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Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub
"Wild Luxury on the Edge of the World"
~ Big Sur is open and accessible from the north!
~ Private Acreage Property= Privacy + 360 views
~ Miles of on-site hiking with romantic lounging areas: creekside w/waterfalls or ridgeline w/ocean view
~ Hydromassage hot tub under the stars
~ 3 miles from breathtaking Garrapata Beach and State Park
~ Paved, private road free of dust
~ High speed internet
~ 2 unique retreats
Welcome to Heart Circle Mountain—36 private acres of redwoods, mountains, and waterfalls, offering the Big Sur experience without the crowds. Step outside your door and immerse yourself in a private forest, where you can hike among towering redwoods, discover hidden waterfalls, and unwind in a serene streamside settings. Bath in the tranquility or venture upwards for sunny ridge-top views stretching toward the Pacific ocean. No need to get in your car—adventure and relaxation start at your doorstep.
Heart Circle Mountain offers a unique balance of wilderness and luxury, with two secluded retreats, each on their own area of the property that are thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment. Hammocks sway in the dappled sunlight, waterfalls provide a soothing soundtrack, and nature’s grandeur surrounds you.
Come experience Big Sur’s wild beauty—without the crowds!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Forest Cottage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An exquisite two-story home nestled into a private redwood and oak glen, the Forest Cottage is your own piece of paradise. Established in the 1930’s as the original cottage on Heart Circle Mountain, the Forest Cottage has been lovingly remodeled, built out of the finest materials including Venetian plaster walls, tumbled marble, and art glass lighting. The retreat is meticulously cleaned with non-toxic cleaners, is pet-dander free, and features sparkling white linens dried in the Big Sur sun.
Upstairs, the romantic bedroom has two skylights for nights of star gazing, unobstructed by city lights. The queen sleigh bed is outfitted with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, a down duvet, and high quality linens. The large sitting area has a desk, love seat, armchair and Smart TV w/Bose soundbar & many streaming services.
The cottage features a full gourmet kitchen, which includes completely stocked cupboards of cooking implements and condiments, a full-sized refrigerator, stove/oven, and large dining area. There is also a BBQ on the patio where you can enjoy the beautiful yard with a custom redwood dining table. Take a nap on a full sized hammock for two, kick back and sunbathe on the chaise lounge chairs, or rejuvenate in the hydromassage hot tub under the canopy of redwoods and oaks, while listening to the sounds of the forest and flowing creek.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Property
~~~~~~~~~~~
Heart Circle Mountain sits in the Goldilocks Zone—above the fog line but below the hotter, buggy highlands—offering a sunny microclimate teeming with wildlife. Here, deer, foxes, squirrels, quail, birds of prey, and even bobcats roam freely.
Just outside your door, two private hiking trails invite you to explore the beauty of Big Sur without the crowds. Along the way, discover scenic lounging areas with two-person hammocks, loungers, tables and chairs —perfect for a picnic or a drink while bathing in nature.
The Waterfall Trail
This serene path winds through a redwood forest along a private stretch of Palo Colorado Creek, leading to two enchanting lounge areas, surrounded by lush sorrel and ferns. At the halfway point, you’ll find Forest Glen, a magical haven where a meandering creek flows beneath a soaring old-growth redwood fairy ring. Further ahead, the trail ends in an intimate forest retreat, where a 10-foot granite waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool, framed by ferns, horsetails, redwoods, and oaks.
The Zen Trail
For breathtaking ocean, mountain, and valley views, follow the Zen Trail up Garrapata Ridge. Along the way, you might spot a bobcat or our resident fox near its den. At the summit, relax in a secluded lounge area beneath a natural oak arbor, with panoramic views of dramatic ridgelines and the Pacific on the horizon. Watch red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons glide overhead as you take in a fog river pouring over the ridges or a stunning sunset.
You won’t need to drive anywhere to experience the best of Big Sur—it’s all right here. But if adventure calls, the coastline and Ventana Wilderness are just a short drive away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Neighborhood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heart Circle Mountain sits atop a small mountain overlooking Palo Colorado Canyon and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Conveniently located just 2.2 miles from Highway 1, our retreats offer the best of both worlds—a peaceful Big Sur escape that’s only: a 15-20 minute drive North to Carmel or a 15-20 minute drive South to the Big Sur Valley.
You’ll experience some of the most scenic roads anywhere, without the hassle of dirt roads—our private, paved road ensures a smooth, dust-free, and traffic-free journey to your retreat.
