Flor de Chateau Jolie is a beautiful professionally designed Hamptons-retro style 3-bedroom 1.5-bath vacation home. It embodies that classically elegant summer beach vibe that quietly whispers 'vacation mode'.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THIS PLACE?
Several things! First off, it is nearly impossible to become bored, no matter your age. There is so much to do on this property, you will likely end up staying in more than expected. Significant effort has gone into crafting multiple opportunities to relax, enjoy, and most importantly to make lifelong memories.
Kids are not an afterthought here. There are dozens of fun and entertaining amenities designed to keep them engaged and perhaps even off their phones more than might otherwise be expected.
There's no denying that the patio area is fantastic, to include 6-Person hot tub with adjacent two-person bar seating (for those that want to chat but not get wet), BBQ grill (what says vacation more than the smell of grilling up dinner?), fire pit & seating area (s'mores anyone?), six-chair set for outdoor dining, shed FULL of beach & park equipment, outdoor shower, and even a surfboard/roof mounts for those inspired to catch some "totally rad!" California waves.
Also special is that great forethought has been invested in the way the property has been appointed, such that guests are often inclined to feel cared for and attended to, which is an experience that is difficult to articulate because it is as subtle as it is potent. "The devil's in the details," as they say, which is why so many of the reviews mention "attention to detail"... It is no one thing but it is everything.
And finally, the location is excellent. Not only are we central coastal, and just 1.4 miles from the beach, but we are within eyesight of SeaWorld's fireworks displays. And if that were not special enough, we are just across the street from Famosa Slough, a 37-acre wetland area that is vital to supporting threatened and endangered species. San Diego is one of the most biologically rich counties in the US. This wetland attracts all kinds of migrating birds and has a lovely walking path along its shoreline.
WHAT'S THE BUILDING STRUCTURE LIKE?
Flor de Chateau Jolie claims the entire ground floor portion of a triplex and therefore is a lot like living in a 1-story house (windows on every N/S/E/W facing wall, front door, back door, patio...) except with others on the floor above. (shared ceiling but no shared walls)
AIR CONDITIONING?
Do not assume just because you are near the beach, you do not need summertime A/C! Trust me, you do, and we have it.
WHERE WILL EVERYONE SLEEP?
Sleeping accommodations for up to ten are as follows: Each of the three bedrooms is nicely spaced apart with the two larger ones at completely opposite ends and the third being midway through.
The PatioSuite Bedroom is the furthest back and is very large, spanning 18-feet wide. It has a Queen size bed as well as a loveseat that pulls out into a Twin sleeper bed. This room has a back door which opens directly onto a beautifully fully furnished and well-lit patio, which is shared among the other two units in the building.
The Trundle Bedroom is mid-way through and is the closest to both of the bathrooms. This can be a plus for those who may need to use the facilities during the night. It is a Full-size bed with a Twin size trundle bed that pulls out. This bedroom is where much of the fun is housed, as it contains things such as a variety of old-school Plug & Play games and a set of massaging bean bag chairs!
The spacious King Bedroom is located at the front of the home and is the most private of the bedrooms, as it shares no walls with any other living area.
And finally, the living room contains a pull-out high-end La-Z-Boy Queen size sofa bed and a set of designer 360 swivel glider armchairs. This is the only non-private sleeping space.
CAN GROUPS EAT TOGETHER?
The dining room accommodates six and the living room another five. The patio has seating for thirteen or so (not including the hot tub). You are welcome to dine on the patio.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOCATION?
The location is very well situated in good proximity to not only the beach but to two freeway onramps. It is also a quick drive to the airport (bedside ear plugs & sleep sound machines are provided for light sleepers) as well as all the major venues and infamous attractions visitors routinely come to San Diego to experience. Guests come to San Diego to be near the ocean and often comment how much they like this location for its quick access to not only the beach, but the rest of San Diego as well.
DO I GET OFF-STREET PARKING?
