Nestled in one of the most sought-after locations in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 281 Olson Road offers a rare combination of peaceful seclusion and exceptional access. Just minutes from commuter routes, downtown Soquel, and Capitola, you'll also be close to beloved local favorites like Gayles Bakery, Bargetto Winery, world-class surf at The Point, and scenic trails in Nisene Marks and Demonstration Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts and garden lovers alike will appreciate the expansive, beautifully landscaped grounds featuring mature plantings, raised garden beds, a tranquil koi pond, and private river access, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. The patio invites al fresco dining beneath the stars, where the unspoiled night sky offers breathtaking stargazing. Inside, the home is filled with natural light, thanks to abundant windows that frame serene views of the surrounding forest. The bedroom opens to a private patio through sliding glass doors, an ideal spot to ease into your day with a quiet cup of coffee. This is more than a home, it's a peaceful retreat and a truly special opportunity not to be missed.
Single-familyProperty Type
1930Year Built
1.73 acresLot Size
$906Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
3 spacesParking
Listed by The The Madani Team•DRE #70010074• Room Real Estate
Nestled in one of the most sought-after locations in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 281 Olson Road offers a rare combination of peaceful seclusion and exceptional access. Just minutes from commuter routes, downtown Soquel, and Capitola, you'll also be close to beloved local favorites like Gayles Bakery, Bargetto Winery, world-class surf at The Point, and scenic trails in Nisene Marks and Demonstration Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts and garden lovers alike will appreciate the expansive, beautifully landscaped grounds featuring mature plantings, raised garden beds, a tranquil koi pond, and private river access, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. The patio invites al fresco dining beneath the stars, where the unspoiled night sky offers breathtaking stargazing. Inside, the home is filled with natural light, thanks to abundant windows that frame serene views of the surrounding forest. The bedroom opens to a private patio through sliding glass doors, an ideal spot to ease into your day with a quiet cup of coffee. This is more than a home, it's a peaceful retreat and a truly special opportunity not to be missed.
Public Records
Aug 6, 2002
Sold
$425,000
$335/sq ft
Public Records
Oct 4, 2000
Sold
$290,000
$229/sq ft
Public Records
Oct 29, 1984
Sold
$70,000
$55/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$7,451 (+5.2%)
$488,091 + $127,456
$615,547
2024
$7,080 (+3.1%)
$478,521 + $124,957
$603,478
2023
$6,871 (+1.4%)
$478,521 + $124,957
$603,478
2022
$6,776 (+4.0%)
$469,138 + $122,507
$591,645
2021
$6,518 (+1.1%)
$459,939 + $120,105
$580,044
2020
$6,444 (+1.7%)
$450,921 + $117,750
$568,671
2019
$6,336 (+1.7%)
$446,297 + $116,542
$562,839
2018
$6,227 (+4.0%)
$437,546 + $114,257
$551,803
2017
$5,989 (+3.5%)
$420,555 + $109,819
$530,374
2016
$5,785 (+3.2%)
$420,555 + $109,819
$530,374
2015
$5,607 (+1.8%)
$412,309 + $107,666
$519,975
2014
$5,509 (+9.3%)
$398,161 + $103,972
$502,133
2013
$5,038 (+3.8%)
$398,161 + $103,972
$502,133
2012
$4,854 (−2.6%)
$360,995 + $94,265
$455,260
2011
$4,983 (+2.4%)
$347,110 + $90,640
$437,750
2010
$4,867 (−5.6%)
$357,220 + $93,280
$450,500
2009
$5,158 (+0.5%)
$350,480 + $91,520
$442,000
2008
$5,133
$370,700 + $96,800
$467,500
Tax history for 281 Olson Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$7,451 (+5.2%)
$488,091 + $127,456
$615,547
2024
$7,080 (+3.1%)
$478,521 + $124,957
$603,478
2023
$6,871 (+1.4%)
$478,521 + $124,957
$603,478
2022
$6,776 (+4.0%)
$469,138 + $122,507
$591,645
2021
$6,518 (+1.1%)
$459,939 + $120,105
$580,044
2020
$6,444 (+1.7%)
$450,921 + $117,750
$568,671
2019
$6,336 (+1.7%)
$446,297 + $116,542
$562,839
2018
$6,227 (+4.0%)
$437,546 + $114,257
$551,803
2017
$5,989 (+3.5%)
$420,555 + $109,819
$530,374
2016
$5,785 (+3.2%)
$420,555 + $109,819
$530,374
2015
$5,607 (+1.8%)
$412,309 + $107,666
$519,975
2014
$5,509 (+9.3%)
$398,161 + $103,972
$502,133
2013
$5,038 (+3.8%)
$398,161 + $103,972
$502,133
2012
$4,854 (−2.6%)
$360,995 + $94,265
$455,260
2011
$4,983 (+2.4%)
$347,110 + $90,640
$437,750
2010
$4,867 (−5.6%)
$357,220 + $93,280
$450,500
2009
$5,158 (+0.5%)
$350,480 + $91,520
$442,000
2008
$5,133
$370,700 + $96,800
$467,500
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
1
Baths
1
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
1.73 Acres
Year renovated
1930
Sq. Ft.
665
Year built
1930
Style
Vacant Land
County
Santa Cruz County
APN
09903115
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 10, 2026.
RA
Residential Agricultural District
To provide areas of residential use where development is limited to a range of non-urban densities of single-family dwellings in areas outside the urban services line and rural services line; on lands suitable for development with adequate water, septic system suitability, vehicular access, and fire protection; with adequate protection of natural resources; with adequate protection from natural hazards; and where small-scale commercial agriculture, such as animal-keeping, truck farming and specialty crops, can take place in conjunction with the primary use of the property as residential.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Carport (Minimum): 2
Parking Description: Carport, Uncovered Parking
Parking Spaces: 3
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bedroom Information
# of Bedrooms (Minimum): 2
# of Bedrooms (Maximum): 2
Bathroom Information
# of Baths (Full): 2
Bathroom Description: Shower Over Tub
Room Information
Dining Room Description: Eat in Kitchen, Skylight(s)