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Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

Holiday home in Aptos with kitchen and fireplace

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Exterior
Welcome home
Private most exclusive neighborhood in Santa Cruz. Enjoy your perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
The great outdoors. Something to look forward to after a hard day at the beach. Grab a glass of wine you’ve earned it.
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 11

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Aptos, CA
  • Place, Cabrillo College
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Capitola Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Bunk Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office

About this property

Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

Summary:
Permit number 111368
1.4 miles to the beach yet privately perched on a 4 acre mountaintop in arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Santa Cruz. This neighborhood is close to it all sitting on the boarder of capitola, soquel and aptos while also feeling removed from it all. The beach, mountain bike trails, great restaurants & shopping all within a mile and a half distance while feeling like you are in the middle of the Santa Cruz forest. Go tackle your adventure then come back home to rest and relax.

The Space:
1.4 miles to the beach yet privately perched on a 4 acre mountaintop in arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Santa Cruz. This neighborhood is close to it all sitting on the boarder of capitola, soquel and aptos while also feeling removed from it all. The beach, mountain bike trails, great restaurants & shopping all within a mile and a half distance while feeling like you are in the middle of the Santa Cruz forest. Go tackle your adventure then come back home to rest and relax.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Charge may apply
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Hot Tub When using the hot tub, remember there is certain health risk associated with this facility. Use at your own risk. Our Pool Service refil...

Important information

You need to know

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
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

About the area

Aptos

Aptos is home to this holiday home. 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.
View more Holiday homes in AptosOpens in a new window
Map
Aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Cabrillo College - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Capitola Beach - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 13 min drive - 14.0 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 49 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pretty Good Advice - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Loft Coffee - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House located?

Situated in Aptos, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Cabrillo College and within 3 miles (5 km) of Potbelly Beach and New Brighton State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 82 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay! Highly recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host is the absolute best...so helpful and responds quickly. The pizza oven is AMAZING...great family memories were made while making a fun meal. Truly a peaceful and private location yet close to everything. Will come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Manoj B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house, nestled among the trees. So many windows, you feel connected with the outdoors in every room. Fun activities for the family included hot tub, pizza oven.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time at the Johanna House. What a beautiful place! Everything was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paola R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great home and amenities! What made difference for us was the readiness of the home, there were plenty of supplies for things needed for everyday use, which allowed us to focus on enjoying our time at the house. It was clean, comfortable, and beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Love the house in Monica was great to deal with. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maxine n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place, close to town and beach

We had a great weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property!

Gorgeous home in beautiful setting with wonderful spaces to spread out & relax—both inside & out!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing among the trees

Beautiful property surrounded by the forest. Plenty of room for everyone and lots of windows to enjoy the view. Close to the beaches as well. Everyone enjoyed the stay from toddlers to adults.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B., Bellaire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aptos visit

Great location. Very nice house. State park pass was a plus for us.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

No one wanted to leave!

We’d intended to see the area but once everyone assembled for the event (hubby’s 80th birthday) no one wanted to leave Johanna house. They were happily entertained for the entire day!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Stay

We loved staying at this property. We were provided with everything we needed. The property is beautiful and nestled in a great location. It was clean, cheery and comfortable for our family of 9. We would definitely stay here again. Monica, the property owner, was a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic House!

We had a wonderful stay at this house celebrating our micro wedding. The house is so beautiful, spacious, and the outdoor space was perfect to host our closest family and friends. The pizza oven was a big hit! The hosts are wonderful to work with and very accommodating. We would love to come and stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Tana A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aptos beach trip 2024

We had a great stay and family wedding on the beach while we were there! :) Lots of happy memories. Thanks so much!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erik P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family vacation spot

We had 12 total people ranging from 4 to 72 and the property was great for all. We grilled, we made pizzas in the oven, played countless hours of cornhole and it was enjoyed by all. We watched the stars at night and relaxed in the morning. Couldn't recommend this house more.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

This place was really a dream! Great location - shopping, restaurants, and beaches only a short drive away. Home is styled beautifully. We loved the back deck and yard. Communication was prompt and easy and our feedback was received well by owners. We would stay here again and again 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil P., Santa Cruz

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Incredible experience, thank you so much Monica!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

geniveve r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pizza Party Retreat

This house is a wonderful retreat - and the pizza oven is a fun diversion for the whole family! We used the hot tub every night and house was comfortable and spacious. At 2 miles to the beach, it is the best of both worlds. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

matthew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick Escape

Lovely space….. you know when you go someplace new and you instantly feel a “good vibe” when you first walk through? This place does that. Terrific 3 night getaway while the kid was at camp. You’ll dig it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House!

