From the grey timber exterior to the walls painted in shades of ocean blue, this is a home where colour is used to create a certain atmosphere. Step through the front door and you can't help but feel calmer than you did just moments before. The house plant collection contributes to this zen feeling, as does the copious amounts of natural light coming in through the large living room window, which dances pleasingly off the wooden floor. The peaceful ambience is in keeping with the Long Beach location, which is a lot more laid-back than neighbouring Los Angeles. Here, you can get to the eponymous beach in twenty-five minutes, but Downtown LA is only forty-five minutes away in the car if you want to up the ante at any point.

Home truths:
*There's a dedicated parking space with this property, as well as extra spots on the street outside
*A cot, high chair and stroller can be provided by the host if required
*There is a fee of late checkout fee of $75 for every half an hour after 11am