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5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #231090

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Terrace/patio
Exterior
Property grounds
Beach
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 570 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View map
Soquel, CA
  • Place, Poetic Cellars Winery
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Capitola Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Capitola Wharf
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Soquel

With a stay at this apartment in Soquel, you'll be in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Poetic Cellars Winery. .This apartment is 8.1 mi (13.1 km) from Monterey Bay and 4.5 mi (7.2 km) from Capitola Beach.
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What's nearby

  • Poetic Cellars Winery - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Capitola Historical Museum - 11 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Capitola Beach - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • New Brighton State Beach - 12 min drive - 9.0 km

Getting around

  • Blossom Hill Station (Caltrain) - 43 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tortilla Shack - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Good Dogs - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Cruz - ‬6 min drive

About this property

5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #231090

Beautiful, two story, custom Mediterranean home. Private downstairs suite (700 sq ft) is available for our guests (2 bedrooms/1.5 baths/living area/kitchen nook). Mountain/Canyon views. Wildlife and tranquility. Lots of nearby restaurants. 5 mins to Capitola / 50 mins to Monterey/Carmel. <<<

Whether you're an over-worked Silicon Valley couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an out-of-towner who wishes to explore the marvels of the breathtaking Monterey Bay area, this 5-acre, hillside property is simply charming. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, suburbs or even beach area congestion in your quest to restore your inner tranquility, re-connect with your significant other, “become one” with nature, see twice as many stars out at night, or you're simply looking to avoid highway 17 traffic home after a long day at the beach, we invite you to experience this very special retreat.

Once you are well-rested, there is a variety of interesting things to do in the area. Having your own car is essential to access the residence and to travel beautiful state highway 1 to nearby locations such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola beach, Moss Landing, Marina, Monterey (Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium), Carmel (17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach) and Big Sur. We are also a 40 minute drive to downtown San Jose--the heart of Silicon Valley.

Nestled in a secluded canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the home is only 2.5 miles to downtown Soquel / Capitola and borders Santa Cruz. Offering a quiet, peaceful setting with lots of wildlife (deer, racoon, rabbit, coyote, hawk, owl, etc.), tree diversity (oak, redwood, bay leaf, pine, eucalyptus, palm, etc.), open space and panoramic views, yet within a 5 minute drive to downtown shopping, dining and surfing, the location offers the best of both worlds. The immediate neighborhood has sparse housing (minimum parcel size is 5 acres) and offers an undisturbed and irresistible peace.

You will have access to the 750 square foot, secluded, 100% private downstairs floor with complete disconnection (blocked off) from the (owner occupied) upstairs. Entry is from an exterior doorway. The space includes two large bedrooms (purple and green rooms), a living area (175 sq feet) and 1.5 bathrooms. The purple bedroom has one queen bed. The green bedroom has one double bed and a large bunk bed (supporting 2 adults or children) and one queen bed. We've added a new kitchen nook containing a two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, sink and mini-refrigerator. Amenities include: freshly clean linens and towels, coffee maker, hot water kettle, free coffee/tea/hot chocolate, toaster, free Wifi, and AD-free Smart TV (YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime Video). WEATHER & CONDITIONS PERMITTING--enjoy an outside patio with chairs, ice cooler and outdoor gas BBQ. Try out our new propane fire pit and horseshoe court too! Patio overlooks some marvelous mountain and canyon views.

Note: There are lots of nearby dining establishments within 5 minutes drive (dine-in, take-out or home delivery). You can also use the gas BBQ/stove outside (weather & conditions permitting) or utilize the kitchen nook to cook light meals. Dining is certainly permitted inside the premises. The refrigerator will support many of your perishables. We provide various utensils and cooking pots as well.

