Aptos is full of natural wonders: miles of wide sandy beaches cling to the bay, yielding to warm and pleasant valleys stretching to pristine redwood forests smothering the rugged mountains. When it comes to man-made wonders of yester-year, relatively few remain – but the Sand Rock Farm on Freedom Boulevard is certainly one of them and is a true Aptos Gem.
The property has a long history, stretching back to at least the 1880’s when the property was initially developed as a ranch and winery. In the 1990s, the property was converted for use as a bed-and-breakfast and a stunning venue for fairy-tale weddings and intimate corporate events and retreats. The’s a fantastic Santa Cruz Sentinel article about the farm which gives many of the historic details.
Today, the property comprises 10 acres with a number of structures on it dating back over 100 years. The main house oozes with Victorian-era charm; it holds five guest suites, each with their own private bathroom and jetted bath tub. There’s also the former wine cellar, which is today covered in ivy and open to the sky above, the roof having collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The redwood barn was also built over 100 years ago, and is constructed of clear-heart redwood. Today it houses a beautiful rustic bar and billiard table, perfect for events with dozens of attendees.
Individual suites can be booked from their web site with a two-day minimum stay. Longer stays may be available with a special rate especially during the off season, the perfect place to house your out-of-town guests or a wonderful stopover when moving from one home to another.
Sand Rock Farm Photo Gallery
