Inspiring eco-entreprenuers and would-be B&B owners everywhere, the Venice Beach Eco Cottages are the new cool spot to stay on sizzling Venice Beach. Their tagline says it all: sustainable, environmentally friendly, gezellig – a chill-sounding Dutch word meaning a cozy, relaxing, and warmly enjoyable environment.
These one-time crack houses were renovated by Cynthia Foster and Karel Samson to become 450 square feet of sustainable, solar-powered beach heaven. Each bungalow has been rebuilt using green materials, like reused wood and recycled denim insulation. Inside, each of the three cottages sports organic linens and mattresses, repurposed furniture, and energy efficient appliances.
Each cottage has its own design, so guests can pick the feel that they’d like. For a lake cabin theme, reserve Aunt Zoe’s Place. If a more masculine room fits the bill, try the Papa Hemingway. Or, select Le Bebe if mid-century modern is more your style.
In developing the property, the owners were able to use their experience and backgrounds: Samson is an environmental economist, and Foster is an actor and artist. The pair have also decided to donate three percent of each rental fee to the guest’s charity of choice, which is sure to make guests feel good about indulging in a beach getaway.
Image: Eric Staudemeir
The latest video outreach effort for the denim insulation can be found at http://www.ultratouch.net/video.html