Apartment

Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Photo gallery for Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Living room into kitchen of apt.
Private kitchen
Living area
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
Carmel, CA
  • Place, Bixby Bridge
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting

Our apt. unit is attached to our main house, but is still very private wits own entrances, full kitchen, bath, and no need to bring your own water, we've plenty of good well water here. It opens onto a large yard and has a nice ocean view. We now have a wood-fired sauna on the property,which is available for use to our guests as well as ourselves. The sauna has a large,covered deck and sits in a quiet location shaded beneath a giant live oak,with a beautiful canyon view. A perfect place to calm your spirit and feel the bounty of nature.

The property is conveniently located halfway between Carmel/Monterrey Peninsula and Big Sur Proper.Three miles inland and over 1100 ft in elevation,we are usually above the fog,which creates unique views as it moves in and out of the canyon like slow tide.We are 4/10 of a mile up a well-maintained dirt is rarely a problem and then only during heavy storms in winter months.At these times 4WD is recommended,though not often necessary.


**4 adults maximum, or 5 people if children included**

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We live in an area where everyone respects the quietude and we expect guests to do the same.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Carmel

Carmel is home to this apartment. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Map
Carmel, CA

What's nearby

  • Garrapata State Park - 8 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Bixby Bridge - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Carmel Beach - 29 min drive - 27.6 km
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - 32 min drive - 33.0 km
  • Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course - 41 min drive - 39.4 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 31 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rocky Point - ‬6 min drive
  • Big Sur Coast Gallery Cafe
  • ‪The Ranch Club - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪The Nest - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪Mertin Mekanı - ‬32 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gem of an apartment with craftsman touches in a very lovely setting located?

Situated in Carmel, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge and Los Padres National Forest. Garrapata Beach and Point Sur State Historic Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 112 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

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

Well worth it!

We really loved our two nights here. The apartment was built thoughtfully and to a high standard by our host. We slept well and the location itself is beautiful. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special mountain hideaway!

The Big Sur apartment was a cozy retreat for our family of 4 for 3 nights. Monica and Joel were great hosts - very communicative, quick to resolve any issues, and just all around lovely and warm. They helped to make our stay a very memorable one and we look forward to returning one day soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Holly M.

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

Tucked Away! Quiet and Peaceful!

The Canyon up to the apartment was such a neat drive! Monica was very helpful and made sure we arrived with no trouble. The road is rough, we rented a Jeep, I wouldn’t want to go there in a car with a low clearance. The apartment could use some updating, furniture mainly, some more lighting, and nightstand on both sides of the bed. The sauna was a nice option- my husband enjoyed it very much! Overall, a great find! They have something very special and we’re grateful they shared it with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi C.

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

Lovely Big Sur stay

The apartment was great and relatively close to everything we wanted to see in Big Sur, but much more affordable than some of the other lodging options. We didn't use the sauna but it was nice to know it was available! The host was very sweet and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This little apartment is a perfect place to settle in at night after hiking the trails on the coast. The owners are friendly and not overbearing. The property is gorgeous, the only thing I suggest is making sure your car has clearance to get up the hill. You don't need 4wd or AWD, but my boyfriends Honda would not have had enough clearance for some of the ruts in the gravel section of the drive. I am glad we were in my Equinox.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

S. M.

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

Great place

Loved our stay, will be booking again when we return
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abel L.

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

Perfect getaway

The ocean the redwood forest the drive down the coast the peninsula Carmel need I say more
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

art s.

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

Peaceful New Years stay

Peaceful and serene. A most wonderful stay away from the hussle.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen G.

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

Short Vacation

Gorgeous location, beautiful property!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Jessi H.

Liked: Communication, location

Definitely off the beaten track

This property will definitely offer privacy and feeling of "away." The apartment could use some spring cleaning and some of the furnishings are a bit tired. Overall it worked for our needs. The canyon is very beautiful and we enjoyed the sauna onsite and the beautiful trees (Redwoods & Eucalyptus!).
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric J.

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

Lovely place

A good value close to Big Sur. The place is up a narrow and winding road, but Monica gave great instructions, so you will find it no problem. Great communication and she made us feel welcome when we arrived. It was great that the place had a coffee grinder and a blender.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennie Y.

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

Hidden hideaway

Enjoyed our stay near Big Sur. About 10 minutes off the coast in the forested mountains. Loved using the sauna and the quiet setting. Wen to the store beforehand to stock up on food since there aren't many options nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Doug M.

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

Serene

Perfect location for exploring Big Sur/Carmel areas. Loved the serene area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

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

Perfect

This was just what we were looking for We love out of the way places and this wonderful location sure checked that box Hosts were so so great It was my daughter and I (her dad) staying on our way to her first year of college Special time Brian
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael R., Dallas

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

A serene getaway

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you won’t go far wrong with this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

jason s.

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

Quiet retreat

We had a great time staying here. It is a ways out of town but quiet, friendly, and beautiful scenery. Some wild turkeys greeted us in the morning :)
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Carrie Y.

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

Great location. Quiet

Very nice. . Monuca was great. Place was a little dark. Better lighting inside would be great.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

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

Great spot to relax and enjoy nature!

We would totally book this place again in the future. The drive in from highway 1 is beautiful and serene. The apartment is bigger than expected with all the amenities. I can't say enough about the peaceful, quiet surroundings both at night and waking up for morning coffee. Great hosts as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

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

Beautiful location

We had a great getaway in Big Sur. Located between Carmel and Big Sur, it was perfect if you want to explore the area. Great communication with Monica. It met our expectation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernard U.

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

Beautiful and peaceful

Great location for hiking and exploring Big Sur area. Peaceful setting. Excellent hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W.

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

Williams in November

We had a wonderful stay & our hosts were very helpful & responsive during our stay. We enjoyed the property for star gazing & coffee in the morning with the deer and turkey as they wandered through. It is well located for access to Monterey & Big Sur.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen P.

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

Cozy Stay and Friendly Host

Monica was very helpful preparing us with directions to her property and giving tips about the area while we were there. She offered calendars and books to us as well. The place was just as advertised and has a nice selection of movies. The only thing I would warn is to make sure you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, preferably higher clearance. We didn’t have any issue with our Tesla.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jena C.

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

Restful and Great Sauna

The hosts are welcoming, and the setting is beautiful. The apartment is a bit dark, but at the same time, the wood interior makes it cozy. We used the sauna and outside shower every evening, and it enhanced our well-being. We had pleasant, quiet stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Just about right

Nice
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Douglas M.

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

A little bit of Heaven

My wife and I have made our favorite journey up and down Hwy 1 many times over the last 40 years. We've driven past Palo Colorado Road without giving it a second thought because we were either focused on nearing Big Sur or that we were getting close to Carmel going north. When we entered the canyon this time it was amazing! A wonderful enchanted forest filled with beautiful old cabins. As you wind up the canyon with it's tall trees, the sunlight poking its way through the timber, it is a beautiful ride up to the craftsman bungalow. The plastered walls and cozy kitchen made for a pleasant restful stay. Joel and Monica are extra particular about your privacy and quiet time, and the view out the windows is the icing on the cake. Many thanks for our special memories to Joel and Monica.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

About the host

Hosted by Monica Severson

Host profile image

Languages:

English