Coastal Living
California Comeback

These hidden Laguna Beach gems are so private, many longtime residents never even knew they existed. Entering the wooden gates into this walled compound of four small, one-bedroom cottages is like stepping between the covers of a storybook. Each newly restored 1927 cottage overlooks a courtyard garden, where plants spill over the rim of a wishing well and scents rise from heirloom flowers.

Locals say that the Manzanita Cottages, built of rough-troweled stucco walls with Tudor-style half-timbering and wood shake roofs, were created by a movie producer as a retreat for his film-star friends. Favored by celebrities such as Joan Crawford, the getaways enjoyed the spotlight for decades before fading from the scene. Today the 500-square-foot cottages, purchased in 1999 and completely renovated, are starworthy once again.

Doors and cabinets retain the original hardware. Exposed wood beams span living room and bedroom ceilings. Colorful rugs, furnishings, and artwork fill the rooms. Casement windows swing inward to circulate breezes, and hardwood floors glow in the sunshine. At night, gas fogs flicker in the thick masonry fireplaces.

Nearby, the artist enclave of Laguna Beach offers a similar mix of classic charm and modern amenities. The community, a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, maintains a neighborhood feel by prohibiting high-rise buildings and unwanted commercial signage.

Because the Manzanita Cottages are just a few blocks from the village and beach, guests can stroll to bistros, bakeries, and martini bars or enjoy lunch on the terrace at the oceanfront Hotel Laguna. Adventurous types sign up for a class at the Soul Surfing School.

With Los Angeles to the north, San Diego to the south, and Catalina Island due west, there's plenty to keep guests busy. But something about the magic of Manzanita Cottages keeps renters close to home. "People come with all these activities planned," says former manager Rose Hancock, "but they end up never leaving the property."