The testimonials appearing below are from 1993 to 2011. We began renting our home as a Santa Cruz vacation rental in May 1993. During the late 1990s the house was remodeled to the present condition as you see it today with the exception of the addition of new hardwood floors and carpets, refrigerator, new HDTVs etc, during the spring of 2009. In 1998, the home became our primary residence for six years. But in 2006 we started renting again.  The review comments below were taken from a journal diary which we put out for people to document their visit for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of others. We hope this will give you a better idea of the home and this terrific neighborhood.

2011

March 21, 2011
What an amazing home you have. Everything we could have needed was there, and then there were the extras! We had a great time relaxing and enjoying the area and accommodations. We feel very fortunate to have stayed here and will return again. Thank you so much - Tom and Jennifer

March 11, 2011
Birthday celebration, brewery, gumbo, Betty's Burgers, walks on the beach, talks on the deck, naps on the couch, massage chair, enjoyment, fun, relaxing. We'll be back soon. 

February 2011
We had a fantastic long weekend and really enjoyed your home. The rain was a bit of a bummer but it gave us time to enjoy our new nieces. Thanks for all the high-end amenities. We would love to town again this summer - From Colorado
 
February 2011
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us. Our weekend here was everything the doctor ordered R&R plus plenty of sunshine. We hope to return soon! - Los Gatos CA
 
January 22
It was lovely. Thank you

2010

December 2010
We very much enjoyed spending the last three weeks in your home over Christmas. Coming from Reno we really appreciated the change in scenery climate. Although it's winter here at least it's not snowing. My husband and I like to go running in the morning and we had plenty of opportunities to do so in your wonderful neighborhood. We also enjoyed walking and running over at the Harbor and the boardwalk. My husband also works daily from home on his computer daily. The router access and your setup allowed him to do this was exceptional. The wireless Internet and the ability to make unlimited long distance phone calls was a real advantage to us. Our kids really enjoyed the selection of television stations the surround sound and the massage chair. Thanks again for everything. Everything was as you said it would be. Happy New Year Reno Nevada
 
November 11, 2010. 
Thank you so very much for providing such a well organized and fabulous experience. Our gathering of women from all over was all the more because of your thoughtfulness. The weather was spectacular, so where the views and wildlife.

September 6, 2010
We had such a wonderful stay at your home. It is really unique and so close to the beach and a short walk to everything else.
 
September 25, 2010
Perfect, perfect, perfect! Just finishing up our yearly 2 week rental of this wonderful home. We only live 1.5 hours from here and feel like we’re worlds away. September was a wonderful time to be here - great weather - even went to the Santa Cruz County Fair - a real blast from the past. Lots of hikes, walks into town (Nickelodeon is a great little “art” movie house). Golf nearby and in Monterey. Discovered Tacos Moreno on Water St. with fabulous Mexican take-out. Books, puzzles, games and the deck!  Thanks so much, Bob and Denny - Same time next year! - Alamo, CA
 
August 22, 2010
We enjoyed our week at this wonderful home. Thank you. - Orange County, CA
 
August 29, 2010
We loved staying at this home, mainly because it was so close to the Boardwalk (went there every day!)
 
July 16, 2010
What a week in your beach house! We haven’t rented a house in years and now that we’ve found your, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Santa Cruz from Mott Ave. for some time. Your home is so clean, spacious, airy and open. We have been sleeping in every day, enjoying the sounds of the surf and otters. We love hanging out on the deck, walking to the Boardwalk or to the beach. Just being lazy and relaxed! I’m so sad that we will be leaving on Saturday. See you next summer!

