Mid-century retreat w/ BBQ & patio

San Mateo, CA, United States
6
3
2

About

Welcome to your mid-century Bay Area retreat in San Mateo’s tranquil Highlands neighborhood! - Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms inclu. den | 3 beds | 2 baths - Enclosed atrium w/ red maple tree & mural - Private backyard w/ BBQ, fire pit & dining area - Wood-burning indoor fireplace - Air conditioning & in-unit washer/dryer - Family-friendly setting near parks & trails

Good to know

Morning light filters through floor-to-ceiling glass as you step into a peaceful atrium shaded by a red maple tree. The quiet hum of the Highlands fills the air, framed by rolling hills and open sky. Evenings invite you to unwind by the wood-burning fireplace or gather in the backyard for dinner beneath the stars. Sleeping arrangements This single-level Eichler home comfortably sleeps six guests across two bedrooms and a den. Each bedroom features a queen bed with soft linens and thoughtful touches. The den includes a fold-down sofa that converts into a cozy sleeping space. The primary suite has a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, while the second full bath offers a deep soaking tub. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, and other essentials are provided. Indoor living Designed in 1956 and thoughtfully renovated, this mid-century home blends open space and natural light. The living area features high ceilings and a wood-burning indoor fireplace, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A flat-screen TV with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Roku offers plenty of entertainment. The home includes heating, air conditioning, and in-unit laundry with a washer and dryer for added comfort. Kitchen & dining Cook with ease in the fully equipped kitchen, complete with a refrigerator, gas stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Cooking basics such as pots, pans, oil, salt, and pepper are included, along with dishes, silverware, and wine glasses. Enjoy meals together at the dining table or bring your coffee to the atrium for a quiet start to the day. Outdoor living Step into the enclosed atrium where a custom mural and red maple tree set a serene tone. Beyond the glass, the private backyard is fully fenced and landscaped for relaxation and outdoor dining. The patio features an 8-person dining area, fire pit, BBQ grill, and comfortable furniture - perfect for evening gatherings or weekend meals in the fresh air. Neighborhood Located in San Mateo’s Highlands neighborhood, the home offers a tranquil setting among mid-century houses designed by Joseph Eichler. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, parks, and scenic views. You’ll find hiking trails, a community center with a pool and tennis courts, and convenient access to nearby shopping and dining. San Francisco International Airport is about 15 minutes away, and downtown San Francisco is 20 minutes by car. Guest access Guests have full access to the house and garden. The garage is not available for parking, though driveway and street parking are free and easy. Two bedrooms do not have curtains, but privacy is maintained by the home’s layout and exterior walls. Quiet, peaceful, and connected to nature, this home offers a classic Bay Area stay where comfort meets mid-century design.

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

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

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo

Bedroom and laundry

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

Common

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

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo

Bedroom and laundry

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

Heating and cooling

  • Indoor fireplace

Home safety

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

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

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

Parking and facilities

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

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

Ming
September 2025 · Airbnb
We stayed at Dena’s for two nights, and everyone absolutely loved it! The amount of work she’s put into the house is truly spectacular — striking the perfect balance between thoughtful design and cozy comfort. We played golf at Half Moon Bay, enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner in Burlingame, and some of us flew back through SFO — all just within a 30-minute drive. What an incredible place to stay! Highly recommended.
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.