Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sunshine Alley—Big Sur Home with Panoramic Ocean Views [#326745] | View Property

Big Sur
House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
$300 - $400/nt US Dollars
Write a Review

Traveler Reviews (20)

• Everything about this house is awesome

  Everything about this house is awesome

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 04/10/13
  • Review Submitted 04/22/13
  If God lives anywhere, it is at Sunshine Alley in Big Sur. The pictures do no justice to this adorable cabin on top of the world. The dirt road leading to the house from Highway 1 was a bit tricky, but my daughter and I were troopers and ventured up the mile to a view that was unforgettable. We were met by Rich who showed us around the grounds and the workings of the house. It was comforting to know he was close by in case we needed anything. The house was spotless, more than comfortable and equipped with all modern ameneties. Cooking was a joy with views from everywhere. Don't forget to shop for your entire stay. You could hear the faint sound of the crashing waves from the beaches below and the stars at night were awesome. It's not often that the milky way is visable to the naked eye. I kept waking up to run out to the deck for a peek. We were brave enough to venture down the road again to take beautiful Highway 1 to McWay Falls and Nepenthe, but if we didn't go, we would have been fine just sitting on the deck enjoying the view of the ocean while waiting for the sun to set outside our window. Thank you for sharing your beautiful slice of heaven. We will never forget our stay.

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

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

• What a place!

  What a place!

  • Guest Ryan
  • Date of stay 11/21/12
  • Review Submitted 12/16/12
  My wife and I stayed here over Thanksgiving with my cousin and his partner. We had a wonderful time and will try to come back someday. The view is awesome, just like the pictures. We spent most of the weekend in front of the upstairs fireplace just playing games and having a few drinks. Both bedrooms are more than adaquate. The upstairs one is more updated it seems, and has a bit better view, but the downstairs has it's own firepace. We only used the upstairs one though. The deck is really great to sit out on and watch sunsets. Gene takes great care to make sure everything is in order, and nice and clean. It's definitely the kind of place you'd want to bring lots of groceries and stuff too, because you won't want to be going up and down the road to the cabin more than you have to, and because the place is so great. Reviews are accurate, this place is worth a stay!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

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

• Nice home in a wonderful setting

  Nice home in a wonderful setting

  • Guest Leticia C.
  • Date of stay 07/06/12
  • Review Submitted 08/08/12
  Wonderful property! So peaceful and still convenient to area attractions. The home feeling of the property makes it comfortable and the amenities are that of a luxury hotel! Fully stocked kitchen with drinks, comfortable beds and wonderful bathroom towels and amenities. Gene is great to work with. I had an emergecy come up and had to leave a day early and he was so understanding and cooperative. If you want to stay in Big Sur, this is the place to go!

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

• Wonderful Stay

  Wonderful Stay

  • Guest Chris
  • Date of stay 06/13/12
  • Review Submitted 06/16/12
  My girlfriend and I wanted a nice, peaceful getaway to experience the full beauty of Big Sur. Reviews from previous visitors and the stunning photos on its VRBO page led us to select Sunshine Alley as our retreat for the night. Our high expectations were easily satisfied the moment we arrived. Our attention could not be pulled from the gorgeous views of the ocean, coastline, and lush landscape. We spent hours outside just enjoying the beautiful scenery and panoramic views, as well as the tranquil garden with its flowers and plant life (plus birds and bunnies). Inside, we were delightfully surprised with all the amenities Sunshine Alley had to offer. The full kitchen had everything we needed to whip up a romantic dinner. In between meals, we found a wide variety of complementary snacks and beverages to choose from. Although board games, Wi-Fi, two televisions, DVD player, and large DVD library offered supplemental entertainment, we were entertained fully with the natural beauty of this property. The bedrooms and bathrooms were well appointed, clean, and comfortable. Overall, what makes this place so special is that it's far enough away from Highway 1 that we heard nothing but the soothing sounds of nature, but close enough so we had quick access to the beach and surrounding activities. When we return to Big Sur, we'll definitely stay here again because of our experience with Sunshine Alley.