July 16, 2010
Words are so inadequate to convey how much we love staying in your inviting beach home. I have been visiting Santa Cruz for over 55 years… I have a memorial bench for my dear late husband at the Lighthouse on West Cliff Dr. Feeling like a Santa Cruzian has deepened with a stay at your lovely home. We’re already planning for 2011 so I’ll be in touch soon. Thank you for your graciousness.
Sacramento, CA

May 29, 2010
Dear owner, it was so nice here! I love your awesome view deck. The breaking surf was also fabulous while having coffee having sounds of the ocean. I love that there are so many windows and skylights. It was a fabulous vacation for my family. We had our day of rain and the rest of the week was great weather. The Boardwalk was so much fun except for one of us who got sick going on the hang glide ride. Love the walks on the beach. I could go on-and-on but our vacation is now over. We’ll come back and we would recommend this home to our friends. Thank you, from Sacramento.

May 23, 2010
Another fab girls weekend of high school friends. This is our seventh get together weekend after our 30th high school reunion. We hale form the Bay Area, Idaho and Oregon. We loved our walks on the beach, shopping Downtown and in Capitola, Eating and drinking our way through the neighborhood.

April 24, 2010
Another great visit to this home at Mott. The girls and I came back for a baby shower for the bride from our last visit in October 2007. Time moves on. Again everything was great! We especially enjoyed sitting on the deck chatting, soaking up the sun. Whenever we’re back in the area we’ll give you a call! Becky & Ashley

April 18, 2010
We had a great visit. Some must sees, 1) Roaring Camp Railroad  2) Monterey Bay Aquarium, 3) Santa Cruz Diner (Ocean St.) 4: The Mystery Spot 5) Linda’s Cafe (right up the street). Thank you, we appreciate your professionalism. See you soon! Ron & Sue, South Dakota

April 13, 2010
Denny & Bob thank you so much for letting us stay at your beautiful home. My 6 year old loved the beach and flew a kite with his dad while my baby and I played in the sand. We can’t wait to come back in the summer. Hope you’ll rent again. We appreciate all your amenities.  Thanks again, hope to be back soon.
Novato, CA

March 15
Great beach house! Love sitting on the deck watching the water, boats and beach while the kids napped. So relaxing.  The house is super comfortable and the baby gate is such a nice touch with a family having a toddler. We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend away with the grandma and grandpa visiting from New York. San Carlos, CA
 
March 31
Dear homeowners, thank you so much for letting me stay in your house. I think it is pretty funny that you have the living area upstairs and the bedrooms downstairs. I think that is pretty cool. Thank you for letting us stay at your awesome beach house. Allison, age 12.
 
April 5
Dear Denny and Bob, your house is so cool! The view form the porch is beautiful. Unfortunately it was a very stormy day when we arrived. I love how there are so many skylights; it is so light upstairs. When I saw the hot tub sized bath I immediately wanted to take a bath. It is very neat that there are TWO big screen tvs. When I saw lord of the rings I demanded I see it on one of those TVs during my stay. My whole family (me included) love the massage chair!! Right this minute my mom  is using it! My brother and I both own iPod touches so we'll definitely use the WiFi. My two little sisters really liked the alcove by the windows and it is the place for all their games. What I like the most is that you can see the beach from most of the upstairs. Thank you for letting us stay at your awesome house. We all enjoyed it very much. Sincerely Jojo, age 12.
 
April 8, 2010
D&B, this is our last morning and I am still delighted with this house! It has an awesome location. We can bike anywhere in town. Sometimes faster than driving. Thanks for letting us use your house! Erika, Sebastapool, CA

2009

November 20-22, 2009
Emli’s Sweet 16. Me, my family and a few close friends had an AMAZING weekend. We loved how close we were to the beach and the Boardwalk. The house had everything we needed for the weekend. We loved the house and the view. Thank you so, so, so, so very much.  Emily, Family & Friends Ceres, CA
 
Thanksgiving 2009
Great time at the beach! The dolphins, sea lions and pelicans! It was awesome! Location, location, location! Couldn’t ask for a better spot! Thanks for sharing your house. Chico, CA

