3 Bedroom Santa Cruz Private Mountain, house

Your Hosts- The Artist & the Naturalist

Formerly of San Francisco, Lara is a painter and kiln formed glass artist. Before retiring, she ran a glass art design company for 22 years Lara's creative curiosity stimulates her to always be exploring and making the world around her more beautiful. “Everything beautiful is Art, but nature is the ultimate Artist”. If you are interested in the local arts community and offerings Lara would love to share with you.

Emkay is happiest in Nature. As a child he was always playing in the dirt, climbing trees and getting lost in nature. Emkay worked as a nature camp counselor and later camp director for underserved NYC kids. He loved being in nature for the summer, but flourished teaching urban kids about nature.

Emkay and Lara met at a San Francisco cafe in 1994. Emkay was on a weekend leave from his job in Yosemite and Lara was selling her art in San Francisco. Fast forward 31 years of marriage and we’ve left busy San Francisco, started a family and ultimately moved to this gorgeous property to raise our 4 children in nature.

We love having guests from up the road and around the world visit this beautiful land we tend. We can't get enough of sharing what we know about the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Welcome! We're so happy to have you.

Be well-
Lara and Emkay
4 children
4 cats
3 dogs
3 fish
1 bearded dragon
1 jumping spider
And lots of love

Leave the windows open at night and you will smell the sweet scent of the forest and hear the sound of the native owls. For most of the year, on a clear night, we have beautiful, starry skies. Our house is on the small side, yet has what you’ll need after a day of exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer. To end the day, may we suggest a cup of tea on our wooden wrap around deck and a hot tub under the stars before bed. Enjoy our complimentary cable TV with Netflix, Hulu and Prime in a comfortable high quality queen or king bed. Enjoy your hot shower, a good nights sleep and gourmet coffee in the morning.

“Wow! What a great time! This is a perfect get a way if you’re looking for secluded quiet and to get in touch with nature. Close enough to a city and beach. Best of both worlds. Mountains and beach.” Liz, Los Angeles CA

“Amazing place to stay. Location is great and was super convenient for our trip. My husband and I are extremely happy that our trip was so smooth with this location. Definitely will be recommending to friends and family.” Anaiz, Bell Gardens CA


Santa Cruz is home to diverse restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping. This house is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.

From your peaceful, private cabin, walk out your french door to your well designed and furnished patio. Leave your french door open and live the indoor/outdoor Calilfornia lifestyle. Walk down the wooden stair path to our outdoor dining area covered with an umbrella seating four or head to the hot tub for a morning soak where the view is gorgeous and sits under hundred year old redwood trees.