The Casitas of Arroyo Grande

Tucked away at the top of a hill on a property of several secluded acres, are three beautiful, comfortable southwest style "casitas", each with every convenience: terry robes, luxury toiletries and linens, gourmet coffee, wood burning fireplace, Spanish tile bathroom, beautiful peg and groove floors, lovely landscape paintings by a talented local artist, unique and beautiful furnishings, and a private patio with an absolutely exquisite view of gold and green rolling hills in California's central coast wine country. The view is as pretty as anything in Tuscany. The hosts (Tony and Pat) are as kind, gracious and helpful as the relatives we all wish we had. Tony prepares a delicious breakfast (we had crepes one day, an egg souffle the next, with abundant fresh local fruit, juice and coffee) which Tony and Pat deliver to your room. The three casitas surround a lovely shaded, trellised courtyard with a Spanish style fountain at the center and wisteria and honeysuckle hanging in the dappled light. There is a 25 meter lap pool at the bottom of the property, reached by a meandering path. Rocky, a well fed Corgie, greets you when you arrive (no jumping, very restrained, but as attentive and friendly as his owners). There are more than a dozen boutique wineries within a short drive, the towns of Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo are a short hop away, and getting to all of these destinations is a pleasure because, round every bend, there is another view more lovely than the last. We've stayed at many Karen Brown recommended places, and the minute I walked in the door to our casita (my husband and I were just there this weekend for our 27th anniversary) I said "This should be in a Karen Brown Guide!"