Flor de Chateau Jolie guests enjoy two off-street parking spaces (a 2-car tandem spot) conveniently located in the front parking lot. This is not our most desirable amenity as the spaces are not roomy and it works out best if you have your passengers exit the car before pulling in. Nonetheless, it certainly qualifies as "an amenity," in that it gets the job done and several vacation homes in our area do not offer any off-street parking spaces (real estate is held at a premium in coastal San Diego!). If this is off-putting, you are bringing more than two cars, and/or you have a particularly wide vehicle, please inquire about the possibility of reserving our third off-street parking spot, which may be a tad less convenient but is easier to navigate. Street parking is available but can be hard to find at certain hours of the day/days of the week. All street parking in our area is non-metered (free).
CAN I DO LAUNDRY?
A coin-op laundry room is just outside your front door. Coins are available for purchase.
LOOKING FOR UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES ON A BUDGET
Over the years I have been compiling an extensive "Totally Cool & Mostly FREE Things to See & Do" list. This list has grown to about 40 pages now and is very reader-friendly. Guests often mention they enjoyed visiting places they discovered from the list.
AM I GOING TO END UP FEELING LIKE A VIP OR A GROUPON HOLDER...?
Everything has been designed with our guest's experience in mind, from our bedside furniture (which have dual multi-prong phone chargers), to offering a snack store for those late-night sugar cravings, to equipping the home with routine conveniences like tool & sewing kits, to providing an array of reading glasses, to having triple-pane windows installed throughout which do a remarkable job of silencing exterior noise, to nurturing those lovely lazy vacation mornings by outfitting all windows with black-out coverings.
The kitchen and dining areas are not large but make good use of the space and include a Keurig dual coffee machine (both k-cup and carafe options), dishwasher, gas range, oven, microwave, toaster, blender, full size fridge/freezer, full sets of cooking/serving dishes/utensils, family-sized crock pot and both regular and oversized pots/cookware.
The kitchen is pre-stocked with a variety of coffee/cocoa/teas/sweeteners/creamers, spices, cooking oils and condiments, and has been outfitted with a 30-cup PUR water filter. Non-breakable glassware is available for the patio. There are resealable baggies, saran, and foil options. There is also a snack & beverage store.
The living room has a 50" wall-mounted ROKU streaming TV, and a fast Wi-Fi network is provided free of charge.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS I MIGHT NEED TO KNOW?
• Small item toys/décor may not be suitable for children under 5 years of age. Please send the host your questions prior to booking if this is of concern for your family. This space has been designed for families with children/teens/pre-teens in mind. We have made efforts to secure low breakables, cleaning cabinets have easily activated child locks, and electrical wall outlets are tamper-proof. Rubber eating utensils/plates, various sippy cups, baby wellness, books, toys, and a highchair are provided. Hard-to-pack baby items are available upon request and include pack & play w/bassinet & changing table, portable shaded play yard, beach mesh tent, and more.
• Internet connection speed is limited by the capabilities of that device’s configuration as well as local bandwidth congestion.
• San Diego’s International Airport is located right beside several communities including ours. We have installed triple-pane windows throughout for a very peaceful experience. However, newcomers will notice the noise from the overhead planes when out on the patio. If you think this will bother you or if you have experience as a noticeably light sleeper, then please be willing to try out the supplied ear plugs/white noise/nature machines, which should be more than adequate to have you sleeping very comfortably and soundly. However, PLEASE REFRAIN from booking if you think airplane noise will take away from you having a 5-star vacation experience.
• As do many vacation homes which offer accommodation options to include larger groups, there is a per person surcharge for groups larger than six. Therefore, it is necessary to search for your booking using the correct information to get the correct price quote prior to booking.
• There are two vacation rentals in this building and the patio is semi=private (shared). You may inquire to book a private time block.
• Please DO NOT book if less than FULLY committed to respecting and ensuring all Hot Tub & House Rules. No unregistered pets/guests. No parties/loud gatherings/adversely intoxicated social get-togethers. Fully commit to being an EXCELLENT neighbor (friendly/quiet/respectful). No parking in anyone else’s parking space. Break or stain it? Admit it ASAP. Don't use the hot tub unless you are committed to showering first and sprinkling the additive after. Be respectful of our home, leave it as you would if you had been a guest in a loved one's home. WE RELY ON EXTERIOR CAMERAS to monitor noise/unregistered guests and guests/parking issues. We have invested in your experience, please help us to help you enjoy it!