Sept 30 – Oct 4
Had a WONDERFUL time!!  We spent one day in Monterey, mostly at the Aquarium and Cannery Row; another day just beach-combing; and then Saturday all day on the Boardwalk.  And each day it was such a pleasure to come back "home".  It was such a treat.  The grandkids had a ball. I did find time to do one of my favorite things (cook) on Friday night, using the BBQ for a delicious meal and watching the sunset. Once again, thanks for everything - you have a beautiful home, and we appreciated being able to share it. Kevin, Molly, Alex and Ava  North Carolina 

Aug 15-22
Thanks so much for having us in your home. We loved being in the old neighborhood where I had lived in the 1970's in the little yellow house on the corner across from you 202 Mott and at 210 Cypress as well. It was lovely to walk down to Aldo's, the yacht harbor, the boardwalk and many walks on the beach, also being able to have our Santa Cruz friends over for a home cooked dinner was fun. Your house was lovely for that and great for cooking.  The smoke from the forest fire was pretty bad at times but seemed to usually be able to escape when the fog burned off. Hopefully we will pick a smoke free week next time.  What a nice home! Thanks for renting to us! Thanks, Amy

Aug 8 - 15
THANK YOU!  We had just a phenomenal time at your home.  We can't wait to rent it again.  The proximity to the beach was perfect.  We thought we'd be a bit further back...being that close was such a treat!  Mostly, we enjoyed the rooftop deck.  We were on it every morning and evening...and it was perfect for watching the meteor showers on Wednesday evening...we had the kids out there until 12:30am watching...
Funny note, on the day we arrived, our kids (ages 9 and 6) ran upstairs and our youngest Meagan yells out "there is a huge TV!!)  We were so comfortable in your home!  Thanks again so much!  We brought home great memories.
Kristin  Novato, CA

July 2009
Another wonderful two weeks, our 4th year at this wonderful home. Perfect weather, perfect location. Great amenities. We really appreciate the computer and Wi-Fi availability - it is not clutter. Thanks for opening up your home to us. 
Kris & Dave, Alamo, CA
 
June 5, 2009
The house and location were everything we hoped for! Could not resist on commenting on the Marconi radio in the Master Suite! My father learned to be a radio operator at the Marconi School in London when he was a mere 14 years of age and traveled as a radio operator for the British Merchant Marines and also for the R. A. F. Ferry Command during WWII. He would have adored that radio! Thanks for sharing that with us. It was very touching. Munzer family, Yuba City, CA

May 17, 2008
Thank you so much for the wonderful mini-vacation. I grew up on the beach but my children didn’t grow up with that luxury. It was so nice to finally introduce them to the Pacific Ocean! We all had a wonderful time. The fully equipped kitchen, the deck, the view, and all the little extras really made for a perfect getaway. Thank you. David, Rachel & Kids Roseville, CA

March 20, 2008
Simply DEVINE break for this Kansas family in need of a piece of the ocean. The house was just perfect! Loved the BEACH and groovy Downtown. We couldn’t have asked for a better Spring break. Thank you for making us so comfortable...and English tea in the cupboard, just perfect. The Patterson Family Kansas

February 11, 2008
What a great vacation in truly wonderful house, best location, lots of sun lights and such a comfortable place to stay. Your house is so organized and we loved all the little extras, like the sundeck and large indoor Jacuzzi. We hope to be back soon. Sabine

2007

November 26, 2007
We had such a great Thanksgiving holiday at your house and in Santa Cruz. The lads (26-30) enjoyed it as well. We had unbelievable sunny, warm days (except the last)!! Thanks. Sue and Jim - San Francisco

November 19, 2007
Thank you so much for letting us stay in your beautiful home. I was impressed in how well it was stocked with all the necessities. We all had such a good time.
Brooke and Logan - California

October 22, 2007
Thank you so much for the use of your lovely home. It was wonderful for all the kids (ages 28-32). to be able to stay with us. The bride had her hair done in the dining room. It made for wonderful pictures. We loved being close to the beach and the sea lions lulled us back to sleep after they woke us in the night. Thanks again. When we come back to Santa Cruz, we will give you a call. Bruce and Becky - California

