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Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

Photo gallery for Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House

Exterior detail
Outdoor dining
Interior
Private kitchen
TV, fireplace, offices

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet friendly
  • Kitchen

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:
Experience a luxurious Airbnb escape, gracefully perched atop a vast 4-acre mountaintop oasis, just 1.4 miles from some of California's finest beaches and renowned surf breaks. Tucked away in what is arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in all of Santa Cruz, this elegant escape offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility, with Capitola, Soquel, and Aptos mere moments away. Immerse yourself in adventure with pristine beaches, top-tier mountain bike trails, delectable restaurants, and stylish shopping all within a 1.5-mile radius, then retreat to your serene sanctuary, cradled by the lush Santa Cruz forest, to recharge in refined comfort—a hidden gem quietly showcased on the TV show Staycation and handpicked for the elite Wander platform, reserved for only the most premium modern experiences.

The Space:
Experience a one-of-a-kind retreat where modern luxury seamlessly blends with old-world charm. This premier 4-bedroom, 3-bath home sleeps up to 11 and offers an exceptional mix of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. Perfect for entertaining, the open indoor living space flows effortlessly into a stunning outdoor area, creating a harmonious connection between inside and out.

Step inside to discover imported Jerusalem stone, hand-carved furniture, and custom cabinetry, paired with fresh modern tile and fixtures throughout. Every detail reflects a balance of sophistication and warmth. Wake up to breathtaking Sierra mountain-like views that transport you to a forest escape, all while being less than two miles from world-class beaches and legendary surf breaks.

Outside, unwind in style with a lounge area, dining space, pizza oven, corn hole, and hammocks—perfect for relaxation or making memories with loved ones. This is more than a stay; it’s an experience where newness meets timeless beauty.

The Neighborhood:
Nestled at the heart of Santa Cruz County’s most enchanting trio of villages—Capitola, Soquel, and Aptos—this home offers the perfect base for exploring coastal charm. Just 1.5 miles from each vibrant village center, you’re minutes away from Capitola’s colorful seaside allure, Soquel’s quaint local vibe, and Aptos’ serene natural beauty. Experience the best of all three worlds, right at your doorstep! Capitola delights tourists with its historic beachfront charm as the Pacific coast’s oldest seaside resort, where vibrant Venetian-style cottages and a lively esplanade invite leisurely strolls and oceanfront dining. Soquel captivates visitors with its peaceful, small-town feel, offering a treasure trove of antique shops and easy access to scenic vineyard trails for wine enthusiasts. Aptos enchants with its laid-back coastal vibe, featuring stunning beaches like Seacliff State Beach and the lush Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.

Getting Around:
Getting around from this central location is easiest with a car, as Capitola, Soquel, and Aptos are each just a short 1.5-mile drive away, offering quick access to their village centers and nearby attractions. While a car is recommended for convenience and to explore the broader Santa Cruz County area—including beaches, parks, and winding coastal roads—adventurous guests might enjoy biking to the villages, with relatively flat routes and scenic paths that showcase the region’s charm.

Other Things to Note:
For outdoor enthusiasts, this home is a gateway to adventure with the world-class mountain bike trails of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park practically next door. Just minutes away, this lush redwood haven offers miles of exhilarating singletrack and flowing trails, drawing riders from around the globe, while hikers and runners will love the serene, shaded paths winding through towering trees and past historic logging sites—perfect for a peaceful trek or an invigorating trail run amidst stunning natural beauty!"

"From the forest to the sea, you’re also steps from some of the world’s best waves, stretching from Capitola’s beginner-friendly breaks to the legendary surf spots of Pleasure Point. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or eager to catch your first wave, we’ve got you covered with a couple of complimentary surfboards included for your stay—dive into the Santa Cruz surf scene and ride the Pacific like a local!

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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • 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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Aerial view

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 41 reviews
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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 age 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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
MONETIZATION_ON

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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 neighborhood

Map
Aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Capitola Wharf - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 12 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Mystery Spot - 14 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 15 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Capitola Beach - 15 min drive - 5.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Tortilla Flats Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pretty Good Advice - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafe - ‬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?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House located?

Situated in Aptos, this vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Cabrillo College and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Capitola Beach. Potbelly Beach and New Brighton State Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Exclusive Modern Retreat- The Johanna House Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

geniveve r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pizza Party Retreat
This house is a wonderful retreat - and the pizza oven is a fun diversion for the whole family! We used the hot tub every night and house was comfortable and spacious. At 2 miles to the beach, it is the best of both worlds. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Nina D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great forest getaway
We were three families staying here with young children. The place was perfectly located to enjoy all the different things going on around the area. The house was clean and modern. The kitchen was well equipped. The pizza stove was a hit! Thank you for having us.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Lillian t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect… almost
Beautiful property. Great location, but….A few items weren’t working right. Ovens very old and didn’t get hot enough. Coffee machine kept stopping. Ran out of propane the first night for both fire pits. (We ended up replacing both) Freezer drawer is broken. Some bedrooms had no window coverings or screens. Fixing these would match the high end feeling of the rest of the property Best parts… pizza ovens were so much fun. Everything you would need but wood is provided. Totally recommend doing that! Beds very comfortable. Hot tub great. Views are stunning. Close to fantastic hiking and best beach was 20 minutes away. (blacks beach) Communication was very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022