Vacation Rentals by Owner

Dream come true in Santa Cruz

Guest: Arbor House Fan (Las Vegas)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

I have all teenage kiddos ranging from 13-19. We had our familly vacation here for a week and fell in love with the place. My boys loved the warm outdoor shower and used that exclusively. My girls were able to do their hair in their room so the one bathroom was not a problem. The beach is only 5 houses away. I loved walking on the beach early in the morning and had fun stealing a couple starfish from the seagulls. I loved looking at the boats come into the harbor at night from the kitchen window. We walked a short ways to go kayaking and had a close encounter with a humpback whale on our tour! Super amazing! Reading on the beach while my kids boogie boarded and skim boarding was picture perfect. It was great not having to worry about finding a place to park. One night we had a campfire on the beach and roasted smores. The house was warm and inviting and for just a week, we were transported into another world, together.

Owner response:It's sounds like you had a lovely vacation. You enjoyed some of our favorite activities. Anytime you want to escape the heat, just give a call! kind regards, S & S

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

A Beach Treat

Guest: Daniel (East Bay)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/20/11

I'm a single parent with two children, and the Arbor House perfectly met expectations base upon the description provided by the owners. I recommend that a photo of the bathroom be added, but for those that wish to know, it equals the rest of the property in appointment and style; with a bathtub shower enclosed in glass, pedestal sink, and good working toilet, and plenty of hooks for everyone's bath towels. While my son slept in every morning, I'd walk one block with my daughter every morning to the Kind Grind for a great cappuccino for me and a morning roll for my gal. Then we sat at the beach and watched the volleyball players warm up while enjoying the sand and waves. We surfed, swam (bring or rent a wetsuit) and had a wonderful time. The cottage is small, but like a well designed bungelow, it has everything you need, and nothing you can't live without. Scott and Shirley are great owners; responsive and efficient. Thank you for a great experience.

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words. We have enjoyed the Cottage so much over the years, it is a pleasure to share it with our guests. And as you mentioned, we have attempted to make your stay as comfortable as possible giving attention to every detail. Be well and hope to host you in the future. best, S & S

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A delightful retreat

Guest: tango2010 (Santa Cruz, California)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/12

We stayed here for a month at the end of a long road trip. The house and location were perfect. Close to the beach, the best coffee in town at the Kind Grind, and a hop skip and a jump from town. The kitchen has absolutely everything you need, a great deck and backyard with beautiful sunset views. We will stay here every time we are in Santa Cruz.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Trina, Sean & Augie (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

This was our first getaway with our 18 month old. Everything worked out great! My husband and I couldn't be happier with the cute cottage, proximity to the beach and the ease of dealing with the owners. The house had everything we needed from washer & dryer, pack in play crib, a well stocked kitchen, a beautiful deck and a sunny fenced in front porch. If you're considering a romantic trip or a family vacation it's perfect for both. By day we went to the beach, strolled down Pacific and hung out in the back garden which our son loved. By night when our son went to sleep we relaxed on the deck and watched movies on the comfy couches. We can't wait to return to the cottage by the sea!

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Amazing!!

Guest: M.B.Senk (Fallbrook, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/08/10 Review Submitted: 05/17/10

My husband and I stayed for a week and we loved it. It was conveintly located near the beach and about a mile for the boardwalk. It was easy to walk/drive there. The cottage itself was grand. We felt like we were home there. It had everything we could possibly need. I had a blast and would highly recommend it to anyone!

Owner response:Thank you, thank you! The Cottage really is 'your home away from home'. You will be transported to your own little bit of heaven! all the best S & S

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Guest: Trina, Sean & Augie San Francisco, CA
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

This was our first getaway with our 18 month old. Everything worked out great! My husband and I couldn't be happier with the cute cottage, proximity to the beach and the ease of dealing with the owners. The house had everything we needed from washer & dryer, pack in play crib, a well stocked kitchen, a beautiful deck and a sunny fenced in front porch. If you're considering a romantic trip or a family vacation it's perfect for both. By day we went to the beach, strolled down Pacific and hung out in the back garden which our son loved. By night when our son went to sleep we relaxed on the deck and watched movies on the comfy couches. We can't wait to return to the cottage by the sea!

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Guest: terry 9 (Fair Oaks, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

Hi,I just wanted to say how much Tim and I enjoyed our stay at your cottage (April 9-12). (In spite of the very crazy rain). The view, decor and location were wonderful. We have been going to Santa Cruz for years staying most times at the Dream Inn. We feel like we have found a new "favorite place".I think the only frustrating thing was the parking on Friday. The weather was beautiful and the streets were lined with cars. On the other hand rainy saturday made for some great parking!Thanks for sharing your adorable home with others. We hope to visit again.Tim and Terry

Owner response:Love the Summer! But the rain can be a welcomed change when you can cuddle up by the fire and watch movies. The parking can be a bit challenging at times as mentioned, but hey, you're staying right in one of the prime locations on the Yacht Harbor and Twin Lakes Beach. The upside is when you get a good parking spot you don't really have to ever leave, everything that you may need is in walking distance! In conclusion, this is our 'favorite place' too!!! enjoy, S&S

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Guest: Terry Fair Oaks, CA
Date of Stay: 04/11/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

