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Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community. 31 night min.

Photo gallery for Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community. 31 night min.

A swimming pool with a stone edge, surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
A living room with a sofa, colorful pillows, a lamp, and a poster on the wall.
A lush garden with a variety of plants and trees, a stone pathway, and a clear blue sky.
A dining table set with plates, cutlery, and glasses, surrounded by wooden cabinets and a window with a view of greenery.
Outdoor patio furniture with tables and chairs, set on a stone patio with a view of a forested landscape.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Private pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Aptos Hills, CA
  • Place, Seascape Golf Club
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Monterey Bay
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community. 31 night min.

31 night minimum stay. This pool side house is on 20 beautiful acres within a gated community. Gorgeous full kitchen includes full size refrigerator, dish washer & granite counters, matching granite table. The full bathroom is also granite with stained glass window. The main room includes granite table, couch & coffee table, desk for computer, and queen size Murphy bed. The house is within a fenced area with pool, decks around pool, garden and orchard are just below. Garden path to house. The pool is not heated. This is sited on a large acreage parcel, completely private & secure. House has access to the 1/2 acre lawn, badminton court, and miles of hiking trails lead from property.
Our home is maintained as a PET-FREE and SMOKE-FREE environment, especially important to guests with sensitivities to pet dander, smoke, or strong fragrances. Perfect for guests seeking a low allergen space. 31 night minimum rental time.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4212929vb
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Watsonville

Watsonville is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach, while Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park are popular area attractions. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Watsonville Center for the Arts are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in WatsonvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Aptos Hills, CA

What's nearby

  • Seascape Golf Club - 12 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 12 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Monterey Bay - 13 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Cabrillo College - 13 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 13 min drive - 10.0 km

Getting around

  • Gilroy Station - 42 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beer Mule - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Nicholson Vineyards Winery - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Aptos St BBQ - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Sanderlings Restaurant - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Retreat - House in Aptos Hills within a gated community located?

Situated in Watsonville, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Alfaro Family Vineyards, Monterey Bay and La Selva Beach. Beer Can Beach and Manresa State Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 21 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was amazing. The host was very helpful and communicative. They provided excellent recommendations for the area. I will want to stay here again next time I am in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
John was fantastic to work with and created an amazing place to share with others and make memories would have loved if the pool or at least the hot tub was heated it was cooler temps than we expected so couldn’t enjoy that, but the views and place are stunningly beautiful, the lush gardens and flowers, stunning plants and breathtaking views and sunsets were priceless
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place to stay! Great pool and view!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a very special, quiet and beautiful place. The host made sure that I had everything I needed. 10/10. I would joyfully stay there again :)
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I enjoyed the quiet and outdoor space
Stayed 17 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful grounds. Secluded, peaceful, and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing host and a great person!! Enjoyed the pool a lot!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing weekend getaway

The property was fantastic, with everything you needed and more! John is an excellent host and had a great dinner recommendation. It’s nice and secluded but only a short drive from shops and restaurants. Will definitely bring staying again in the future! Thanks John!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Simply Amazing

We had the best experience while staying at here. My wife and I enjoyed this place from start to finish. John helped us get settled in and offered restaurant recommendations! Awesome host! Wonderful Place! Only 10 mins from Seascape!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Pool House Studio was clean, fresh, and well stocked. The private pool was awesome (even though not heated...)! I loved the seclusion, the privacy, the absence of city lights. Could see stars! John was the perfect host. Met me at location, gave brief tour, answered all questions, then and later. Thanks, John!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
While working in the Central Coast of California this past July, I was fortunate enough to spend over two weeks at this amazing property in Aptos Hills. The gated property had everything I needed and more. I took full advantage of the well stocked kitchen as well as the outdoor grill. I also enjoyed the use of the crystal clear pool that was a great way to end a hard day of work. It was hard to leave this beautiful spot with all of it's amazing views. I highly recommend this property and hope to come back in the near future.
A stunning sunset on my last night.
Beautiful pool that was crystal clear.
Kitchen area with everything you need.
A jewel of a property on 20 acres.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was ideal for me as I was attending a wedding, which I was father of the bride and participating. It was close enough to the festivities such that I could get there and back on time. It was quiet, bucolic, clean, beautiful and comfortable. The Wi-Fi was great. The host was very accommodating and communicative and met me there. The parking was close by, but it is in a semi rural area so there is no paved parking which was fine as it was dry and not raining. The steps are a little bit hazardous if you’re elderly or have any kind of balance issues, but it was fine for me. The pool was gorgeous and clean and it’s really an ideal quiet setting. Very, very peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This must be the ultimate VRBO score in Santa Cruz, and felt like an artist retreat you might find in Big Sur. Setting was spectacular. Host John is a super nice guy who accommodated my very last-minute booking. From pictures I assumed it was a guest house built next to a main house where the owners stayed and I'd have to feel shy outside lounging by the pool. Well it turns out it's all by itself and the owners live in the area but not on the property so you have the house, pool area and entire 20 acres all to yourself! Kudos for the best equipped kitchen ever featuring high end stainless steel cookware and expensive Italian cook top. Normally you get a mish mash of warped burnt wallmart non-stick pans so this was a major plus! If you arrive at night in frazzled state of mind like I did after a 9 hour drive it's actually not confusing to find the house at all, I was only confused because I thought the gate and walkways were for the main house and the rental was somewhere deeply hidden. To be honest I'm not sure there even is a main house on the property. But no, just drive all the way up until you see the fence with two iron gates, the first is chained the second is the entrance. You'll have to lug your stuff up about 75 feet of gradual stairs climbing up a little hill is all so this is definitely not a place for anyone with disabilities. Also it's a studio so no separate bedroom. Radiant heat was sweet I only wished the hot tub was heated not sure why it wasn't.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and unique property, perfect for a couple to stay at. If you’re staying in the Santa Cruz area the drive is very manageable and well worth it. Host is great and available for any concerns you might have.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Séjour extraordinaire wow ;-0 merci la vie
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place, quiet, peaceful and a great getaway that Is close to all you want to do
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and location excellent swimming pool beautiful kitchen
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
John and his place are amazing. We feel so healed by his sense of humor, way of his existence, the spirit of the land, and the Tin Man magic. Thank you so much John for showing us how life could be experienced in such a healing way. All the best to you and your life and future guests.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent time at this property! The pool was amazing. John was a great host. He greeted us when we arrived and made us feel welcome. I cannot recommend this property enough! It made our trip to California that much better!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026

About the host

Hosted by J Calcon

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, Spanish
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