OUR BABYMOON IN CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
KP and I stayed at the AMAZING Bonne Chance for our Babymoon- a private home just a block from the famous Carmel beach. We spent a few days in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a little last minute babymoon. The beach is our happy place so when I saw this house on the Vintage Property Management facebook page I knew we had to go stay.
We had never stayed in a vacation house before and I was really nervous! I was so worried we would spill something or mess things up but the house was perfect and so comfortable I didn’t want to leave. Soon all my fears melted away and we just settled in.
Every home in Carmel has a name. They don’t have addresses. This goes back to the city’s artist roots. Most homes are cute cottages that make you want to paint, write a book or create. Bonne Chance was everything I think of when I think of Carmel.
I am not sure when Bonne Chance was built but the original owner was a screenplay writer and actor and had this INCREDIBLE hidden theater built in the basement. When the new owner took the home over he completely renovated it and modernized it but kept this sweet piece of history all original. That unique Carmel charm also still remained in the property.
I do not know who the designer/decorator was but when we got home from our babymoon, KP and I agreed we are going to hunt them down and have them do our new house.
Carmel has amazing restaurants and places to explore– I even did a Travel Guide not too long ago. Plus, if you are a fan of Big Little Lies all their shooting locations are super close by.
We ate in most nights because this kitchen was so incredible and so were the views off the deck. The whole trip was really calm and laid back for us. We left Louis with a babysitter so it was just KP and me.
I read a few books during our Babymoon. The house has a few little nooks like this window that was perfect for a good book.
Bonne Chance has 5 bedrooms and 5 baths! I was shocked. From the street, it looks like a tiny quaint cottage and when you get inside it is something magical– like if I was a wizard in Harry Potter this would be my house. I imagine this house is perfect for a group of friends to spend the month in Carmel or really do it up big for Pebble Beach Food & Wine or Concours d’Elegance. Each room has its own bath and is super private. They don’t even share hallways or floor!
We were tempted to sleep in a different room each night but ultimately the views from the deck on the top floor won out.
Our Babymoon was incredible and I am so glad we made the leap to do it. A lot of you DM’d me and asked why we went with a local private property management firm instead of one of the internet ones. Like I said this was our first time staying at a private house and we were super nervous. What if something went wrong would there be someone there to help? What if we couldn’t figure out how to use things in the home? A ton of thoughts went through our decision-making process.
Ultimately, we knew we are a bit more high-maintenance than an internet company could provide so we chose a local firm with real people. Vintage Property Management was awesome, they helped check us in, gave us tips on places to-go and offered more services than even we needed. They had access to daily housekeeping, car service, wine tours, restaurant reservations and even a private chef! We left Louis at home but they even have recommendations and services for your pup. I knew of VPM before but I thought they just did estate management for people’s second homes. I was excited when I saw their Facebook post about vacation rentals. It gave us the chance to try out something we had been thinking of. Really they went above and beyond for us. The whole team made KP and I feel comfortable and like we had someone to call for anything just like a hotel.
I found out later that VPM has been in the Carmel/Pebble Beach are for over 35 years and I was really excited to learn they are a women-owned company. I love supporting other women-owned businesses! You can see more about Bonne Chance or Vintage Property Management over on their website.
When it was time to go I actually cried and begged my husband to hunt down the owner and buy the cottage from him! Wouldn’t that be the BEST push present? He said no but I am holding out hope. He did agree to go back next year!
Our Babymoon was so awesome I can’t wait to share more about our stay next week with you guys. Like my super easy trick for cooking while on vacation, our favorite walk and even how we had one of our favorite couples over for dinner!
