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Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

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Stunning building with a black-framed door and sloped roof.
Property video
Kitchen features a large island with a gas stove and kettle, surrounded by cabinets and a countertop.
Relax in a serene forest view room with a comfortable seating area, wooden bench, and small table.
Relax in a spacious living area with a sofa, dining table, and wall-mounted TV, surrounded by lush views.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

Summary:
Permit number 111368
1.4 miles to the beach yet privately perched on a 4 acre mountaintop in arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Santa Cruz. This neighborhood is close to it all sitting on the boarder of capitola, soquel and aptos while also feeling removed from it all. The beach, mountain bike trails, great restaurants & shopping all within a mile and a half distance while feeling like you are in the middle of the Santa Cruz forest. Go tackle your adventure then come back home to rest and relax.

The Space:
1.4 miles to the beach yet privately perched on a 4 acre mountaintop in arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Santa Cruz. This neighborhood is close to it all sitting on the boarder of capitola, soquel and aptos while also feeling removed from it all. The beach, mountain bike trails, great restaurants & shopping all within a mile and a half distance while feeling like you are in the middle of the Santa Cruz forest. Go tackle your adventure then come back home to rest and relax.

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
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
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

Property is also known as

Exclusive Multi million Dollar Neighborhood!
Exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Neighborhood! Aptos
64fb83cdbabd16004b850f70

About the area

Map
Aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 12 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 49 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tortilla Flats - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pretty Good Advice - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House located?

Situated in Aptos, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Cabrillo College and within 3 miles (5 km) of Potbelly Beach and New Brighton State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sean O.

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

Great stay

Love the house in Monica was great to deal with. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jan W.

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

No one wanted to leave!

We’d intended to see the area but once everyone assembled for the event (hubby’s 80th birthday) no one wanted to leave Johanna house. They were happily entertained for the entire day!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maxine n.

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

Great place, close to town and beach

We had a great weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra Y.

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

Relaxing Stay

We loved staying at this property. We were provided with everything we needed. The property is beautiful and nestled in a great location. It was clean, cheery and comfortable for our family of 9. We would definitely stay here again. Monica, the property owner, was a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura O.

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

Fantastic House!

We had a wonderful stay at this house celebrating our micro wedding. The house is so beautiful, spacious, and the outdoor space was perfect to host our closest family and friends. The pizza oven was a big hit! The hosts are wonderful to work with and very accommodating. We would love to come and stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B., Bellaire

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

Aptos visit

Great location. Very nice house. State park pass was a plus for us.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

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

Nice sunny large place - great sunny yard!

This is a very nice large home, with a very nice, fun, large sunny yard, without any mud - perfect for your kids to play the cornhole bean bag toss game and feel the sun all day long. Sun rises are beautiful as they rise through the green valley which this looks over. Many bed rooms. It has an "out in the country" feel for sure (you might even hear a rooster etc), but it's not far from anything either. A couple quirks, like bring your own Amazon firestick(s) because at least the Bedroom TV is needs you tro bring that etc, and the are so many windows that they can not all have window shades. It's a huge sun filled home, in a good way!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

matthew W.

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

Quick Escape

Lovely space….. you know when you go someplace new and you instantly feel a “good vibe” when you first walk through? This place does that. Terrific 3 night getaway while the kid was at camp. You’ll dig it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

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

Family Thanksgiving visit

Our extended family of 11 (2 grandparents, 4 adults, and 5 kids) loved staying in this beautiful wooded home in the Santa Cruz hills for Thanksgiving together. The downstairs bunk bed bedroom was perfect for all the kids, while the upstairs 3 bedrooms and 2 baths were spacious and comfortable for us adults. The views off the deck and patio (and from most rooms of the home) were spectacular!! The linens were high quality, and the home was extremely clean. We loved making home-made pizzas in the pizza oven one night! Hope to come back someday.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erik P.

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

Great family vacation spot

We had 12 total people ranging from 4 to 72 and the property was great for all. We grilled, we made pizzas in the oven, played countless hours of cornhole and it was enjoyed by all. We watched the stars at night and relaxed in the morning. Couldn't recommend this house more.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annie N.

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

Beautiful

This place was really a dream! Great location - shopping, restaurants, and beaches only a short drive away. Home is styled beautifully. We loved the back deck and yard. Communication was prompt and easy and our feedback was received well by owners. We would stay here again and again 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maggie M.

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

Forest Dream house

Our family came from different areas to watch our daughter graduation collegs. We could not have asked for a better house to be together during this time. The beauty surrounding the house was breathtaking
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer V.

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

Memorable family reunion

We had a very memorable family reunion at your beautiful home. The house is beautifully decorated, lots of light and very spacious. The kitchen is well stocked and clean. The kids really enjoyed the bean bag toss game, jacuzzi and the fire pit for s’mores. Thank you for helping us open the front door and use the TV. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. Jennifer
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg S., Granite Bay, California

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

Hip hideaway

This rental was perfect for our family of five adults, very hip and contemporary looking on the outside and comfortable on the inside. The drive is a simple one near the little town of Aptos, and then disappearing uphill into a thicket of redwoods. Views of the treetops all around on your own private yard. I thought the pizza oven was kind of a gimmick until we used it- (it’ll be hard to go back to DoorDash after this). Great hiking within 10 minutes and same distance to a lovely ocean beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Rick B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Thanksgiving Getawa

We booked five days at Johanna Manor, for a small family getaway over Thanksgiving. The house was spacious for six adults, two kids and an infant, with a very well stocked kitchen (though you’ll need to manually light the stove) and easy parking. The BBQ and pizza oven are great, but know you’ll need to provide your own firewood for the pizza oven, portable fire pit and indoor wood-burning heater/fireplace. The outdoor furniture needs a refresh and the jacuzzi works but has really seen better days. Be aware there are no window coverings so every morning at 5:30 the kids were up with the sun whether the rest of us were ready or not! The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet, close to the beach and overall conveniently located. In spite of the pandemic we had a good time, the property owner was helpful and responsive and it was just really nice to spend time with our little family pod in a beautiful spot that was a welcome change of scenery.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anna O.

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

Great House!

We had a wonderful stay at the house. Inside was spacious, lots of places to hang out and be comfortable. Outside had different areas to relax and the kids spent hours playing corn hole! House was secluded up in the hills - a lovely oasis after a day of exploring. Monica was very responsive and helpful when we had questions! Would highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing among the trees

Beautiful property surrounded by the forest. Plenty of room for everyone and lots of windows to enjoy the view. Close to the beaches as well. Everyone enjoyed the stay from toddlers to adults.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

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

Spacious Coastal vibe with Redwoods

The Johanna House was spacious and peaceful and a great location for our get together for 6 nights. The primary bedroom is spectacular with its own living area and deck. In addition there are two good size bedrooms, with the downstairs bunk beds perfect for more people. The kitchen was well appointed with plenty of counter space, a large outdoor area with various seating areas, and everything we needed to have a great stay. The drive up the beautiful redwood street is a gorgeous welcome. Correspondence with the host was prompt and helpful. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for having us!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Tana A.

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

Aptos beach trip 2024

We had a great stay and family wedding on the beach while we were there! :) Lots of happy memories. Thanks so much!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil P., Santa Cruz

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

Amazing

Incredible experience, thank you so much Monica!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

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

Beautiful home in the trees

A group of friends visited and enjoyed the spacious house and backyard. It was a great place to relax. Close to the beach, good golf, a variety of outdoor activities available. It feels secluded but sound will carry to neighbors. You have everything you need at the house. The host is very communicative.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

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

Amazing property!

Gorgeous home in beautiful setting with wonderful spaces to spread out & relax—both inside & out!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris L.

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

Great getaway close to the Bay Area

This place in Aptos is everything you want for a quiet getaway from the Bay Area. Perfect house to entertain a group of friends/family. Very spacious property with lots of places to just hang out, both outdoors and indoors. Its location so close to Aptos downtown and the beaches is very convenient. Monica was very helpful and responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

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

Wonderful family weekend

This was our home base for a family wedding. My family of 7 were guests at a local wedding and this was the perfect gathering spot. We really enjoyed the patio and hosted a wonderful wood oven pizza party one night. We would love to return for a longer stay. The only downside was unusually hot weather. The house was too warm during the day but cooled off nicely at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

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

Excellent home

My group of friends had an amazing stay! The property is beautiful, there was plenty of room for all of us, and we absolutely loved the pizza oven and the views from the backyard. Monica was also an attentive and generous host. We would stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022