Cozy retreat near woods and sea

This cottage was wonderful. One of the best stays I've ever had. Rustic and charming in the middle of a wooded area in Nisene State Park. Quiet spacious accommodations that feel like you're in a tree house but only a quarter mile walk to Aptos Village. Lots of space comfortably handled five adults. Well equipped. Hundreds of DVD's for entertainment. The private deck was an added bonus. I loved the artistic and eclectic decor. Great hiking trails through the park and into the redwoods just outside the door. I would love to stay here again.

This is a very comfortable, nicely appointed place. The location is only a short drive from the town but is very close to the entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks. It feels isolated and removed from noise and bustle. Gabriel was welcoming and responsive. The beds were comfortable and the heating was adequate. There were many nice personal touches and it was very clean. We only stayed one night but I think it would be an excellent place to stay longer.

Gorgeous lay out. In the forest. Super clean. Wonderful place to visit with family in great area!!

Very clean, hosts were kind but gave us space, check in and check out are simple and smooth! The place was prepared very well and is well furnished.

This was a great space, conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and the beach! Our family of five enjoyed our one-night stay during my birthday trip. Everything was very straightforward and self-explanatory, so we didn't need to contact the owners. They provided clear details and instructions before check-in. I would definitely recommend this place and will look for it again on our next visit.

Large, funky and private in a fantastic setting and location. We could walk into the beautiful adjacent State Park and nearby town of Aptos, or drive a short distance to Santa Cruz. Enjoyed meeting the hosts. Would stay again.

This property is SO quiet and secluded, nestled in the deep woods. But it's also very close to a great market, home-made ice cream and restaurants. We walked to these nearby places when we didn't want to take the car. Gabriel was a WONDERFUL host. We felt comfortable, cozy and safe in the house surrounded by the beautiful woods. Behind the gate to the property, there is room for two cars only, which was fine for us. We were sisters, nieces and daughters, aged 16 to 76.

Definitely a lot of room to entertain a lot of people. One shower and hardly any towels. Do not leave dog food down on the floor the ants will get into it.For such a large house, there’s only four coffee cups.Beautiful plants outside and lots of metal artwork sculptures that have got character.

A beautiful place that had not only the solitude of peace and quiet but yet so close to everything. If you want to go to the ocean, go to the ocean. if you want to go to the mountains, go to the mountain. If you want to enjoy a dinner or ice cream the town is in walking distance. Our stay was absolutely wonderful. wonderful.

This is a great location, walking distance from Nisene Marks Park (redwoods) and the Aptos Village with nice market and restaurants. Beautiful Sea Cliff Beach is a longer walk, or 5 minute drive. The back deck looks over forest and feels secluded and there are lots of big windows looking out that direction too. The hosts live on the property, which turned out fine. They were very helpful when we had a few small requests. The front of the property is tighter than it appears in the listing photo. Parking is a little tight but worked out for us with our three cars.

This was our second visit. Still great. We'd do it again.

This place was spacious and clean, and in a beautiful location, easy to get to. The host was wonderful. I had some trouble with the gate, but I think it was partially User error, and Gabriel responded immediately. I was there with my adult children to celebrate my mother's 90th birthday. It was a great place for us to land together and then go celebrate at my mom's house. There was room for everybody. Great kitchen, beautiful bathrooms. My kids all said they would love to do this again when we come visit my mom. A little expensive, but worth every penny.

Bedding should be upgraded

Owner Gabriel was wonderful, he responded to our requests quickly & helped with our issues. Home is a back house with owner living in front house. Home was large enough for our family of five. The is in a beautiful setting of trees & greenery. Lots of sky lights which let in a lot of sun light (even at 6am). The last guest had left some dirty pans in oven. It was nice but could of been cleaner. Owner is taking care of these issues. Home had 3 Queen beds & 1 trundle bed. No bunkbeds or sofa bed. We were able to sleep 5 comfortably. The bedding was great and the bed comfortable. We had plenty of kitchen equipment to make meals. Our location made good accessibility to Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the cement ship wreck at Seacliff State Beach. Our stay was for 4 nights. This location was over 3 hours from our home.

Very accommodating host

fun open space