Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, our home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Imagine being enveloped by nature's beauty, all while being just a short 5-minute drive from downtown and a mere 10-minute journey to the stunning beach. This peaceful oasis is blessed with abundant sunshine and captivating views of the tree line that stretches beyond.
Santa Cruz isn't just a place; it's an experience that caters to families seeking adventure, nature enthusiasts yearning for a retreat, and active travelers in search of an invigorating getaway. At the heart of its allure is the renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, a quick 10-minute drive from our doorstep. And don't miss out on exploring the charming Capitola beachfront village, a mere 15 minutes away, boasting delightful eateries and boutiques.
For those seeking aquatic escapades, a beginner-friendly beach is within a 10-minute drive, while serene river swimming spots await just as close. If you're into mountain biking, hiking through majestic redwoods, surfing, boogie boarding, golf, or disc golf, you'll find your paradise here. The locals in Santa Cruz embrace active, health-conscious lifestyles, perfectly complemented by our picturesque surroundings and mild climate throughout the year. To truly savor the local flavors, delve into the abundance of fantastic food found at the six weekly farmers markets, showcasing the region's bountiful produce.
A mere 5-minute drive from our haven lies downtown Santa Cruz, the Pacific Garden Mall, where an array of exceptional restaurants, shops, and a charming bookstore beckon.
But that's not all – Santa Cruz also serves as your gateway to the wonders of Northern California. San Francisco and Oakland are a convenient 1.5-hour drive away, while the enchanting Monterey, home to the renowned Aquarium, is a mere 45-minute journey. Venture a bit further, and you'll find yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur in under 1.5 hours. The Sonoma and Santa Rosa wine country is a leisurely 2-hour drive.
We've tailored our haven with love, and we're excited to share the treasures of our community with you. If you have any queries or seek recommendations, feel free to reach out. Your unforgettable Santa Cruz experience awaits!
The space
Our sanctuary is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath haven. The master bedroom boasts a king-size Leesa mattress bed with an organic latex topper, all under a skylight with a remote-controlled shade. Blackout window shades ensure peaceful slumber. Step into the master bath, where heated tile flooring adds a touch of luxury. The second bedroom features a queen-size bed with a memory foam topper, while the third room, our son's haven, offers a twin bed adorned with latex and bamboo toppers. The second bath is equipped with an extra-long cast iron tub.
Culinary enthusiasts will find joy in our well-equipped kitchen, complete with a gas stove top, microwave, dishwasher, air fryer, toaster oven, Vitamix blender, instant pot, and an array of gadgets for your culinary expeditions. Seating for 4-6 awaits you at the kitchen table, along with 2 seats at the island. And yes, we haven't forgotten entertainment – a gas-burning fireplace graces the living room, accompanying a flat-screen TV with access to Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and Disney Plus. Board games and puzzles abound for cozy nights in.
Worried about the weather? Our home enjoys central heating, while the coastal climate renders air conditioning a rarity.
Meet our beloved pets – 2 affectionate cats and a charming small dog. They come and go through a convenient doggy door. Should you allow, our dog may accompany us on our travels, but their care is undemanding.
A touch of green awaits in our small vegetable garden, requiring some care in the summer months, while the rest of the grounds are thoughtfully designed for minimal upkeep.
Guest access
As you step into our sanctuary, you'll ascend a single flight of stairs to the entrance, with the house unfolding on a single level (except for one step leading to the master bedroom).
Notes
Embracing a scent-free ambiance, our home is free of synthetic fragrances, ensuring a fresh and inviting environment for all.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Weekend
Adventure
Budget
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
Mountains
Beach
Water
Hiking
Cycling
Golf
House rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Carpet free
Fragrance free
Dates of Availability
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Getting to my home
Our home and the surrounding areas are best accessed by car. There is limited public transit with the closest bus stop about 1 mile away from our house.
Nearest airport
We are about 30 minutes from San Jose International Airport, 1 hour from San Francisco International Airport, and 50 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport.
Map of Approximate Location
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Feedback
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Premium
Zoe
Hello community! We are a family of 3 (mom, dad, and 8 year old boy) new to home exchange, looking to share our lovely home and visit some new special places! Currently we are looking for exchanges closer to our home (within driving distance) but will certainly like to go abroad in the near future.
Our family loves nature, being outside, plants and animals, and good food. I am a psychotherapist in private practice; my husband is a hair stylist, in school to be a psychologist. Our son is in 2nd grade at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School. Hobbies include yoga, hiking, biking, disc golf, archery, birding, foraging, herbalism, gardening and growing our own food, and swimming. I come from an international family, we are spread across the globe and have been traveling and living abroad for generations! I would love to build more global community!
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.