September 1, 2007
What a place! Please, can we live here? We wanted for nothing! Thank you. We had a blast in Santa Cruz!  Special mention for Linda's Seabreeze Cafe on Seabright Ave. It rocks! Phil and Ingrid and kids - London, UK

July 14, 2007
Another wonderful sojourn at Seabright! It was great to meet you in person! We loved our stay and so did the company that came to visit. Had beautiful blue sky for 3 days at each end and a soothing cloud cover on between. We did our usual exploring of the area - beaches and mountains, golf, etc. In Monterey, wine tasting (David Bruce and Byington), and this time visited the Arboretum at UCSC. Wish we lived hereso we could be "volunteer "weeders" there. We enjoyed discovering Gayles in Capitola - will be starting our diets tomorrow! See you next year. Kris and Dave - California

June 30, 2007
Our week in your beach home has been wonderful! The weather, fun people, boardwalk, beach and of course, your home made it a very special time for us. We are sold on Santa Cruz and will return next summer. Hopefully you will continue to provide a refuge away from the Arizona summer heat for us. We couldn't have had a better experience! Ron and Mary Jane - Phoenix, AZ

June 23, 2007
We really enjoyed the house.  It was ideal for our needs.  My 9 year old grandson was enchanted with all the wonderful lighting effects, my 7 year old granddaughter delighted in the little remote controlled dog which she befriended in short order and worked at teaching it to go up and down the stairs.  My daughter-in-law totally loved the massage chair and Jacuzzi, my son glued himself to the HDTVs, and I truly appreciated the quiet second bedroom and bath to myself.  You have a wonderful, light, airy, comfortable place--ideally located for exploring the area, and very well-designed and equipped.  I think you're brave to rent it out so generously?  My brother, John, and his family rented a house on the street south of Seabright, which was dark.  He and his wife loved our place and are thinking they may come back another time and see about renting it from you.  I don't know when they're thinking of doing it, but I know they'd love it. Thank you so much for entrusting us with your delightful home. It was the perfect home-away-from-home for us and favored us with all its charms and comforts during our family reunion. We couldn’t have been more pleased. Best wishes to you.  Mary, Kenny, Jennifer, Jonas, Becca. Palm Beach, Florida

June 16, 2007
We had a great time in your beautiful home! The kitchen is much more enjoyable to cook in than our own at home! Thanks so much for the “baby gate” it was definitely helpful. Our 23 month old has now figured out how to use it so I guess it must be time to go home! The house is in such a perfect location for all ages. Our 19 year old twin daughters enjoyed it as much as our 3 and a half and two year olds. Thanks for sharing your home. Would love to come back again. David, Jill, Melissa, Jessica, Abigail & Matthew South Pasadena, CA

2006 Summer

August 19, 2006
D&B, thank you for providing such a comfortable beach house. We fixed some great fish dinners here, enjoyed morning coffees on the rooftop deck, beach walks, Boardwalk and of course Capitola. Gayle's provided a fabulous birthday cake for youngest. The battery operated stuffed dog in the 2nd bedroom was a big hit.  The Flath Family

7/29/2007
A very good experience. We spent the second two weeks of our Soquel experience here and overall a great choice. The house is great and the upgrading and remodeling is very well done. Aldos was good for breakfast/lunch/brunch but not so good in the evening. Seabright Brewery, Al Dente were both very good and very busy, easy three minute walk. The Crow’s Nest, also an easy walk, was very enjoyable for dinner. The Boardwalk and MYSTERY SPOT a hoot! Real, old fashioned seaside tourist traps. But, better still, the eclectic mix that is Santa Cruz-sitting out on the pavement (sorry-sidewalk) downtown and people watch-absolutely fascinating! shouters, ageing hippies, ladies who lunch, gay couples, Van Helsing look-a-likes –awesome! Denny, you were a sweetheart when you sorted out a problem we had. Hope Hawaii was good. The weather here was great during our stay. Pat and Hannah, St. Helens, England 7/15/2007

Previous Years (Note: There was a period from summer of 1999 to July 2007 that our home was not a vacation rental and the entire house was remodeled.)

