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$2,250 / 1br - Welcome to the Santa Cruz Mountain Sanctuary Retreat Home (Ben Lomond)
Alba, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
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The property is fully-enclosed, gated with deadbolt locks, has outdoor security cameras installed, and monitored by a security company. The rental space has its own private entrance and gated patio. This fully-furnished unit includes a complete kitchenette, with toaster/oven, microwave, two mini refrigerators, one of which has a freezer. It includes a comfortable queen-size bed, an ottoman chest, rocking chair, adult-sized bean bag chair, bean bag, two bar stools, and a double-sized futon/couch. There is ample storage available, with multiple bookcases, drawers, an open closet, as well as a large indoor storage area next to the full bathroom. There is a reading nook off of the kitchen, as well as a gorgeous kitchen table that is adjustable to be circular or oval, seating up to six people. The unit has been freshly painted and newly furnished.
You must be comfortable with animals, as my german shepherd dog, two cats, three goats, and five chickens occasionally get the freedom to run around the property. With your gated porch area, you can prevent any of the animals from entering your space. I am willing to consider pets, a cat or dog less than 20 pounds, with a security deposit. You must also be comfortable walking up the cobblestone pathway to the unit (see pictures for details).
Location:
Ben Lomond, walking distance to downtown. Right off Highway 9 and the Santa Cruz Metro Bus line (number 35 stop only steps away). Henry Cowell State Park is about a 5 minute drive away, only 20 minutes drive to the magical beaches of Santa Cruz, and about a 25 minute drive to UCSC.
About Me:
I do not drink, smoke, or engage in recreational drugs. I am an upper middle-aged woman, empty-nester, who teaches middle school students in Los Altos. I am home late afternoons, weekends, and during breaks. I enjoy connecting with nature, yoga, gardening, hiking, biking, kayaking, stargazing, marking art, and becoming self-sufficient. I’m highly communicative and have a pretty low impact on my home, meaning I’m a quiet, friendly, reliable upstairs neighbor. I have a 5-year old professionally trained German shepherd rescue dog named Ben. He has some stranger danger, so he will take a while to warm up to humans, but loves other dogs and animals.
About You:
Ideally, you are a traveling professional, student, or otherwise in a situation where you need a place for a few months. I would be willing to extend to 6 months for the right person. You enjoy a home that is a retreat space, are quiet and clean, and do not have people in and out of home often. If you have a few good friends or a partner that visits, that’s fine. It’s your space. They must love animals and be willing to be patient and get to know Ben.
It’s important that you do not drink, smoke, or engage in recreational drugs. Please have proof of work and income, positive references, and good credit.
Available: October 15th, 2025, forward.
Rent: $2,250/month
Deposit: $2,000
Pets: Yes, to a dog or cat, under 20 pounds.
Pet Deposit: Negotiable
Utilities Included: electricity, water, and garbage Kitchenette Includes: Sink, 2 small fridges, 2-burner induction cooktop, microwave, toaster/convection oven, tea kettle, pots/pans, plates, dishes, cups, mugs, utensils, towels, linens, electric heater, and fans
Heating/Cooling: No centralized heating or cooling, electric heating and fans only
Internet: no wifi/internet (negotiable)
Laundry: None (multiple laundromats about 2 miles away)
Parking: Yes, on the street
Electric Car Charging Station: access negotiable
Storage: Yes, inside the unit
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; must be able to ambulate upland down the cobblestone stairway regularly.