Vacation Rentals by Owner

Five star + for this amazing home near the beach. Offers a completely relaxing experience and stay.

Guest: Jam (Santa Rosa)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 02/21/12

Wow! We had a family gathering with 9 of us ranging from 2 years to 52 years old and it was ideal for all of us. The rooms all had queen beds, and a nice king upstairs near the kitchen. The rooms are spacious and the floors are even heated for the morning- how nice. The appliances in this home are state of the art and the home design is a piece of art. Everything is in place in the kitchen for cooking, a nice BBQ on the patio, plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. It's a short 2 minute walk to the beach where the kids loved playing in the tide pools and finding shells. The adults enjoyed walks in the neighborhood and watching all the surfers walking around. This is a high end home which will surely please even the picky person. Monica has thought of everything you could need or want in this home. Also, not that we needed it- but there's a full service elevator in this house which would be very convenient had we brought my elderly parents and their walkers.

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

BookClub Retreat

Guest: LeKeisha D.
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/20/11

My bookclub of ladies arrived on Friday October 14th and stayed until Sunday October 16th. The house was beautiful and more than we expected. Everyone was able to pick out a room and move around the house and still have space. We took advantage of the back yard for one of our meetings as well the basement to play games, listen to music using the ipod docks located around the home as well as take a walk around the neighborhood. The home is on a quiet street that is close to soo many different shops and resturants. Monica was very easy accessible and made sure we had everything we needed. Overall this was a beautiful home and my entire bookclub loved the space and design and relaxing feel of it. We would love to use this home again as option for our Retreat!!!

Owner response:LeKeisha it was our pleasure to have you stay with us. I'm so glad you all had a fabulous time and enjoyed yourselves. Very kind of you to take the time to write a review! Thank you, My best, Monica :)

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Pleasure Point

Guest: Matt (Chico)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 09/01/11

Thank you to Monica for helping us set up a very memorable vacation. Monica worked with us to ensure we had an amazing time. The house is beautiful and everyone had a great time. This is a vacation spot I would very much like to return to in the future and use this house. they thought of everything. Made for a very easy and worry free stay. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Family Vacation!

Guest: Sheri (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

Our clan (14) spanning four generations (ages 20 months to 70 years) plus a dog, had a blast! There's something for everyone at the house and in the surrounding area. The house was well appointed, plenty of room so we didn't stumble over one another, a game room for the gamers, a wonderful kitchen for the cooks, and a very nice yard and garden. The home exceeded everyone's expectations. As for the location, it's close to everything and an excellent neighborhood for bike riding, walking/jogging, and steps from the beaches. Monterey and the Boardwalk are a short drive and Capitola is a bike ride away. Plus we were close to the Santa Cruz Mountains for hiking. We had a wonderful time and I highly recommend a stay.

Owner response:Dear Sheri and family, we are the lucky one's to have had such a gracious family as our guests. Thank you much for your kind review and it makes us so happy you all enjoyed yourselves. I hope to receive you at our beach home yet again. My best to you and yours, Monica Bowman :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great time was had by all!

Guest: Zeke (Murphys, California)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Our extended family gathered at this beach house to celebrate my daughter's college graduation, and it was perfect for us. Plenty of beds, an elevator for easy access for the grandparents, nice back yard, and a few steps from the beach. We would rent this house again.

Owner response:Thank you guys so much for taking the time to put in this kind review of yours. it's so great to hear you all had a good time. I think i live vicariously through knowing families are getting together with their loved ones. :) My best to you, Monica

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

ALL of the best! Can't recommend highly enough.

Guest: J Harritt Family (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/20/11

We're sharing this review from the perspective of a family who's been renting vacation homes in Santa Cruz for many years. Our experience was EXCELLENT, from pre-booking all the way thru post check-out. We decided to rent the entire house because we had younger - and older- teens in our family group. Everyone had lots of room and had a wonderful time. Monica and her husband were friendly, attentive, responsive and accommodating -- the perfect hosts! The house is beautifully designed and built, from the (heated!) stone floors, full open island kitchen with double-oven Wolf 6-burner range, amazing pots/pans/serving bowls, intercom, backyard dining/firepit, too much to mention! I love to cook and I love this kitchen, great for "group" cooking! House is ideal for entertaining and for large groups who like to spread out and not get in each other's way. The house is a 2 min walk from one of the most popular surfing beaches. We walked to Capitola, 41st St cafes, coffee houses and shops. Check your maps for walking times to various areas. The 41st/Portola neighborhood (1 mi.) has a great crossfit gym (Rocky's), cool vintage/costume store (All Shook Up) in addition to the cafes, surf shops etc. Thank you Monica and Kalika for the wonderful memories, we will be back!

Owner response:Dear John and family, We are so happy to have had anything to do with you and your family getting away and enjoying each other. Thank you for your gracious review and hope to see you all in the near future. Best, Monica & Kalika :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Fun retreat house

Guest: janet (mountain view)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

This was a fun house to spend a retreat. The kitchen had everything we need to make meals for a large group. And the basement (4th bedroom) was a pool table, dart board, and disco lights to add to the atmosphere.

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

10 Star Beach House!

Guest: Bob (Placerville, Ca)
Date of Stay: 11/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/22/10

The architecture, landscaping and beauty of this home are simply amazing! We also experienced great professional communication with the owners. The home is a very, very short walk to an amazing coastline. You need to stay in this home at least once in your life...ok, at least twice!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't have dreamed up a better venue

Guest: Andrea (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

For my 40th birthday, 9 girlfriends and I spend the weekend at this fantastic home while my husband served a catered dinner from the awesome kitchen. I've always been a skeptic, until proven otherwise, when I reserve anything online. This is the first experience where the location far exceeded expectation. The online pictures are very accurate but the true splendor is the experience of walking into the home. My husband and I were practically giddy as we explored each floor. There is so much room and stunning views - we are already trying to come up with a way to make this happen again next year. It was great to have a place where everyone had a bed and there was no over crowding. The owners were incredibly gracious and full of information regardnig the surrounding area and the home. I could not have wished for a better birthday celebration - it was perfect.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A Perfect Place for a Retreat!

Guest: Laurice, (Seattle WA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10 Review Submitted: 12/22/10

This was the perfect location for our 23 person retreat (for adult patients) which I run annually. This was by far one of our best retreats. The Bowman family was incredibly accommodating in assuring that all of our needs were met and they were so kind and professional. The house was clean, comfortable and safe while fostering a sense of creativity, communication and team building. It had all the amenities we could have asked for and at the right price for a non-profit. It is in lovely Santa Cruz close to the water and town. I would highly recommend this terrific beach house.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thalassemia Outreach Coordinator at Children's Hospital Oakland

Guest: Laurice, (Seattle WA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10 Review Submitted: 12/22/10

This was the perfect location for our 23 person retreat (for adult patients) which I run annually. This was by far one of our best retreats. The Bowman family was incredibly accommodating in assuring that all of our needs were met and they were so kind and professional. The house was clean, comfortable and safe while fostering a sense of creativity, communication and team building. It had all the amenities we could have asked for and at the right price for a non-profit. It is in lovely Santa Cruz close to the water and town. I would highly recommend this terrific beach house.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Red Writers Girlfriend Weekend Getaway

Guest: Linda ~ Queen of the Quill (Citrus Heights, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

In September nineteen ladies from my Red Hat Society chapter (The Red Writers) gathered at this fabulous beach house to celebrate 9 outrageously wonderful years together. From the moment we entered this grand home, we were in awe. Our ladies ranged in ages from forty to eighty, and every amenity provided east and comfort to each one of us. The tranquil pond, private backyard, and the spa were like magnets, forcing us into relaxation. The magnificent kitchen was bustling as we prepared for our party. Every convenience was available. Moni, I cannot thank you enough for providing this lovely home as a place where my girlfriends and I could celebrate friendship and sisterhood. So much laughter (giggles like teenagers at a slumber party).... so many hugs. We wish you could have been with us..... NEXT TIME!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing.

As Promised

Guest: Nice Betty (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Of course, one expects the owner write-ups of their property to extol its virtue, but this house, location, and refinements exceed the promises. The house is large (four floors) with a nook or cranny somewhere left free should you want to get away from it all. Helpful and accommodating, patient and understanding, the owner always welcomed our questions and concerns. We gathered our three daughters and families (15 people in all) from the corners of the United States (San Jose is the nearest major airport) for a week together to celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Located between the Monterey area and San Francisco, there are attractions for every taste for day outings. The Santa Cruz location is ideal for having attractions within a day's drive to suit the varied interests, these to include those of small children as well as teenagers. It was an enjoyable week in an enjoyable place.

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

Amazing Surf Retreat

Guest: SurferMom (Burlingame, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/10 Review Submitted: 04/12/11

I rented this beautiful home for my family during Spring Break. My oldest son is an avid surfer and brought along some friends to surf with. The home is completely set up for families and surfers. Very clean and spacious. Looks better than the pictures! The owners have thought of everything to make your life easier: extra boards (soft tops for beginners), extra wetsuits, outdoor shower to rinse of sand from the beach, hot tub, bikes, foosball, televisions in every bedroom, iPod connections to home sound system, pool table (you get the point!). Not to mention that the house is a block away from Pleasure Point, an easy walk to the Hook and all the other spots along East Cliff Drive. Amazingly fun, easy and relaxing. We also stopped at Ano Nuevo on the way down Hwy 1, and Davenport on the way back to surf. The owners were very helpful and worked with us on the scheduling. There are several restaurants within walking distance or a quick 5 min. drive, as well as surf shops and clothing stores. We are already looking forward to our next stay!!

Owner response:Thank you so much for your very kind email. we are so glad you had such a wonderful time! Best to you always, Monica :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Anna Craig (-)
Date of Stay: 11/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

Beautiful house!! We rented this house for our dad's 60th birthday, and it was a PERFECT weekend! The kitchen was amazing, fully stocked, had everything we needed.. The bedrooms were all very nice and spacious... Felt like a luxurious weekend away. We will definitely rent this house again.

Owner response:Thanks so much for taking the time to write this! :) we're so happy you so enjoyed yourself. best, Monica

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Guest: Jess5 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/09 Review Submitted: 06/19/09

thanks for having such a beautiful home for us to vacation in. You were gracious guests and your home is amazing. Jess

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Guest: Stephanie79 (California)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

My boyfriend and I, along with 3 other couples, stayed here for a week. we had a great time! There was definatly room to spare if we wanted to invite people over. i just wish we had brought more people with us because the house is bigger than the pictures make it look. Thanks for being so kind to us Monica!

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Guest: Rachel47 (Beverly Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

WOW! What a great place! Thanks so much. Everything surpassed our expectations, true luxury. See you next year.

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Guest: Heather51 ( SF, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

thanks for a wonderful stay! Your place was great and the beaches fabulous also! We felt very welcome there w/ how clean and warm the beach home is. :)

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Guest: Jessica44 ( Los Gatos, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

What a clean beautiful comfortable home. we felt like we were in a tropical spa resort. Location is by beach and wonderful!

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Guest: Anna F (California)
Date of Stay: 05/17/09 Review Submitted: 05/17/09

This house is absolutely breath-taking it is an 'above and beyond' wonderful vacation rental. I enjoyed EVERY minute of my relaxing weekend. Monica was very welcoming and gracious during the whole process I appreciate her opening up her family masterpiece to my friends and myself. I would absolutely stay in this house again!

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Beautiful Home, Amazing Location!

Guest: KatherineAMP (San Ramon, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

We spent a last minute weekend girl's trip here and had an incredible time. The house was even nicer than we'd imagined - beautifully maintained, fully stocked gourmet kitchen, and just the perfect place for a weekend away! This would be an ideal property for a couple's trip, group trip, family trip, or a romantic weekend for two - the house is perfectly laid out for all of the above, which is quite impressive! Location was also amazing - a great sandy beach for volleyball, tanning, or jogging is just a short walk down the way. It's also an easy drive to Capitola or downtown Santa Cruz, though you may find it hard to talk yourself into leaving the house - we ended up spending a lot of time IN! Monica was genuinely helpful from start to finish and very easy to get in touch with, which really helped make this the perfect getaway. We look forward to renting again!

Owner response:Thank you so much for your input on VRBO for our vacation home! you're kind to have taken the time to write. Hope you keep having girls getaways and enjoy yourselves. best to you, Monica :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.