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

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

• Wonderful

  Wonderful

  • Guest Larry
  • Date of stay 06/07/12
  • Review Submitted 06/10/12
  The photos are accurate! One of the very best views in all of Big Sur, this house has a clear vantage point up the entire coast, probably over 40 miles. The house itself is very nice, great kitchen and bathrooms, and the entire living/dining area has floor to ceiling windows that lets you see the big view all the time. The solar energy system worked perfectly at all times, too. The caretaker of the house, Dick, is a great guy and very helpful as may be necessary, and lives in another small house next door but well-distanced from the house and has a wood wall blocking any view. It is also sufficiently above Hwy.1 so that you don't hear any traffic, and can't see any either. All in all, this place is so nice and complete and the views so amazing that it is a bargain at this price. We will be telling our friends to give it a try.

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

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

• Gorgeous and Peaceful

  Gorgeous and Peaceful

  • Guest kiggsy
  • Date of stay 05/16/12
  • Review Submitted 05/29/12
  I spent nearly a week at Sunshine Alley with my 81 year old Mom, and we had a very nice and quiet time. There are beautiful gardens around the house; great views of the coastline and ocean. I wanted to spend some time with my Mom who has limited mobility, so we were not able to take advantage of all of the walks/hikes down to the beach and coves, but it was wonderful just spending time in the house, watching the wildlife (even a fawn!), and views, and walking thru the gardens Richard, the caretaker, keeps beautiful with a great variety of plants (I even got some clippings from Richard that are growing in my special pot containing the plants from my vacation at Big Sur with my Mom). The house is equipped with everything you need. The only thing we had to buy was ice cream (bring some, because at Cambria its about $5.00 per pint). Richard is always there if you need him, and not if you don't. It is a wonderful and magical place.

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

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

• This Year's Stay Surpassed Last Year's Perfect Stay

  This Year's Stay Surpassed Last Year's Perfect Stay

  • Guest J&DP
  • Date of stay 04/20/12
  • Review Submitted 05/08/12
  We first stayed at Sunshine Alley for two nights in April 2011. We had such a wonderful stay last year, we decided we needed ten nights this year. Ten nights has us thinking that an even longer stay will be needed the next time. Over the years we have stayed in every possible lodging on the Big Sur coast between San Simeon and Carmel, including Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn. Sunshine Alley is by far our favorite place to stay. If you are looking for peace and quiet with spectacular views, this is the place to stay. The home is well maintained. The landscaping is lovely and a perfect place for photographers and nature lovers. The kitchen is well appointed with a perfect ocean view. We planned our menus prior to arriving in California. We did our grocery shopping in Carmel and arrived at Sunshine Alley fully stocked for our stay. A gas grill has been added since our stay last year, and it was greatly appreciated. WiFi has also been added, and while we survived nicely without it last year, it was also a welcome addition. We want to thank Richard for being a wonderful onsite caretaker. He strikes the perfect balance of being helpful when needed and unobtrusive. That is a rare talent and most appreciated. Gene, thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. We are already planning our next visit.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

• Return visit just as awesome

  Return visit just as awesome

  • Guest Neubs
  • Date of stay 03/26/12
  • Review Submitted 03/27/12
  Back in late 2010 my wife and I first stayed at Sunshine Alley. We had an absolutely great time, and vowed to return. I'm writing this follow-up review from the house itself just before we depart, thanks to the addition of Internet access via WiFi. Our laptop is sitting on the lovely tile countertop at the edge of the kitchen, and I'm looking up from it dozens of miles up the spectacular Big Sur coastline. (We're not much for staying connected during get-aways, but since we have some personal concerns back home, it's comforting to know what's going on.) The gracious and friendly concierge Dick had the house in perfect order when we arrived, from a fire already built in the upstairs wood-burning stove to complimentary bottles of quality red and white wine and soft drinks, juices, coffee, and a selection of teas. So much to do, from watching the critters outside to walking the beach with no one in sight. We hate to leave, but duty calls. So now we're thinking of when to do Sunshine Alley 3.0.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

