Quiet Hermosa Beach hideaway — new kitchen, private patio, walk to sand

Ten blocks from the water on a quiet Hermosa Beach street, this is the upper unit of a two-unit home — sunny, freshly remodeled, and set up for people who want the beach without the boardwalk noise.

The kitchen is the heart of it: a long quartz island, gas cooktop, wall oven, full-size fridge, dishwasher, and enough counter space to actually cook a week's worth of meals. Wood floors and a white plank ceiling run through the living space. Out front, a covered balcony looks down the street to the ocean — the spot for morning coffee and, most evenings, the sunset.

The private backyard is the best part. French doors in the primary bedroom open straight onto a brick patio fully enclosed by tall hedges, with lemon and orange trees along the back wall and a full wicker sofa set — sofa, two lounge chairs, ottoman — arranged for long evenings outside. It's shaded, completely out of view of the street, and quiet enough to work or eat out there all day. Kids and dogs can be turned loose in it.

The primary bedroom itself has a king bed and a walk-in closet, and its en-suite bath was rebuilt with a double vanity and a large tiled shower. The second bedroom has a double futon and sits near the second full bath.

A washer and dryer are in the hallway, wifi is fast, and parking is free and off-street. Well-behaved pets are welcome — the patio and the yard make it easy on them.

Hermosa's pier, the Strand bike path, and the restaurants on Pier Avenue are a short walk or a shorter bike ride. It works equally well for a week at the beach with kids, a couple who wants somewhere calm, or a stay of a month or more.