Modern MCM Retreat w/ BBQ & patio

San Mateo, CA, United States
6
3
2

About

Welcome to your stylish Bay Area retreat - a mid-century Eichler home blending modern comfort w/ timeless design. Perfect for families, remote workers & weekend getaways: • Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms | 3 beds | 2 baths • Private fenced backyard w/ fire pit, BBQ & 8-person outdoor dining • Enclosed atrium w/ mural & red maple tree • Dedicated office w/ fast Wi-Fi - ideal for remote work • Open-concept living room w/ fireplace & fully equipped kitchen • 15 min to SFO, 20 min to San Francisco

Good to know

Nestled in the quiet rolling hills of San Mateo’s Highlands neighborhood, this mid-century modern retreat offers a serene base to explore the Bay Area. Designed in 1956 by renowned architect Joseph Eichler and carefully renovated in 2017, the home blends timeless design with thoughtful modern updates. Floor-to-ceiling windows, open living spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a setting that feels both stylish and welcoming. Spacious living and thoughtful design The single-level layout makes it easy to settle in, whether you’re here with family, friends, or colleagues. The open-concept living room features soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a wood-burning fireplace - a cozy spot to gather after a day of exploring. A fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas stove, and all the cooking basics makes preparing meals feel effortless. Share dinner around the dining table, or carry your plates outside to the patio for an evening under the stars. Indoor-outdoor flow At the heart of the home is a private enclosed atrium, complete with a striking mural and a red maple tree that shifts with the seasons. Just beyond, a landscaped backyard invites you to linger outdoors. Fire up the BBQ, dine at the 8-person table, or settle by the fire pit with a glass of wine as the night sky opens above. The fully fenced yard provides privacy, while outdoor furniture makes it easy to spend long afternoons and evenings in comfort. Restful sleeping arrangements The home accommodates up to six guests across three sleeping spaces. Two bedrooms offer queen-size beds with soft linens, while a third den includes a fold-down sofa for additional flexibility. The primary suite has its own bathroom with a walk-in shower, and the second bathroom features a deep soaking tub perfect for unwinding. For those working remotely, a dedicated office with a door provides a quiet, productive space with high-speed Wi-Fi. Designed for comfort and convenience Every detail is in place to make longer stays as comfortable as shorter getaways. You’ll find an in-unit washer and dryer, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment options including a 42-inch TV with streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu. Safety and peace of mind are supported by exterior security cameras at the front entrance, along with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Perfectly located for Bay Area access While the Highlands neighborhood feels tucked away, you’re only 15 minutes from San Francisco International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco. Downtown San Mateo, Hillsdale Shopping Center, and scenic Bayfront trails are all close by, along with easy connections to Silicon Valley’s tech campuses. Parks and hiking trails surround the neighborhood, making it an appealing setting for outdoor enthusiasts as well as those seeking a quiet home base near the city. This Eichler home combines mid-century character with modern amenities, creating a retreat that balances peace, style, and convenience in the heart of the Bay Area.

Other Details to Note

For safety reasons, we do not prefer children under 12. The home contains decor and furnishings that are not childproof—some items are breakable, could tip over, or include small pieces that could be swallowed. This is a peaceful home intended for quiet stays. Any gathering over 8 people, including visitors, will be considered a party and is strictly prohibited. No events or parties of any kind are allowed. We appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all guests and neighbors. ✅ Parking is available in the driveway only (no garage access for cars). ✅ There is a TV in one of the bedrooms, but not in the living room. ✅ Two bedrooms have no curtains, but privacy is maintained as a building wall blocks the view. ✅ The home is just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco. If you’re looking for a venue or a park nearby for a celebration. You can check out local reservable facilities at the Highlands Recreation District of San Mateo and it's right across the street from us.

Availability

What this place offers

Amenities

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Air conditioning
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Hot Water

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Extra pillows and blankets

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Air conditioning
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Hot Water

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Extra pillows and blankets

Heating and cooling

  • Indoor fireplace

Home safety

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Smoke detector
  • First aid kit

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Wine glasses

Location features

  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

Outdoors

  • Garden or backyard
  • BBQ grill
  • Fire pit
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio or balcony

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Free street parking
  • Single level home No stairs in home

Services

  • Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more

Accessibility Getting Home

  • Disabled parking spot There is city-approved disabled parking spot or a parking space at least 8 feet wide

House Rules

+No parties or events are allowed on the property. +Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. to respect our neighbors. +No shoes indoors—feel free to wear slippers, socks, or flip-flops. +No smoking of any kind is permitted on the premises. Please step at least 15 feet away from the property or to the front curb if you wish to smoke. +Conserve energy by turning off lights, TV, heater, and stove when not in use. +The property is limited to the number of guests listed in your reservation. +No pets without prior approval. +No weapons of any kind should be brought onto our property at any time. +Conserve water due to California’s ongoing drought. +Recycle and compost if bins are provided in your unit. +Please dispose of or take any leftover food to avoid attracting pests. +No commercial photography or filming is permitted on the property. +Only flush toilet paper—San Francisco’s pipes are small. Please avoid flushing wipes, floss, tampons, etc. +Guests are responsible for any damage to the property and charges may be applied for repairs. +We may ask you to roll the trash and recycling bins to the curb on Sunday night. +Once in a great while a family member may borrow our car from the garage, we will try not to disturb your stay, they will only be in the garage, you are welcome to say no. Thank you for understanding. +A late check-out fee will apply if check-out time is not observed, as this affects our cleaning schedule. +Return keys to the lockbox at check-out. A fee will apply for lost or unreturned keys. +For stays of 30 days or more, if utility usage (water, trash, electricity, and gas) exceeds $150, you may be asked to cover the difference. You can minimize this by turning off unused lights, heaters, and appliances. In the winter, locals often wear layers to reduce heating costs. +Most importantly, enjoy your stay and make the most of beautiful San Mateo!

Accessibility

Neighborhood

The Highlands neighborhood in San Mateo is a tranquil, mid-century neighborhood known for its unique collection of homes designed by famed architect Joseph Eichler. Nestled in the rolling hills, the area offers a peaceful, suburban feel with scenic views of the surrounding open space and the Coastal Range. It’s a family-friendly community with tree-lined streets, parks, and access to hiking trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Highlands also features a community center with a playground, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Despite its quiet atmosphere, the neighborhood is conveniently located just 15 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco, offering easy access to major highways, public transportation, and nearby shopping and dining options. This makes it a perfect balance of serene living with proximity to urban amenities.

Guest Access

Guests have full access to the entire property, including the house and gardens. A washer and dryer are available for use in the garage. But no parking is allowed in the garage, thank you. Every once in a great while we may ask you to move your car from the driveway, so that we can get our car out of the garage, this will only take 5 minutes but we will let you know a head of time.

Reviews

Chloe
July 2025 · Airbnb
Spent an amazing long weekend at Dena's and found it very peaceful. We were in town for a few family events and this was the perfect place to retreat and unwind. It was clean and comfortable. I would absolutely stay there again!
Anton
July 2025 · Airbnb
My wife and I enjoyed our second stay at Dena's place. We find it to be a peaceful place to hang out, and to venture forth from to day trip into the city and up and down the coast.
Louise
July 2025 · Airbnb
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful, modernized Eichler home. The open floor plan and interesting artwork made it a perfect, fun space for our family gathering. Probably the most well-provisioned kitchen we've ever encountered at an Airbnb, and everything was of such high quality. Quiet, family neighborhood, yet close to shopping and major routes. Host was excellent with communication. Really a top-notch property- we would love to return.

Find us

The best ways to get around from the Highlands neighborhood in San Mateo depend on where you’re headed and your preferences: Car: Driving is the most convenient way to get around the Highlands, especially for accessing nearby cities like San Francisco, San Jose, or coastal areas. Major highways such as I-280 and Highway 92 are easily accessible, connecting you to the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, and beyond. Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area, making it easy to get around without needing to drive. This is a great option for short trips or when you don’t want to deal with parking. Public Transit: Caltrain: The San Mateo Caltrain station is about 10-15 minutes away by car and offers easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and stops in between. It’s a popular option for commuters. BART: The nearest BART station is in Millbrae, about 15 minutes by car. BART provides service to downtown San Francisco, the East Bay, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Biking/Walking: The Highlands is a quiet, scenic neighborhood, making it ideal for biking or walking around locally. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are nearby trails, but you'll likely need a car or public transport for longer distances. Bus: SamTrans buses serve the broader San Mateo area, though service in the Highlands is more limited compared to other parts of the city. Overall, driving or rideshare services are the most convenient for getting around, while Caltrain and BART are excellent for trips to San Francisco or San Jose. - Caltrain (Goes up and down to San Francisco and San Jose) - BART (Goes to Downtown San Francisco and East Bay) - Lyft (Use referral code JEN573431) - Uber (Use referral code jcc271ue)

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.