Notes from the host
Sunshine Alley
Escape the crowds to the South Coast of Big Sur! Come stay at our peaceful retreat located near Plaskett Creek Campground, Sand Dollar Beach, and the town of Gorda. The current highway 1 closure creates a once in a lifetime experience with fewer crowds and less traffic, reminiscent of the olden days of the wild and rugged Big Sur coast.
LOCATION:
***BEFORE BOOKING THIS PROPERTY, PLEASE LOOK AT THE PICTURE OF THE MAP OF OUR LOCATION TO BE SURE THAT THIS LOCATION WILL WORK FOR YOU. ***
***YOU CANNOT DRIVE HIGHWAY 1 NORTH TO THE TOWN OF BIG SUR.***
HWY 1 IS CLOSED BETWEEN ESALEN AND LUCIA. WE ARE LOCATED 14 MILES SOUTH OF THERE, OPENING UNKNOWN. RESEARCH DIRECTIONS TO PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND TO SEE HOW TO GET NEAR OUR PROPERTY FROM YOUR LOCATION. YOU CAN STILL ACCESS OUR PROPERTY FROM THE SOUTH VIA CAMBRIA, OR FROM THE EAST VIA THE VERY NARROW AND WINDING NACIMIENTO FERGUSON ROAD. FROM THE NORTH, TAKE 101S TO 46W to 1 N. THIS ROUTE TAKES YOU THROUGH WINE COUNTRY, ELEPHANT SEAL VIEWING, CAMBRIA, AND THE HEARST CASTLE AREA. We are happy to answer inquiries regarding accessing the property.
THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA: You can walk on the local bluffs of Pacific Valley and explore Sand Dollar Beach and Willow Creek and Mill Creek Day Use Areas. Limekiln State Park has recently opened one hiking trail. There are two resorts nearby: Treebones Resort with restaurant and gift shop and Gorda Springs Resort with restaurant, small grocery store and gift shop, cafe, and gas station. A 15 minute drive south, you can hike the Cruickshank, Soda Springs, or Salmon Creek Trailheads into the Silver Peak Wilderness. You can drive south to explore the towns of Ragged Point (30 min), San Simeon (45 min), and Cambria (60 min). Once highway 1 opens, you can drive north to the towns of Big Sur (1hr), Carmel (1h30), and the Monterey area (1h45). Or, you can simply relax on the deck and enjoy the 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and Cone Peak by day and amazing star-filled nights, depending on the season. Summers can be foggy. Fall is warm and clear. Winter and spring are cool and can bring occasional rain.
ABOUT THE HOME: The home is perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean with ocean and mountain views from every room. As you head through the gate at the end of the driveway, you will pass through a small redwood forest which leads to the 1600 sq ft off the grid home powered by solar and propane. The spring water is filtered and UV treated. This rustic home features vaulted ceilings with lots of windows to let the beauty of Big Sur inside. Enjoy the view of Sand Dollar Beach and Cone Peak from the living room and kitchen! Each of the two bedrooms has an ocean view and queen beds (2016) and linens. The two full baths are nicely appointed. The deck has a table with 4 chairs and lounge chairs and propane BBQ with propane provided. The home is surrounded by Big Sur gardens that change with the seasons. Includes Internet Access, a 55" TV for DVDs, an internet-based landline for short, emergency calls, and limited cell phone reception from the deck. Wifi calling is available. The home has on-site caretakers who share the driveway and live in the caretaker house located about 150 feet from the main house, behind a privacy fence.
ABOUT THE DIRT ROAD ACCESS: Located off of Highway 1 about one mile up a public dirt road, 4WD or AWD highly recommended! (4WD/AWD REQUIRED IN RAIN DUE TO RUTS AND SLIPPERY ROAD). In addition, for your planning, Highway 1 can be closed on very short notice in the winter (generally January-March) during extra heavy rainstorms due to possible mud and rock slides. We keep guests informed and provide options or a full refund if Highway 1 closes.
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, and are up for a bit of adventure getting there, our home awaits you!
