Kensington | House in Kensington, California

IMPORTANT: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A DOG, DO NOT INSTANT BOOK. INSTEAD, MESSAGE ME FIRST WITH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DOG. I MUST APPROVE ALL DOG GUESTS FIRST. IF YOU INSTANT BOOK, I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE NOT BRINGING A DOG. IF I APPROVE YOU BRINGING A DOG, THERE WILL TYPICALLY BE A PET FEE OF $75 PER STAY PER DOG. IF YOUR FEE IS HIGHER I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOU INQUIRE.
ALSO, please don't run AC/heat when not in the guest house. When you do run it, please make sure all windows are closed. When you go out, please make sure AC/heat is OFF. You are welcome to open windows and to keep a fan running. Violation of this rule may result in a deduction of at least $100 from your security deposit. Fortunately, I have never deducted from anyone's deposit but please observe these important rules!
There are two (2) steps into the guest house.
My guest house is a 400 sf studio with bamboo flooring, high ceilings. Cal.King bed, kitchenette (sink, two fridges, Keurig coffee maker, toaster, microwave, two induction hot plates, toaster oven, garbage disposal); 3/4 bath (shower) with stability grab bar. You will have your own entrance and A/C and heat (Nest thermostat). There is a table for dining or workspace as well as a collapsible desk and chairs for work space or in-room snacking. There is wifi access and a TV with streaming content including live tv on Hulu+. There is a HUGE DVD movie library for your viewing. Maximum occupancy is 2 adults.
This guest house is private and not visible from the street. The yard, which is shared with the main house, has 12 foot high hedges and a lovely garden with sun lounge chairs. Weather permitting, enjoy the patio with lounging sofas and chairs, or have a snack outdoors at the umbrella-shaded dining table. An outdoor gas grill may be available for use. Guests who stay a week or longer will be provided with laundry access in the main house. For short term guests, there is a laundromat within a couple of miles on Adams Avenue.
I try to provide a guest experience that makes everything easy for the guests. I provide plenty of clean towels (beach towels in summer or on request), paper towels, napkins, dish detergent (hand washing only), toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap. I also keep the guest house stocked with other toiletry items including extra toothbrushes and sunblock. I also leave my guests coffee, filtered water pitcher and some snacks.
Beautiful neighborhood, mostly developed in the 1920s and 1940s. Flat, walkable streets with lovely homes. Walk to small business district (about 15 minutes) with restaurants, wine bars, brewery, ice cream parlor, independent movie theater, pilates/yoga studio, dry cleaners, Starbucks, pet supply store, upscale grocery (Stehley Farms). About 1 mile to Von's grocery and Rite Aid pharmacy.
Kensington is close to other interesting neighborhoods, such as North Park, Normal Heights and Hillcrest. It is immediately off the 15 freeway.
I will consider house trained, non-destructive dogs that are not habitual barkers and that do not have separation anxiety. If you wish to bring a dog, you MUST message me before booking and let me know your dog's breed, age, whether neutered, temperament. All dog guests must be current on vaccinations and must not have fleas. I try to make the guest house dog friendly and include doggie poop bags, Nature's Miracle (in the rare case of an accident), and a comforter or throw to use as a doggie bed. I have 2 neutered Westies living on premises, so approved doggie guests must be well socialized,. Large dogs that have a strong "prey" instinct toward small dogs are not suitable guests. However, we have hosted many large and wonderfully socialized dogs. There is a $75 pet fee per do per stay. Sorry, I do not allow cats.
Restaurants on Adams include Pappalecco (rustic pizzeria with amazing housemade gelato), Ponce's (family-owned Mexican comfort food - watch out for the margaritas!), Bleu Boheme (excellent French country cuisine), Cucina Sorella (innovative cuisine with eclectic gift shop), Clem's Tap House (brewery), Kensington Café (popular for brunch), Burger Lounge (burgers), The Haven (pizzeria and more), Clem's Liquor (deli counter and largest collection of bottled beers I have ever seen), Vino Volo (wine bar). Also on Adams are the Ken Theater (independent and revival films, excellent fresh popcorn), Moosie's (ice creamery), Bubbles and Babes (pets), Zen Sanctuary (day spa), a pilates and yoga studio, Stehly Farms (an upscale grocery store with deli) and of course, Starbucks.
This is a quiet residential neighborhood, so please keep noise levels consistent with that of the neighborhood. No smoking or burning of any materials at any time inside the guest house. You will forfeit your entire deposit if you have smoked in the guest house. No parties in the guest house.
The house is about a 0.2 mile walk to a city bus line. It is within 10-20 minutes of all major San Diego attractions and neighborhoods, including beaches, retail shopping, live music and theater, universities, the Zoo, Balboa Park and much more. It's about 1/2 hour to the Mexican border. If you have questions about the house's proximity to something you are interested in, just ask.