• Simply wonderful, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in the big sur

  Simply wonderful, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in the big sur

  • Guest J
  • Date of stay 08/05/11
  • Review Submitted 08/24/11
  Our expectations were sky high and yet somehow Sunshine Alley managed to live up to them. The property is exactly as in the photos and exactly as described. The setting couldn't be better, it's the best part of the big sur with the best views, the cabin is lovely inside, fully kitted out to a very high standard, the kitchen is great. Robert was very friendly and very helpful but left us in peace so we had our privacy yet you always knew he would be around if you needed anything (the cookies at checkout were great). The setting is so beautiful (in spite of it being cloudy when we were there) One regret - we only stayed two nights, we wished we had stayed more.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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

• Amazing, Charming, Phenomenal View, Well-Appointed, Phenomenal Hospitality

  Amazing, Charming, Phenomenal View, Well-Appointed, Phenomenal Hospitality

  • Guest Kaia
  • Date of stay 06/23/11
  • Review Submitted 07/05/11
  You can't go wrong here. This house is amazing for 2 or 4. Clean, Modernized, Coastal-Cabin-Chic. I recommend it for 2 individuals, 2 couples or a small family. It's a little off the beaten track (from Big Sur proper) but its own special place indeed. The hospitality cannot be beat, its the best we've ever hand hands down.

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

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

• Terrific get away in Big Sur

  Terrific get away in Big Sur

  • Guest Peggy
  • Date of stay 04/25/11
  • Review Submitted 05/03/11
  The description of this lovely home was spot on. The views from most windows and the awesome deck were amazing. Very high quality of the furnishings and terrific personal touches, like a well stocked spice/dry good cabinet, a nice bottle of california wine, and Peet's coffee to get us going in the morning. Definitely bring along your groceries and you will enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen, with great views to boot. There is no gas grill, which may be a good addition in the future. The picnic table under the oak was our favorite spot for a glass of wine after exhausing ourselves during the day. We had the pleasure of staying at this home in April 2011 and were blessed with sunshine each day and great sunsets/star gazing in the evenings. A terrific break from our hectic lives, we spent time beachcombing and enjoying family time. We found the lack of cell phone coverage, TV stations and wi fi liberating! Recent landslides closed Hwy 1 in parts which made our time in Big Sur even more secluded - few cars to share the road. Deanna and Robert were terrific hosts and were there for advise and info. They are passionate about Big Sur and know the area well with great recommendations. They even helped us identify jade rocks in our son's rock collection from the beaches. The road up from the coast is steep and unpaved, so the recommendation for high clearance or 4 wheel should be considered if there is any chance of rain. I highly recommend this property and we hope to find our way back there again soon.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

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

• Already Planning Next Visit

  Already Planning Next Visit

  • Guest J&DP
  • Date of stay 04/19/11
  • Review Submitted 04/28/11
  We have been visiting the Big Sur coast 1-4 times a year for the past 30 years. We know the area well and this home is located in our favorite area of the coast. This was our first stay at Sunshine Alley and we loved every second of it. With one visit it has become our favorite place to stay in Big Sur. The view from the home is absolutely breathtaking. The photos provided are very accurate. The kitchen is well appointed and has everything needed to prepare meals. I have never been a fan of cooking while on vacation, but it was a pleasure to work in this kitchen. In fact I have started to plan the meals for our next visit. For those who are not interested in cooking, there are good dining options close at hand. We had the pleasure of meeting the original owners of this home a number of years ago so we were familar with the house. The present owner has done a wonderful job with the remodeling/updating of the home. The bathrooms are lovely and spacious, the main living area is charming as is the bedroom. The home has been nicely updated yet it retains its Big Sur vibe. As for the caretakers Robert and DeAnna, what a delight! They were attentive, but respected our privacy. They are both very knowledgeable about the area and are terrific resources. It is clear that they love this beautiful area of the country and take great pride it being the keepers of this wonderful home. We want to thank the owner for sharing this beautiful home and are looking forward to our next visit.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

