautiful neighborhood. Thank you so much for allowing us to experience your beautiful home and its history!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becca G.

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

Stunning and well-appointed home with fantastic hospitality

We really enjoyed our stay, and can't say enough about how thoughtful and responsive the host (Shona) was. The house is just stunning. We were a little concerned initially since we have two young and energetic kids and there are a lot of potential things for them to break and no fence around the pool (which we knew in advance), but it ended up working out well with some extra close supervision. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the gadgets and tools you could want! We really appreciated that there were blackout curtains in the bedrooms too. We had some cooler weather, I think, than normal, so the pool was a bit chilly for some of our party, but most of our family was more than happy to jump in and play! The whole property and location is ideal for a fabulous family vacation. Easy walk down to the beach and lots of beach supplies provided (towels, shade tents, beach toys, coolers, etc.), making it extra easy when travelling from afar. Shona also had a lot of little kid supplies available (pack n play, booster seat, etc.), which was super helpful! Would highly recommend this property to anyone traveling to the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Sam M.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy
House was very nice but the “hosts” were constantly in what I assumed would be our private space. If you want privacy I would not book this property. They also tried to blame previous damage to a couch on us. This stay was not pleasant.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

James S.

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

Great family retreat

We loved the beautiful property, especially the outdoor areas. Location was great. Home was very well equipped and lovely architecture and renovation. Overall, a great stay and getaway for family time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana A G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house and exceptional hosts! Our grandkids especially loved the pool. Very spacious home and each couple had their own bathroom en suite!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bill V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a truly exceptional property. The hosts, Shona and Barry, are extremely friendly and helpful and were always available. The home is equipped with resort-quality towels, linens and bedding and high-end kitchen appliances, cookware, utensils and other kitchen supplies. The home is stocked with everything we needed for our stay, including toys for our toddlers and towels, chairs, toys and other accessories for the beach.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynnette S.

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

Family Trip

Perfect location. Property manager was great to work with. Loved all the space for our entire family to spread out.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle V.

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

Relaxing Family Weekend

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful historical home in La Jolla. It was incredibly relaxing—super clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully stocked with everything we needed. The amenities were fantastic, especially for families, with plenty of kids’ toys and beach gear. The pool was a highlight, and the beds were very comfortable. A perfect spot for a restful and fun getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mira O.

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

Beautiful stay

We had a lovely time in La Jolla staying at Casasol - it is a large well kept property with a beautiful yard, close to great beaches and the aquarium. I wish it was warmer so we could have enjoyed the pool more but other than that it worked well for 4 adults and 1 child and we were able to cook many meals in the well outfitted kitchen. Shona and her husband live next door when were very responsive to any concerns we had. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John D.

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

Beautiful the dark property with excellent amenities. Host was extremely helpful. A wonderful place

We had a lovely time celebrating our 50th anniversary in this lovely historic home updated with every imaginable modern amenity. Great for relaxing at home, neighborhood walks, and visiting local sites. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael N.

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

Amazing Location, Fantastic Home, Incredible Hosts

We were delighted with the property, location and experience for our getaway. The home and property are amazing - we enjoyed cooking in an incredibly well equipped kitchen, playing in the pool and walking to the beach. Highly recommend - Shona and Barry truly go the extra mile to make this space comfortable and inviting.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Samantha L.

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

Beautiful Historic Home.

We had a great stay in La Jolla. My family enjoyed the beautiful house with on site privit pool. There were plenty bedrooms and bathrooms for our large family. It was a short walk to the beach.for our large. for our large family
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bill V.

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

Exceptional in every way

This property is really special. It is a beautiful, well maintained historic home in a great location. The owners have literally thought of everything that guests could need or want. We travelled with two toddlers, and the owners provided two folding cribs, a booster chair and high chair, age-appropriate toys and books, pool floats and toys and plenty of gear for the beach. Shona met us and gave us a tour of the property. She and Barry live in a separate apartment on the property - they were always available, but very respectful of our privacy. We will definitely book again if we return to La Jolla.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Corey O.

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

beautiful property

just a beautiful property in every way and shona was a wonderfully attentive hostess. hope to return
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeana C.

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

Wonderful stay

We had an incredible stay at Shona’s house. It was so incredibly well stocked- from pool toys to kids books to beach equipment to everything you would ever need in the kitchen. Shona was such a kind and courteous host, even volunteering a tour of the neighborhood. The location is great, with great restaurants and beaches in either direction. We loved the house and will absolutely consider it the next time in La Jolla.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rich G.

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

Easter family stay, 4 nights

Architecturally beautiful, and well appointed. The owner is justifiably proud of the property, and quite attentive. An impressive list of house rules reflects a real concern for the care and protection of the house, and the owner was noticeably present through our stay. She was kind enough to remind me (via text, and a handwritten note) a couple days in to our stay, that there was sand outside at the entry ( I don't think that she entered the home in our absence ), and this might damage the oak floors if it was tracked inside. She placed a hose, some towels, and a hand broom at the entrance to the home for our convenience. The home was clean inside, (4 stars for the pool and deck, apparently under renovation), beds comfortable, kitchen quite nice and well appointed. The aesthetic of the house with the art, architecture, woodwork and craftsmanship is special. This house is not just a rental, but is the owners' cherished home, and it shows.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Shona McArthur - Barry Bielinski

Host profile image
Your hosts are an art historian and a retired airline captain. They are international travelers. The home and garden were featured in the 2002 La Jolla Historical Society's Home and Garden Tour.

Why they chose this property

Shona is a native La Jollan who has been involved with museums, art and culture all of her life. Barry is a retired pilot who flew internationally with TWA and American Airlines. Both of us have traveled extensively. We enjoyed restoring this historic, architecturally significant property. We look forward to sharing it with you..

What makes this property unique

The home has been restored to its former beauty, and furnished with antiques and furniture that maximize comfort and enjoyment. You have a kitchen equipped for the gourmet cook. It is a cook's delight, with a large island for preparing meals, a cozy table for eating breakfast, and a garden patio pool view. Picnic and beach gear for outings...Complete wireless WiFi 200mb access.

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests