Views, Pool, and Spa Near Santa Cruz Beaches

• You'll Never Want to Leave

  You'll Never Want to Leave

  • Guest BrookeG
  • Date of stay 07/30/08
  • Review Submitted 08/06/08
  I would recommend Huckleberry Woods Escape to anyone looking for a house (estate, really) that's a destination within itself. George does a great job providing pictures and content to describe the property...but somehow it was even more fantastic in person. It was the perfect location for several families with children, because it's literally like three houses in one. You have the main floor, the three bedrooms with a seperate family room and kitchen downstairs, and then the private carriage house. We had five families onsite, and everyone was pleased with their accommodations. It's obvious that the property is well-loved. It's truly like getting to stay in someone's fabulous house while they are away on vacation. In fact, the owners gave us a tour and a gift basket upon our arrival. It was easy to plan activities with their recommendations (golf, hiking, surfing, dinner out). The amazing deck with fireplace, the treehouse, the fabulous pool and spa...I'm ready to book for next year just writing this review.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: We appreciate the love that Brooke's group gave back to Huckleberry Woods Escape, and would welcome them back at any time. The photos that they sent us of their group on the deck and the children's Tree House Club rules made our day. We pride ourselves in providing the little extra touches that make this vacation home a unique and special experience, and are looking for groups that can appreciate the finer things in life in a fun, comfortable, and environmentally friendly setting. Thanks Brooke for showcasing that so well! Note from Nancy 2012: While George passed shortly after Brooke's family visited in 2009, we have continued on in the same tradition, continuously improving and adding to the magic of the property,and have erected a redwood bear on the property in George's memory. The Carriage House is now my private residence, close enough for my guests to get any assistance they need, and separate enough that some groups never see us at all during their stay.

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• Great stay in the woods

  Great stay in the woods

  • Guest Rick
  • Date of stay 04/06/13
  • Review Submitted 05/15/13
  We were the first quests of the year at Huckleberry Woods Excape. Nancy was very accomodating in arranging the sleeping accomodations to fit our family needs. We filled all the beds and bedrooms with family. Upon arriving we were met by Nancy and EJ with a welcome basket (a really nice touch). We enjoyed the completely stocked kitchen for all our meals. Even though it was early in the year the grandkids braved the pool and especially enjoyed the tree house. The hot tub was good for the old folks. The outdoor space including barbarque, outdoor heaters, and fire pit were wonderful amenities. The location next to the two redwood state parks and the Santa Cruz coast line was quite appealing and gave us lots to do. We hope to make it back some day. Rick, Charl and family

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Rick's family is the perfect fit for Huckleberry Woods Escape. We gear the entire property to families with children, to "Escape Together", which is our motto. Our goal is to provide a venue for three generations to bond, in an inspiring and fun location. We provide an opportunity for families to learn about the pristine and rare redwood forest, while playing together. Rick's famiily came for the April Spring break period, when we first open the property for the season. The bulbs were blooming, the weather was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing the laughter of children again for the start of our 5th year. We hope to see them again for future visits. Our many return visitors always appreciate the discount we provide when they book for repeat visits, and there is always something new to see or do on the property. This year we will be finishing the tournament horshoe pit....and our plans for next year will be really amazing.

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• Magical wonderland for children

  Magical wonderland for children

  • Guest Frequent traveler
  • Date of stay 10/18/12
  • Review Submitted 10/24/12
  Our group totaled 11 adults and five kids (toddlers to elementary school). This was a great place to stay as it was spacious (large, comfortable common areas) with nice amenities. What distinguishes this property, though, is the thoughtful way that nancy has designed the outdoor spaces. The pool/spa area and garden are gated and locked for safety. The kids and adults loved the pool and the abundant pool toys. But what the kids really loved was the garden, apple trees, and nature walk - they never got tired of exploring and they really didn't want to leave! Great spot!

  Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you Tammy and Natalie for such a nice review. As I've mentioned before, these reviews are one of the most important parts of the web site, as they can give potential guests a wonderful vision of how the property can really suit their needs, not just how the owners represent their property on the web site. This is a truely unique vacation rental, some say more like a resort in an enchanted forest, that we are constantly improving for the pleasure of our friends that come to Huckleberry Woods Escape year after year.

