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Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym

Photo gallery for Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym

Property grounds
Room
Private kitchen
Outdoor Shower
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
San Marcos, CA
  • Place, Lake San Marcos Executive Course
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, LEGOLAND® California
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Carlsbad State Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom Area

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Outdoor Shower

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym

Welcome to Casa Grotto, a one-of-a-kind hillside retreat perched 800 feet above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean—from La Jolla all the way to the San Clemente Islands. Nestled on the lush green mountainside above Lake San Marcos, this private stone studio offers a peaceful escape where coastal serenity meets natural design.

Built into the hill using real stone from a 1970s dynamite blast, Casa Grotto is as unique as it gets. Inside, you’ll find organic materials, arched windows, and warm, modern finishes that honor the land it was built on. The space features a queen bed, full kitchen with concrete countertops and filtered water, a private gym, and a truly memorable stone shower—accessed from the bed area and illuminated by natural light from above.

Casa Grotto is perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking a calm, inspiring space to recharge. We’re just 4 miles from Cal State San Marcos—ideal for visiting parents, faculty, or alumni—15 miles from the Escondido wineries, and only 20 minutes from the coast and local beaches. If you're planning a beach day, we’re happy to provide surfboards and beach towels upon request. And don’t be surprised if our two friendly boxers stop by—they supervised the entire remodel and will gladly try to join your stay.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
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

San Marcos

San Marcos is home to this cottage. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Flower Fields of Carlsbad and Carlsbad State Beach, while LEGOLAND® California and Del Mar Fairgrounds are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at San Diego Polo Fields or Frontwave Arena.
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Map
San Marcos, CA

What's nearby

  • Lake San Marcos Executive Course - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • LEGOLAND® California - 21 min drive - 13.8 km
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad - 22 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Carlsbad Premium Outlets - 22 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Carlsbad State Beach - 28 min drive - 18.6 km

Getting around

  • Carlsbad Poinsettia Station - 23 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Senor Pancho's Mexican Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Amalfi Cucina Italiana - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Amalfi Marina Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

As of 4 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym on 27 Nov 2026 start from AU$614, 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 Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym located?

Situated in San Marcos, this cottage is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Lake San Marcos Executive Course and within 3 miles (5 km) of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park and St. Mark Golf Club. Palomar College and La Costa Golf Courses - North and South 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobby B.

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

Unbelievable property with the BEST view!

I would rent this property over and over again. My girlfriend and I had the best experience! The property is immaculate and the view is absolutely stunning. The grotto house is first class, and I highly recommend renting it.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H.

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

Unique Property!

My wife and I had an amazing stay. The hosts did a remarkable job turning the mountainside into a comfortable and homey rental. We enjoyed the visits from their happy doggos. Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brookellyn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This might be one of the best VRBOs I’ve stayed in. I’m not sure what was more stunning…. The views or the unit itself. The dogs were so very sweet and the attention to detail to ensure the stay went well was noticeable. Host was super communicative and attentive. Will be staying here again. BOOK NOW if you’re on the fence!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is such a unique property. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is your spot! The views were amazing that little house itself is completely made of stone and absolutely perfect in every way. We didn’t use the outdoor shower, but it was very cute and I will definitely use it next time we come back and we will definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Ashley Ferrelli

Host profile image
We’re a husband-and-wife team who live on the property above Casa Grotto with our two friendly boxer dogs. We love design, nature, and creating spaces that feel peaceful, grounded, and connected to their surroundings. Hosting allows us to share this special corner of San Diego with others—whether you're here to relax, explore, or just breathe a little deeper. We're nearby if you need anything, but happy to give you full privacy during your stay.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with this hillside for its quiet, elevated setting and its sweeping views of the coastline. It feels like a hidden corner of North County—tucked away, peaceful, and surrounded by nature, yet still just minutes from the beach, local trails, and great food. Being up here gives you a sense of calm and privacy, while still staying close to everything San Diego has to offer.

What makes this property unique

Casa Grotto was originally built in the 1980s using dynamite to blast into the hill—creating a truly one-of-a-kind stone structure. We've remodeled it into a cozy, peaceful studio that honors the original vision while adding thoughtful modern touches. Perched 800 feet above sea level with panoramic ocean views, it’s built into the hillside using real stone, with an indoor rock shower, fire pit, and access to a private gym. It's not just a place to sleep—it’s an experience.
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