Victorian elegance in the heart of nature

Cross the lovely stone bridge to enter your private sanctuary and escape the madness of modern life. Just a half mile from the Mystery Spot and a 7-minute drive to either Santa Cruz or Highway 17, this is an optimal location for commuters, students, surfers and nature lovers — or for a family compound or sustainable retreat.

The 6 BR/2+BA 3309 square foot main home mixes gorgeous period touches with modern convenience. The spaciousness of the home and its five upstairs bedrooms allow for a large family, multiple work-from-home or remote learning spaces, or a great location for entertaining. The property falls within the highly desirable Happy Valley School District, which draws many families with its excellent reputation. High speed Comcast Internet is also available.

A separate guest house provides options for expansion, making the possibilities endless, including creating a multi-generational property. With 3.95 acres (171,931 SF), the varied lot has enough flat space to allow for extensive gardening or even small-scale farming. A built-in irrigation system uses water from one of the two creeks that border the property.

Main Home

A beautiful staircase and working pocket doors in the double living room are handsome examples of the fine woodworking in this charming Victorian home.

The wood plank flooring, beautiful wainscotting, crown molding, period fixtures, and brightly painted commercial gas cooking stove all make this home comfortable, unique, and kissed by time. Enjoy your morning coffee on the lovely front porch, watch the deer and wild turkeys roam while breathing in the aroma of rosemary and sage.

Permitted Guest House

A few steps from the main home sits a 360 square foot guest cottage accented with beautiful wood paneling. The skylights and windows allow for lots of natural light, making this a great office, guest room, or art studio.

The Estate Grounds – Property Assets

A mighty cypress tree stands at the axis of the property, adorned with a Shimenawa — a Shinto ward against evil spirits — to bless the property. These large rope ties were given to the owners by friends in Santa Cruz’s Sister City, Shingu, Japan.

Zen yurt – This sixteen-foot diameter yurt by Pacific Yurts has a small redwood porch and features an opening skylight and insulation. A custom-made table and sliding seat add flexibility to the space. Great for a meditation or yoga space, or for glamping at home.

Bocce Ball Court - A small bocce ball court surrounded by seating areas and a newer redwood deck add another great entertaining space.

History

The vitality and variety of the house’s owners and visitors have left their extraordinary mark here. Just in the last 50 years, this home’s history has been filled with inspiration, like the creation of Moby Grape’s album 20 Granite Creek in 1971, and also the headquarters of the Integral Yoga Institute.

Later, it became a hub where local writers, poets, artisans, actors, musicians and local luminaries flocked to the gatherings of John and Harriet Deck. Fourth of July and Christmas parties hosted by the Decks were epic! Bocce soirees and barbecues filled the valley with friendship, laughter and — just sometimes — fierce competition. Many of these parties were also benefits, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities over the years.

The Horticulture

Native Californian drought-resistant plantings adorn the grounds, along with many varieties of flora too numerous to name. Some amazing highlights include the Cecil Bruner and Lady Banks roses which frame either side of the cabin entrance. Producing fruit trees, including lemon, orange, persimmon, and several varieties of plum enrich the property.

There are many lovely ornamental trees and plants too, including an ornamental pomegranate, curly willow, manzanitas, dawn redwood, black locust, Japanese maple, and a flannel tree. Wisteria, camellias, rosemary, lilacs, red hot pokers, pink naked ladies, purple and yellow iris, salvia, and calla lilies are all here seasonally.

The Wildlife

Bordered by Granite and Branciforte Creeks, the property is optimal for bird and wildlife viewing. Countless birds can be spotted, including owls, woodpeckers, quail, wild turkeys, herons and hawks. Deer, rabbits, squirrels and the occasional bobcat also grace the grounds.

The possibilities are endless

An Accessory Dwelling Unit could potentially be added, and it may be possible to make the guest house a Junior ADU. A purchaser should check local regulations.

Recently SOLD Listings by Schooner Realty