If this place is available while you are searching VRBO, I urge you to snatch it up immediately, before somebody else does. This two-bedroom two-bath cottage was perfect for our family of four. It is one of several houses on a large estate, though I think this is the only one rented out on a short-term basis. The entire property is covered in fantabulous gardens. In addition to the spacious (for 4) interior, there are several outdoor sitting areas to enjoy the gardens and wildlife (lots of bunnies, birds, lizards, and butterflies). The quaint town of Soquel is just 1.5 miles away, where you can find several coffee shops, restaurants, wine bars, and retail. Capitola is just a little farther, and it has even more restaurants and retail, including a Trader Joe's to stock the fridge and pantry. We were in the area for a wedding, and the rest of the family stayed at a Marriott Courtyard in Santa Cruz. They were all envious when we showed them pics of our lovely cottage. Also, Soquel seems so much cleaner and safer than Santa Cruz, which suffers all the problems that have made most California cities unsafe and undesirable for tourists. While you are in Soquel, be sure to consider the 50-minute drive to Monterey to visit the aquarium. The $60 tickets were higher than I remember from our previous visit (30 years ago), but it is worth every penny. To avoid the crowds, try to go on a weekday afternoon.