This is a cute little 2 bdr beach cottage really close to Seacliff beach (Really, about a 5-10 min walk).
The house is partially remodelled, with an elegant look to the bedrooms, bath and living room. The kitchen is small and makes excellent use of the available space.
The small eating area only has seating for 4 - 2 at a small table and 2 at a high bar. Just outside on the deck is seating for 4 and it's a nice basic deck and backyard, with a barbeque and a firepit. We didn't use the beach toys or chairs, so no review on those.
Michelle's housekeeper was available and when the errant ant showed up, the appropriate traps were placed, and within hours the ants weren't! (I don't judge ants on picking houses, but hey, I wanted to move in, so why wouldn't they?)
I was able to cook dinner easily, the pantry had the basics available such as oil, spices, etc; the cupboards held a good assortment of pots, pans and dishes. Michelle left us a bottle of wine, popcorn and cookies. Much appreciated!
I rearranged the counters and seating while I was there and hopefully put it all back where it was. Michelle even has a pair of bluetooth speakers and the instruction book in the house manual. That was an unexpectedly nice treat.
The house is a "no shoes" home and while a basket near the door might help people remember, most of the time it wasn't hard - there are a few signs. Don't forget to bring a pair of socks to wear inside!
As a former local, a few restaurant recommendations:
Manuel's and Marianne's are nearby. Long established Santa Cruz businesses that locals love. Mexican and Ice cream! You can walk to these.
A little farther, Uncle Kwok's Chinese, Burger, and about 10 other restaurants are within a 30 min stroll. Cross the freeway using State Park Drive and explore both to the right (Safeway and drugstore, restaurants, banks, garden shop) and to the left (Aptos Coffee Roasting, local pharmacy, interesting shops, Eastern food and more.)
If you want to treat your feet to a spa pedicure, it's the one down at the corner near Marianne's and Manuel's. You may need to make an appointment, they're so popular!
Last tip - do plan that this is a tight parking street. The driveway is one car only and often because of on street parking you will exit based on how you can back out of the drive. If you bring a second vehicle, you will need to assume it won't be parked within a house or two.
All in all, and excellent priced place in the middle of Aptos Seacliff and I'll be back!