Without a doubt, you will leave Heart Circle Mountain with a unique piece of Big Sur in your heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Attractions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
North
~ Rocky Point Restaurant – 2.5 mi
~ Garrapata Beach & State Park – 3 mi
~ Soberanes Point & Canyon – 6 mi
~ Point Lobos State Reserve – 10 mi
~ Carmel – 12 mi (80+ restaurants, art galleries, and shops)
South
~ Bixby Bridge & Old Coast Road
~ Andrew Molera State Park – Miles of trails, beach access, and guided horseback rides.
~ Big Sur Valley – 12 mi (restaurants, art galleries, and shops)
East (currently closed)
~ Palo Colorado Road – A scenic drive winding inland to Bottchers Gap Park, with campgrounds, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Ventana Wilderness and Mt. Pico Blanco.
~ Mill Creek Redwood Preserve – Now open by permit only, a few miles before Bottchers Gap.
West
~ Rocky Point to Castle Rock – the aqua blue Pacific Ocean crashing onto the shore.
We look forward to welcoming you!
2 Adults 21 & Up, No Pets, No Children
~ Big Sur is open and accessible from the north!
~ Private Acreage Property= Privacy + 360 views
~ Miles of on-site hiking with romantic lounging areas: creekside w/waterfalls or ridgeline w/ocean view
~ Hydromassage hot tub under the stars
~ 3 miles from breathtaking Garrapata Beach and State Park
~ Paved, private road free of dust
~ High speed internet
~ 2 unique retreats
Welcome to Heart Circle Mountain—36 private acres of redwoods, mountains, and waterfalls, offering the Big Sur experience without the crowds. Step outside your door and immerse yourself in a private forest, where you can hike among towering redwoods, discover hidden waterfalls, and unwind in a serene streamside settings. Bath in the tranquility or venture upwards for sunny ridge-top views stretching toward the Pacific ocean. No need to get in your car—adventure and relaxation start at your doorstep.
Heart Circle Mountain offers a unique balance of wilderness and luxury, with two secluded retreats, each on their own area of the property that are thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment. Hammocks sway in the dappled sunlight, waterfalls provide a soothing soundtrack, and nature’s grandeur surrounds you.
Come experience Big Sur’s wild beauty—without the crowds!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Forest Cottage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An exquisite two-story home nestled into a private redwood and oak glen, the Forest Cottage is your own piece of paradise. Established in the 1930’s as the original cottage on Heart Circle Mountain, the Forest Cottage has been lovingly remodeled, built out of the finest materials including Venetian plaster walls, tumbled marble, and art glass lighting. The retreat is meticulously cleaned with non-toxic cleaners, is pet-dander free, and features sparkling white linens dried in the Big Sur sun.
Upstairs, the romantic bedroom has two skylights for nights of star gazing, unobstructed by city lights. The queen sleigh bed is outfitted with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, a down duvet, and high quality linens. The large sitting area has a desk, love seat, armchair and Smart TV w/Bose soundbar & many streaming services.
The cottage features a full gourmet kitchen, which includes completely stocked cupboards of cooking implements and condiments, a full-sized refrigerator, stove/oven, and large dining area. There is also a BBQ on the patio where you can enjoy the beautiful yard with a custom redwood dining table. Take a nap on a full sized hammock for two, kick back and sunbathe on the chaise lounge chairs, or rejuvenate in the hydromassage hot tub under the canopy of redwoods and oaks, while listening to the sounds of the forest and flowing creek.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Property
~~~~~~~~~~~
Heart Circle Mountain sits in the Goldilocks Zone—above the fog line but below the hotter, buggy highlands—offering a sunny microclimate teeming with wildlife. Here, deer, foxes, squirrels, quail, birds of prey, and even bobcats roam freely.
Just outside your door, two private hiking trails invite you to explore the beauty of Big Sur without the crowds. Along the way, discover scenic lounging areas with two-person hammocks, loungers, tables and chairs —perfect for a picnic or a drink while bathing in nature.
The Waterfall Trail
This serene path winds through a redwood forest along a private stretch of Palo Colorado Creek, leading to two enchanting lounge areas, surrounded by lush sorrel and ferns. At the halfway point, you’ll find Forest Glen, a magical haven where a meandering creek flows beneath a soaring old-growth redwood fairy ring. Further ahead, the trail ends in an intimate forest retreat, where a 10-foot granite waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool, framed by ferns, horsetails, redwoods, and oaks.
The Zen Trail
For breathtaking ocean, mountain, and valley views, follow the Zen Trail up Garrapata Ridge. Along the way, you might spot a bobcat or our resident fox near its den. At the summit, relax in a secluded lounge area beneath a natural oak arbor, with panoramic views of dramatic ridgelines and the Pacific on the horizon. Watch red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons glide overhead as you take in a fog river pouring over the ridges or a stunning sunset.