We had a wonderful stay at the house. Inside was spacious, lots of places to hang out and be comfortable. Outside had different areas to relax and the kids spent hours playing corn hole! House was secluded up in the hills - a lovely oasis after a day of exploring. Monica was very responsive and helpful when we had questions! Would highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Thanksgiving visit

Our extended family of 11 (2 grandparents, 4 adults, and 5 kids) loved staying in this beautiful wooded home in the Santa Cruz hills for Thanksgiving together. The downstairs bunk bed bedroom was perfect for all the kids, while the upstairs 3 bedrooms and 2 baths were spacious and comfortable for us adults. The views off the deck and patio (and from most rooms of the home) were spectacular!! The linens were high quality, and the home was extremely clean. We loved making home-made pizzas in the pizza oven one night! Hope to come back someday.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home in the trees

A group of friends visited and enjoyed the spacious house and backyard. It was a great place to relax. Close to the beach, good golf, a variety of outdoor activities available. It feels secluded but sound will carry to neighbors. You have everything you need at the house. The host is very communicative.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maggie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Forest Dream house

Our family came from different areas to watch our daughter graduation collegs. We could not have asked for a better house to be together during this time. The beauty surrounding the house was breathtaking
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice sunny large place - great sunny yard!

This is a very nice large home, with a very nice, fun, large sunny yard, without any mud - perfect for your kids to play the cornhole bean bag toss game and feel the sun all day long. Sun rises are beautiful as they rise through the green valley which this looks over. Many bed rooms. It has an "out in the country" feel for sure (you might even hear a rooster etc), but it's not far from anything either. A couple quirks, like bring your own Amazon firestick(s) because at least the Bedroom TV is needs you tro bring that etc, and the are so many windows that they can not all have window shades. It's a huge sun filled home, in a good way!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious Coastal vibe with Redwoods

The Johanna House was spacious and peaceful and a great location for our get together for 6 nights. The primary bedroom is spectacular with its own living area and deck. In addition there are two good size bedrooms, with the downstairs bunk beds perfect for more people. The kitchen was well appointed with plenty of counter space, a large outdoor area with various seating areas, and everything we needed to have a great stay. The drive up the beautiful redwood street is a gorgeous welcome. Correspondence with the host was prompt and helpful. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for having us!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
Mike and Monica were married in 2008 and are always on the move. From Mike's professional career as an athlete, to their multiple business'...the two rarely spend more than a week in any one location. They have been very fortunate to travel the country and travel the world, where they have found many inspirations for their vacation home in Santa Cruz, Ca.

Why they chose this property

We absolutely love all the activities, weather and scenery Santa Cruz has to offer. We absolutely love going to the beach. The only thing we don’t like about the beach is the summertime fog that comes and goes. We loved this house because it put us 1.4 miles from the beach but out of the fog patterns so that we can enjoy the beach when its sunny and beautiful but not get stuck at a house covered in fog. The other limiting factor with most the homes near the beach that we looked at was the lack of space. With 4 acres, tons of parking, 2 roads, huge patios, decks and lawns…it provides us with a place to entertain our friends and family without feeling smothered by the next door neighbors or annoyed with the constant flow of traffic to and from the beach. Another thing we loved was the safety, privacy and exclusiveness of the neighborhood. An added benefit to the house that we realized after we moved in was that it was right in the center of all three Santa Cruz villages.

What makes this property unique

Privacy, luxury, space, views 1.4 miles to the beach less than 3 miles to any of the villages (Capitola village, Aptos village, Soquel village) exclusive neighborhood feeling of getting away while still being conveniently close to everything.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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