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Luxury Retreat in the Heart of Big Sur [#248579] | View Property

Big Sur
Two master suites, two full baths, two CA king beds, sleeps 4
$550/nt US Dollars
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Traveler Reviews (16)

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  • Romantic Get Away

    Romantic Get Away

    • Guest Teresa
    • Date of stay 04/12/13
    • Review Submitted 04/15/13
    Our time in Monique's house was wonderful! It was the romantic getaway that I hoped it would be...we especially enjoyed cooking in the beautiful kitchen, the fireplace, and the back deck with the amazing view! Monique was quick in handling the last minute reservation for me and Andrew the caretaker was friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this property especially if you just want to escape for a bit....

    Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Owner response: Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us in Big Sur and look forward to your next visit!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • EXEPTIONAL HOME, EXCEPTIOAL LOCATION!!

    EXEPTIONAL HOME, EXCEPTIOAL LOCATION!!

    • Guest Freddy
    • Date of stay 10/18/12
    • Review Submitted 11/05/12
    We really enjoyed this property. Its a beautiful home in an amazing location. Everything we had hoped for and more. Big Sur is a wonderful place and renting a private home allowed us to experiance it like locals. There is plenty of room in this house to spread out, relax and soak in the beauty around us. The ability to bring our dog was a real bonus. We are already looking forward to a return visit.

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

    Owner response: Thanks so much! We look forward to your next visit.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Great Retreat in Big Sur

    Great Retreat in Big Sur

    • Guest Tony
    • Date of stay 09/06/12
    • Review Submitted 09/17/12
    The home was great and everything as advertised. The cartakers were thoughtful and pleasant. I totally agree that installing screens would mar the beauty of the numerous stain glass windows, but maybe screens on just a couple of windows would allow guests to have a little air flow without admitting critters. Overall the place is beautiful and I would stay there again.

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

    Owner response: Thank you so much for your input and I am glad you enjoyed the property even if it was a bit "buggy". While I was building my home, I thought alot about putting screens on and ultimatly I decided against it. I feel that although it may be "buggy" for a few weeks out of the year, we live in a natural environment, bugs being an essential part of our eco-system and it was a very small trade-off for the unobstucted blending of interior and exterior space which is my goal. As we are so close to the ocean the bugs are only around for 2-3 weeks out of the year, it just happened to be this time. We do not have Mesquitos or other biting insects and the moths we get can easily be dealt with by turning on the ceiling fans. I would encourage this client to return at another time.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • AHH Big Sur

    AHH Big Sur

    • Guest Denise Carter
    • Date of stay 08/31/12
    • Review Submitted 09/15/12
    Very comfortable home. Serene atmosphere and killer views

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

  • More Than Met Our Expectation

    More Than Met Our Expectation

    • Guest Liz A.
    • Date of stay 03/05/12
    • Review Submitted 03/26/12
    This was our first trip to Big Sur and will definitely not be our last. From the moment we arrived we felt very much at home. The home itself was even more attractive than the photos and Rafael, the caretaker, offered a wealth of information about the home and the surroundings. The location is great, right above Pfeiffer Beach with easy access to the state parks. The views were incredible, green mountains and blue ocean, fit for a landscape artist. The gourmet kitchen was well stocked, just as advertised and the deck quite large with very comfortable outdoor furniture. It's the perfect retreat for two couples as both bedrooms, with bathrooms en suite, are lovely. If you are planning to eat at home, do your shopping before you arrive at Big Sur as there are no fresh vegetables, fruit or protien to be had in the vicinity. We dined at The Post Ranch, Big Sur Bakery, Deetjen's, Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah and found all the food fresh and delicious. We are already planning our visit for 2013.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • This is a WOW!!!!!!

    This is a WOW!!!!!!

    • Guest Amie
    • Date of stay 03/05/12
    • Review Submitted 03/12/12
    Completely enjoyed this home. Great to be able to bring our dog. There is lots of room to hang out and the kitchen is top rate. Had an amazing time and hope to be able to return again and again.

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Owner response: So glad you enjoyed your visit.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Fabulous! Wonderful way to experiance Big Sur.

    Fabulous! Wonderful way to experiance Big Sur.

    • Guest Andy
    • Date of stay 02/17/12
    • Review Submitted 03/12/12
    We have been traveling to Big Sur for many years but this is the first time we rented a private home and we will never go to a hotel again! We totally loved feeling like locals and see Big Sur from this amazing property. It was everything we hoped for and more. Highly reccommend to everyone.

