Calm retreat w/ atrium & fire pit

San Mateo, CA, United States
6
3
2

About

Welcome to your peaceful Bay Area escape - a cozy single-level home made for calm days & fireside evenings. - Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms | 3 beds | 2 baths - Wood-burning fireplace & winter-friendly enclosed atrium - Private backyard w/ fire pit, outdoor dining & BBQ - Kitchen, dining area & dedicated workspace - Free parking, Wi-Fi & in-unit laundry

Good to know

Soft winter light settles across each room as you step inside, creating an easy sense of calm that suits the quieter season in the Bay Area. Evenings naturally gather around the wood-burning fireplace or out in the fenced backyard, where the fire pit offers a warm place to unwind in the cool air. With single-level living and a private entrance, the home provides a peaceful base for slow mornings, remote work, and unhurried days exploring San Mateo and beyond. Sleeping arrangements The home sleeps up to six guests across three sleeping spaces. Two bedrooms each offer a queen-size bed, creating comfortable retreats after time spent around the Bay Area. A fold-down sofa in the den adds flexibility and completes the sleeping setup. The primary suite includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, while a second full bath features a deep soaking tub. Indoor spaces Built in 1956 and renovated in 2017, the interior maintains mid-century character with a simple, open layout and plenty of natural light. The living area centers on a wood-burning fireplace that becomes especially inviting during winter stays. A dedicated workspace with a door and fast Wi-Fi supports focused time, whether you are working remotely or streaming on the 42 inch TV with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Roku. Throughout the home, essentials like heating, air conditioning, and in-unit laundry add comfort and convenience. Kitchen & dining The kitchen provides the essentials for preparing meals at home, supported by a gas stove, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee maker. An open layout keeps conversations easy while cooking, and the nearby dining table offers a relaxed setting for shared meals at any time of day. Outdoor living The enclosed atrium, accented by a custom mural, creates a sheltered indoor-outdoor space well suited to the cooler season. When the weather allows, the fully fenced private backyard offers a fire pit, outdoor furniture, outdoor dining area, and a BBQ grill, giving you options for fresh air without leaving the property. Amenities Guests have access to Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, air conditioning, heating, bathroom essentials, a private entrance, self check-in via lockbox, and complimentary parking on the premises or on the street. Safety features include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and an exterior Nest Camera by the front door facing the street. Neighborhood Set in the Highlands neighborhood of San Mateo, the home offers quiet surroundings with convenient access to the broader Bay Area. Whether you are spending your days on nearby trails, exploring local dining and shopping, or taking day trips toward San Francisco, the location provides a restful place to return to. Perfect for... Guests seeking a calm, design-forward space for working remotely, enjoying fireside evenings, or exploring Northern California while staying in a home that emphasizes warmth, comfort, and thoughtful detail. Please note: two bedrooms do not have curtains, but privacy is ensured due to exterior wall placement. No parties or events allowed, and occupancy must not exceed the reservation count.

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. ✅ The home is just 20-30 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

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Fire pit
  • Garden or backyard
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio

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

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Fire pit
  • Garden or backyard
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio

Bedroom and laundry

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

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo

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

Heating and cooling

  • Indoor fireplace

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

Location features

  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

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

Brooke
January 2026 · Airbnb
My family loved staying in this stunning MCM Eichler home—it felt special the moment we walked in, with original artworks that made the space feel well-curated, warm and inviting. The hosts were incredibly kind and responsive, making everything easy from start to finish, even being so kind to go out of their way to return something we accidentally left behind. The location was perfect for exploring the Bay Area, and we truly felt at home here. We’d happily stay again. Thank you, Dena and Jen!
Nisha
January 2026 · Airbnb
This is a great place for those who appreciate art and design. It’s a beautiful home. We also really appreciated the well stocked kitchen and enjoyed preparing meals after a long road trip. Additionally, the host was extremely responsive - we must have asked a million questions prior to our arrival - and we got such prompt responses!
Daniel
December 2025 · Airbnb
Dena’s place was so peaceful. We loved the floor to ceiling windows which brought such a feeling of spaciousness to the main living area and to the primary bedroom. She was very responsive to any questions we had during our stay which we appreciated. We will definitely come back again!
Rahul
October 2025 · Airbnb
The place was amazing! Spacious, artistically made and at a great location. A lot of utensils, plates and amenities. We stayed for almost 2 weeks and we were at home. Some nice trails nearby as well.

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.