Apartment

5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182

Photo gallery for 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182

Private guest patio on right side of home (includes BBQ)
HOSTED HOME - guests have 100% private downstairs (750 ft2) private entry
Satellite map with our location
Secondary parking for guests on hammerheads (left and right orange dots)
main approach to house

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 565.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Soquel, CA
  • Capitola Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Capitola Wharf
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Mystery Spot
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182

Beautiful, two story, custom Mediterranean home. Private downstairs suite (700 sq ft) is available for our guests (2 bedrooms/1.5 baths/living area/kitchen nook). Mountain/Canyon views. Wildlife and tranquility. Lots of nearby restaurants. 5 mins to Capitola / 50 mins to Monterey/Carmel. <<<

Whether you're an over-worked Silicon Valley couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an out-of-towner who wishes to explore the marvels of the breathtaking Monterey Bay area, this 5-acre, hillside property is simply charming. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, suburbs or even beach area congestion in your quest to restore your inner tranquility, re-connect with your significant other, “become one” with nature, see twice as many stars out at night, or you're simply looking to avoid highway 17 traffic home after a long day at the beach, we invite you to experience this very special retreat.

Once you are well-rested, there is a variety of interesting things to do in the area. Having your own car is essential to access the residence and to travel beautiful state highway 1 to nearby locations such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola beach, Moss Landing, Marina, Monterey (Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium), Carmel (17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach) and Big Sur. We are also a 40 minute drive to downtown San Jose--the heart of Silicon Valley.

Nestled in a secluded canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the home is only 2.5 miles to downtown Soquel / Capitola and borders Santa Cruz. Offering a quiet, peaceful setting with lots of wildlife (deer, racoon, rabbit, coyote, hawk, owl, etc.), tree diversity (oak, redwood, bay leaf, pine, eucalyptus, palm, etc.), open space and panoramic views, yet within a 5 minute drive to downtown shopping, dining and surfing, the location offers the best of both worlds. The immediate neighborhood has sparse housing (minimum parcel size is 5 acres) and offers an undisturbed and irresistible peace.

You will have access to the 700 square foot, secluded, 100% private downstairs floor with complete disconnection (blocked off) from the (owner occupied) upstairs. Entry is from an exterior doorway. The space includes two large bedrooms (purple and green rooms), a living area (175 sq feet) and 1.5 bathrooms. The purple bedroom has one queen bed. The green bedroom has a large bunk bed (supporting 2 adults or children) and one queen bed. We've added a new kitchen nook containing a two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, sink and mini-refrigerator. Amenities include: freshly clean linens and towels, coffee maker, hot water kettle, free coffee/tea/hot chocolate, toaster, free Wifi, and Smart TV (Netflix, YouTube, Firefox),. WEATHER & CONDITIONS PERMITTING--enjoy an outside patio with chairs, ice cooler and outdoor gas BBQ. Try out our new propane fire pit and horseshoe court too! Patio overlooks some marvelous mountain and canyon views.

Note: There are lots of nearby dining establishments within 5 minutes drive (dine-in, take-out or home delivery). You can also use the gas BBQ/stove outside (weather & conditions permitting) or utilize the kitchen nook to cook light meals. Dining is certainly permitted inside the premises. The refrigerator will support many of your perishables. We provide various utensils and cooking pots as well.

******************** HOUSE RULES **********************
* Check-in time is 4PM
* Check out by 12PM
* No smoking
* No pets
* NO OUTSIDE VISITORS except with host pre-approval
* Outdoor patios close at 11:00pm (noise travels in the mountain / canyon)
* Dirty pots, pans, dishes and utensils that you borrow should be cleaned

Additional Permit Rules Established by Santa Cruz County:

* Maximum guest count: five (5)
* Maximum number of guest vehicles on property: two (2)
* Santa Cruz County Noise Ordinance (8.30.010) - reduce noise from 10pm - 8am
* No illegal behavior (fireworks, controlled substances)
* No cooking permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms
* No weddings, outdoor parties or similar activities

Property manager

Greg Hyver
Premier Host

Languages

Arabic, English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Laundry
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please wash dishes and silverware
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No outside visitors except if pre-approved by the host.
County-wide noise curfew (10pm-8am). Consider this if using our outside patio as noise travels a great distance. Reduce interior noise by midnight.
We reserve the right to enter the unit for general housekeeping when guests are away. Thank you for your consideration.

