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Private Beach House with amazing views of Shwan Lake and Twin Lakes Beach

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Enjoy a lively beach day with access to umbrellas, beach chairs, and a Ferris wheel.
Relax in this serene outdoor space surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful tree.
Enjoy a serene garden view with lush greenery and a tranquil lake from the comfort of your room.
Relax in this serene space with a large window offering a view of the outdoors, a comfortable sofa and couch, and a functional coffee table.
Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, and microwave, plus ample storage and a large window with a view.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Santa Cruz, CA
  • Santa Cruz Harbor
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Santa Cruz

Seaside stay .Your stay at this Eastside Santa Cruz vacation home places you within 3 miles (5 km) of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Harbor Beach and Santa Cruz Harbor are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Vacation homes in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Twin Lakes State Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Cruz Harbor - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Sunny Cove Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 4 min drive - 3.6 km

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Crow's Nest Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Peoples Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hot Dog on A Stick - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

Private Beach House with amazing views of Shwan Lake and Twin Lakes Beach


Enjoy peaceful serenity and natural beauty as you check the surf from your own living room. Watch great blue herons, snowy egrets, and cormorants through two huge windows overlooking picturesque Schwan Lagoon and Twin Lakes Beach -- the best family beach in town! (permit #181472)

Steps to the sand, this house is just six houses up from the beach. Sunbathe, bodysurf, wander a long stretch of shoreline, have bonfires in the legal fire pits, and enjoy dramatic sunsets just steps from your door. Walk to the harbor to rent SUPs and kayaks, or sail on one of the Chardonnay II's daily cruises across Monterey Bay.

Spellbinding views from the bedroom, living room, and kitchen create a peaceful zen-like quiet. The back patio, a lagoon-side garden oasis, is perfect for happy hours and morning coffee in the sun. This home is your own Shangri-La.

LIVING AREA Unwind into vacation mode in a comfortable living room with a charming upright piano. Plush furniture offers ample seating, and picture windows overlook Schwan Lagoon. Settle in and watch a movie on the 43” flat-screen TV after a fun-filled beach day. Watch Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Ducks, Geese, Eagles, Hawks and Hummingbirds galore from the comfort of your living room.

KITCHEN & DINING Tap into your culinary side in a bright and spacious kitchen outfitted with a full suite of stainless steel appliances. When it’s time to eat, share delicious home-cooked meals in the sun-soaked dining area.

BEDROOM, SLEEPING AREAS & BATH This single-story unit sleeps up to three guests between a bedroom, a bonus room, and the living room. Sleep soundly on a California King size bed in the peaceful bedroom, in addition to a full sized Futon Couch that can fold to a bed for extra sleeping space (also New as of August 2021). The living room is furnished with a full-size sleeper sofa and a comfy small fold-down loveseat. The bonus room features a queen-size bed, closet etc. Find a sparkling walk-in shower, and Bluetooth-capable mirror in the bathroom.

OUTDOOR AREA Breathe in the coastal air on the private back patio with seating for four. This cozy waterside sanctuary features a fire pit, lush foliage and a wood deck. The front patio also has a table with sun shade that's great for afternoon happy hours!

EXTRA AMENITIES & MORE DETAILS Guest amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, games, a Bluetooth speaker, plus a nice piano and a guitar for fostering your own entertainment and creativity. There is parking for up to two cars in the driveway. Please note that this property does not have air-conditioning. Additionally, the patio is located down a flight of steps and the owner lives on-site in a separate apartment.

THE LOCATION Stroll to any of 10 neighborhood restaurants within blocks for excellent food, drinks, and live music. Drive only 10 minutes from this central location to access downtown Santa Cruz, UCSC, Capitola Village, The Boardwalk, golfing, surfing, hiking, shopping, and all the colorful culture our Santa Cruz area has to offer.

Note: This is a county permitted "Hosted Rental" with a separated unit on one side of the house where the owner lives. The rental is completely soundproofed and private with locking doors.

No smoking inside.

Property manager

Jim Lewin

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Private Beach House with amazing views of Shwan Lake and Twin Lakes Beach Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 136 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 136 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 136 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 136 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 136 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Raleigh D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Most excellent location on lovely lagoon just a minute's walk to Twin Lakes Beach. Nice outdoor sitting places. Comfortable home and very pleasant host.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place to stay!

We loved the property! Jim was so friendly and helpful. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Santa Cruz stay

Lovely place to stay, quiet area close to the beach with lovely views. The house was clean and well set up with everything we could need for our stay. We enjoyed it!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Like living in a tree house.

Very quiet stay. Nice, pleasant hosts as well. Will stay here again, if possible.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Location Location Location

Loved our stay at Jim's place. This was just the perfect place for. View of the lagoon and the wildlife, very close to the beach, and the harbor. Jim was an awesome host. Check-in was very easy, and all communication with Jim was timely. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tai L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful and Serene

We really lived this property. It was clean and spacious. Plenty of room for 2-3 people. A very short walk to the beach and downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola were just a few minutes away. The view of the lake was great and it was so relaxing watching the birds outside the windows. There must have been at least 8 nests in the tree just outside the window.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay!

Very impressive location and a great house. It has everything you may need, super comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend in SC

Jim is a very friendly and accommodating host!! We'll definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

The view over the estuary was amazing.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi G., El Segundo, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great View

Great location, so enjoyable to watch the lagoon from bed. Nice set up for a small family. Quiet neighborhood. Bathroom is small, but was fine for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raleigh D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

Jim's place is very clean, quiet and comfortable. The location is delightful for the beach and neighborhood walks. It felt very private, but Jim was responsive if we had any questions. Very relaxing stay!
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location, beautiful, quiet

Very happy with accommodations. Only negative was mattress in river-facing room—super lumpy and worn. Otherwise, GREAT property and good winter pricing. Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place

Great location in Santa Cruz and the house had a great layout and was very comfortable. Great view of the water and numerous birds. 3 min walk to the beach. 10 min drive to shopping areas. 30 min to redwoods and an hour to Monterey. When we come back to the area, we will be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place in Santa Cruz!

James's place is in such a great location, just a short walk to the beach. I really enjoyed the kitchen...i love to cook and it had everything I needed, including sharp (a rarity at most VRBO's)!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family event stay

House is clean and nicely stocked the views to the lagoon provide lots of entertainment for bird watchers nice quite location. Would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Super in Santa Cruz

Great property, great owner, super location. We had a great time. Thanks Jim!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Mary G.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Sub par

House smells bad: constant smoke (pot?) and mustiness. Dirty pillows, refrigerator , coffee pot, and whole environment was unkempt and old, worn. No kitchen staples that can be used safely. Fall risks: rugs and shower. No place to hang towels. Very quiet and beautiful view.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

The best part of our day was the location of the property, which was right on a slough (like a pond), And we had a wonderful time watching all the cormorants and pelicans and other birds on the water. The place is super close to the beach, harbor, restaurants, and a very peaceful and friendly neighborhood. The bedrooms were super comfy, the kitchen was spacious and clean, the bathroom was small, but also clean with good water pressure:)
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonia S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

The location is a quick walk to a great beach and some local eateries. The view is also a great bonus!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming Sunny Lagoon Cottage.

A nice stay for a married couple and a couple of fur babies. The house was well stocked. We appreciated the plentiful towels, pillows and blankets. The driveway is pretty long and steep. Not an issue when we parked towards the top of driveway. Access to the yard was on the side of house, out front. A note to others to ensure the blinds to the huge windows are closed during the day because it got hot even with the ac on and our pups were warm. Overall cute place, great neighborhood and access to everything. We will be back. Thank you James!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Surgery Recovery

I had back surgery on 8/12 and needed to be close to surgeon for two weeks. I also needed walk-in shower, no stairs, and flat neighborhood. And pet friendly. It worked quite well .
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lance M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Had a great time

Close to beach, swimming, fishing, nice walks and of course board walk fun. Close to aquarium.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail B., Santa Rosa, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect location and size for three people

The house was great and the owner was quite nice and not intrusive at all. We really appreciated the simplicity of the decor and the cleanliness.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miriam R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful views and location

This was the perfect property for the three of us. Very close to the beach. The owner was great to work with, very responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Ideal location gorgeous view

Posting for this property accurately shows the beautiful view of the lagoon. It is steps away from a great beach and a convenient store for snack. Jim was a responsive and friendly host. Gorgeous weather in Santa Cruz! My husband, adult daughter and I had a fun relaxing time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024