Hi, I just wanted to say how much Tim and I enjoyed our stay at your cottage (April 9-12). (In spite of the very crazy rain). The view, decor and location were wonderful. We have been going to Santa Cruz for years staying most times at the Dream Inn. We feel like we have found a new "favorite place". I think the only frustrating thing was the parking on Friday. The weather was beautiful and the streets were lined with cars. On the other hand rainy saturday made for some great parking! Thanks for sharing your adorable home with others. We hope to visit again. Tim and Terry

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Guest: Roberta Hiam (Union, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/11/10 Review Submitted: 04/11/10

We just returned home from a five day stay in the "Arbor House" in Santa Cruz. We spent those five days with our son's family (they have a 2 and 3 year old). This cottage has everything that you could possibly need for a beach get away. The property is totally fenced in, making it great for kids. The Arbor House is decorated perfectly for a beach cottage. The beach is so close, and the harbor is so beautiful just out the kitchen window. We will definately rent this cottage again, we loved our stay there.

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Guest: Roberta (Union, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

We just returned home from a five day stay in the "Arbor House" in Santa Cruz. We spent those five days with our son's family (they have a 2 and 3 year old). This cottage has everything that you could possibly need for a beach get away. The property is totally fenced in, making it great for kids. The Arbor House is decorated perfectly for a beach cottage. The beach is so close, and the harbor is so beautiful just out the kitchen window. We will definately rent this cottage again, we loved our stay there.

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Guest: Ryan36 (Roseville,Ca)
Date of Stay: 12/21/09 Review Submitted: 12/21/09

My girlfriend and I stayed at the cottage and found it very warm and inviting.Although it rained all weekend on us,we had no problem enjoying the day inside,all the ammenities made the stay much more comfortable.When we did have a moment of no rain,the beach was so close we could run back if it started to rain....all around a great place to stay...thumbs up

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Guest: Mark & Janet Smith (Yucaipa, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/15/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

We stayed at Arbor House Beach Cottage in Santa Cruz over the Thanksgiving Holiday week and enjoyed every minute of it. We loved hearing the waves crashing on the beach nearby and watching the boats in the harbor. There is so much to do that we are hoping to return soon. Thanks Scott and Shirley for everything.

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Guest: Marc and Lisa (Calgary)
Date of Stay: 11/22/09 Review Submitted: 11/22/09

We had a wonderful 9 night stay in this cosy little cottage. It had everything we could possible need and Scott and Shirley were an absolute pleasure to deal with. All of our inquiries were always responded to very quickly and in such a friendly way we felt like we were visiting a friends house. The house was well located with only steps to the beach and a great little coffee shop. We enjoyed daytrips every day and always looked forward to returning "home" for the evening. We already miss this wonderful retreat and look forward to one day returning.

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Guest: Brian and Chris (Riverbank, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/03/09

We had a wonderful stay at the Arbor House. It's in a perfect location-steps the beach, bicycle trails, and wonderful restaurant/coffee house. We enjoyed meals out and also meals on the beautiful deck overlooking the harbor. It was well equipped, and was well enjoyed by ourselves as well as our teenage sons. Their favorite part of the trip (besides the cable TV), was a steam train ride in Felton with mountain biking down the mountain. We will definitely be visiting again in the near future.

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Guest: Brian & Chris (Modesto,CA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/03/09

We greatly enjoyed a quiet breakfast on the back deck with a view of the ocean each morning. A short walk to the beach or a bike ride to Capitola were great ways to spend the afternoons. The amenities of the cottage are a perfect setting for a memorable family vacation. We plan to return as soon as we can.

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Guest: Felix Vowles (Totnes, UK)
Date of Stay: 04/15/09 Review Submitted: 04/15/09

Arbor Cottage was the perfect base for our 4 days in Santa Cruz. The property is tastefully decorated, immaculately presented and very well equipped. A quality holiday home. Our family of 5, including 3 young children, were very pleasantly accommodated there. Scott was most helpful and flexible, making the booking process from the UK completely hassle free.

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Guest: Perry and Sue (Salem, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Santa Cruz thanks to this little cottage by the sea. The views were great as well as the well kept landscape. All the amenities of a home away from home.

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Guest: Vivian7 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/29/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

This was the perfect vacation house for us. The location is ideal- in walking distance of the beach, parks, coffee shops, and good places to eat. The view from the deck is nice and the house is very well kept. We especially liked all the nice amenities like a great coffee maker, BBQ, lots of extra bedding, and comfortable beds.

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Guest: Julie72 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/02/09 Review Submitted: 03/02/09

The house was immaculate, beautifully decorated and comfortable for our family of three. The views of the beach, crows nest and yacht harbor were spectacular. I highly recommend walking down to Aldo's on the other side of the harbor in the morning for a nice seaside brunch. The proximity to the beach meant I could mosey over there 3, even 5 times a day and not worry about parking, or remembering to bring everything I might need. It was a fabulous weekend, and I definitely want to go back.

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Guest: Lauren W. (Campbell California)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

This is truly a gem of a beach house. I stayed here with 5 female friends from childhood to celebrate our turning 50. We were all thrilled with this location and all the charm it has to offer. Everything from the bed rooms, quaint little kitchen, amazing deck with view and the owners attention to detail made our stay one fantastic event we are sure to duplicate in the future. Thank you for all you do to make this place so very special!

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