If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a backyard guest house that feels like a full-sized home, this 460-sqft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in San Diego is the perfect example. Designed as a stand-alone house with its own private entrance, fenced yard, and parking, this ADU makes the most of its single-level layout to create a truly livable tiny home experience.
During my stay, I loved how functional and comfortable the space felt—from the roomy living area and spacious kitchen to the private bedroom and full bathroom. The fenced backyard gave my pup, Jasper, a safe spot to run around, while the quiet neighborhood made it a relaxing getaway just minutes from the beach and downtown San Diego.
Main Features
- 🏡 460-sqft single-level ADU
- 🛋️ Living room with large sectional couch
- 🍳 Full kitchen with full-size appliances + dining table for 2
- 🧺 Laundry room with stackable washer & dryer
- 🛏️ Private bedroom with queen bed + walk-in closet
- 🚿 En-suite bathroom with full tile shower
- 🌴 Private fenced backyard with outdoor seating
- 🚗 Separate entrance + parking spot
Living Room
The living room in this ADU feels incredibly spacious for a 460-sqft home. Instead of squeezing in a loveseat or small futon, there’s enough space for a full sectional couch—perfect for lounging, working, or hosting a friend or two. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, while the open-concept design flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area.
Kitchen & Dining
One of my favorite parts of this ADU is the L-shaped kitchen with full-size appliances. So often in tiny homes, kitchens feel scaled down, but here you’ll find a full refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There’s plenty of counter space for cooking and prep, plus a compact dining table for two that fits perfectly in the open floor plan.
Bedroom
The private bedroom is thoughtfully designed with a queen-sized bed and a walk-in closet—a rare find in a tiny home! Having dedicated storage space made the stay even more comfortable, keeping the bedroom clutter-free and cozy. The en-suite bathroom is directly connected, making the bedroom feel more like a full suite than just a simple sleeping space.
Bathroom
The en-suite bathroom is spacious and modern, with a large tiled shower and full vanity. Having a private bathroom connected directly to the bedroom added a level of convenience you don’t always find in smaller ADUs or guest houses.
Laundry & Storage
Another big perk of this ADU is the dedicated laundry room with a stackable washer and dryer. Not only does it save trips to a laundromat, but it also adds functionality that makes the home well-suited for both short-term stays and long-term living.
Outdoor Space
What truly makes this San Diego ADU stand out is the private backyard. Separate from the main single-family home on the property, the fenced yard has space to entertain, relax, or let your dog run around. Combined with the separate parking space and private entrance, it feels like its own little home rather than just an add-on unit.
Final Thoughts
This 460-sqft ADU shows just how liveable and versatile a small footprint can be. With a spacious living room, a real kitchen, a private bedroom, full laundry, and a backyard all to yourself, it offers everything you’d expect in a larger home—just with less square footage. Whether as a rental, a guest house, or even a full-time residence, this backyard ADU proves that small-scale living doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
Book now: $250+ per night!
📍 Location: San Diego, California — minutes from the beach!
📐 Size: 460-sqft
🏡 Type: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
▶️ Watch a shorter walkthrough:
Head to their Airbnb listing to check out their availability!
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Images courtesy of ©Airbnb.
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+Hi There!
My name is Alan—founder at Dream Big Live Tiny Co! A few years ago, I quit my consulting job to pursue a life full of adventure. After traveling around the world for a year, I sold most of my stuff and moved into an 160-sqft tiny house. Now I spend most of my time showcasing incredible people living with less in pursuit of more freedom, as well as incredible tiny houses around the world!