222 Highview Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060, Santa Cruz, 95060 - 2 bed, 1 bath

222 Highview Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060 home-pic-0
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
$4,002
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
ML82017003
Home ConditionFair
Features
Excellent View:
Deck
Patio
View-

About this home

We found 3 Cons,6 Pros. Rank: price - $2.48M(90th), sqft - 621(1th), beds - 2(18th), baths - 1(12th).

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
Condition Rating
Fair

The property, built in 1987, is aged but maintained. While the listing mentions a 'recent remodel' and the images show some updates like stainless steel kitchen appliances (range, dishwasher), newer lower kitchen cabinets, and a modern bathroom vanity, other elements remain dated. The upper kitchen cabinets are an older style, and the bathroom still features an older medicine cabinet and light fixture. The overall condition suggests regular upkeep and occasional updates rather than an extensive, full renovation to modern standards. It is functional and livable but shows signs of its age and would benefit from further aesthetic updates.
Pros & Cons

Pros

High Available Lot Utilization: The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 48352, living area = 621.
Panoramic Views: Offers unparalleled panoramic views of wildlands, coastal prairie, ocean, redwoods, and stunning sunsets, providing a unique and highly desirable aesthetic.
Significant Development Potential: A level, acre-plus, buildable parcel with favorable RR Rural Residential zoning, explicitly designed for constructing a custom large dream home.
Exclusive & Private Location: Situated as the last end-of-the-road parcel in a hidden, close-to-town community on the Upper West Side, bordered by a Natural Reserve, ensuring peace and seclusion.
Pre-Installed Infrastructure: A new septic system installed in 2006 and sized for a 4-bedroom house significantly reduces future development costs and planning hurdles for a new build.
Functional Existing Cottage/ADU: A recently remodeled 700 sqft cottage (1 bed + loft) provides immediate utility as a guest house, ADU, or temporary residence during new construction.

Cons

Limited Existing Living Space: The current dwelling is a small 700 sqft cottage, requiring significant additional investment and construction to achieve a primary residence suitable for the property's value.
Substantial Future Investment Required: The high list price primarily reflects land value and potential, meaning buyers must be prepared for considerable additional costs and time for new construction.
Construction Project Inherent: Realizing the property's full potential necessitates undertaking a major construction project, which can be a deterrent for buyers seeking an immediate move-in ready home.

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