280 Azalea Lane, Santa Cruz CA

This tranquil setting is truly a slice of paradise. Tucked into a sunny, ridge-top clearing, this beautifully renovated home offers views of Monterey Bay and the surrounding forest. Stunning mature landscaping is full of unique and exotic plants from the UCSC Arboretum, adapted to a Mediterranean climate. In 2013, the home was stripped to the studs and remodeled with a stylish contemporary flair by a licensed local green-building contractor. The finishes evoke the modern earthy feeling of Big Sur aesthetics. Thoughtful upgrades include high-end Sierra Pacific windows, concrete kitchen counters, live-edge redwood counter, three operational skylights, and Applecore wood floors. The open-concept design is filled with natural light and anchored by a cozy wood stove and zoned baseboard heat. Flex-space off the kitchen has many potential uses. The ocean-view primary suite features a balcony and walk-in closet. Primary bathroom shower is lined with slate tile and each bathroom has a heated bidet. The property offers fenced garden areas, mature fruit trees (persimmon, plum, apple, pear, cherry and mulberry) and plenty of flat useable space for outdoor living. A shared community well, generator, propane tank, energy efficient water heater, and low-cost solar make for efficient living.