“Less than two hours south of San Francisco lies the most magical getaway along the Santa Cruz coastline.
I first came upon this impossibly charming storybook B&B while searching for wedding venues, and from the few photos I was able to find online, it appeared to be something out of a fairytale. Situated just 10 minutes from the ocean and tucked beneath giant California Redwoods of Aptos, is Sand Rock Farm Bed & Breakfast. From the redwood carriage barn, to the turn-of-the-century Craftsman home, and ivy covered stone walls of the winery ruin, it was everything I could have ever possibly dreamed.
On my first stay, I knew this was an incredibly special place. We entered through a private gate and drove along a wooded pathway until arriving at a towering yet tranquil home with logs burning in the fireplace. The Arts & Crafts era house was filled with period details like dark wood finishes, original fixtures, and a formal dining room with wainscoting. A grand staircase leads to a second story with window nooks and guest rooms with en-suite baths. And in a neighboring grove, a giant redwood stands tall, a beacon of the property.
AND THE FOOD... Derek, the chef, is amazing. The food is fresh, seasonal, and farm-to-table. His attention to seasonal, local ingredients mixed with bold flavors embody the adventurous spirit of this seaside town. From our first breakfast, he was accommodating and cognizant of my dietary preferences, an honorable quality among those with talent.
Staying in this magical getaway, get lost wandering paths through ten private acres, or stay cozy and curl up with a good book by the fire. We did both. All rooms have jacuzzi tubs, robes, WiFi and cable TV. See if you can fit in a long weekend by checking here. Or, even better, rent out the entire property for a company retreat, team-building exercise, family reunion, elopement, girl’s trip, guy’s trip, or family vacation. You will have access to 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a chef's kitchen, large dining room, gardens and a hot tub.
Having our wedding here was beyond my wildest dreams. It was everything I could have hoped for, from the on-site planner, florist (who was amazing!!), and chef (perfection!!), to the breathtaking backgrounds, and multiple settings for custom day flexibility. Jen was super easy to work with and it was far more affordable than other venues at the time. Plus, we loved that our wedding party could stay on-site - there was a great afterparty that ended with a jacuzzi and eating dinner leftovers in the kitchen! Also, conveniently located and very easy for guests to access.
This place is truly something special, and I’m already looking forward to our next visit. It makes me so happy to share it with you.”
