Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perched in Paradise!

Guest: David (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 05/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/18/12

Thank you very much for everything. My family loved your vacation home! You have a true gem. We loved the high ceilings, large dining table, amazing vies, proximity to the West Cliff path/beaches. I thought the bikes were a great touch, absolutely incredible. Everything was very nice! I mean EVERYTHING

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

Family Reunion

Guest: David (England)
Date of Stay: 04/09/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

Everything about this house was at least as good as the description. It was one of the best equipped holiday homes that we have rented over many years and in differing countries. When we arrived it was cleaned to an immaculate standard. The accommodation exactly matched our requirements for a family get together being half way between England and New Zealand. There was plenty of space for all, and such things as the games really helped make this a happy stay. Before our arrival we were able to sort out all our queries by emails which were always answered promptly. The information provided about attractions, shopping and the locality was both very helpful and accurate. It is in a great location for a family with young children - in our case between 6 years and 12 years. Natural Bridge's Beach was superb and a half day out to the Redwood Frest at Roaring Camp is a must. Not too far away is Los Gatos which we found to be a very pleasant town to spend a few hours, admittedly on our way back to SFO airport. The Avanti Restaurant in Mission Street was an excellent place for a celebration dinner for all 9 of us and they are very children friendly. And of course there is Santa Cruz itself with its famed attractions. We would happily come again and would certainly recommend this house to others.

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

Stock

Guest: Stock (Fayetteville PA)
Date of Stay: 03/05/12 Review Submitted: 03/14/12

Great home. Perfectly appointed. Everything we needed for our week was available. The house was spotless too!! And the views....just a perfect place to be in Santa Cruz.

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

Gorgeous house, great location!

Guest: Belle (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 02/20/12 Review Submitted: 02/24/12

What a great location! Just steps out to the ocean and the walking path, so beautiful. The house had the perfect number of bedrooms and bathrooms to accomodate our group of 8 (adults & teenagers). The house was very clean and the beds were so comfortable. Safeway was just down the street to grab the groceries we needed, and we would definitely recommend Kelly's Bakery that's also right down the street.

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

Great Location, Great House

Guest: MAK (Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/21/12

Our families had a thoroughly good time in Santa Cruz this weekend. Your lovely house was everything you said it would be and more. Your well-stocked kitchen lacked nothing and the layout of the area made it easy to visit while preparing meals. Our beds were comfy, the towels nice and soft and the views were spectacular. We also made use of the hot tub, ping pong table, and gas grill, as well as the theater system for watching movies. We were just steps away from ocean's edge, only a 10 minute walk to Natural Bridges beach. Many amenities both at the house and near by. This was a hit!

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

Couldn't be any better!

Guest: blessed5 (Lodi, CA/USA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/11 Review Submitted: 11/04/11

I was having a difficult time finding a Santa Cruz rental that had everything we could possibly want. When I found this one it seemed almost too good to be true. From the time we pulled into the driveway and after touring the house, I knew our 3 nights were not going to feel like enough. The pictures are accurate but it all looked even better in person. The place was super clean and we found any little thing we could possibly need. The location was great (near stores, quick walk to a state beach) and the patio offered a beautiful view to enjoy a cup of coffee. I found the house to be very kid friendly (a must with 3 toddlers!) It worked out well to have a sitting space and kitchen both upstairs and downstairs. Overall, the layout works great for large or multiple families. Thank you Dorothy. We can't wait to return!

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

Wonderful house for family vacation

Guest: Chris (Santa Cruz)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

I live in Santa Cruz and wanted to find a nice place large enough for my family to come for a visit. This property was perfect. The location is one house from West Cliff Drive overlooking the ocean so they could walk, bicycle, and enjoy the view. Plus close to all kinds of Santa Cruz attractions. The house had everything they needed to relax and enjoy their visit and plenty of space for all. The hot tub and grilling on the deck were favorites.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great House - Great Location

Guest: Tom O.
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

We rented this property for a family vacation including adults, adult kids, and a two year old. This was the perfect location. Each family had their own floor, the great room was huge, and there was privacy if someone wanted that. The house is well equipped with everything anyone could need for a beachside vacation. The location is one property from the bluff overlooking the ocean. It is walking distance to the main attractions of Santa Cruz and bicycles are provided if you don't want to walk. There was a canoe in the garage but we did not paddle to the boardwalk. The owner of the house was a pleasure to deal with and went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

Wonderfully located Santa Cruz property

Guest: Ger (Dublin, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

We had a wonderful time at this fabulous santa cruz property. The older kids loved the boardwalk, bikes, table tennis and hot tub. My wife and I couldn't get enough of the wonderful walks and views along West Cliff Drive. My four year olds favourite was the excellent Seymour Marine Centre. All in all a really restful holiday.

