Listing Owner user icon

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (25)
Independent Scholar or Retired Academic

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (25)
Independent Scholar or Retired Academic
Listing Owner user icon

View Home Ideally located between San Francisco, Stanford (Palo Alto)

San Carlos, California, United States
Preferred Destination: United Kingdom
Alternate Destinations: Spain | France | Open to any destination

House
Available Dates:
From August 30, 2026 until December 19, 2026
Additional Dates:
From March 1, 2027 until December 15, 2027

Description

EXCHANGE (3 weeks to 2+ months+ ) ALSO-- NEW YORK, PORTUGAL, NETHERLANDS, AUSTRIA, EASTERN EUROPE, CANADA, ANY location Europe or worldwide close to a major city, also including access to nature HOME is a classic comfortable vintage-style home in an upscale town between San Francisco and Palo Alto. One level--no stairs. Light and bright--a wall of windows offers views over San Francisco Bay. There is an electric fireplace, hardwood & laminate floors, an updated kitchen with all modern conveniences. There are 2 bedrooms (one doubles as an office) w/queen & twin (or queen) beds. Sofabed also available. Bath includes tub and separate shower. THE GARDEN is large and private; terraced, planted with herbs, roses, fruit trees, and a towering redwood tree, bird feeders. Both a sunning patio with BBQ and a breakfast porch off the kitchen are invitations to enjoy one of the best micro-climates in the region. Lovely all year, with dry summers, full of warm sunshine most days when San Francisco is often foggy and Berkeley/East Bay and San Jose/Silicon Valley can be too hot. Fall and spring are especially beautiful, but winter storms (& rainbows) are lovely to watch from the living room windows. NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATION is a quiet street at the end of a ‘cul de sac,’ about 20 miles south of San Francisco, 8 miles north of Stanford University. 10 mi. to airport. It is a very safe, secure and calm family neighborhood with excellent schools—close to the City, yet a serene suburban escape. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS include public transit by commute train & bus as well as easy car access to 2 major freeways. NO bridges to cross to the City avoids expensive bridge tolls, plus free toll lane access with 3 or more gets around traffic jams. The train (12 min. walk) has frequent regular service to San Francisco (30-40 min.) and Stanford (3rd stop, 10-14 min.), as well as to the Millbrae BART subway station for transfers to other parts of SF and beyond (Berkeley). My 2020 hybrid Toyota RAV 4 SUV is available for exchange. WALKING AND BIKING --15 minute walk to a charming European-style town center, with a weekly farmer's street market, outdoor cafes, numerous parks, a wonderful public library, excellent public schools and quirky, artistic shops. Many international restaurants in town include Mexican, Central Europe, Burmese, Korean, Peruvian, Greek, Italian, Afghan etc. and regional US eateries such as Creole, Hawaiian and southern BBQ. We have wine bars, craft beer pubs, alfresco dining, and restaurants that offer music on weekends. Our neighboring town has a concert venue, nightclub, live theater, multiplex cinema and entertainment district. CLOSE-BY in town are many parks, nature hiking areas, an airplane/helicopter museum, and comprehensive hospital. Major shopping malls are close. Nearby (10 min.to 1 hour by auto) one can hike Bay marshes, forests & rollings hills or frolic on the Pacific Ocean beaches. Easy overnight trips to seaside Monterey, Carmel, and the extensive Napa Valley wine country. Yosemite, Las Vegas, LA are good for 3-4 + days' trips. We are retired education professionals. I am an EU citizen. Responsible, flexible, congenial, progressive. Have done many home exchanges through a different website. We have an extensive tourist and cultural event library and are delighted to tailor recommendations and insider tips based on guests' interests. 2nd home available in culture & wilderness-rich Ashland, Oregon (home of 8-mo rep theater festival of 8 plays, including many Shakespeare) & summer-long outdoor music festival also available. Wild river rafting, hiking & mountain biking featured outdoor activities. Info. available on request. Ideal for a visiting scholar (at Stanford or San Francisco Universities) or working tech professionals on temporary contract. Best for 4 persons, 6 max. Suitable for children aged 4 and older.

Bedrooms
2

Bathrooms
1

Offices
0

Size
1,200 ft2

Suited For
5

Property Type
House

Availability

From August 30, 2026 until December 19, 2026

Additional Dates

From March 1, 2027 until December 15, 2027

Minimum Stay

3 Weeks | Dates are flexible for this listing | Open to non-simultaneous exchanges

Comments: Flexible dates- especially for long term exchanges of 3 - 4 months.

Location

House in San Carlos, California, United States

Closest University

Stanford University

Nearby Universities
University of California (San Francisco medical campus) | San Francisco State University | University of San Francisco
Neighborhood

San Francisco Peninsula

Nearby Cities

San Francisco | Palo Alto | San Mateo

Comments: Charming, Upscale, walkable town with European style downtown. Great access to transit and freeways. Best micro-climate. Familhy-friendly. Restaurants, wine bars & micro-breweries. Central to all Bay Area attractions.

Explore the Area

Surroundings

  • Suburban
  • Near Ocean or Lake
  • Near Woods
  • Near Park
  • Near Restaurants
  • Near Neighborhood School
  • Near Shops
  • Near Public Transportation

Exchange Terms

Utilities are included

A cleaning service can be discussed

Considerations

Ask about the suitability of the home for young kids

Ask about bringing pets

Smoking is not allowed

A car is available

Features

Interior

Furnished

Connectivity

High Speed Internet

Wi-Fi

TV

Printer

Exterior

Balcony or Patio

Garden

Dedicated Parking

Backyard

Temperature Control

Fireplace

Security

Security System

Appliances

Oven

Stove

Microwave

Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Washer

Dryer

Comments: End of quiet cul-de-sac. Great views of Bay and twinkling city lights.

Our Travel Preferences

Who's Coming?

Party of
5
2 Adults

Our Destinations

Preferred Destination

United Kingdom

Alternate Destination

Spain

Alternate Destination

France

Flexibility

Open to a home exchange in any destination

Comments: NEW YORK, PORTUGAL, NETHERLANDS, AUSTRIA, EASTERN EUROPE, CANADA, ANY location Europe or worldwide close to a major city, also including access to nature

What We Are Looking for


Bedrooms
2


Bathrooms
1


Offices
0


Size
1,250 ft2

Smoking

I prefer smoking not allowed in the home

Car

I would like a car if possible

Comments: Car is not necessary, but car exchange would be possible.

Reviews

There are no reviews posted here yet.

Listing Owner user icon

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (25)
Independent Scholar or Retired Academic

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (25)
Independent Scholar or Retired Academic
Listing Owner user icon