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

    Owner response: Thank you for your kind review.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Amazing Experience

    Amazing Experience

    • Guest Chris D.
    • Date of stay 07/23/11
    • Review Submitted 07/31/11
    I highly recommend this home! Big Sur is amazing already and this home takes the Big Sur experience to another level. Yes, the drive to the home is slightly challenging, but it's worth every minute for the opportunity to stay here. Our Honda minivan had no problems with the drive. I'm sure the drive to the house is safer than driving on Highway 1. In addition to the great location -- surrounded by majestic mountains with enough of an ocean view to make you happy -- the home itself adds to the experience with the great design. The master bedroom will be remembered as one of my favorite places to sleep. We'll be back!

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A Heavenly Retreat

    A Heavenly Retreat

    • Guest huddlm
    • Date of stay 06/13/11
    • Review Submitted 07/01/11
    Wow. We rented the house for eight days in June 2011. The house was amazing. We had high expectations, and the house and surrounding valley were far better than expected. The house is pristine, clean and surrounded by flowers. It is fully equipped with flat screens, a stereo and a great CD collection. The views from the house are amazing. We could see and hear the ocean from both decks. The sundowns are magical. Hiking in the immediate area offers views of Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach that are unavailable to others. The beach was only a very short mountain drive away. The master bath has a huge Meyer Lemon tree that was a real treat. We have two boys (7 and 10). The property was very safe for them, and they had a complete blast getting back to nature. The gourmet kitchen was perfect, with windows surrounding it. Be sure to do your shopping in Monterrey or Carmel since prices in Big Sur are high and many necessaries are unavailable. The drive up the mountain to the house was easy to get used to and was not as daunting as some of the reviews indicate. It can be done in a car or an suv. This wonderful house would work for a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a family seeking to find an amazing alternative to amusement parks and video games. We provide heartfelt thanks to the owners for sharing it. We will be back. Soon.

    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • WHAT A GREAT THANKSGIVING! THANK YOU SO MUCH.....

    WHAT A GREAT THANKSGIVING! THANK YOU SO MUCH.....

    • Guest Andy
    • Date of stay 11/23/10
    • Review Submitted 11/30/10
    We want to thank you for a most wonderful family holiday. The property is beautiful and the house was everything we had hoped for. It was so fun to cook in the gourmet kitchen that the whole family joined in. We have always loved coming to Big Sur and now we know what it feels like to be locals. No more hotels for us! See you next year, and the next, and the next!!!!

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

    Owner response: The house is so perfect for a gathering! We are so glad you had a good time and hope to see you again!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK!

    THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK!

    • Guest Mirka
    • Date of stay 10/22/10
    • Review Submitted 11/21/10
    This house was everything we could have wanted and more! A beautiful place in a beautiful place. Clean well maintained and comfortably furnished. We especially enjoyed the gourmet kitchen. It was peaceful and relaxing. The sunny deck was a wonderful spot to spend time. Even the dog had a good time. Highly reccommend it and can't wait to go back.

    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Guest comment entered by owner

    • Guest John and Pat
    • Date of stay 06/18/10
    • Review Submitted 07/28/10
    Hello, just a few lines to say thank you for letting John and I spend time at your beautiful home. John calls it "Heaven on Earth" and he also tells me it was his best birthday ever, thank you many times and we hope to stay there again.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Guest comment entered by owner

    • Guest Loraine
    • Date of stay 05/27/10
    • Review Submitted 07/28/10
    Our stay at your incredible house in Big Sur was outstanding, more than I even anticipated. The beauty, comfort, peacefulness...I could go on and on like how comfortable the beds were, how lovely all the flowers, how I loved the kitchen and had fun cokking there, etc. We had a great week and I wish we had another one.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • Gorgeous and secluded

    Gorgeous and secluded

    • Guest Rchinaberr
    • Date of stay 12/11/09
    • Review Submitted 01/02/10
    My husband and I rented this wonderful home for a much needed weekend getaway. Even though it rained (actually poured!) the entire time we were there, our weekend was heavenly. You couldn't ask for a nicer place to "cocoon" and relax -- we kept a roaring fire going all day and evening. The owner provides everything you need except for fresh food -- all spices and condiments were there, lots of "dry" food on hand as well. All firewood, kindling, etc. was provided. We were there for 3 days and never once left the property. My only regret is that because of the rain, we weren't able to fully take advantage of the fabulous deck and view. I could have spent hours on that deck with a good book and a glass (or two!) of wine. Instead, I made due in front of the roaring fire, snuggled under a blanket! The road up to the house is pretty challenging. I wouldn't show up in a low riding sports car during inclimate weather and expect to make it up that road. We were in a small SUV and didn't have any trouble. Since we didn't leave the property, I don't know first hand how navigating it would be in the dark but I imagine it would not be too fun. The caretaker, Andi, met us down below, showed us up the road and made us feel more than welcome. She was great! She can also fix anything and everything. This property is especially wonderful if you are a dog/cat lover -- between Andi and the owner, you'll have lots of dogs to play with and love on if you wish. If you don't, they will keep the dogs confined and away from you. There are also several great cats who live on the property and love attention. Even with the gloomy weather, we had a marvelous time and can't wait until we can get away again and return!

