222 Highview Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060, Santa Cruz, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$2,485,000
222 Highview Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060
2Beds
1Bath
621Sqft
48,352Lot
Year Built
1987
Close
-
List price
$2.48M
Original List price
$2.7M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
ML82017003
Home ConditionGood
Features
Excellent View:
Deck
Patio
View-

About this home

Build your dream retreat: Close-in country living on the Upper West Side. Prime location and panoramic views, on a level, acre-plus, buildable, close-in rural parcel. The zoning says it all--RR Rural Residential, the best of both worlds. Bordered on the north and west by a Natural Reserve, and southeast on the Highview Drive rural but close-to-town community. This is truly the last end-of-the-road parcel on Highview Drive: a hidden, known-only-to-locals community (bordering the better-known Meder Street rural estates to the south). Panoramic views of wildlands, coastal prairie, ocean, redwoods -- and stunning sunsets. The existing cottage is a recent remodel: 1 bath, 1 bedroom plus sleeping loft. Approximately 700 square feet (expandable to 1200 feet). The woodstove and loft give the space a cozy charm. Use it as a guest house or ADU. (There are also a couple of useful outbuildings on this acre-plus property.) New septic system installed 2006 and sized for 4 bedrooms, anticipating a new large house. Unique is an often overused real estate term, but one that rightly applies to this opportunity. Its a really special property, with one of the West Sides best-kept secret views, in a peaceful, private setting.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
08/27/25
Price Change
$2,485,000-8.0%
08/05/25
Listing
$2,700,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (87 Listings)
Beds23
18%
Baths12
9%
Square foot6211,792
1%
Lot Size48,3527,754
86%
Price$2.48M$1.51M
88%
Price per square foot$4,002$903
99%
Built year19879850987
76%
HOA
Days on market92148
20%
Condition Rating
Good

The property, built in 1987, is described as having a 'recent remodel' for the existing cottage. Images confirm significant updates in the kitchen, including stainless steel appliances, modern countertops, and new lower cabinets. The bathroom features a new vanity. While some elements like the upper kitchen cabinets and certain light fixtures appear older, the cottage is move-in ready and well-maintained. The septic system was also updated in 2006. These updates, combined with the overall functional and clean appearance, align with the 'Good' condition criteria, indicating it's move-in ready with no immediate renovation required, and major systems are functional.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Development Potential: This acre-plus, level, buildable parcel boasts RR Rural Residential zoning and a 4-bedroom septic system installed in 2006, providing a robust foundation for constructing a new, larger primary residence.
Unparalleled Panoramic Views: The property offers stunning, private panoramic views of wildlands, coastal prairie, ocean, and redwoods, highlighted by spectacular sunsets, creating a highly desirable aesthetic.
Prime & Private Location: Situated on the Upper West Side, this 'end-of-the-road' parcel provides a unique blend of close-in country living with exceptional privacy within a hidden, known-only-to-locals community.
Existing Habitable Structure: A recently remodeled 621 sqft cottage with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a sleeping loft, and a woodstove offers immediate utility as a charming guest house or ADU, providing flexibility during future development.
Unique & Rare Opportunity: Described as a 'truly unique' and 'special property,' it represents a rare chance to acquire a custom estate site with one of the West Side's best-kept secret views in a peaceful setting.

Cons

Disproportionately Small Existing Dwelling: The current 621 sqft cottage is significantly undersized for the property's high list price and expansive lot, indicating that the primary value lies in the land and its development potential, not the existing structure.
Substantial Additional Investment Required: Buyers will need to incur significant additional costs and time to construct a new main residence, as the existing cottage is intended as a secondary dwelling or ADU, not the primary home.
Limited Immediate Livable Space: For buyers seeking a move-in ready primary residence, the property offers only a small, 1-bedroom cottage, necessitating a long-term building project to realize its full potential as a family home.

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