How It Began

In 1991, Mark and Barbara Beck found a quiet patch of land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and knew they had discovered something extraordinary. What started as a private family estate — a place to raise children and walk beneath ancient redwoods — slowly revealed itself as something much larger.

Barbara, the 38th employee at Cisco Systems, sold her stock options and poured her vision into expanding the property. Over the years, the family stewarded the land with patience and care, cultivating 36 acres of lush gardens while preserving the towering coastal redwood canopy that defines the spirit of this place.

On June 4, 1998, Nestldown was formally established as a California limited liability company. What began as a personal refuge has since grown into one of Northern California's most beloved private event destinations.

The Property

Nestldown sits on 180 private acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just a scenic 20-minute drive from Silicon Valley. The estate features an open-air chapel nestled among redwoods, a glass barn with soaring ceilings for receptions, a vintage London taxi, and a charming steam train that carries guests through the forest.

Our gardens evolve with every season — from 19,000 tulips and flowering cherries in early spring to persimmons ripening in the orchard each fall. There is always something beautiful to see, and every visit offers a new face of the land.

Our Philosophy

We believe that the best celebrations happen when people feel connected to something real — to the earth, to each other, and to the moment. That is why every wedding, corporate retreat, and private gathering at Nestldown is designed to feel less like an event and more like a gathering of family.

Sustainability is not a slogan here. It is how we live. All redwood used in our products comes from salvaged or reclaimed sources. Our gardens are maintained without harmful chemicals. And our team treats the land as a legacy to be passed forward, not a resource to be spent.

Giving Back

Nestldown has always been more than a business. We are proud to partner with Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, hosting annual camps for families of children undergoing cancer treatment. These gatherings remind us why we do what we do — creating spaces where people can heal, connect, and feel at home.

Our Shop

The Nestldown shop was born from a simple idea: let people take a piece of this place home with them. Every item in our collection — from hand-poured redwood forest candles to seed paper wedding favors — is inspired by the gardens, the forest, and the quiet magic of celebrating beneath the trees.

Whether you are planning your own event or simply want to surround yourself with the warmth of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we hope our collection helps you create moments worth remembering.