• A Beautfiul, Spacious Home For 2 or 4

  A Beautfiul, Spacious Home For 2 or 4

  • Guest Abs
  • Date of stay 04/16/11
  • Review Submitted 06/13/11
  We live in Carmel so we know the area pretty well. In terms of views, you will find no better. Sit on the deck and soak it in. It's breathtaking. The home exceeds the comment "well appointed," not to mention the beautiful materials used to build it. There are many places to explore nearby, but if you're into solitude, you can just stay put and enjoy the serenity. Cook romantics dinners, drink good wine. We advise getting up early and going to bed late so you can take full advantage of this glorious place. We stayed two nights and went out to lunch at nearby Treebones Yurt Resort. Delicious! Thank you for the opportunity to stay in this beautiful property. We will never forget it and intend to return.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

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

• Picture Postcard Perfect!

  Picture Postcard Perfect!

  • Guest M&C
  • Date of stay 04/16/11
  • Review Submitted 04/18/11
  My husband and I joined another couple for a long weekend at this beautifully appointed home on "Sunshine Alley". Our experience couldn't have been more perfect enjoying sunshine on the deck, a hike up the trail, lunch at Treebones, and cozy accommodations. (We actually stopped on the way home to buy the bathroom products provided at the property). All photos and descriptions are spot on with no misrepresentation. The panoramic views are spectacular and we look forward to a return visit when we need to "unplug" from our busy lives! Thank you for sharing your home with us.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

• Fantastic Getaway in Big Sur

  Fantastic Getaway in Big Sur

  • Guest Jonathan A.
  • Date of stay 02/19/11
  • Review Submitted 02/21/11
  This home is a fantastic getaway in southern Big Sur. From the living room or the deck, you can look out and see the ocean and the coast of Big Sur, and you feel alone in it. While easily accessible, it's like you're on your own island in the beautiful countryside. The house itself is in great condition - fully equipped kitchen, all new bathrooms, comfortable and clean beds - all you could ask for. Robert will take great care of you - making sure you know what you need to know, bringing you firewood, etc. I would definitely go back!

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

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

• Stunning romantic getaway

  Stunning romantic getaway

  • Guest A & R
  • Date of stay 01/28/11
  • Review Submitted 03/22/11
  My husband and I stayed here in late January and we had such an amazing time. Our first trip to Big Sur will be difficult to beat. The house was perfect with panoramic ocean views, fireplaces, a cute garden with a picnic table, and a wrap-around deck. I hope they install a hot tub on the deck - which would make this place "over the top." Robert and his wife were such attentive caretakers, but at the same time they were respectful of our privacy. I would definitely come back here.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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

• Amazing views in a secluded setting, wonderful hosts

  Amazing views in a secluded setting, wonderful hosts

  • Guest Kerry
  • Date of stay 12/19/10
  • Review Submitted 01/02/11
  We had such a lovely time at Sunshine Alley! The home itself is so charming and perfectly suited to blend into the unique Big Sur landscape - mountains and redwoods to your back and the most incredible view of the ocean and coast. It was like being in a comfy cozy secret hideaway. The view is absolutely stunning, even during four days of rainy mist, which only added to the mystique. We were lucky enough to visit during the lunar eclipse, enjoyed from the amazing wrap around deck. The night view of the heavens over the ocean is just magical - this place has a special vantage point on the moon over the ocean. It is like a spotlight shining directly upon you. Robert and his wife were such attentive hosts, making sure we had wood for the fireplace and wood stove, which he graciously got roaring for us each day. He seemed to appear only when we needed him like a sixth sense. They even shared fresh baked, warm chocolate chip cookies. The home was immaculately clean and well stocked for cooking and hanging out. Since our visit coincided with an unusual spell of rain, we hunkered down to epic Scrabble battles and movies sessions while still enjoying the spellbinding scenery and crackling fire. We took advantage of a break in the rain for a drive up the coast north to enjoy a trip to the Coast Gallery to buy Christmas gifts, a lovely lunch at the Ventana Inn (highly recommended) and then the easy hike to McKay Falls on our way back home. On our last day, we experienced the amazing sunset, which flooded the home with incredible fire for twenty minutes, changing the character of the whole house. Everything about the experience exceeded expectations and I hope to be able to make a return pilgrimage one day. It is worth the little extra trip down the coast to stay at this amazing home.