******************** HOUSE RULES **********************
* Check-in time is 4PM
* Check out by 12PM
* No smoking
* No pets
* NO OUTSIDE VISITORS except with host pre-approval
* Outdoor patios close at 11:00pm (noise travels in the mountain / canyon)
* Dirty pots, pans, dishes and utensils that you borrow should be cleaned

Additional Permit Rules Established by Santa Cruz County:

* Maximum guest count: five (5)
* Maximum number of guest vehicles on property: two (2)
* Santa Cruz County Noise Ordinance (8.30.010) - reduce noise from 10pm - 8am
* No illegal behavior (fireworks, controlled substances)
* No cooking permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms
* No weddings, outdoor parties or similar activities
Make yourself comfortable in this apartment, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and a stovetop. There's a private furnished patio. A Smart television with Netflix is provided, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Netflix
  • Smart TV
  • Streaming services
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Furnished patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 750 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Gather used towels

Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Please wash dishes and silverware

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

5-acre Mountain Retreat Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Apartment

5-acre Mountain Retreat Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Soquel

5-acre Mountain Retreat Serene Santa Cruz Mountains

5acre Mountain Retreat Serene

5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #231090 Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 99 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 99 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 99 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 99 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brent K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, quiet spacious apartment with a nice patio. Friendly and responsive owners. Would stay here again, no questions.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R., Milton Freewater, Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness
We areatly appreciated our stay it this property. The hosts were very accomodating and helpful. The house was very clean and nicely decorated. It was so quiet and relaxing. Will stay here again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Off the beaten path but close enough to activities. Scenic view, quiet and peaceful. Host was wonderful. Home was very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John D., Goshen, IN

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful mountain top home with clean comfortable furnishings
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Warren T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent property, location, and a wonderful relaxation patio area. Very difficult to find this type of setting.Communications with host were always very prompt and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jamie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place is beautiful—truly, the view was gorgeous. They have a great outdoor area to relax or play horseshoes. There was a fire pit but they did ask for donations to use it so we didn’t take advantage of that. The living area is nice and it was all very clean. My only complaints on the inside was that the shower head could probably stand to be replaced and the bigger bed was very hard…and loud…I was alone in the bed and my mom slept in the other room but any movement at all (just turning over) and it was very squeaky. The hosts were very easy to contact…there was confusion on laundry (it was listed as an amenity but there is no laundry) which was totally fine for us but worth mentioning. The pin pad on the door was great so we didn’t need to wait for anyone and it was easy to use. It’s really not far at all from stores/beach but enough to feel like you’re really out there, it was very peaceful and we saw lots of birds, lizards, some horses and llamas at the neighbors. The WiFi worked fine for us while at the house. The kitchenette was perfect for us. Lastly, another thing to note (which is no fault of the hosts at all) is the road to get there was a little rough again nothing that we couldn’t handle and figure out but…there was some of the road missing almost eroding away so it’s just one lane at some parts but only marked by cones not individuals so you have to be cautious there aren’t other cars coming. Over all it was a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda -.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing retreat w/mountain views & hummingbirds!

The quiet, secluded setting and the beautiful, character-filled home were perfect for our family of 5 adults to reconnect and relax. We had room to stretch out on the patio and enjoyed cozy conversation in the small but very comfortable living room/dining/kitchen area. Lots of natural light & sunshine in all rooms. The bathrooms were spacious and had towels/hairdryer/soaps (main bath w/shower, commode, sink are separate from a vanity area w/2nd sink near bedrooms, and extra 1/2 bath off living room). It was gorgeous! No bugs outside- just hummingbirds playing in the fountain and fence lizards hopping about. Greg greeted us warmly & communicated promptly. Fyi's: access is down a curvy road with a short 1-way section about 10 minutes from main road, the cement uphill drive was easy in 1st gear for our 10 yr old CRV, saw the llama & horse next door! Re: meals - check all the cabinets for crockpot,extra coffee makers, toaster, towels, etc. Gas grill must be lit with provided lighter - no electric ignition. No oven, but has stove/micro/toaster oven and full size frig. Pots/pans, dishes, flatware all provided. No plasticware- byo if needed. Safeway grocery, gas, other shops within a few minutes of stay. Dining table is small, but outdoor table seats 4 . Horsehoe pit was a fun feature! Everything was clean, comfortable and beautifully decorated. A luxury stay about an hour's drive from Monterey/Carmel/17 mile drive & other coastal areas. Highly recommended. Thank you, Greg!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mandy P., Stockton, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect escape

We loved our weekend stay! Greg and Naima were fantastic hosts. The view from the patio was so peaceful and we enjoyed sitting outside near the firepit and playing horseshoes. The space was perfect for our family of five, having the second bathroom is a huge plus! We will definitely be back when we are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely quiet setting. Enjoyed the scenery, gardens and wildlife. Weather was perfect, but it does get a bit chilly at night. I think it’s a great place to stay if you want to entertain quests outside on the private patio which has a gas fire pit for when the sun goes down.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Natasha A.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill R.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful stay for a family wedding!

This rental apartment was perfect for our five-day stay for a family wedding in Santa Cruz. We were looking for a place where we could enjoy the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains and this apartment and surrounding property was perfect. Quiet, peaceful with beautiful views with stunning flowering bushes, trees, and containers. Great outdoor patio for your morning beverage or evening cocktail. Grill and patio furniture is a plus. The apartment inside was clean with enough kitchenware and linens provided. Owners were very nice and checked in with us during our stay. We had a great stay and would highly recommend the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Thomas M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountain Retreat

Except for an occasional plane overhead, it was exceptionally quiet! A time to reflect. I am glad we drove during daylight hours because the public road to and from is in serious need of repair.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mikiah B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rejuvenating

To start the landscaping along the path is amazing, flowers and greenery everywhere. Once inside everything is so well placed and organized too. The bedrooms were adorable, the kids loved the bunkbeds, of course. The king bed in the master suite was a wonderful, I thought it was listed as a queen. The patio outside is awesome, it looks over the trees. We got to see owls, deer, squirrels, and driving past the neighbors llamas was always fun. I highly recommend this place. Will come back here if staying in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Lars O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Taking my kid to college

The retreat was a great quiet stay while we took our kid to UC Santa Cruz. Close enough to be convenient, but remote enough to be restful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick H., Pacifica, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great little place for the night

Our family of four was very comfortable for the night here. Great little secluded guest house outside of town in a quiet area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

whitney b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Real estate hunting getaway

We loved our little sanctuary with a lovely view.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely stay in the mountains

We had a lovely short overnight stay during a quick weekend trip down to Santa Cruz. This was such a fun spot with beautiful scenic views across the mornings. This home is also just a short drive from restaurants and bars in the Santa Cruz area. The bedrooms were comfy and was nice to have two bathrooms during our short stay. The hosts provided a seamless check in and check out experience. We are very grateful to be hosted in such a cool and beautiful home for the night. Ubers were easily available to pick us up and drop us off as well which was nice and convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zach P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Santa Cruz mountains

The only negative I can come up with is we were only there for 1 night. Beautiful property a few miles up from town. A nice 2 bedroom studio apartment with all the amenities and patio to take in some gorgeous canyon views and wildlife sounds. Even saw a turkey wander bye. The neighbors llamas were a hit for my wife. Thank you for sharing the property.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful and peaceful place to stay

Check in was easy. The host gave detailed instructions as to how to get to there. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

estelle f.

Liked: Cleanliness

thanksgiving overnight

we slept well. Unit was clean! Will come again....
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Magical

If I could give this space 10 stars, I would!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leann H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely, peaceful location

Perfect place for some quiet relaxation. I wish we would have had more time to relax on the beautiful patio. It was about a 15-20 minute drive to Santa Cruz Wharf, and 10-15 to Capitola Wharf. Both fun stops. The living room/dining/kitchen was smallish but just fine for us and had a microwave, full fridge and small stove top, and appeared well equipped although we didn’t cook. There is a grill on the large patio too that would be fun to use. The bedrooms were nice, and two bathrooms - one quite large. The beds were firm but I slept fine. The owners are there, but we barely heard them. The directions were detailed and helpful, communication was very good. It was a very nice stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patty G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved it !!!!

BEAUTIFUL AND RELAXING ! Great accommodations! Host was wonderful !!!!!!! Gracious !! A wonderful experience for all 4 of us !!!!! It was great being in the Santa Cruz mountains ! Stunning views !
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023