Became a member in: 1997
Renewal Date: 18/Jul/2024
We are a married couple with two grown children, both married, and four grandchildren. Doug retired in 2008 from teaching physics at the local community college. Leslie retired at the same time from a local hospital medical library and education department, and has since enjoyed writing. We are non-smokers with no pets, and have enjoyed 26 previous exchanges in France, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Ireland and Australia. All were very successful and we are happy to provide references.
We enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, sailing, nature and the outdoors. And, of course, good food and friendly people :-)
Additional languages spoken
French
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
Wine Lovers,
Foodies,
The Arts
MoreLessAffiliations
University Professors,
Teachers / Education Professionals,
Retirees,
Seniors,
Medical & Healthcare Professionals,
Science / Research
MoreLessProfession
teacher, writer (Retired)
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
No Children Please
Use of Personal Car is preferred
| Open to all dates | France |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Bright airy home with garden spa in quiet park setting on beautiful Monterey Bay. Short walk through park to beach, and easy drives to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey, the Napa Valley wine country and the Sierras including Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. Of course, the entire California coast is spectacular!
Our three bedroom home is modern and comfortable, with high vaulted ceilings and many windows. The downstairs master bedroom has a queen-sized bed and attached bath. The two upstairs bedrooms (one with double bed, one used as a study) share a second bath. Our peaceful garden includes a spacious redwood deck, welcoming hot tub (spa), and comfortable cedar swing.
Type
House - 2 or more floors/ Main Residence
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
Our home is on a private, dead-end street with virtually no traffic and friendly neighbors. A 5 minute walk out our back gate takes us through a park to a cliff overlooking the ocean. From there a trail winds down to a wide, sandy beach where you can jog, walk or swim and enjoy the waves and pelicans. And maybe dolphins!
Although it feels very rural our home is only minutes away from excellent supermarkets, shops, cafes, bakeries, movie theaters, restaurants, attractions and numerous outdoor activities. While our address is officially in Aptos, we are closer in both distance and spirit to Capitola, a charming beachside community. Capitola, like all of Monterey Bay, has a very casual atmosphere and friendly informal culture.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Nearby Capitola Village is a charming place to visit (www.cityofcapitola.org/community/page/about-capitola), with shops, art galleries and restaurants. Santa Cruz, just 10 minutes north, boasts a BIG roller coaster and world-class surfing (www.santacruz.org). Monterey (www.monterey.org), less than an hour south, has a picturesque fisherman's wharf and the famous "cannery row" where sardine factories have been replaced by a world-class aquarium, shops and restaurants.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
Leisure and cultural activities
Walks or jogging paths
Health or fitness clubs
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
We're open to both simultaneous and non-simultaneous exchanges. We strongly prefer to exchange cars except for nearby exchanges. We prefer to exchange with other retired couples but we will entertain offers from families with 1-2 well-mannered children (note however that they would have to share a double bed).
We have 2 bicycles that you are welcome to use.
We use home exchange agreements for all our exchanges so there are no surprises. Our home will be clean when you arrive and your home will be clean when we leave. We will take excellent care of your home and car and will expect the same of you.
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
Local home swap representatives around the world to assist you
Travel, save and feel at home around the world!