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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Soquel

Located in Soquel, this apartment is in a rural area and in the mountains. 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Soquel, CA

What's nearby

  • Capitola Beach - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Mystery Spot - 12 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 13 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - 14 min drive - 12.9 km

Getting around

  • Blossom Hill Station (Caltrain) - 43 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Garden Liquors & Deli - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Moe's Alley - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tortilla Flats - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is 5-Acre Mountain Retreat In The Serene Santa Cruz Mountains Rental Permit #181182 located?

Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is 2.5 mi (4 km) from Poetic Cellars Winery and within 6 miles (10 km) of Capitola Beach and Dominican Hospital. Capitola Historical Museum and Hooper Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 90 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely quiet setting. Enjoyed the scenery, gardens and wildlife. Weather was perfect, but it does get a bit chilly at night. I think it’s a great place to stay if you want to entertain quests outside on the private patio which has a gas fire pit for when the sun goes down.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick H.

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

Great little place for the night

Our family of four was very comfortable for the night here. Great little secluded guest house outside of town in a quiet area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

whitney b.

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

Real estate hunting getaway

We loved our little sanctuary with a lovely view.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Owen G.

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

SoCal motorcycle tour.

Fantastic spot. Very beautiful setting and comfortable accommodations. A memorable stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

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

Beautiful and peaceful place to stay

Check in was easy. The host gave detailed instructions as to how to get to there. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

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

Our stay

Everything about this property was amazing. My wife and I had a wonderful time. if you are considering a stay here, look no further!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Lars O.

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

Taking my kid to college

The retreat was a great quiet stay while we took our kid to UC Santa Cruz. Close enough to be convenient, but remote enough to be restful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Thomas M.

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

Mountain Retreat

Except for an occasional plane overhead, it was exceptionally quiet! A time to reflect. I am glad we drove during daylight hours because the public road to and from is in serious need of repair.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Serenity

The family that own the property are wonderful people. It was quiet and peaceful. The property is beautiful. I would love to come visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yvette R.

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

Peaceful Comfortable escape for the family

Perfect size for a family of 4. Very elegant and thoughtful accommodations provided by the host. Peaceful, serene setting, quiet and spacious. Exactly what we were hoping for. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

T L.

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

Fabulous!

Beautiful quiet and tranquil describe best our impressions of this lovely location. Communication was very easy as was check-in and the kindness and hospitality of hosts was such an added bonus to an already perfect stay. Highly recommend. Look forward to another stay in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick P.

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

Lovely quiet place

Very beautiful surroundings and close to Santa Cruz and surrounding towns. Place was clean and spacious with everything we would need. No issues at all and the view was to die for. Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

estelle f.

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

thanksgiving overnight

we slept well. Unit was clean! Will come again....
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha S.

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

Lovely stay in the mountains

We had a lovely short overnight stay during a quick weekend trip down to Santa Cruz. This was such a fun spot with beautiful scenic views across the mornings. This home is also just a short drive from restaurants and bars in the Santa Cruz area. The bedrooms were comfy and was nice to have two bathrooms during our short stay. The hosts provided a seamless check in and check out experience. We are very grateful to be hosted in such a cool and beautiful home for the night. Ubers were easily available to pick us up and drop us off as well which was nice and convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

sania k.

We loved the home

We loved this beautiful home. Very clean and feel home setup. The owner Greg was such a amazing individual, welcoming and caring to my family. Thank you and we will be back soon. God bless.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda A., Orangevale, California

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

Spectacular property

This is one of the most beautiful properties we have stayed in. Away from the the sounds of of the crowds, on the top of a mountain, it’s so quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to get to Capitola in about 10 minutes. The apartment is beautifully furnished with everything you need and the owners communicated with us to make sure we were good and was there anything else we needed. Would definitely stay here again. Thanks Greg and Naima!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

BELINDA K., Gulfport,Ms

Overnight stay

Very nice owners. Very welcoming, showed us around. Place is very well kept. Disappointed not having the fire pit to light, they are in construction. Internet is very slow and no cellphone service....
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2016

10/10 Excellent

Mikiah B.

