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Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!

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Front of house.  driveway accommodates two cars, in addition to carport
Sundeck with hill in backyard
Sundeck looking towards backyard and hill
Sunny private front courtyard
Front room looking out to front courtyard

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 479.0 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
aptos, CA
  • Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Seacliff State Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Seascape Golf Club
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!

Hand crafted by my dad in 1960 out of redwood and knotty pine, this meticulously maintained and spotless beach house is perfect for families with children or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Our house is limited to 4 registered guests and rented very sparingly, and our single story "Hawaiian style" 1950's beach cottage is located on a private dead end street with a level, flat yard.... just 300 yards from the beach. Private and sunny backyard patio and sundeck with views up to tree filled open space hillside, total quiet and zen! Please read our reviews. You'll have sun, solitude, total privacy, a large backyard, sundeck, and sublime quiet in this classic/vintage, mid-century beach house, which is located on this very quiet cul de sac backing up to a Santa Cruz County Designated Scenic Corridor greenbelt in your back yard. From the backyard watch the wild-birds, seagulls, red- tailed hawks, and then listen to the owls at night. (did we say NO stairs ?!!...ours is a single story house, large level front yard and level fenced backyard, and short level walk to the sand).
We call it the "cove" because its located 300 yards from the water in what is a natural cove with the ancient fossil rich ocean cliff rising 100' behind it. (you may have read about the Mastodon tooth discovery here in June '23).
Listen to the waves echoing off the canyon walls as the ocean lulls you to sleep. Walk miles east or west (north/south) on the bay's best, wide, & sandy beach, 2 minutes out your front door. Rio Del Mar beach is simply THE best beach on Monterrey bay.
This aloha style mid-century beach home was hand-built by my dad in 1960 for my mom and is a classic mid-century beach bungalow surf shack with 12' open beam vaulted ceilings, knotty pine interior, lots of natural light, and sundeck over the carport looking out to the mountain behind and to the sunsets over the bay 300 yards to the west.
Natural gas fireplace in living room (Nov to April), large fenced backyard with patio and fire pit, and front courtyard patio out the front door (yard is 5000 sq ft). 850 sq ft' of inside living, and 900'sq ft' of outside back patio with fire pit, sun deck and front patio....single level home and yard...no stairs. Queen bed in the front bedroom and 2 twin beds in the back bedroom.
Perfect location for parents with 2 children looking to get away, or a couple, yet close to all the amenities of Rio Del Mar Beach, the village of Aptos (1/2 mile away), Capitola Village (3 miles away), and downtown Santa Cruz (7 miles west).
Everything inside and out is clean, new, freshly painted, and in perfect, pristine, and spotless condition. Private outside shower, BBQ, Comcast Wi-Fi & Smart TV (Netflix), dishwasher, and new washer/dryer.
Terrific mountain biking and hiking in the 10,000 acres of redwoods in Nicene Marks State Park ONLY 1/2 mile away in Aptos village. Bike rentals available at Epicenter Bikes in Aptos village. Golf at Seascape resort 1 mile away.
Walk to the restaurants and coffee houses, Pixi Deli, Venus Beach-side and Venus Pie-Trap in Rio Del Mar right down the street. In Aptos village visit Mentone (****!), Pacific Roasting, Peets, Cat n' Cloud coffee, Bittersweet Cafe, Persephone, Cafe Sparrow, Metone, Sushi Garden, and in Seacliff visit Manuels Mexician or Ambrosia for Indian and Maryannes for ice cream treats.
Or take a 5 minute drive to Capitola village and dine at Trestle's.
Visit the shops, fine dining and movie theaters in downtown Santa Cruz, a 10 minute drive up Highway 1.
Prime surf spots at Pleasure Point (Private's, Jack's, the Hook, the Point) are 5 miles away. Surfing lessons are available through "Ed's Surf Camp" company. Bike along the coast at beautiful Wilder Ranch in West-side Santa Cruz 12 miles away. Bike rentals available at Epicenter Bikes both in Aptos and Santa Cruz.
Don't miss the huge redwood trees in Nicene Marks State Park 1 mile up the hill in Aptos, and in Henry Cowell State Park in Felton 3 miles up the San Lorenzo river from Santa Cruz. Carmel and Monterrey are 38 miles (or a 40-50 minute drive) south.
Perfect and prime longer term rental for the traveling nurse, interning doctor, visiting professor, professionals, or parents visiting their kids at UCSC during the winter. discounted monthly rate available during "off season".
I try to respond within 24 hours. I must exchange emails with you prior to booking Thank you, Jeff and Peggy

Property manager

jeff whalen
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 40
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
No Children under 6
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Events

No events allowed
NO
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO
this a very quiet neighborhood and street. neighborhood QUIET TIME outside is; after 10 pm and not before 8 am. Smoking NEVER permitted on property.
ONLY the guests on rental agreement are allowed on property. copy of house rules must be received prior to stay. Read carefully and scan back.
We have a sundeck, NO children under 6 years old allowed. NO fireworks allowed per county

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
Note from host: NO
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
Property Registration Number 1144937

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Aptos

Located in Aptos, this holiday home is in the mountains and by the sea. Mystery Spot is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
  • New Brighton State Beach - 13 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Capitola Beach - 16 min drive - 6.9 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafe - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf! located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Everything you need

It was our first time to Rio Del Mar. Appreciated the quiet unpretentious neighborhood and accessibility of beach in a cozy well kept knotty pine cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda B.

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

APTOS getaway

We loved our cabin! Very welcoming and perfect for our family! Quick walk to the beach - lots to explore! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

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

Lovely Little Spot

We have a splendid time in this quiet and relaxing little cottage.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carole A.

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

Charming beach house

It was a lovely, well cared for property. The yard was truly "Zen". We had a great time.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thu Yen M.

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

Wonderful Stay

This was one of the best VRBO's we have stayed at. Everything was so clean and comfortable inside the house and outside in the spacious backyard. We loved staying here while visiting some family up north and spending time at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with our kids. Mahalo for the great stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth T.

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

Lovely Beach Cottage by the Sea

We stayed at the beach house for 4 nights while attending graduation celebrations at UC Santa Cruz. The house was just as described in the listing and well maintained. The beautifully landscaped backyard was the perfect spot to start the day with coffee and end the day to relax. The beach is a few minutes away and has a nice walking path. A couple mornings we walked to get coffee from the small cafe near the house and then walked the beach path. I highly recommend hiking in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which is a 10 minute drive from the house. (See poster in the hallway of the house). We had dinner in Aptos at Mentone and Sevey's Bar & Kitchen and enjoyed them both. Communication with Jeff was excellent. We loved our stay at the beach cottage and hope to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda G.

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

Beach Paradise

This beach cottage was super comfortable and welcoming. It had most everything we needed for a month long stay. The host was very helpful and accommodating. I'm thinking about returning in the future!
Stayed 21 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arek J.

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

Great getaway

This was the perfect property for us. The construction is quaint and modern at the same time. The attention to detail was evident right from the beginning and this allowed for an easy, breezy experience. The location is perfect on a quiet road just off the beach. Great runs and walks were had in the immediate vicinity of this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon C.

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

Great location and cottage

My family of four had a great relaxing time here. Nice location for walks along the beach, quiet neighborhood, good documentation and instructions in the house. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Billy W.

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

Rio Del Mar

We had a very good stay, the cabin was clean and convenient. Everything worked and was in good order. I would have no problem staying there again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda Luisa d., Oakland

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

Restful Aptos retreat

Our whole family enjoyed this unique and comfy beach house. The backyard space was lovely and just a great place to observe the many birds and do some watercolor painting. Super close to all the fun things in Rio de Mar…
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandy H.

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

Perfect Haven

Absolutely enchanted by this loved family beach cottage. Its 50's charm is alive and well, with all the modern conveniences. Great location to coffee shops, deli and beach. Bird preserve in the spacious backyard was a bonus. We enjoyed the hummingbirds by day, and the owls at night. Friendly neighbors across the way. We found perfection!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russ R., Calgary

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

Great beach get-away

First-time visitors and hope it won't be the last. Our family of four was delighted by this coastal cabin's design and seclusion. Just four blocks from the beach, it boasts cleanliness, comfortable living space, and a serene backyard garden. Instead of watching TV, we enjoyed the nightly visit of hummingbirds and owls and a walk to the beach to catch the sunset. Highly recommended!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

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

Great Northern California Coast Local

Pristine with a great location. Close to several beaches and sights. We loved it!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sean G.

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

Beaches, Forest, and "Bird TV" oh my!

This is a wonderful house that feels very loved and cared for. The beds and furniture are comfortable and everything is solid and works well - unlike many rentals these days! My party had a great time cooking meals, hanging out in on the back patio with gas fire pit, and watching the swallows and owls come out of the bluff at dusk from the elevated porch (aka "Bird TV"). We also loved spending time at the beach, which is just a few minutes' walk down a quiet, winding street, and hiking a little at Nisene Marks which is also very close by. It's a great, lowkey neighborhood - exactly the downtime we were looking for.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chuck L.