1999

Wonderful two weeks in S.C., just a block down on Mott from where I lived in 1970 as a UCSC Senior. Fabulous weather the whole time. Big booming Fourth-Of-July – wow! Love the decks, the sun room, closeness to Boardwalk and Downtown. Nice 25 minute walk to movies. Sorry, but breakfast at Aldo’s was perfectly disappointing. Happy Hour at the Crow’s Nest for the Wednesday night Regatta was pretty nifty. Loved all the amenities in the house – music, fireplace, computer, etc. June, 1999

1998

We love your garden. It’s my favorite hobby too. This is my favorite beach house and we always hate to leave. We loved all the new editions. This is a great beach house. We had a wonderful stay and I sure wish we could stay longer. Beth, July, 1998.

What a fabulous beach house! We had gorgeous weather, everything was perfect. Thanks for sharing. Jane, 1998.

1997

This is our third year staying in your beach house. Love the location, views and new editions and remodels. We are rolling over our deposit so that we can stay here again next year. Amelia, August, 1997.

1996

This is the first time we’ve stayed in Santa Cruz but I have a feeling it won’t be the last. The house certainly added to our feeling of peace and relaxation. It’s hard to go back home. Nancy, September, 1996.

The weather was nice all week. We thoroughly enjoyed all the new additions. We’ve stayed here for three years and we hope to continue renting. 1996.

1995

So I reflect on my month’s stay in your cottage. I realize it’s been a time of joy. My children have each spent time with me. The beach and boardwalk and out to dinner have added to my personal time of togetherness while developing a great “personal awareness” of each other as grandchildren, parent and children. Your cottage has certainly been a wonderful place to be for an exciting fall at Seabright. November, 1995.

Dear everyone, I spent a grueling few weekends early this year searching for a summer rental as our family had done in the 50s. I decided the childhood location was too far south (Aptos) and honed in on this Seabright area. After lots of driving and looking and fatigue, I narrowed my choice to one house: your home. Naturally it was booked solid all summer. Imagine my delight when I learned of a half hour old cancellation (Don’t know why I asked) by a regular who just bought a house nearby! So there you have it. I had very nearly committed to a nearby, inferior house. We enjoyed depth charges at Java Junction, brews and food at Seabright Brewery, salad bar at Carpo’s, lovely local food at Gabriella’s, unusual Chinese at O’mei (oh my!), pottery painting at Petroglyph, frolicking on the beach. I love this place!  Karla, 1995.

My family and I have been coming to Santa Cruz now for years and have been renting another neighborhood cottage. What a difference this place is. All your remodeling and interior decorating makes your home very easy to rent not to mention how extremely comfortable and well equipped it is. Thank you so much for allowing us to rent form you. You’ve done a wonderful job of decorating and we look forward to renting from you again. Connie, June, 1995.
 
The deck was the greatest. We lived there the last ten days. Gordon, April, 1995.

Who said California doesn’t have seasons. Again we had a wonderful stay. Again the experience was different than a year ago. While the rain was relentless, this cottage just got cozier and cozier. The new deck is wonderful and I ventured out there at each break in the weather. I’ll be back. Thanks again for another wonderful experience. Bobbie, January, 1995.

The weather outside was frightful but your place was so cozy and delightful! We laid around and boozed and snoozed! We walked and drove down east cliff drive, saw some spectacular surf. We hope to return often. Jim, January, 1995.

1994

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving evening in your attractive beach home. The view of the ocean and the (most beautiful) sunsets were outstanding. Genevieve, November, 1994.

