Entire home

Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub

Cottage in Carmel with kitchen and patio

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Terrace/patio
Exterior
Beach
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

Explore the area

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Place, Bixby Bridge
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Carmel Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Carmel

This cottage places you within a 10-minute drive of Garrapata State Park and Bixby Bridge. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.

What's nearby

  • Garrapata State Park - 8 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Bixby Bridge - 8 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Garrapata Beach - 13 min drive - 8.0 miles
  • Carmel Beach - 28 min drive - 16.7 miles
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - 31 min drive - 20.1 miles

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 30 min drive
  • Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rocky Point - ‬5 min drive
  • Big Sur Coast Gallery Cafe
  • ‪The Ranch Club - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪The Nest - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪Mertin Mekanı - ‬31 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub

"Wild Luxury on the Edge of the World"

~ Big Sur is open and accessible from the north!
~ Private Acreage Property= Privacy + 360 views
~ Miles of on-site hiking with romantic lounging areas: creekside w/waterfalls or ridgeline w/ocean view
~ Hydromassage hot tub under the stars
~ 3 miles from breathtaking Garrapata Beach and State Park
~ Paved, private road free of dust
~ High speed internet
~ 2 unique retreats

Welcome to Heart Circle Mountain—36 private acres of redwoods, mountains, and waterfalls, offering the Big Sur experience without the crowds. Step outside your door and immerse yourself in a private forest, where you can hike among towering redwoods, discover hidden waterfalls, and unwind in a serene streamside settings. Bath in the tranquility or venture upwards for sunny ridge-top views stretching toward the Pacific ocean. No need to get in your car—adventure and relaxation start at your doorstep.

Heart Circle Mountain offers a unique balance of wilderness and luxury, with two secluded retreats, each on their own area of the property that are thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment. Hammocks sway in the dappled sunlight, waterfalls provide a soothing soundtrack, and nature’s grandeur surrounds you.

Come experience Big Sur’s wild beauty—without the crowds!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Forest Cottage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An exquisite two-story home nestled into a private redwood and oak glen, the Forest Cottage is your own piece of paradise. Established in the 1930’s as the original cottage on Heart Circle Mountain, the Forest Cottage has been lovingly remodeled, built out of the finest materials including Venetian plaster walls, tumbled marble, and art glass lighting. The retreat is meticulously cleaned with non-toxic cleaners, is pet-dander free, and features sparkling white linens dried in the Big Sur sun.

Upstairs, the romantic bedroom has two skylights for nights of star gazing, unobstructed by city lights. The queen sleigh bed is outfitted with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, a down duvet, and high quality linens. The large sitting area has a desk, love seat, armchair and Smart TV w/Bose soundbar & many streaming services.

The cottage features a full gourmet kitchen, which includes completely stocked cupboards of cooking implements and condiments, a full-sized refrigerator, stove/oven, and large dining area. There is also a BBQ on the patio where you can enjoy the beautiful yard with a custom redwood dining table. Take a nap on a full sized hammock for two, kick back and sunbathe on the chaise lounge chairs, or rejuvenate in the hydromassage hot tub under the canopy of redwoods and oaks, while listening to the sounds of the forest and flowing creek.

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The Property
~~~~~~~~~~~

Heart Circle Mountain sits in the Goldilocks Zone—above the fog line but below the hotter, buggy highlands—offering a sunny microclimate teeming with wildlife. Here, deer, foxes, squirrels, quail, birds of prey, and even bobcats roam freely.

Just outside your door, two private hiking trails invite you to explore the beauty of Big Sur without the crowds. Along the way, discover scenic lounging areas with two-person hammocks, loungers, tables and chairs —perfect for a picnic or a drink while bathing in nature.

The Waterfall Trail

This serene path winds through a redwood forest along a private stretch of Palo Colorado Creek, leading to two enchanting lounge areas, surrounded by lush sorrel and ferns. At the halfway point, you’ll find Forest Glen, a magical haven where a meandering creek flows beneath a soaring old-growth redwood fairy ring. Further ahead, the trail ends in an intimate forest retreat, where a 10-foot granite waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool, framed by ferns, horsetails, redwoods, and oaks.

The Zen Trail

For breathtaking ocean, mountain, and valley views, follow the Zen Trail up Garrapata Ridge. Along the way, you might spot a bobcat or our resident fox near its den. At the summit, relax in a secluded lounge area beneath a natural oak arbor, with panoramic views of dramatic ridgelines and the Pacific on the horizon. Watch red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons glide overhead as you take in a fog river pouring over the ridges or a stunning sunset.

You won’t need to drive anywhere to experience the best of Big Sur—it’s all right here. But if adventure calls, the coastline and Ventana Wilderness are just a short drive away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Neighborhood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heart Circle Mountain sits atop a small mountain overlooking Palo Colorado Canyon and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Conveniently located just 2.2 miles from Highway 1, our retreats offer the best of both worlds—a peaceful Big Sur escape that’s only: a 15-20 minute drive North to Carmel or a 15-20 minute drive South to the Big Sur Valley.

You’ll experience some of the most scenic roads anywhere, without the hassle of dirt roads—our private, paved road ensures a smooth, dust-free, and traffic-free journey to your retreat.

Without a doubt, you will leave Heart Circle Mountain with a unique piece of Big Sur in your heart.

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The Attractions
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North
~ Rocky Point Restaurant – 2.5 mi
~ Garrapata Beach & State Park – 3 mi
~ Soberanes Point & Canyon – 6 mi
~ Point Lobos State Reserve – 10 mi
~ Carmel – 12 mi (80+ restaurants, art galleries, and shops)

South
~ Bixby Bridge & Old Coast Road
~ Andrew Molera State Park – Miles of trails, beach access, and guided horseback rides.
~ Big Sur Valley – 12 mi (restaurants, art galleries, and shops)

East (currently closed)
~ Palo Colorado Road – A scenic drive winding inland to Bottchers Gap Park, with campgrounds, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Ventana Wilderness and Mt. Pico Blanco.
~ Mill Creek Redwood Preserve – Now open by permit only, a few miles before Bottchers Gap.

West
~ Rocky Point to Castle Rock – the aqua blue Pacific Ocean crashing onto the shore.

We look forward to welcoming you!

2 Adults 21 & Up, No Pets, No Children
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a phone. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

All guests staying on the property must sign our rental agreement and hold harmless, which lays out additional rules and important information.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Property Registration Number 002008

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this cottage?

This cottage is located in Carmel, close to Bixby Bridge, Garrapata State Park, and Garrapata Beach. You'll also find Point Sur State Historic Park and Point Sur Lighthouse nearby.

Will I be able to park at this cottage?

No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.

Is there a spa at this cottage?

Spa services at the cottage include massages.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this cottage include access to a chef, a kitchen, and a smart TV.

Does Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Does this cottage have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.

How far is the airport from this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is 20 mi away (40 minutes by car). Another top airport is Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal), which is around 23.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

Yes, every accommodation at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub comes with a deck with some featuring mountain views.