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• Hard to leave Huckleberry Woods

  Hard to leave Huckleberry Woods

  • Guest Janet and Bill 1
  • Date of stay 07/29/12
  • Review Submitted 09/21/12
  We decided Huckleberry Woods Escape looked like the perfect place for our annual family reunion and we were right. We have been renting homes in different parts of the United States for the past 7 years and Huckleberry Woods proved to be one of our very favorite places. We were going to be a large group this year with people coming and going and at times anywhere from 11 to 16 people staying. We had more than enough space for everyone. There are wonderful decks to gather on for a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine to enjoy the magnificent views. The entire home is so well maintained and fixing meals for a large group is no problem in the incredible kitchen. Nancy and EJ met us at the house and gave us a complete tour of the home and property. Everyone enjoyed the pool - especially our two grandsons who also explored the treehouse. We had family from age 6 to 82 plus pets and we all agree we would love to come back again. Thank you Nancy and EJ for a great vacation!

  Owner response: We always appreciate reviews from our past guests, as it gives other potential groups a good understanding of what their experience would be like if they came to Huckleberry Woods Escape. We are completing our 5th season, and the friends that we have invited into our property have told us many times that the photos just don't do justice to the ambiance that the property provides, as the magic just has to be experienced. Janet's multigenerational family from San Diego is the perfect demographic for what we offer, as they travel often with their family and understand the advantages that our property has over other large homes they have rented. We pride ourselves in offering so much more than just a place to sleep, as this is truely an environment where wonderful memories are formed in a magnificant setting that encourages group bonding, and yet still provides plenty of areas to get away from the activities for private relaxation. Thanks Janet for such a nice review!

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• Wonderful for a Group Getaway

  Wonderful for a Group Getaway

  • Guest Sue
  • Date of stay 09/16/11
  • Review Submitted 10/01/11
  Our group had a truly wonderful time at Huckleberry Woods. Perfect for a large group get together, this place had absolutely everything we needed. We could have just stayed at the house the whole time, with the beautiful views, pool, amazing kitchen, and multiple decks to relax on. However, we also took advantage of the great location and went hiking, to a wine tasting, and enjoyed a few of the great places in small downtown Boulder Creek. Far more beautiful and larger than the pictures show. Highly recommended.

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• A Gathering Place

  A Gathering Place

  • Guest Jeannine R.
  • Date of stay 07/18/11
  • Review Submitted 08/29/11
  We are large family group of 16, ranging in ages from 12-60. I had originally picked this property with my 96 yr old mother in mind and while she did not make it, this property was a perfect home for all. Plenty of room to spread out and have privacy,and plenty of pool and deck seating to enjoy everyone's company. We especially loved joining whichever early bird made it up & out onto the deck first, with our cup of coffee in hand, we'd ease into the day ahead. We ended the day once again gathered around the same deck, but instead of coffee we enjoyed s'mores, music and a beautiful fire. A gourmet kitchen made meal times a joy, no such thing as too many cooks in this kitchen! However, while this property does accept pets it is much more of a luxury home than a country cabin and we were glad we had made other arrangements for our dogs. We would love to spend a vacation here again!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Jeannine's family was a perfect configuration for Huckleberry Woods Escape, as the property caters to groups that have a wide range of ages and diverse needs. The estate is a wonderful venue to bring families together to celebrate all stages of life. Jeannie's group was fortunate to have enjoyed the outdoor fireplace, as it brings an ambiance that is hard to find anywhere else.....bright stars overhead surrounded by a pristine forest, deck speakers that bring any selection of music from the vast music library, and plenty of outdoor seating to share family secrets, tell ghost tales, and catch up on recent events. It's quite magical. Thank you Jeannie for your insightful comments.

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• Great Place for a group gathering

  Great Place for a group gathering

  • Guest Lance K
  • Date of stay 07/08/10
  • Review Submitted 08/04/10
  We rented this awesome property for a 50th Birthday party with about 12 friends in mid July. The place was perfect - plenty of room for people to party and/or have some private time, huge, well stocked kitchen for group meals, tons of decking, perfect weather, pool with plenty of floaty devices and just the right temperature, and gorgeous mountain views. And for those who wish to engage in activities outside the house, santa cruz isn't far, town is walking distance, and some of the best hiking around is very close by. Thanks for sharing this property with us...

  Owner response: Lance's group was a pleasure to have stay at HWE as they really utilized, and appreciated, the fact that there are multiple areas that they were able to be together as a large group, and lots of nooks and comfy places to sit privately and reflect on life....and turning 50. As with most of our guests who love to cook, they enjoyed the well appointed kitchen with top of the line applicances, cookware, and table service, with plenty of counter space for multiple chefs. They didn't have to bring anything with them except the food to prepare and the friends to enjoy it with. Lance, thank you so much for sharing your experience, and I know the next 50 years will be even more exciting and pleasureable than the first 50. Cheers!

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• Mountain Getaway

  Mountain Getaway

  • Guest Jen
  • Date of stay 07/13/10
  • Review Submitted 08/02/10
  Beautiful. Amazing. Relazing. Just a few words to describe our outstanding trip to "Huckleberry Woods Escape." Four families, including mine, stayed here for 5 days and truly enjoyed every minute of our time. The children's ages ranged from 4 months to 7 years. The kids rarely left the pool area, and if they did, it was merely to grab a quick sandwich or play in the tree house. They are still talking about how much fun they had and want to go back! The adults spent a fair amount of time at the pool, but also in the gourmet kitchen. Every night we prepared a big dinner, which was super easy and fun since the house had everything we needed to cook. At night we found ourselves sitting on the deck with a fire. The stars were beautiful and so was the peaceful surrounding. A few of the days we ventured 20 minutes away for some hiking and various sightseeing. We also took the 30 min. drive to the Santa Cruz boardwalk. I would HIGHLY recommend this house to anyone; especially with a larger group of kids or teenagers. You will definitely create memories that last a life time. We sure did!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Jen's group of friends were the perfect guests to enjoy the magical ambiance that Huckleberry Woods has to offer, and her comments are very much appreciated. They discovered how perfectly this house is set up for multiple family vacationing, with plenty of space for everyone, and were able to enjoy "green living" without any extra thought. They effortlessly recycled, composted, used eco-friendly laundering products, low energy lighting, and the solor heated pool. They can feel good about having a low impact on the environment, in addition to the stress-free relaxation they enjoyed in the enchanting redwood forest. As Jen expressed, the time spend playing with the children in the pool, cooking together in a gourmet kitchen, and talking around a fireplace under the stars were memorable experiences that they can take with them forever, which is the goal of Huckleberry Wood Escape. We hope to see them again soon, to add their names to our long list of returning friends.

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• The Perfect Retreat

  The Perfect Retreat

  • Guest cybrena
  • Date of stay 08/22/08
  • Review Submitted 09/16/09
  Look no further than Huckleberry Woods Escape! This is truly the BEST place you will find, at a very affordable rate with thoughtful, professional hosts and an amazing home for your vacation, retreat, gathering, etc. I did extensive research to find a place for our retreat and Huckleberry Woods won hands down, it is simply in a category of it's own that is not duplicated anywhere I've found. We loved it so much we considered reserving it for the next year even though we didn't have anything planned yet. Believe me, this beautiful paradise is perfect - the house is immaculately clean in every nook and cranny, the style of the home is gorgeous and elegant while also being comfortable and cozy like home, amazing vast forest views, pool, hot tub, plenty of room, new/plush towels, bedding, etc, private, quiet and so much more. While some places you see the photos and think it's going to be wonderful and you find yourself disappointed seeing the real thing, with Huckleberry Woods Escape the photos show it's beauty and charm and the real thing is even better. Another plus is that your hosts are thoughtful, kind, extremely professional and very thorough in what they do. A wonderful place to create memories!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• • Guest Pete Lewis
  • Date of stay 08/25/09
  • Review Submitted 08/25/09
  This beautiful house recently served as our central base for a three generation family reunion. We had 5 couples and 6 young kids in our party, and the house provided wonderful accomodations. Between the pool, the tree house, evening fires on the deck, and an occasional movie, the kids never got bored. Some of our local relatives also dropped in to visit, and all were impressed. The location was also great for our frequent trips to the redwoods, Santa Cruz, and into San Francisco. Nance was a terrific host, giving us a very detailed tour of the entire house, making sure we all felt welcome and at home. Hopefully we'll be able to come back soon.

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Additional information about rental rates

Responsible guest signing contract must be over 24 years old and staying for the entire reservation period. Each guest under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. We do not accept bookings for events to be held on the property.

Security deposit required to hold reservation, and can be paid by credit card, check, or wire transfer. Security deposit refunded within 30 days of departure with no broken or missing items. All other fees to be paid by check or wire transfer, due 60 days prior to arrival date for Summer and Holiday reservations. Spring and Fall fees due 30 days prior to arrival date.

Additional Fees and Taxes:

Security deposit to secure reservation- Refundable $1,000

Housekeeping fee - $365

Transient Occupancy Tax - $11%

Approved dog guest deposit- Refundable $500

Wheelchair damage deposit - Refundable $500