Our family has been vacationing in Santa Cruz for generations, and we love it. We arrived on Saturday in time to do some grocery shopping at our favorite local market, Shoppers Corner, and grab a bite to eat at Seabright Brewery. One day we went for a walk at the end of the peer and watched the sea lions. We came home and ate lunch spending three hours on the deck. Later we walked down to Aldo’s for a glass of wine and some calamari while waiting for my sister to arrive. You have done a great job on the house and we feel very comfortable here. You have great neighbors too. September, 1994.

We had a wonderful stay at your home! I stayed at this house about 30 years ago-the changes are amazing! We have stayed in the Seabright (Castle Beach) area for generations. My Aunt owned a home here in the 1960s so Seabright is like a second home to me and now to my children. Staying at your home has just added one more happy memory to all the happy memories we have of this area. Patti, 1994.

Had a great time spending fourth of July weekend here. This is my first time in Santa Cruz and I loved it being here in this awesome beach house with terrific view. I also thought it was cool that we were only 5 minutes from the Boardwalk and Yacht harbor. I loved everything in this house form the decks with a view of the ocean to the garage door opener. I hope I can visit this beach house again. Christina, July, 1994.

We had a great time with three of our granddaughters. We are looking forward to another visit soon. Gena 1994.

Thank you very much for an enjoyable stay. I had a lot of fun. This is a very enjoyable beach house. The view from the new deck is breathtaking! The whole city is wonderful and I can’t wait to move here some day. Wendy, April 1994.
 
1993

I had a wonderful time staying in this immaculate beach house. It was really convenient having the boardwalk and beach and yacht harbor only steps away. We are coming to stay in your house again at Christmas. Thanks a bunch, Katie. November 1993.

We had a great time in a great house, thank you. I was afraid we wouldn’t have equipment for a Thanksgiving dinner, but you proved me wrong. Thank you. The Deck is fabulous. Perfect weather all weekend so we used it a lot. Jane, November1993.

Both my husband and I can’t thank you enough for this haven for a few days of complete bliss. This is the first time we’ve ever vacationed in a beach home, a garden model home. I’m looking forward to a return trip, Janette, October, 1993. This trip to your “home away from home” has been great. We’ve always gone to Dillon Beach in the Bodega Bay area, but will choose Santa Cruz form now on. Bert, 1993.

My family had a wonderful time at your wonderful beach house. We thank you so much for the use of it. So I finally got to see your home. It was worth all the work. You’ve done a wonderful job decorating. Joanne, 1993.

We had a wonderful stay at your cute home. We love to look out the upstairs window to climb the big trees outside the kitchen, to see the ocean water over the deck through the day, and see the sunset each night. The many walks along the beach were peaceful and fun, especially those walks near the witching hour where we can see anything from bonfires to vampires. But, all fun aside, the peacefulness here is what a writer needs to write a good book. There is much joy in sitting outside on the deck downstairs at the Master Bedroom talking to passers by while sipping a fine glass of champagne. This has been an experience that has brought new meaning to the term serenity for us. Thanks for sharing your cozy get-a-way, Bobbie, October, 1993.

Our family has been vacationing in Santa Cruz since 1913 (great grandmother). We enjoyed bringing our baby girl to your beautiful “Tree House”. The upstairs view is so cheerful. The view of the trees and ocean gives us the feeling of being in a (designer) tree house. Everything is outfitted perfectly. Even the dishes match. Thank you for sharing a little bit of heaven with us. Many happy memories to all that share this house. Brad and Blair, August 1993.

Dear owners, this is a very pretty little cottage. I enjoyed my stay. Healy, age 9, July 1993
It was so nice staying in a clean nicely decorated house. You did a wonderful job with the remolding. We’ve vacationed in Santa Cruz for over 15 years and still enjoy Seabright Beach. Jeff’s and Jennifer’s Mom - July 1993.

This house is very cute! You also got a great view of the ocean. Thank you for letting us rent it.  Jennifer, age 9 - July 1993.

To the Owners: This is one of the best houses I ever stayed in. I hope we get to rent it next year.  Jeff, age 11, July 1993

info@vacationsantacruz.com