Description Casita del Lago: Los Angeles

Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Toluca Lake, this whitewashed Spanish-style villa arrives with real character – mature palms framing the entrance, exposed ceiling beams overhead, and French doors in the main bedroom opening straight onto the garden. The shaded pergola terrace is the natural gathering spot, with pool views filtering through the trees. Two detached casitas with private entrances give larger groups room to breathe, while Warner Bros. and Universal Studios are both within a five-minute drive – and Toluca Lake's tree-lined streets, with their cafes and restaurants, are walkable from the front door.

Home truths:
* The accommodation here is set across the main house and two detached one-bedroom casitas.
* One casita has a window air conditioning unit while the other relies on two box fans for cooling. If your group is sensitive to heat, factor this in when deciding who sleeps where.
* The villa backs onto a highway, so you'll notice traffic noise when you're outside – particularly around the pool. Most guests find it easy enough to tune out, but if a peaceful poolside atmosphere is a priority for your group, it's worth bearing in mind.
*There's a weekly pool and gardening service here – pool cleaning is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the gardener visits on a Saturday too.