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

Nice spot with a lovely kitchen, seaside access and a kind owner

Guest: susan (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

I stayed here for a weekend in May with a handful of friends and found the place to be very inviting. The kitchen has all of the utensils and pots we needed; there were ample towels for everyone and nicely made beds. The icing on the cake was that the owner kindly located and sent me an article of clothing that I had mistakenly left behind. She was very responsive and shipped me my shirt promptly. Thank you!

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

Beautiful House

Guest: Happy Customer (Palo Alto)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

The beach house has an amazing view and is a wonderful place to have a mini get away. The location is great and the property is good for a get together with friends or a famly vacation. We really enjoyed eating around the huge dining table in the kitchen and sitting by the fire pit an hot tub. The house has nice amenities and the kitchen is great for cooking a big meal. I would definitely return to this house in the future.

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

Lovely home in great location

Guest: Jackie (Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/08/11

We stayed in April, we were 4 adults, 2 teenagers, 2 kids. The house was perfect for us, the living/kitchen/dining area is bright and open with views out over the ocean, we particularly liked the big wooden dining table. The design of the house allows for privacy too and it was nice to have the tv room down stairs where the kids could escape to watch movies. Attractively furnished, everything spotless, the kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed to feel at home. We enjoyed eating breakfast and bbqing out on the deck and going for rides along the coast path, we had taken some bikes but there were extra ones in the garage which came in useful. The owners seemed to have though of absolutely everything and we enjoyed the extra touches like the table tennis table, firepit and hot tub. Great location, just off West Cliff, wish we could have stayed longer and I would not hesitate to recommend this place to friends.

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

Met Expectations

Guest: Doug (Chagrin Falls, OH)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

My family had a wonderful time. The house was as advertised in appearance and cleanliness. We recommend this house for large family vacations.

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

Spring Indulgeance

Guest: Di (Lodi, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

Hi Dorothy! We just returned home from a super great vacation at your super great home. You've thought of it all. From hot tub, to ping pong to movies, reading on the deck or listening to music, it's all there. We were glad we brought our bikes as you've got to walk or ride several times a day because of the beauty and then of course you can sit on the deck and take it all in. We had 4 couples who we've vacationed with for over 30 years, and it was perfect. We did bring our full size aerobed for the downstairs bedroom as there are twins in there but that worked perfect. We hope we can return and enjoy the location and all the other fun things, wine tasting down the street, Kelly's French Bakery (you were right) and a new find downtown, easy bikeride , Zoccoli's for great homemade sandwiches and bread. Thank you for offering your home for such a good time. Diane and Ernie Meier

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

Everything that we hoped for and more!

Guest: JS (Salt Lake City)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

My friends and I rended the house for an extended weekend. This house is about as close to perfect as you will find. I highly recommend it.

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

Our Winter Vacation

Guest: Stephanie (Klamath Falls, OR)
Date of Stay: 01/22/11 Review Submitted: 02/19/11

Tired of ice and snow, we decided to go south with our dog this winter and spend some time in Santa Cruz, California. After finding a dog friendly rental, we set off on our adventure not quite knowing what to expect. We arrived to find the home everything advertised and more. The home was very clean, light and airy. There were many amenities from large items like a gas barbecue, crib, high efficiency washer/dryer, ping pong table, and bicycles to small convenience items like umbrellas, scissors, scotch tape, pencils and notepaper. When we looked, we seemed to find what we needed. For example, after returning from the beach one day, covered in sand, we looked for and found a warm water outdoor shower. Just what we needed. We still tracked in some sand, but the tile floors were easy to clean. The location is great, half a block from West Cliff Drive and a paved path that extends from the Boardwalk to Natural Bridges State Park. When the path got too crowded, we walked through Natural Bridges and over to the University’s Marine Lab, which had a nice walking trail and a visitor’s center. Heading north on Swift, an easy walk of 6 to 8 blocks, we found Kelly’s French Bakery, the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery, wine tasting and a NewLeaf market. Both Kelly’s and the brewery had outdoor, dog friendly seating. We were also very lucky with the weather. We had one winter storm, but mostly it was sunny with temperatures in the 60’s to mid 70’s. We saw people in swim suits sunning themselves on the beach in February! Santa Cruz is a fun vacation spot and Dorothy has a wonderful home in a beautiful location along the ocean. We would definitely rent again.

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

Wonderful modern home in great location

Guest: Tim (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

We stayed a week at this wonderful home with our dog and had a lovely time. The location is great, steps to the path on west cliff, short walk to natural bridges, longer walk to the lighthouse point and even to the boardwalk. The house is very well appointed, updated/upgraded from the photos even. Everything you'd need is provided. Be sure to stop by Kelly's Bakery & Ice Cream up the street as it plus the almost daily farmers markets around the bay make for creating great meals to be shared at the big dining room table.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great experience two years in a ro

Guest: Michelle (Los Gatos, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

My family and I have rented this house for a week two years and a row now and have been very pleased. The house is exceptionally clean and comfortable, and has all the amenities of home. The layout and large size make it excellent for big groups, and it is very kid-friendly. The backyard is great--we love roasting marshmellows on the firepit and lounging in the hot tub. We really enjoy the location--the cliffs allow for beautiful walks and there is a French bakery and several winetasting rooms within walking distance. The owner has been very responsive when any questions came up. I would highly recommend this property to others.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

Loved the house

Guest: Kay (Fresno, Ca)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

The home is lovely, super clean inside and out. We brought bikes and we all loved riding the bike bath along the ocean. The teenagers even rode their bikes to the Boardwalk. Great bakery a couple of blocks away which gave us a reason to take a walk each morning. The Wine Tasting Rooms (several) a couple of blocks away gave us a reason to take a walk in the evening. The yard is perfect for the dogs with a dog run on the side of the house. Enjoyed the upstairs deck every afternoon, playing cards and watching the ocean, but expecially enjoyed the hot tub every night which topped off a perfect day. My family has rented homes in Santa Cruz for the last 8 years, this is the best house we have found. We will go back every year.

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

AMAZING!

Guest: D (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

This house is great. GORGEOUS views, bedrooms were all SO clean and tidy (every inch we saw was clean as new). We came for a bachelorette party and it was a wonderful place for everyone to bond and wonderful rooms to do it in. The kitchen upstairs is huge and welcoming for entertaining and the deck and hot tub make it even better. Great, great place!!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Lovely accomodations

Guest: Paulie (Fresno, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

This home is beautiful and well furnished. It has both upstairs and lower level kitchens and family areas. The kitchens were well furnished, and it was a few steps to the cliffs overlooking the water. We enjoyed it very much.

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Pictures do not do this property justice!

Guest: VSLK (Turlock, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

We rented the Swift Road property in Santa Cruz for my daughter's 16th birthday party. The home was spacious, airy, light and relaxing. It seem like everything was upgraded, even the little things. There was an extra towel rack in the bathroom (with the beach, we used a ton of towels and appreciated the extra rack to dry the towels) and extra shelves. There was not a regular mixer, but a Mix Master. One of the girls was impressed by the electronics upstairs. She said, "The only thing missing is an iPod adapter port." But there was one afterall!! The home is stocked with a nice library of books and games. The two floors made a nice division - adults on the ground floor, kids on the second floor for us - giving both groups their space. Dining room table is extra long to accomodate everyone. Nice gas grill on balcony. Jumbo sized washer and dryer. It was 45 minute walk (slow, with flip-flops) along sidewalk to the Boardwalk. Nice walk and we even saw a Sea Lion sunbathing on rocks. Home is decorated with clean, uncluttered lines so as to create an atmoshere of relaxation and to sooth the eyes. This rental exceeded our expectation and I can't wait to return again. I am not a writter, but I have to tell you, this rental was awesome. We will rent this property again. (I am not a friend, family member or acquantence of the owners and I accepted no compensation for this review.)