You won’t need to drive anywhere to experience the best of Big Sur—it’s all right here. But if adventure calls, the coastline and Ventana Wilderness are just a short drive away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Neighborhood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heart Circle Mountain sits atop a small mountain overlooking Palo Colorado Canyon and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Conveniently located just 2.2 miles from Highway 1, our retreats offer the best of both worlds—a peaceful Big Sur escape that’s only: a 15-20 minute drive North to Carmel or a 15-20 minute drive South to the Big Sur Valley.
You’ll experience some of the most scenic roads anywhere, without the hassle of dirt roads—our private, paved road ensures a smooth, dust-free, and traffic-free journey to your retreat.
Without a doubt, you will leave Heart Circle Mountain with a unique piece of Big Sur in your heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Attractions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
North
~ Rocky Point Restaurant – 2.5 mi
~ Garrapata Beach & State Park – 3 mi
~ Soberanes Point & Canyon – 6 mi
~ Point Lobos State Reserve – 10 mi
~ Carmel – 12 mi (80+ restaurants, art galleries, and shops)
South
~ Bixby Bridge & Old Coast Road
~ Andrew Molera State Park – Miles of trails, beach access, and guided horseback rides.
~ Big Sur Valley – 12 mi (restaurants, art galleries, and shops)
East (currently closed)
~ Palo Colorado Road – A scenic drive winding inland to Bottchers Gap Park, with campgrounds, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Ventana Wilderness and Mt. Pico Blanco.
~ Mill Creek Redwood Preserve – Now open by permit only, a few miles before Bottchers Gap.
West
~ Rocky Point to Castle Rock – the aqua blue Pacific Ocean crashing onto the shore.
We look forward to welcoming you!
2 Adults 21 & Up, No Pets, No Children
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
-Please wash all dishes, pots/pans, and silverware. Please leave completely clean to avoid charges.
Please feel free to leave any leftover food items behind. We will donate, reuse, or compost them.
- Please sort trash & recycle (we are charged $75 if there is contamination). If you need more space, cans are located behind the fence in the yard, next to the propane tank.
-Please leave any wet towels on the tile floor or in the shower and dry standing water from countertops and floors to avoid water damage.
-Please turn off the heater and lights and close all windows.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 002008
About the area
Carmel
Located in Carmel, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Cherry Center for the Arts and The Carmel Business Association are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
What's nearby
- Garrapata State Park - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
- Bixby Bridge - 8 min drive - 7.6 km
- Garrapata Beach - 14 min drive - 12.9 km
- Point Sur State Historic Park - 20 min drive - 17.9 km
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - 21 min drive - 19.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Ranch Club - 45 min drive
- Big Sur Coast Gallery Cafe
- Mertin Mekanı - 31 min drive
- The Nest - 45 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
17 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
kris m.
17 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot
kris m.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Nora T.
25 November 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Nora T.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Samantha D.
23 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Minimoon
Samantha D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jackson
29 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Jackson
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alana S.
4 October 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Must Stay!!
Alana S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Ofelia M.
26 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful area
Ofelia M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Charles E.
9 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin Getaway
Charles E.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Cecelia C.
6 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cecelia C.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Celina
16 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Celina
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Betsy B.
1 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Married!
Betsy B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kasey M.
27 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing getaway
Kasey M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brooke S.
14 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely charming
Brooke S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dmitriy M.
25 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Secluded Cottage
Dmitriy M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tina H.
22 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carmel Getaway
Tina H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Adele W.
29 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adele W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
robby2977
28 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy


robby2977
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
8/10 Good
Deborah V.
21 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Charming cottage in the redwoods
Deborah V.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chelsea K.
25 March 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect secluded getaway
Chelsea K.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lauren S.
12 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private Forest getaway
Lauren S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Douglas R.
13 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Engagement Trip
Douglas R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brett A.
13 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet cottage getaway in the redwoods
Brett A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Garon G.
24 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Forest Cottage Weekend




Garon G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
23 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful retreat
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
John C.
1 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private Canyon Cottage
John C.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
About the host
Hosted by Andrew & Brianne
We are the owners of Heart Circle Mountain and have lived here for the past 22 years trying to make the property and retreats gorgeous and welcoming. We have a collective background in Environmental Design and Environmental Science. We love caring for this beautiful land and exploring the wilderness and beaches surrounding us. We are happy to be able to offer some time away from it all, for others to rejuvenate in this Big Sur paradise.
We look forward to meeting you!
~Brianne & Andrew
We look forward to meeting you!
~Brianne & Andrew
Languages:
English, Spanish
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