5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090
Beautiful, two story, custom Mediterranean home. Private downstairs suite (700 sq ft) is available for our guests (2 bedrooms/1.5 baths/living area/kitchen nook). Mountain/Canyon views. Wildlife and tranquility. Lots of nearby restaurants. 5 mins to Capitola / 50 mins to Monterey/Carmel. <<<
Whether you're an over-worked Silicon Valley couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an out-of-towner who wishes to explore the marvels of the breathtaking Monterey Bay area, this 5-acre, hillside property is simply charming. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, suburbs or even beach area congestion in your quest to restore your inner tranquility, re-connect with your significant other, “become one” with nature, see twice as many stars out at night, or you're simply looking to avoid highway 17 traffic home after a long day at the beach, we invite you to experience this very special retreat.
Once you are well-rested, there is a variety of interesting things to do in the area. Having your own car is essential to access the residence and to travel beautiful state highway 1 to nearby locations such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola beach, Moss Landing, Marina, Monterey (Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium), Carmel (17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach) and Big Sur. We are also a 40 minute drive to downtown San Jose--the heart of Silicon Valley.
Nestled in a secluded canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the home is only 2.5 miles to downtown Soquel / Capitola and borders Santa Cruz. Offering a quiet, peaceful setting with lots of wildlife (deer, racoon, rabbit, coyote, hawk, owl, etc.), tree diversity (oak, redwood, bay leaf, pine, eucalyptus, palm, etc.), open space and panoramic views, yet within a 5 minute drive to downtown shopping, dining and surfing, the location offers the best of both worlds. The immediate neighborhood has sparse housing (minimum parcel size is 5 acres) and offers an undisturbed and irresistible peace.
You will have access to the 750 square foot, secluded, 100% private downstairs floor with complete disconnection (blocked off) from the (owner occupied) upstairs. Entry is from an exterior doorway. The space includes two large bedrooms (purple and green rooms), a living area (175 sq feet) and 1.5 bathrooms. The purple bedroom has one queen bed. The green bedroom has one double bed and a large bunk bed (supporting 2 adults or children) and one queen bed. We've added a new kitchen nook containing a two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, sink and mini-refrigerator. Amenities include: freshly clean linens and towels, coffee maker, hot water kettle, free coffee/tea/hot chocolate, toaster, free Wifi, and AD-free Smart TV (YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime Video). WEATHER & CONDITIONS PERMITTING--enjoy an outside patio with chairs, ice cooler and outdoor gas BBQ. Try out our new propane fire pit and horseshoe court too! Patio overlooks some marvelous mountain and canyon views.
Note: There are lots of nearby dining establishments within 5 minutes drive (dine-in, take-out or home delivery). You can also use the gas BBQ/stove outside (weather & conditions permitting) or utilize the kitchen nook to cook light meals. Dining is certainly permitted inside the premises. The refrigerator will support many of your perishables. We provide various utensils and cooking pots as well.
******************** HOUSE RULES ********************** * Check-in time is 4PM * Check out by 12PM * No smoking * No pets * NO OUTSIDE VISITORS except with host pre-approval * Outdoor patios close at 11:00pm (noise travels in the mountain / canyon) * Dirty pots, pans, dishes and utensils that you borrow should be cleaned
Additional Permit Rules Established by Santa Cruz County:
* Maximum guest count: five (5) * Maximum number of guest vehicles on property: two (2) * Santa Cruz County Noise Ordinance (8.30.010) - reduce noise from 10pm - 8am * No illegal behavior (fireworks, controlled substances) * No cooking permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms * No weddings, outdoor parties or similar activities
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please wash dishes and silverware
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No outside visitors except if pre-approved by the host.
County-wide noise curfew (10pm-8am). Consider this if using our outside patio as noise travels a great distance. Reduce interior noise by midnight.
We reserve the right to enter the unit for general housekeeping when guests are away. Thank you for your consideration.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Soquel
Located in Soquel, this apartment is in a rural area and in the mountains. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and ecotours nearby.
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
Panda Express - 7 min drive
Tortilla Shack - 7 min drive
Taco Bell - 6 min drive
Pretty Good Advice - 7 min drive
Good Dogs - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090?
As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090 on 27 Jun 2026 start from £179, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In Serene Santa Cruz Mountains
Rental Permit #231090 located?
Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is 2.5 mi (4 km) from Poetic Cellars Winery and within 6 miles (10 km) of Dominican Hospital and Capitola Historical Museum. Capitola Beach and Hooper Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We areatly appreciated our stay it this property. The hosts were very accomodating and helpful. The house was very clean and nicely decorated. It was so quiet and relaxing. Will stay here again in the future.
