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

10.0 (59 Reviews) |   2 Bedrooms  1 Bathroom  4 Guests  Stay&Play
Rio del Mar House | Hand built beach cottage in the "cove". sunny, quiet, 4 min. walk to the surf!

2 Bedroom House in Rio del Mar, aptos

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

Hand built beach cottage in the "cove" sunny, quiet, 4 min walk to the surf! is located in Rio del Mar. Hand built beach cottage in the "cove" sunny, quiet, 4 min walk to the surf! provides accommodation, featuring Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, among other amenities. This House features Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Hand built beach cottage in the "cove" sunny, quiet, 4 min walk to the surf! has 2 Bedrooms , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Rio del Mar has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Rio del Mar, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.

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Unique Amenities

  • Parking
  • TV
  • View
  • Ocean View
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • Oceanfront
  • Security/Safety
  • Sports/Activities
  • Bedding/Linens
  • Wellness Facilities
  • Fireplace/Heating
  • Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking
  • Child Friendly
  • Internet
  • Kitchen
 
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Policies

Event Policy No events allowed;no
Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 pm contactless check-in available minimum check-in age: 40
Check-out Check-out before 11:00 am contactless check-out available
Child Policy Children are welcome. note from host: no children under 6
Pet Policy Pets not allowed
Smoking Policy Smoking is not permitted;no
Other Policy 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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property note from host: no onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited property registration number 1144937 property registration number 1144937, vrab00015 safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
 
aptos, 95003, United States

What Our Guests say 500 + Reviews

Aug 15, 2024 11:55:14 PM
Summary: 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.
Nancy S. Nancy S.
Aug 7, 2024 05:14:33 AM
Summary: We loved our cabin! Very welcoming and perfect for our family! Quick walk to the beach - lots to explore! We will definitely be back!
Melinda B. Melinda B.
Aug 2, 2024 11:10:39 PM
Summary: We have a splendid time in this quiet and relaxing little cottage.
Brian H. Brian H.
Jul 25, 2024 01:43:06 AM
Summary: It was a lovely, well cared for property. The yard was truly "Zen". We had a great time.
Carole A. Carole A.
Jul 16, 2024 03:27:08 PM
Summary: 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!
Thu Yen M. Thu Yen M.
Jun 18, 2024 11:40:01 PM
Summary: 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.
Elizabeth T. Elizabeth T.
May 3, 2024 10:04:40 PM
Summary: 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!
Linda G. Linda G.
Apr 16, 2024 09:56:02 PM
Summary: 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.
Arek J. Arek J.
Apr 11, 2024 01:22:32 AM
Summary: 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!
Shannon C. Shannon C.
Feb 19, 2024 08:25:21 AM
Summary: 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!
Billy W. Billy W.

FAQ's

Is this Rio del Mar house pet-friendly for guests?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

Does the Rio del Mar house have a swimming pool?

No, this Rio del Mar house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in Rio del Mar house?

Best-rates for the Rio del Mar house starts from $338 per night with includes Internet, Kitchen, Ocean View, Security/Safety, Bedding/Linens, Parking, TV, View, Oceanfront, Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Fireplace/Heating, Child Friendly StayAndPlay offers fully equipped golf villas, golf hotels, golf resorts, luxury golf cabins, and exclusive golf retreats, making it easier than ever to find your perfect golf escape — ideal for families, peaceful getaways, or pet-friendly retreats with the whole crew.

Is Rio del Mar house a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the Rio del Mar house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Rio del Mar house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the Rio del Mar house?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Rio del Mar house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for Rio del Mar house?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, details for the cancellation policy for the Rio del Mar house are as follows: Cancellation policy Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

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