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

    Owner response: I am so glad that this couple had a wonderful time, and I hope they return soon and often! Even in rainy weather Big Sur has its own magic.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

  • A hideawy for aging hippies

    A hideawy for aging hippies

    • Guest sandyseeworld
    • Date of stay 09/08/09
    • Review Submitted 09/14/09
    The home owner Monique lent me her personal notebook computer to use during my stay which I thought was well beyond my expectations. She's tried to make one's stay as comfortable as possible by supplying a great deal of what one would expect at home. However, the home needs a bit of a refurbishing and since it's "off the grid" it's subject to numerous power outages although the power goes back on due to the power generator. I may be picky but I think the deck chairs, cushions, and pillows are well past due to be replaced being that they're really dirty and ugly looking. The deck itself could also use a refurbishing and perhaps some stain. One problem that I had was my Mother's refusal to go out after dark. The road to the house from Highway 1 is mostly dirt (although it's paved in some parts) and it's very windy and bumpy. It takes about 12 minutes of slow travel with some very dangerous drop-offs to get to the home. My Mom was concerned about driving off the road at night so we stayed at the home instead of going out to dinner. Also forget about take out at the several restaurants in Big Sur on Highway 1. "We don't do take out" meant no dinner. I got a bit fed up with the Big Slur experience and left a day early so I could spend more time doing some other things on my vacation. Also, we had a problem with the downstairs toilet clogging up. Also, I was awakened at 3am by what sounded like wild animals running on the deck above the master bedroom. I'm hoping it was her two dogs and not some cougars. If you don't like house noises and are freaked out by the isolation of this place than it's not for you. Also, if you expect to see a sunset over the Pacific Ocean you won't see it from the house becaue the view really doesn't face west. I'm just trying to be honest and I think many people will find this home charming but you also must be aware of its defecits.

    Recommended for: Romantic getaway

    Owner response: Big Sur is an experiance that is not for everyone. Although "mom" was a very sweet lady, at 85 years old, they would have been happier in a more citified environment. We are a remote off the grid place and much better suited for people who want serenity and privacy. I am very clear with all my clients that they bring all supplies with them. We have a top of the line kitchen. No fast food or Dominos here.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/9

  • Perfect!

    Perfect!

    • Guest Jason B.
    • Date of stay 09/01/09
    • Review Submitted 09/16/09
    Wow. What an amazing house. This is the perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm. Views to kill for, privacy, close proximity to the beach, restaurants and the national parks in Big Sur. If you want to unplug in style, look no further. Monique was a wonderful hostess. She was in another house on the property while we were there and checked in with us a couple of times to make sure we were doing well, but left us alone for the most part. The kitchen was fantastic. We cooked and barbecued while we stayed for five days. Also, the master suite has a bay window with a view of the valley below the property that's brilliant to wake up to. The shower and whirlpool bathtub were nicely designed. Plus it's a green, off-the-grid, solar powered house which I found very interesting! You can tell a lot of work and deep thought went into the design of this house. While in Big Sur, we ate at the Big Sur Bakery and the River Inn. Both places had good food and acceptable service. There were other restaurants there, but as I said earlier, we utilized the nice kitchen while we stayed. Also, Monterey and Carmel are about 30 miles away (and the drive is beautiful!) so if you want a greater selection of restaurants and shopping you have that option. The house is located off of a private, gated drive on the side of a mountain. The drive up the mountain is a one-lane half paved, half dirt road. I thought it was an exciting drive to the property, but my car sickness-prone partner thought otherwise. We did make it a point to be back before dark, since there are no street lights to guide your way up the twisty mountainside road. We had rented an economy car (Hyundai Accent) for our trip and had no problem whatsoever getting up the road. Also, there are no screens on the windows/doors since it would take too much away from the gorgeous views. We were a little skeeved by the flies buzzing around the windows at first, but they do tend to stay on the windows and not fly around the house. Also, once it gets dark out, we found that leaving the windows and doors open and turning the inside lights OFF and turnging the outside lights ON seemed to draw all the bugs back outside within 10 minutes. Then we closed most of the doors & windows and bugs weren't an issue at all. If you're thinking about renting a place in Big Sur, look no further. I couldn't have been happier with our choice for a 5 day getaway to unplug, hike and relax.

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4



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