Excellent property, location, and a wonderful relaxation patio area. Very difficult to find this type of setting.Communications with host were always very prompt and helpful.
Lovely quiet setting. Enjoyed the scenery, gardens and wildlife. Weather was perfect, but it does get a bit chilly at night. I think it’s a great place to stay if you want to entertain quests outside on the private patio which has a gas fire pit for when the sun goes down.
We loved our weekend stay! Greg and Naima were fantastic hosts. The view from the patio was so peaceful and we enjoyed sitting outside near the firepit and playing horseshoes. The space was perfect for our family of five, having the second bathroom is a huge plus! We will definitely be back when we are in the area.
Everything was so clean and inviting! The home is gorgeous with quite a view! The owners are very gracious and kind. We enjoyed our stay very much! The wildlife in the area was a nice surprise. Our stay was very peaceful!
Kristy R.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2023
We very much appreciate your comments, Kristy, but always strive to make our guests stays better each time. Hope you can visit us again one day. Greg
Perfect size for a family of 4. Very elegant and thoughtful accommodations provided by the host. Peaceful, serene setting, quiet and spacious. Exactly what we were hoping for. Highly recommended.
Yvette R.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Apr 2023
We all greatly appreciate your kind remarks and hope to see you again one day. Thank you so much. Greg
Very beautiful surroundings and close to Santa Cruz and surrounding towns.
Place was clean and spacious with everything we would need.
No issues at all and the view was to die for.
Thanks
Beautiful quiet and tranquil describe best our impressions of this lovely location. Communication was very easy as was check-in and the kindness and hospitality of hosts was such an added bonus to an already perfect stay. Highly recommend. Look forward to another stay in the future.
Except for an occasional plane overhead, it was exceptionally quiet! A time to reflect.
I am glad we drove during daylight hours because the public road to and from is in serious need of repair.
This is a lovely rental in a beautiful rural setting, yet just minutes from Soquel and Capitola. The owners were gracious and helpful. Definitely a great "getaway" for a weekend or longer. The only downside--if it is one--is that internet connection can be spotty due to the location.
BEAUTIFUL AND RELAXING ! Great accommodations! Host was wonderful !!!!!!! Gracious !! A wonderful experience for all 4 of us !!!!! It was great being in the Santa Cruz mountains ! Stunning views !
Patty G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept 2023
We appreciate your wonderful review and hope that you will consider staying with us on your next visit. Thanks, again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
sania k.
25 Feb 2019
We loved the home
We loved this beautiful home. Very clean and feel home setup. The owner Greg was such a amazing individual, welcoming and caring to my family. Thank you and we will be back soon. God bless.
sania k.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
We very much appreciate your sentiments, Sania. You have a great family and we would love to host you again whenever you are visiting the Santa Cruz region. Greg.
This is one of the most beautiful properties we have stayed in. Away from the the sounds of of the crowds, on the top of a mountain, it’s so quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to get to Capitola in about 10 minutes. The apartment is beautifully furnished with everything you need and the owners communicated with us to make sure we were good and was there anything else we needed. Would definitely stay here again. Thanks Greg and Naima!!
Rhonda A.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Archival
8/10 Good
BELINDA K.
21 Dec 2016
Overnight stay
Very nice owners. Very welcoming, showed us around. Place is very well kept. Disappointed not having the fire pit to light, they are in construction. Internet is very slow and no cellphone service....
BELINDA K.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
We are in the process of building a new patio area closer to the entry way of the rental space. This will include a permanently constructed fire pit (which you reference). As a ad hoc measure, we still offer a separate patio area that has a portable fire pit that we keep stocked with wood. Unfortunately, at the time of your visit, the rains had forced us to put tarps over this particular patio area which was still in the process of draining water on the concrete pad from the previous storm, so we had to keep it closed off.
As for the internet, yes, it can be "spotty" as most mountain retreats in the Santa Cruz mountains are not on hard line cables for their broadband connections.
Hope this helps to clarify.
Cheers
Greg & Naima
About the host
Hosted by Greg Hyver
We are Greg and Naima Hyver. We are a married couple whose children have gone off to college, so we have plenty of space for you.
Why they chose this property
Our careers were in Silicon Valley, but our hearts are in the beautiful scenic area of Santa Cruz County. We wanted to build a special place to wake up to each morning.
What makes this property unique
Awesome canyon views on a hillside property. Quiet and tranquil.
Languages:
English, French, Arabic
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests