Apartment

Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Photo gallery for Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Living room into kitchen of apt.
Private kitchen
Living area
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
38093 Palo Colorado, Carmel, CA, 93923
  • Bixby Bridge
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Carmel Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Our apt. unit is attached to our main house, but is still very private wits own entrances, full kitchen, bath, and no need to bring your own water, we've plenty of good well water here. It opens onto a large yard and has a nice ocean view. We now have a wood-fired sauna on the property,which is available for use to our guests as well as ourselves. The sauna has a large,covered deck and sits in a quiet location shaded beneath a giant live oak,with a beautiful canyon view. A perfect place to calm your spirit and feel the bounty of nature.

The property is conveniently located halfway between Carmel/Monterrey Peninsula and Big Sur Proper.Three miles inland and over 1100 ft in elevation,we are usually above the fog,which creates unique views as it moves in and out of the canyon like slow tide.We are 4/10 of a mile up a well-maintained dirt is rarely a problem and then only during heavy storms in winter months.At these times 4WD is recommended,though not often necessary.


**4 adults maximum, or 5 people if children included**

Property manager

Monica Severson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We live in an area where everyone respects the quietude and we expect guests to do the same.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Carmel

Carmel is home to this apartment. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Map
Carmel, CA

What's nearby

  • Garrapata State Park - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Bixby Bridge - 8 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - 27 min drive - 27.3 km
  • Carmel Beach - 31 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course - 34 min drive - 33.2 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 31 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rocky Point Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Ranch Club - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪Rocky Point Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Ocean Sports Bar & Grille - ‬45 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting located?

Situated in Carmel, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge and Los Padres National Forest. Garrapata Beach and Point Sur State Historic Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 108 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 108 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 108 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 108 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 108 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special mountain hideaway!

The Big Sur apartment was a cozy retreat for our family of 4 for 3 nights. Monica and Joel were great hosts - very communicative, quick to resolve any issues, and just all around lovely and warm. They helped to make our stay a very memorable one and we look forward to returning one day soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi C.

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

Lovely Big Sur stay

The apartment was great and relatively close to everything we wanted to see in Big Sur, but much more affordable than some of the other lodging options. We didn't use the sauna but it was nice to know it was available! The host was very sweet and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abel L.

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

Perfect getaway

The ocean the redwood forest the drive down the coast the peninsula Carmel need I say more
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Jessi H.

Liked: Communication, location

Definitely off the beaten track

This property will definitely offer privacy and feeling of "away." The apartment could use some spring cleaning and some of the furnishings are a bit tired. Overall it worked for our needs. The canyon is very beautiful and we enjoyed the sauna onsite and the beautiful trees (Redwoods & Eucalyptus!).
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

art s.

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

Peaceful New Years stay

Peaceful and serene. A most wonderful stay away from the hussle.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric J.

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

Lovely place

A good value close to Big Sur. The place is up a narrow and winding road, but Monica gave great instructions, so you will find it no problem. Great communication and she made us feel welcome when we arrived. It was great that the place had a coffee grinder and a blender.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas M.

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

A little bit of Heaven

My wife and I have made our favorite journey up and down Hwy 1 many times over the last 40 years. We've driven past Palo Colorado Road without giving it a second thought because we were either focused on nearing Big Sur or that we were getting close to Carmel going north. When we entered the canyon this time it was amazing! A wonderful enchanted forest filled with beautiful old cabins. As you wind up the canyon with it's tall trees, the sunlight poking its way through the timber, it is a beautiful ride up to the craftsman bungalow. The plastered walls and cozy kitchen made for a pleasant restful stay. Joel and Monica are extra particular about your privacy and quiet time, and the view out the windows is the icing on the cake. Many thanks for our special memories to Joel and Monica.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen P.

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

Cozy Stay and Friendly Host

Monica was very helpful preparing us with directions to her property and giving tips about the area while we were there. She offered calendars and books to us as well. The place was just as advertised and has a nice selection of movies. The only thing I would warn is to make sure you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, preferably higher clearance. We didn’t have any issue with our Tesla.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Carrie Y.

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

Great location. Quiet

Very nice. . Monuca was great. Place was a little dark. Better lighting inside would be great.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennie Y.

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

Hidden hideaway

Enjoyed our stay near Big Sur. About 10 minutes off the coast in the forested mountains. Loved using the sauna and the quiet setting. Wen to the store beforehand to stock up on food since there aren't many options nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

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

Great spot to relax and enjoy nature!

We would totally book this place again in the future. The drive in from highway 1 is beautiful and serene. The apartment is bigger than expected with all the amenities. I can't say enough about the peaceful, quiet surroundings both at night and waking up for morning coffee. Great hosts as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

S. M.

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

Great place

Loved our stay, will be booking again when we return
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

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

Beautiful location

We had a great getaway in Big Sur. Located between Carmel and Big Sur, it was perfect if you want to explore the area. Great communication with Monica. It met our expectation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason F.

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

Relaxing Apartment in the Woods

Great stay in the woods near Big Sur. Friendly hosts. Fridge and stove worked great. Allowed us to re-heat some food we brought in. So close to Big Sur, though far enough away to relax from the hustle of Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls and Highway 1. My daughter loved chasing the turkeys in the front yard!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James L.

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

A Cozy Gem at Big Sur

Our family very much enjoyed our stay. First of all, Monica made the check-in process super easy, proactively offering convenient written directions to her place given it's a little bit of an adventure to get to off the main road. The apartment was very clean and cozy, and quite spacious for our family of 4 and it had everything we needed. I really appreciated that Monica would check in with us to make sure we had what we needed and offer places for us to visit in town. It's really tough to get bored in the apartment at night considering there's a plethora of movies and books in the apartment. Again, we had a really enjoyable stay here and highly recommend it for others that are visiting Big Sur.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

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

Peace and Serenity

What a great place. Quiet, peaceful yet 30 minutes from Monterey and Carmel. Monica and Joel were wonderful hosts. We enjoyed getting to know them. The place had everything you need to make the stay comfortable. The communication with Monica was timely and spot on for all our questions. Todd and Sue
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jena C.

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

Restful and Great Sauna

The hosts are welcoming, and the setting is beautiful. The apartment is a bit dark, but at the same time, the wood interior makes it cozy. We used the sauna and outside shower every evening, and it enhanced our well-being. We had pleasant, quiet stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen G.

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

Short Vacation

Gorgeous location, beautiful property!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jen M.

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

Wonderful hospitality in Big Sur

The hosts were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make our stay pleasant. The apartment included EVERYTHING we could possibly need, from games and books to extra linens and even a few groceries! The decor is charming and there is plenty of room for a family of 3 (one queen bed and a foldout). The location is a bit tricky to find (not findable with GPS and DEFINITELY NOT after dark so be sure to plan your stay within daylight hours) but absolutely worth it! It is up in the mountains and extremely pretty, but still within about 30 minutes drive to Monterey. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

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

Anniversary trip

Perfect! Greeted with a Congratulations sign and a lovely bottle of wine! Many personal touches !
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren G.

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

Incredible stay in unique location near to all the highlights of Big Sur

A really unique apartment up in the mountains near to all the highlights of Big Sur. The perfect stay for anyone looking to explore the incredible coastline. Some reviews noted the drive up was difficult. But in the dry weather we had, it was absolutely fine. A beautiful drive up, and incredible views once you get to the top. The apartment is bigger than it looks in the photos also. Monia was a superb host. Highly recommend the stay. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Sasikala T.

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

Nice cozy house

It was nice stay with all the needed amenities...it was cozy place for our family of 4. Bedding for the kids was only sofa bed. Otherwise it was comfortable clean place for the weekend. Quiet calm...place. Kitchen has good set of vessels. We did our bf and dinner..no dishwasher though...overall we enjoyed our stay here...
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe C.

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

Mtn Retreat

Monica is a great hostess. Plenty of communication. She made sure we had all the info about the house and the area. The bed was comfy, kitchen stocked with essentials, sitting nooks (inside and outside) were great. We used the sauna. That was a great experience. A real treat to stay in the apartment. True mtn house living. Quiet and peaceful. Easy ride into River Inn, Nepenthe, McWay waterfall, etc. We will be back. Thank you. Cheers, -joe ps: I did not meet Joel, but I loved his carpentry skills all around the compound. He's very talented.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernard U.

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

Beautiful and peaceful

Great location for hiking and exploring Big Sur area. Peaceful setting. Excellent hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael R., Dallas

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

A serene getaway

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you won’t go far wrong with this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Monica Severson

Host profile image

Languages:

English