This studio is a hidden gem near Santa Cruz but honestly we didn't even go to Santa Cruz because there was so much beauty locally! We were so happy to be able to bring our 4 month old pup with us; he whined a bit and we were worried the sound traveled but Steve assured us he heard nothing. The studio is very private; when my boyfriend and I realized it was attached to the house, our main concern was privacy but honestly it's barely attached. There's no door with direct access from the house to the studio. It was the perfect size for 2 people and a medium sized dog. Located barely a 5 minute drive to a safeway (if needed) and The Forest of Nisene Marks which had beautiful hiking trails & about a 15 minute drive from Rio Del mar & Seacliff beach (pup's first hike and first beach day!) There was a park across the street from the house where I walked my pup every morning, a lot of people do in fact so he even made some friends. Steve was super friendly & loving with our pup which was so comforting. The kitchen is small but super doable as long as you don't use multiple appliances at once. There is a french press, very cool toaster, induction cooktop, pots & pans, dishes - you dont need to bring anything. There was also coffee, honey, pasta, sauce and in the fridge some cheese and frozen veggies. Steve has thought of everything and placed so many thoughtful touches around the space! There was even a bottle of wine as a welcome. Among many cool things about the space, the door that you open to get to the studio is made of bamboo (i think)!
Steve was an incredible host, very welcoming and laid-back. He hosts music lessons in his frontyard and has a music studio next to the studio we enjoyed our stay in but none of this is intrusive AT ALL. He welcomed us to use his deck and frontyard and even set up a fire pit for us on our last night where we enjoyed some great conversations with the complimentary bottle of wine. The frontyard also has a grill that guests are welcome to use. The studio has a back door that opens up to the deck, it is GORGEOUS, we spent our first evening out there with our pup. I highly recommend the space and will definitely try to visit again!