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

Rejuvenating

To start the landscaping along the path is amazing, flowers and greenery everywhere. Once inside everything is so well placed and organized too. The bedrooms were adorable, the kids loved the bunkbeds, of course. The king bed in the master suite was a wonderful, I thought it was listed as a queen. The patio outside is awesome, it looks over the trees. We got to see owls, deer, squirrels, and driving past the neighbors llamas was always fun. I highly recommend this place. Will come back here if staying in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet F.

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

California Trip

The apartment was very nice. Our family of four really enjoyed the extra room in the apartment. We were traveling in California for a week and the kids and parents liked having their own rooms and beds. So much better than a hotel. We watched glass onion on the living rooom while we snacked on dinner that we picked up. Fantastic hosts!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leann H.

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

Lovely, peaceful location

Perfect place for some quiet relaxation. I wish we would have had more time to relax on the beautiful patio. It was about a 15-20 minute drive to Santa Cruz Wharf, and 10-15 to Capitola Wharf. Both fun stops. The living room/dining/kitchen was smallish but just fine for us and had a microwave, full fridge and small stove top, and appeared well equipped although we didn’t cook. There is a grill on the large patio too that would be fun to use. The bedrooms were nice, and two bathrooms - one quite large. The beds were firm but I slept fine. The owners are there, but we barely heard them. The directions were detailed and helpful, communication was very good. It was a very nice stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tanya S.

What a lovely getaway!

My siblings and I celebrated my stepdad's 50th birthday with him here. It was such a peaceful setting, and exactly as advertised. He doesn't like crowds and noisy places, so we spent the evening around the firepit, barbecuing ribeye and salmon as the sun set over the valley. Our host welcomed us to his split-level home, and showed us all of the rooms, the spacious 1.5 baths, the cozy den, and the two bedrooms. There was plenty of space for the four of us, and we had such a great time. Everything was incredibly clean and neat, and yet didn't have that sterile mass-produced vibe that many hotels affect. The gorgeous rugs made the hardwood floor incredibly comfortable, and the furniture was incredibly comfy. The beds were really comfy, too, with plenty of pillows, a warm duvet, and more in the closet, if needed. Our hostess brought us some delicious Moroccan mint tea, and we had the most delicious chocolates waiting for us. It was the most peaceful stay!
Stayed 1 night in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Bree H., San Francisco, CA

Very clean

My favorite thing about this place was how nice and clean it was. Very nice, comfortable, and welcoming! Towels and sheets were better than most places we've stayed at. Host was so nice to us: showed us around and even brought us tea and snacks. She also showed my kids where a toy box was stored and they loved that! We really appreciated that! Beautiful surroundings! Thank you for your kindness! This is the first time we've stayed in someone's place while they were there. Although we were given privacy, you are still in someone else's house while they are home, so that presents minor challenges in my opinion (i.e., waiting for someone to unlock the door, having to interact with someone after a long day, and noise carrying) and this place although cute and clean, has no kitchen, which is clearly stated, but still, can be challenging with 2 little kids. If I was alone with my husband, it probably would've been no problem.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017

6/10 Okay

Natasha A.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill R.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy O.

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

Beautiful stay for a family wedding!

This rental apartment was perfect for our five-day stay for a family wedding in Santa Cruz. We were looking for a place where we could enjoy the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains and this apartment and surrounding property was perfect. Quiet, peaceful with beautiful views with stunning flowering bushes, trees, and containers. Great outdoor patio for your morning beverage or evening cocktail. Grill and patio furniture is a plus. The apartment inside was clean with enough kitchenware and linens provided. Owners were very nice and checked in with us during our stay. We had a great stay and would highly recommend the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Greg Hyver

Host profile image
We are Greg and Naima Hyver. We are a married couple whose children have gone off to college, so we have plenty of space for you.

Why they chose this property

Our careers were in Silicon Valley, but our hearts are in the beautiful scenic area of Santa Cruz County. We wanted to build a special place to wake up to each morning.

What makes this property unique

Awesome canyon views on a hillside property. Quiet and tranquil.

Languages:

English, French, Arabic

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests