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Mid-century retreat w/ atrium & yard

San Mateo, CA, United States
6
3
2

About

Welcome to your peaceful Bay Area retreat in San Mateo’s Highlands – where mid-century charm meets comfort & space: - Sleeps 6 | 3 bedrooms | 3 beds | 2 baths - Enclosed atrium & private fenced backyard - Fire pit, BBQ & outdoor dining area - Indoor fireplace & air conditioning - Full kitchen & dining space - Dedicated workspace w/ fast Wi-Fi - Family-friendly, single-level home w/ free parking

Good to know

Sunlight filters through a red maple tree as you sip your morning coffee in the enclosed atrium, surrounded by the quiet calm of San Mateo’s Highlands. Evenings bring warmth from the wood-burning fireplace inside or the glow of the fire pit under a starlit sky. Designed for comfort and connection, this single-level Eichler home blends mid-century charm with open, airy spaces and a private outdoor retreat. Sleeping arrangements The home accommodates up to six guests across three sleeping areas. Two bedrooms each feature a queen bed, while a den with a fold-down sofa provides an additional sleeping option. The primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and the second full bathroom offers a deep soaking tub and essential amenities. Indoor living Built in 1956 and renovated in 2017, the home retains its signature Eichler architecture with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a natural flow between spaces. Relax in the open living area or work comfortably in the private office, complete with a door and a dedicated workspace. Air conditioning, heating, and a wood-burning indoor fireplace ensure comfort year-round. Kitchen & dining The full kitchen invites easy meal preparation with stainless steel appliances, cooking basics, and a coffee maker for quiet mornings. A large dining table brings everyone together, whether for a casual breakfast or a family dinner. Outdoor living Experience California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle in the enclosed atrium and private, fully fenced backyard. Enjoy the landscaped patio with an 8-person dining area, BBQ grill, fire pit, and outdoor furniture for relaxed gatherings and evening meals beneath the stars. Amenities Enjoy conveniences like a free washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and a 42-inch TV with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Roku. Essentials such as towels, linens, soap, and toilet paper are provided, along with safety features including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a first aid kit, and exterior security cameras by the front door. Free parking is available both on the property and on the street, and guests can check in easily via lockbox. Neighborhood Located in San Mateo’s scenic Highlands, the home offers access to parks, hiking trails, and a community center with a playground, swimming pool, and tennis courts. It’s just 15 minutes from San Francisco International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco, providing a peaceful setting within easy reach of city attractions. Perfect for Families, remote workers, and travelers seeking a serene Bay Area stay surrounded by mid-century design, comfort, and the beauty of California living.

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

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

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.
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.

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.