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Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location

Family-friendly holiday home in Santa Cruz with a hot tub

Photo gallery for Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location

Spa with 27 jets and room for six guests! Perfect after a day of surfing!
Warm and inviting entrance with a Dutch door to let in the sun & surfer chatter!
You arrive, then garage your car and it doesn't move for the entire stay!
The site of many memorable conversations
The wood stove insert adds warmth if the fog rolls in.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8157.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Santa Cruz, CA
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Cowell's Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Cromwell Room (queen-over-queen Sleep Nbr bunk bed)

2 Queen Beds

Dragon Room (Sleep Nbr queen bed)

1 Queen Bed

Victorian Room (Sleep Nbr queen bed)

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location

Escape to Steamer Lane Manor: Your Safe Haven by the Sea
 
Experience the perfect blend of comfortable elegance, safety, and prime location at our family's Santa Cruz beach home. Just steps away from West Cliff Drive and world-famous surfing spots, our 1700 sq ft home offers a tranquil retreat without compromising
on convenience.
 
Key Features:
•3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, outdoor surfer shower
•Sleep Number queen beds in all rooms
•65" flatscreen TV and fireplace in living room
•Private backyard with BBQ, patio furniture, and 6-person hot tub
•Thorough sanitization between guests by our professional cleaning crew
 
Unique Touches:
•Built by a Danish contractor in 1942 with redwood and mahogany
•Nautical themes and heirloom art throughout
•Hand-painted teak ceiling in the Dragon Room; queen-over-queen bunk bed in Cromwell Room
•300-year-old dining table from an Irish pub
 
Prime Location:
•15 yards from Steamer Lane surfing area and Cowell's Beach
•Walking distance to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the nation's longest wooden Wharf, and Lighthouse Field
•1 mile to downtown Santa Cruz with its "Keep Santa Cruz Weird" motif
•30-minute drive from Silicon Valley
•40-minute drive to Monterey and Carmel
•90-minute scenic drive to San Francisco
 
Nearby Attractions:
•World-class surfing at Steamer Lane
•Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and celebrated Giant Dipper roller coaster
•Diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife
•Unique shopping, local cafes, craft breweries and boutique wineries
•Easy access to hiking and biking trails
 
Experience the best of Santa Cruz while enjoying the privacy and safety of a home away from home. Book your stay at Steamer Lane Manor today and create unforgettable memories in this coastal paradise.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
(With bunkbed restriction)
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Events

No events allowed
Parties and events are not allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Small dogs (20# or less). $25 surcharge per dog.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This actually is our home so please treat it as if it were yours.
Our neighbors are good people, so please be considerate, most especially outdoor talking, laughing in the hot tub after 9pm. All quiet at 10pm.
When you depart and have a dog, please look for droppings in the yard. Place all towels and sheets on the floor. Leave keys on pub table. Lock up!

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
Note from host: Parties and events are not allowed
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighbourhood in Santa Cruz, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Mystery Spot is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
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Map
Santa Cruz, CA

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cowell's Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Natural Bridges State Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stagnaro Bros. - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Marini’s at the Wharf - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Family Fun with Old World Charm in a Five Star Location located?

This family-friendly Santa Cruz holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Cowell's Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 191 out of 203 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 203 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 203 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 203 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 203 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kyle L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a great spot for the Santa Cruz triathlon. We could walk to the start and the transition area.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location! Easy contactless entry, gracious hosts, information book for the area and info on the house, lovely backyard, great hot tub, well stocked kitchen! It was so comfortable for 6 guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy F.

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

New Years Holiday House

Great location, pet friendly a total bonus!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina L.

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

INCREDIBLE PROPERTY BEST IN SANTA CRUZ!

We have stayed at this property many many times over the past several years and will hopefully stay at this property for many more years to come! The owners are wonderful, the house is so comfortable and the location is perfect as well! We highly recommend the manor house for Santa Cruz vacation fun!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H., Concord, CA

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

Awesome location, great beds!

This was the perfect spot for me and my family to vacation. Such a short easy drive or walk to the boardwalk and the pier. The house was perfect for relaxing and the beds were awesome. Great idea to have sleep number beds!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

RUSSELL N.

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

Annual Santa Cruz Vacation

This is my 3rd year in a row staying at this beautiful home. The beds are very comfortable, and it has a large living room to enjoy watching the big tv. The ocean is less than a minute walk to watch the suffers and 2 minutes to the local coffee shop.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica G., Bethesda, Maryland

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

would give it six stars if I could

The house is lovely and as described. Great location, close to everything and very comfortable. Host is very responsive and helpful. Hot tub is a great addition!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jill G.

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

Late summer trip

Property is very clean. Convenient location. Easy walk to beach and boardwalk. The host, Rob answers all questions and concerns in a timely manner.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alan A.

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

Family Fun Escape

Location was perfect. My children and grandchildren enjoyed walks to the pier, fun zone, and the surfing beaches. The home was cozy and had a beautiful old fashion look. Using the TVs was challenging. It would be great to simplify the process.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Li-Lan F.

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

Santa Cruz Vacation

Owner communicated with us frequently an was very friendly and accommodating. House was hospitable. Welcome package was nice surprise and Nike book of information was very helpful. We are discussing making this an annual vacation spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

marla d.

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

Spectacular Beachside Paradise

Our weekend at the seaside treasure was spectacular. The house is truly magical and was roomy and warm. We enjoyed being steps from the beach and really felt an old Santa Cruz vibe. Loved the hottub, amazing backyard, comfy beds and fully equipped kitchen. I even made my Son his 21st birthday cake. Thanks for the baking powder that I forgot.Can’t wait for our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

M.J. W.

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

Spring getaway to Santa Cruz

Highly recommended this property. It was a comfortable home near the beach and attractions of the boardwalk and pier. We cooked mostly during our stay and the kitchen had everything we needed. The outdoor space was lovely and the home was nicely decorated. We enjoyed walking the path along Cliff drive and watched the surfers daily. The owner of the property was very responsive and great to work with.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicky S.

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

Fabulous property in a great location

The property was lovely. It was spacious and well equipped. The beds were really comfortable and the bedding was really good quality. There were plenty of towels including beach towels. We loved the garden and the bbq. The kitchen was small but perfectly formed with ample crockery, cutlery and glasses. The location was superb, it was yards from the beach and about 10 mins walk to the board walk with its lovely restaurants and bars. In the other direction there was a path along the cliffs were there were beaches and views of the ocean. Communication with Rob was timely. Check in was easy and there was a folder with useful info about the area and its amenities. Parking was good. Rob went over and above as a host when he offered us the house free of charge for a night due to circumstances beyond our control. The gesture was appreciated but fortunately we did not need to take him up on his generous offer. I would definately stay at this property again
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Safe parking. Very clean hot tub.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pooja M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rob was an attentive host. The location was perfect for our itinerary. We have a toddler so we had to move some fragile objects to higher shelves to ensure nothing was broken.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a wonderful home to gather our friends and family to enjoy my son's wedding. Loved the special lotion that was provided and then promptly forgot to grab it on our way out. It was perfect place for the wedding party.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

RUSSELL N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean home. Walkable to wharf, restaurant's, coffee shop, arcade and rides and view the surfers catching some big waves.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sociamonials

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our second time staying at this lovely home. The location is perfect. We really enjoy the walk to the Boardwalk and pier. The house is very clean and well equipped to handle a large family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home, excellent location. Home had everything that we needed and more. We had a lovely time. Spent time in spa, played games in the yard, watched surfers and walked to beach. It was a most enjoyable stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful home with all the amenities and perfect location. Can’t wait until next year to stay again
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

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

Family trip

Very clean in an excellent location
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

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

Great spot steps to the water

Some friends and I stayed here on a recent bike trip to Santa Cruz and it was awesome. It's an amazing house in a nice quiet neighborhood and it's about 30 seconds to the cliffs and water. The hot tub was a welcome perk after a hard day of riding and we couldn't have been happier. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

rod L.

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

Perfect Location

Great location for walking/biking, watching the surfers and going out to eat. Very nice neighborhood and the back yard is great for hanging out in especially with the hot tub. The hosts are responsive and provide a wonderful vacation home. We will be back next year!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

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

Great location!

It’s a nice house in a great location that is close to the boardwalk! It has a nice yard too if you bring a dog like we did!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan S.

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

Great house and location

Comfortable beds, good kitchen, and hot tub was nice. Great location on the west side of SC near surf spots, the boardwalk and a short drive to downtown.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

About the host

Hosted by Rob Hardwicke

Host profile image
Rob's a Los Gatos-born & raised native Californian, whose family has been in the area since the late 1800's. Maryann hails from tiny Pittsfield, New Hampshire, brags that she is of 100% Polish stock, and arrived in California to live and work for the first time in 1971. At one time or another, both she and Rob have been residents of New York City and both have enjoyed extensive overseas work and/or living assignments in Asia, Europe and South America. They exude a casual warmth and dedicated kindness that aims to provide every guest of their Steamer Lane Manor beach home with a happily memorable stay.

Why they chose this property

Rob fell in love with this house way back in 1972, fresh out of grad school. His longest tenants were his parents, Bern & Mima, who resided here from 1974 until 2001 -- Bern living until age 95 and Mima an admirably active 101. Built by a Danish contractor for himself back in 1942, the house saw no corners cut in terms of quality or aesthetics. It is Rob & Maryann's favorite spot on earth when they're in a mood to inhale the restoring freshness of Pacific Ocean salt air, enjoy a delightful fish dinner, bike and hike the coastal cliffs, sip a craft beer at one of Santa Cruz' burgeoning microbrew establishments -- or just loaf in the company of friends and family.

What makes this property unique

Steamer Lane Manor is unique in so many ways -- location, amenities, 'good vibes' (this IS California after all), secure parking and new friends.

Languages:

English

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