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

Guest: Jennifer Noble
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Dear Dorthy, We LOVED your house!! When we pulled up my girls said, "Mom, you got the nicest house on the street!" Once inside, we were amazed at how beautiful everything was. The online pictures do not do your house justice. It was amazing and we really enjoyed each and every room in your house!! Thank you very much! Jennifer Noble 916-205-5362

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Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

Guest: JFer (Folsom, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/07/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

We LOVED your house!! When we pulled up my girls said, "Mom, you got the nicest house on the street!" Once inside, we were amazed at how beautiful everything was. The online pictures do not do your house justice. It was amazing and we really enjoyed each and every room in your house!! With the nice breeze I could open the windows, sit near the fireplace or on the deck, read my book, and hear the waves crash on the rocks! Amazing! The outdoor shower was perfect for our sandy feet after a day at the beach. Hot tub.........very clean and relaxing! Thank you very much!

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

Guest: Elyse Spielberg
Date of Stay: 08/10/08 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

My family and I all had a wonderful time in Santa Cruz. The house we rented from you was ideal - loved the house, the location, and the view.!!! The house was roomy and comfortable and beautiful. Thank you. We also liked the new couch you put in the house - where did you get it? Elyse Spielberg

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Guest: Al and Mary Lou Peterson
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Hi Dorothy - We had a great time at the Santa Cruz house. It is one house from the ocean, a quarter mile from a great beach for body boards and playing in the surf, has a fantastic fenced yard and hot tub, and is very nicely decorated with comfortable furniture, and beds. This place was just comfortable all the way around. Pleasant spots to curl up with a book, everything worked beautifully - you even had sponges, dish soap, and things for cleaning up that are so often not there when you first arrive (we bought some more to leave behind so the next guests would have the same experience). And a great deck with a fantastic barbecue - we grilled outside several times. It was a pleasure renting from you and we intend to do so again! Please feel free to share out thoughts on this place with others looking for a Santa Cruz ocean-side rental. Al and Mary Lou

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Guest: Ellen Snider
Date of Stay: 08/19/07 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Dorothy, \We came home yesterday after a lovely stay at your home. It was wonderful, very well equipped and a beautiful view. We enjoyed hiking at Natural Bridges and relaxing along the water front. I have mentioned how nice your home is to many of our friends. I hope you get a lot of new clients from our friends. Thank you again. Ellen Snider

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Guest: Cindy Curbo
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Hello Dorothy, We had a fantastic time in Santa Cruz this summer! Your rental home was perfect for us. We really enjoyed it very much. It was beautiful! We loved the view of the ocean. It was a wonderful stay and I wish I was there right now. Cindy

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Guest: C. Soto
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/31/06

Hello Dorothy, We had a fantastic time in Santa Cruz this summer! Your rental home was perfect for us. We really enjoyed it very much. It was beautiful! We loved the view of the ocean. It was a wonderful stay and I wish I was there right now. Cindy

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Guest: Candy Richard
Date of Stay: 08/20/06 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

Hi Dorothy, Wow! What a beautiful home you have. We enjoyed every minute and are already trying to pick dates for next summer! There was a definite advantage to not being right on West Cliff Drive, but who knew until we were actually there to experience it?! Thanks again for the use of your vacation home. Sincerely, Candy Richard

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Guest: Candy Richard
Date of Stay: 09/10/05 Review Submitted: 09/09/05

Hi Dorothy, Wow! What a beautiful home you have. We enjoyed every minute and are already trying to pick dates for next summer! there was a definite advantage to not being right on West Cliff Drive, but who knew until we were actually there to experience it. Thanks again. Sincerely, C. Richard

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Guest: Elyse Spielberg
Date of Stay: 08/31/05 Review Submitted: 08/30/05

My family and I all had a wonderful time in Santa Cruz. the house we rented from you was ideal--oved the house, the location, and the view!! The house was roomy and comfortable and beautiful. Thank you. We also liked the new couch you put in. Where did you get it? E. Spielberg

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