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

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

• Ideal secluded south coast location with expansive views

  Ideal secluded south coast location with expansive views

  • Guest T & K
  • Date of stay 12/10/10
  • Review Submitted 01/14/11
  We spent the weekend at sunshine alley and were completely overwhelmed watching the morning sunshine light up the spectacular coastline. The views of the Big Sur south coast are expansive and gorgeous. The privacy of the house and the close proximity to the best beaches and hiking in Big Sur make this an easy one stop destination with little driving needed. If you do wish to pile into the parking lots of the more crowded north coast locations they are a short beautiful drive up the coast. Robert and DeAnna were warm, friendly and exceptionally accommodating. We have spent most of our free time in coastal locations for the last 20 years and of our many coastal stays from Seaside Oregon to Morro Bay, Sunshine Alley stands out as one of the best.

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

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

• Sunshine Alley captures the spirit of Big Sur's South Coast

  Sunshine Alley captures the spirit of Big Sur's South Coast

  • Guest Neubs
  • Date of stay 11/01/10
  • Review Submitted 10/31/10
  My wife and I have visited Big Sur dozens of times over the years. The stay at Sunshine Alley was a first for us, enjoying the privacy and comfort of a house rather than being cooped up in a hotel or lodge (even one in as great a place as Big Sur). We've had some wonderful experiences in this legendary country, but it was our first stay in the less populated South Coast. The lack of people was even more pronounced up in the heights of Sunshine Alley; we saw only the husband and wife concierges during our stay, and they were lovely and accommodating. Sunsets were spectacular. Beaches were easily accessible but almost deserted. Hikes ranged from easy to challenging. Photo ops were everywhere. And when it came time to rejoin the human race for dinner, our favorite restaurant in Cambria was less than an hour's scenic drive away. We also enjoyed preparing our own food in the house's well-equipped kitchen, and eating out on the deck while looking at the inspiring views. The upstairs bedroom was tempting, but we chose the sleeping area downstairs because it was close to the big stone fireplace and also had views looking out to the trees and ocean, and we could read at night or listen to music before a crackling fire. This is a well-run, enjoyable lodging. We shall return.

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

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

• A Hidden Jewel

  A Hidden Jewel

  • Guest Dee Dee
  • Date of stay 09/01/10
  • Review Submitted 11/12/10
  I recently had the privilege of staying at Sunshine Alley for several weeks and want to share this amazing jewel with other travelers. The pictures and description of the house are lovely but do not depict just how beautiful it really is in person. It is a very special and amazing retreat with spectacular unobstructed 180 degree views of the Pacific as well as gorgeous sunsets, each one more spectacular than the previous. I can't count how many picture I took. During the day I read on the deck and took in the tranquility that nature has to offer, a far cry from my hectic life. The house is very comfortable, clean and well equipped with everything you could possibly need-- a great kitchen for cooking, large tiled bathrooms and comfortable beds with lovely linens. Robert and Deanna, the concierges, are a delightful couple and were most helpful in suggesting local restaurants, beaches and other local places of interest. They even shared their delicious homemade scones with me. What a treat!!!! I definitely plan on returning to the Central Coast and staying at Sunshine Alley.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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