Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!
House in Rio Del Mar, CA
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
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About this house rental
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
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
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Map of Rio Del Mar, CA
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
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.
10.0
We loved our cabin! Very welcoming and perfect for our family! Quick walk to the beach - lots to explore! We will definitely be back!
10.0
We have a splendid time in this quiet and relaxing little cottage.
10.0
It was a lovely, well cared for property. The yard was truly "Zen". We had a great time.
10.0
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!
10.0
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.
10.0
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!
10.0
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.
10.0
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!
10.0
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!
10.0
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…
10.0
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!!
10.0
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!
10.0
Pristine with a great location. Close to several beaches and sights. We loved it!
10.0
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.
10.0
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.
10.0
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!
10.0
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.
10.0
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.
10.0
We enjoyed staying here. Location is great, five minutes from the beach. We loved sitting on the rooftop deck, quiet neighborhood, comfortable
10.0
Clean and comfortable space with lots of outdoor seating and close enough to walk to the beach.
5.0
Jeff's house has beautiful curb appeal and great appointments. We spent the majority of our time outdoors on one of the 3 patios listening to the birds, the waves, or watching the stars. The kitchen is stocked with as many tools as you would need to cook for the family. Having 2 single beds in room #2 worked well for our family of 4. The 5 minute walk to the beach was also great--this place was a breath of fresh air! Thank you Jeff!
10.0
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.
10.0
Would definitely live to return!
10.0
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 🥰
10.0
very comfortable house with easy walk to the beach. a hidden gem!
10.0
Lovely, quiet beach escape
This clean and inviting mid-century cottage was a lovely, quiet escape with a short walk to the beach. We enjoyed the grill, fireplace and general comfort of the light-filled space. The location backs up to the canyon. We had morning tea and meals in the backyard among Japanese Maples, birds, butterflies and the trees beyond. The combination of the house, the beach, the neighborhood and the canyon made for a truly restorative experience.
10.0
Adorable home in the perfect setting!
We had a wonderful stay in Aptos. This house was perfectly situated on a quiet street, a five minute walk from the beach. The owners were quick to respond with any questions. We would absolutely rent from them again!
10.0
Great beach getaway
We had a great time, house & yard & sundeck were wonderful, easy walk to beach, great communication from owner. Everything we were looking for!
10.0
Perfect beach escape
This house was in a great location, clean, and had an amazing backyard space. The beach is right down the street, and having an outdoor shower after beach days is a great touch. Great communication from the owner, as well. We will definitely be back.
10.0
Rio Del Mar
We really enjoyed our stay here! It was close to the beach and very relaxing. The beds were very comfortable too!
5.0
Communication clear and pleasant. Property well located, and appointed. Appropriate for a relaxed beach break. Don’t expect Ritz Carlton. Expect comfortable living.
10.0
Easy comfortable setup
Communication clear and pleasant.
Property well located, and appointed.
Appropriate for a relaxed beach break.
Don’t expect Ritz Carlton.
Expect comfortable living.
10.0
Beautiful beach retreat
The Beach Cabin was a perfect fit for our family of five, and Jeff and Peggy were great hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay, from amazing walks along the Rio del Mar beach to watching the sunset from the deck. We hope to be back soon!
10.0
Great location and house
Small, but comfortable space, that feels larger with great outdoor space that’s very usable in Coastal CA climate. Aptos is a great little town in its own right, with nice beach two blocks away, and several good restaurants, especially the great, casual and friendly Pixie Deli. Location is perfect for easy travel to Santa Cruz and area to north, and Monterrey and Big Sur. Communication with Jeff was easy and straight forward. House was clean and well kept.
8.0
Quiet, clean beach retreat
Nice place to relax. Quiet & clean residence. Good proximity to beach, freeway, and Aptos Village. Enjoyed stay. Recommend nearby Bittersweet Bistro restaurant.
5.0
Very close to the beach, nice area, really nice house and terrace. We spend time here with the family. Nice host too.
10.0
Amazing!
We loved our visit to the Lake Court house in Aptos. The property was clean and impeccably maintained and had everything we needed for our stay (salad spinner, check; boogie boards, check). We all loved the outdoor shower, which was not only fun and relaxing, but incredibly useful when coming home from a sunny sandy day at the beach. The beach was about two blocks away, a very easy walk, and it was great to come back to the house midday for lunch. The wooded hillside behind the house was wonderful and private; we heard owls and coyotes at night. I would highly recommend a stay here. Jeff was a fantastic and efficient communicator. We had no issues getting to the house or with our stay there. Thanks, Jeff! We hope to be back.
10.0
Beach house
Communication with Jeff was excellent! Beach house was inviting, clean , and had all the necessities needed when your away from home. We enjoyed our stay, thanks for sharing your beach house with us!!
10.0
Perfect place !
We found this gem to be just perfect for our stay! The sundeck and backyard are just incredible to relax. The interior is very clean and tidy and super comfortable. Jeff was so easy to contact and a gracious host. Can't wait to visit Aptos in the future!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Rio Del Mar?
The average price for a rental in Rio Del Mar is $640 per night. This rental is $106 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf! pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Hand built beach cottage in the "cove"... sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and balcony or patio.
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