
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Analysis of 222 Highview Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95060 is currently available with a list price of $2,485,000. The property maintains a Excellent Condition Rating (95/100), indicating excellent structural integrity and modern finishes throughout. This turnkey property requires minimal updates and is ready for immediate occupancy. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Santa Cruz Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.
Property is new construction or fully renovated.
The existing cottage has undergone a comprehensive recent remodel, featuring modern interior finishes, updated flooring, and a contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The bathroom is fully modernized with current fixtures and tiling, and the overall structure shows no signs of deferred maintenance, making it move-in ready as a high-quality ADU or guest house.
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.
The acre-plus level lot comes with a septic system already sized for a four-bedroom residence, providing a turnkey foundation for building a large custom estate while retaining the existing cottage as a legal ADU.
Situated at the end of a private road on Santa Cruz's Upper West Side and bordering a Natural Reserve, the property offers a rare 'close-in country' lifestyle that combines extreme seclusion with proximity to city amenities.
At a multi-million dollar price point, the current habitable space is limited to a modest 700-square-foot cottage, meaning the buyer is primarily paying for land value and future potential rather than immediate luxury square footage.
To realize the property's full value, the purchaser must undertake the significant time and financial investment required for new construction, which may be a deterrent for those seeking a move-in ready primary estate.
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.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 2.0 | 3.0 | 26% |
| Baths | 1.0 | 3.0 | 18% |
| Square foot | 621 | 1,706 | 2% |
| Lot Size | 48,352 | 7,100 | 84% |
| Price | $2.48M | $1.38M | 91% |
| Price per sq ft | $4.0K | $845 | 98% |
| Built year | 1987 | 1978 | 75% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 260 | 100 | 91% |
Aug 27, 2025
$2,485,000
$2,700,000
-8% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Aug 5, 2025
$2,700,000
Initial Listing