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

A relaxing and rejuvenating stay at the beach

This was our second stay at this property. We love the mid-century modern beach cottage vibe. The property three blocks from the beach but feels very private as it is nestled against the hill. Unlike some beach cottages, it is very clean, designed and well maintained. There is a roof deck and a beautiful, private garden and patio from which you can hear birdsong and enjoy the flowers and trees. While there is cable and a large TV, we didn't feel compelled to turn it on once, instead opting to enjoy the gas fireplace, making meals, and relaxing. There is tons of hiking and beachcombing nearly, and we felt like kids on summer break. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cher R.

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

Amazing!

We have stayed at this vacation home numerous times and it never disappoints! The home is immaculate and has everything you could ever need for your stay. We love the location - just a quick walk to the beach and great local eats!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wanda L., SF East bay

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

Perfect location and cabin was clean, comfortable and attractive

This is one of those places that will stand out. The design and furnishings are exceptional. From the inside to the outside, it is so well done. Comfortable beds, close to the beach and restaurants, quiet and delightful.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick K., Novato, California, USA

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

Great little home and super quiet neighborhood

This was a nice little house, with off street parking. Very clean place, up to date furnishings, comfortable beds, Comcast cable (just like at home), good WiFi connection. Well stocked and very easy stroll to the beach. Jeff, the owner was very responsive to messages. Home was built in 1961 but grounds are nicely landscaped and home felt pretty new inside. We would recommend it to our friends. We are a retired couple in our mid-70s, but active hikers and found it most convenient and easy to get around in.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL S., Denver

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

Enjoyable stay

We enjoyed staying here. Location is great, five minutes from the beach. We loved sitting on the rooftop deck, quiet neighborhood, comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michele E.

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

great weekend get away

Clean and comfortable space with lots of outdoor seating and close enough to walk to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nikki G.

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

We had a great stay

We loved the house in Aptos. It was clean and we had plenty of room. The patio and outdoor shower are great. Jeff is easy to get a hold of and work with. There were 4 of us and we stayed 7 nights. I knew going in that there wasn't a washing machine and dryer available. It wasn't a huge deal but we were given a bath towel and hand towel for each of us and 2 dish towels for the week. For a shorter stay that would have been fine, but since it was longer, it would have been great to have fresh towels midweek, either if I could have washed them or if we were given more. The kitchen has plenty of dishes and pot and pans. They're due for a set of new frying pans. There were 2 that were pretty scratched up. We kept the windows open but it would get stuffy mid-day and would be great to have a couple of fans to cool the house down before going to bed. The twin beds were really noisy and squeaked a lot every time my kids rolled over. The neighborhood is mostly quiet but there is a rental across the street and maybe another down the road. It was noisier on the weekend (not too bad) and very quiet during the week. It is a short, easy walk to the beach. We really had a great trip and would stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L.

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

Adorable beach house with lots of outdoor living space as well. Welll stocked and close to beach!

Would definitely live to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

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

Perfect in Every Way!

We loved everything about this house. It's in the perfect location. The house is super cute and comfortable. There are multiple beautiful outdoor spaces to hang out and chat. Lots of outdoor extras provided (cornhole, beach chairs/umbrella, boogie boards, etc.). But for us the absolute best thing was the private outdoor shower! We would definitely stay there again 🥰
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

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

great beach house

very comfortable house with easy walk to the beach. a hidden gem!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by jeff whalen

Host profile image
I am a 4th generation Monterrey bay and SF bay area native who spent many happy summers at this home. Growing up here, and in Silicon Valley, this cottage is still my getaway from the daily grind and working in Silicon Valley....and we're happy to share it with you !

Why they chose this property

Totally vintage but updated this is an "old-school Hawaiian style surf shack" that my father hand built in 1960 for my mom, with love and attention to detail. (SCz county rental permit on file). Located and perfectly sited to the south and west for maximum sun exposure, close to the ocean, yet in a very, very quiet and private neighborhood , on a dead end street, yet just a two minute walk to the beach for a morning run, your beach day, or the sunset. The street is a cul-de-sac so there are very few neighbors driving by. In my opinion, my dad picked the best lot on the block back in 1959! (quiet neighbors on both sides and across the street). We love the more rural (and MUCH LESS congested than Santa Cruz) area of Rio Del Mar/Aptos because of the spectacular meeting of the sea and the redwoods, yet only 10 minutes (7 miles) from Santa Cruz

What makes this property unique

on a 5000 sq foot lot with large fenced backyard , the home enjoys total privacy, quiet, is sheltered from the wind, and with the 100' mountain & flora behind it, you'll be reminded of Kauai.....total Zen.
The sundeck looks up the hillside or out towards the sea and sunsets to the west. Although you can no longer see the ocean (newer construction blocks the view), one can clearly hear the waves crashing on the beach. Sip a drink and catch sound of the ocean and its breeze from the sunny front patio or sundeck in the afternoon.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests