Tree House by the Beach
Handcrafted Tree House by the Beach Near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Some of the Best Surfing in California
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If you choose Tree House by the Beach, you don't have to choose between the beach and redwoods. You can have both. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood between Pleasure Point (a favorite surfing spot) and dog-friendly beach near Moran Lake Park the upscale Tree House by the Beach wraps around two magnificent 60-foot redwood trees. Its tongue-and-groove redwood siding came from a fallen tree in Big Sur. Its shingles were recycled from an old water tank in the Santa Cruz Mountain town of Bonny Doon. Walls are “plastered” in mud. The main stairs curl around a cedar trunk preserved with non-toxic wax. With 20 skylights, at least 60 windows, five sets of French doors and a second-story footbridge crossing the interior patio, it’s sometimes hard to tell whether you’re inside or out. “There’s always light, and a feeling of coolness,” says Karen, who took part in every aspect of building Tree House. And -- if you can tear yourself away -- the surf and the sand wait at the end of the street.
Tree House by the Beach … in a nutshell Perfect for Singles, small families, group retreats and special events (Guests have hosted parties for up to 60 during warm weather months). Unit configuration Price Per week Kids? Yes. However, the spiral stairs, sleeping loft and open air bridge may make visiting with a toddler unaccustomed to a two story home challenging. Pets? Yes
From hand-planed shingles to a loft, this home is completely unique. Lay of the land If you believe a home can have good energy, Tree House by the Beach has all the ingredients. Working with certified “green” builders and local master craftsmen, the owners built the signature home on a former neighborhood open space, a meditation park since 1935. It is a labor of love, evident down to its smallest detail. Karen chose and positioned every piece of jasper in the fireplace that dominates the expansive living room in Tree House by the Beach. She hired a local craftsman to fashion the iron and bronze tree-branch railing for the spiral staircase circling a cedar tree trunk -- the striking centerpiece of the house. The living area is a stylish, expansive space that invites chats on the leather sofas facing the fireplace, at the large dining table or in the open kitchen. Or take everything out to backyard, where the colors of dozens of different varieties of trees and flowers flame or blossom with the changing the seasons.
A romantic master suite, less than three blocks from the beach. Four bedrooms -- with themes ranging from Asian to nautical -- are decorated with her eclectic found-treasures, including a 1700s workbench purposed as a counter in the master bathroom. The bedrooms surround the outdoor areas of Tree House by the Beach -- making them both private and naturally connected in a harmonious “flow”. Karen’s pride and joy is the master suite. The most spacious of the four bedrooms, it has a queen-sized bed, gas fireplace, large en-suite bathroom and the coup de gras -- a deep and decadent jetted tub under a five-foot window that folds back to frame the branches of a spreading oak in the backyard. Down the hall is an Asian-themed bedroom offering a peek at the ocean and adjacent full bathroom/laundry room. The bedrooms in the wing at the front of Tree House by the Beach are smaller, but open directly onto the patio planted with redwoods, orchids and ferns at the heart of the house. The first-floor bedroom, with a cat theme, is adjacent to a full bathroom with a deep soaking tub. Connected to the main part of Tree House by the Beach by a footbridge across the central patio, the second-floor nautical-themed bedroom doubles as a sitting room and has a loft with a twin bed -- fun for a family or group of three. Part of the adventure: using a chamber pot if you don’t want to trek to the shared Asian bathroom across the footbridge and down the hall.
Somehow the charm and character of the natural setting is not lost with the addition of: • Satellite/cable TV/DVD player, Wi-Fi and house-wide stereo seem to disappear into the woodwork. • Top-of-the-line appliances are hidden behind alder wood cabinets in the gourmet kitchen. • Radiant heat warms your toes.
The day I visited Tree House by the Beach, I was only able to do a quick walk-through. But I'll wager you could spend a week noticing small, very special details, so rare in a cookie-cutter world. • The “international” succulent garden in the front yard. • The green Irish marble kitchen counters • A mix of unusual materials ranging from African slate to an antique Dutch door to the master bedroom Then, of course, there's the location. Tree House by the Beach is two and a half blocks to the surf at Pleasure Point and the East Cliff walking/bike path. Two and a half blocks more to a eucalyptus-lined path that skirts a lovely lake and ends at a dog-friendly beach perfect for pet friendly vacations.
The owners live right next door to Tree House by the Beach. (If you want more firewood or need assistance, just call. Otherwise they’ll respect your privacy.)
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Tree House by the Beach: The Owner's Favorites ... Elizabeth's Market. Right down the street from Tree House -- where East Cliff Drive turns into a one-way street at the beginning of the walkway along the cliffs -- this corner market is the place for great breakfast and lunch burritos. Or grab a snack or drink and head for one of the benches along the cliff, where you can spend hours watching the surfers – or dolphins – ride the waves. Cliff Cafe. This tiny beach shack (only about six tables) is a favorite with locals. A must for any Santa Cruz California vacation. Expect a wait on weekends. Just hang out with your coffee and newspaper on the sidewalk with the rest of us. The healthy menu is well worth it. You can watch the owner cooking your eggs (or tofu scramble) from your table surrounded by paintings of lush tropical spots.
Shadowbrook, Capitola California
Ride the cable car from the parking lot to the entrance ride or stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens along the river. This is one of the most romantic spots in northern California -- and always a special occasion. I like to eat in front of the fire in the bar. It’s more casual and less expensive, with all the legendary ambiance.
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