Location: Julian, San Diego County, California, USA (In North Eastern San Diego)
Accommodations: Cabin, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-12)
Keywords: Single Family Residential home
STAY IN THE ONLY PLACE COMPLETELY STOCKED FOR KIDS AND PETS!
4-NIGHT MIN FOR HOLIDAYS! Please do not contact owner for staying less than 4 nights on holidays.
If you require 5-star accommodations, rare designer furniture, and truffles or warm cookies on your bed please check out the newer listings in Julian that can better suit your needs. We will no longer give refunds for misreading our description or not reading your contract. We realize that young kids and larger dogs create more wear and tear and have designed a cabin for those families traveling with this specific need.
Our place is decorated with a mixture of antique and new furnishings but is not so pristine you have to worry every five seconds about damaging designer pieces. We certainly expect you to take good care of the place but we have two boys, so we get the fact that they need wide open spaces to play, lots of games and toys, and if they catapult over the couch playing ninja attack when you have your back turned we understand---I mean, you can't crate train them like the dogs. Just don't have the kids wipe their hands on our custom-made drapes or have your dogs use our good dining room chairs as chew toys : )
PLEASE CHECK OUR CALENDAR BEFORE EMAILING US IF THE DATE IS AVAILABLE
If you want to "come home" and relax without hearing "there is nothing to do here" then you need to book with us. A dedicated kids room stocked with toys, games, tv/vcr (tv not connected to Dish Network), video library of children's movies and shows, as well as a train table, farmers market stand with play food, and kid-size table and chair. They will never be bored at our place which gives parents the perfect down-time. A toddler slide is located near our wildlife watering trough and there are rope swings for extra play fun. For older kids there is a Playstation2 upon request with additional deposit. Two snow discs are provided for sledding fun and plenty of hills mean you never have to leave the property! You can also walk the trails from our property.
FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS: kid-friendly cups and plates to diaper pails, Graco PacNPlay crib, 2 toddler booster high chair attachments, infant items (bath seat, toys) bouncy seat, and more ON-SITE, mean extra space in your car.
Oak Grove Family Cabin has almost 2000 square feet of living space and is located on close to an acre of land in the exclusive area of Pine Hills 4 miles from the historic town of Julian in Northern San Diego. Nestled in majestic oaks, our house sits just off the main road in a secluded hillside with views to the mountains. City lights can be seen from the downstairs porch. A wrap-around deck includes a roomy balcony deck with tables and chairs which is a great place to watch sunsets through the trees. A bird feeding plank is installed on the balcony and a wide array of birds can be viewed from inside the living room. There is an additional deck off the kitchen with another table and chairs. At night you have full view of the stars. We have made the balcony safe by installing fencing overlapping the railings. The property perimeter is fenced so that kids and dogs are prevented from wondering off. There is even a dog kennel area. Obviously this is no substitution for supervision and we do have mountain lions and possibly a wolf so please don't let kids or dogs wander beyond fence line alone. Home to the wild turkeys and deer, our water trough gives you front row seating to morning and afternoon migrations from our balcony or living room.
Cedar ceilings and walls give our place a cozy cabin feel and the home has been decorated with new furnishings. We have two floor to ceiling fireplaces, one in the living room and one in the Master Suite downstairs. Both fireplaces are equipped with Heatilators which circulate the heat back into the room. Additional heating is provided by our central heating/air system.
ROOMS: The first floor bedroom & bathroom is the Master Bedroom Suite and perfect place for an additional couple or relatives. It boasts a huge corner wood-burning fireplace. Beds include a 2-twin daybed that can join together to make a King and a private bathroom. A small covered patio is located off this bedroom.
The second floor is the main living area (has its own entrance) containing a large living room with sofa-bed and loveseat, another corner fireplace, dining room for 12, and a full kitchen. A special closet holds dog essentials.
Upstairs bedrooms include another Master with a Cal King Bed, and sliding door that leads to the balcony. The kids' room has trundle that pulls out to another King. As mentioned earlier---plenty of toys to keep them occupied from ages 6 months and up.
...and make sure to visit our blog for kid-friendly places and attractions in Julian. Scroll to bottom for web site links.
Walk up the main road and view a panoramic vista of the mountains and ocean from Mexico to the Catalina Islands.
Just minutes away are daytime adventures for you and your family including a Gold Mine tour, fishing, horseback riding, wine tasting, and a stroll through downtown Julian for shopping and a slice of world-famous apple pie.
You will find virtually everything you need for you and your family to enjoy a peaceful getaway in a private location. Check our guestbook for previous guest comments!
SMOKING allowed on wrap-around decks and balcony.
NO SMOKING or CANDLE BURNING is allowed inside home.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : central air
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Garage : Garage is available for storage and holding pets, cars have a hard time fitting as there are actually two single car garages.
- Off Street Parking : paved driveway allows for plenty of extra cars.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace (2) : must bring fire starter logs unless you are a Boyscout and can light a fire from scratch. We do not provide firewood but you are welcome to chop any logs on our property at your own risk----or just buy some wood in town.
- Beds
- King Bed (3) : Cal King in Master bedroom upstairs. Daybed in second Master downstairs is either 2 Twins or 1 King. Trundle bed in Kids Room is either 1 Twin or 1 King (twin beds do not separate)
- Queen Bed : air mattress, not tested or guaranteed to not have holes.
- Double Bed : Full Size Bed in downstairs room
- Twin/Single Bed : 2 Twin air mattresses, not tested or guaranteed to not have holes.
- Convertible Bed
- Crib : Graco Pack N Play portacrib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : USA cable on both upstairs TV in living room and downstairs TV in Master Suite.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!! Kids room TV is TV/VCR combo and does not get satellite channels
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Popular movies for adults as well as just about every kids movie known to mankind on either DVD format for living room or VHS for Kids Room.
- Video Game Console : Playstation 2 Only provided on request and with extra deposit.
- Video Games : only provided with PS2 with extra deposit.
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : we stock basic spices and such and welcome guests to leave behind unopen or nonperishable common items.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : you can even bake and apple pie and cook a holiday dinner---all pans,pots, baking dishes, cookie sheets, turkey baster, etc are provided.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : wrap-around deck leads from large front eating area to balcony/deck
- Balcony : off main living room and upstairs Master Bedroom. View of sunsets through oaks and mountains. View of city lights from downstairs porch.
- View/Location
- Mountain View : See the mountain vista through the trees from living room or balcony deck. For unobstructed view, walk up main road for panoramic mountain/ocean view.
- Communications
- Telephone : unlimited outside calling within the US. All other calls are blocked and you will need a calling card or cell phone.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Rope swings installed on different trees on the property. Snow discs are in the garage and you can snow disk or sled on hill on property.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : fencing on 2 levels provides extra security for curious pets. Dog bowls and towels are provided. Please watch pets at all times.
- Kid Friendly : Honestly--- I don't think any place in Julian that has more kid stuff than we do. Read our previous guest comments.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 25
- Smoking Allowed : ONLY ON BALCONY DECK--cigarettes must be extinguished in dirt not thrown over balcony!
- Smoking Not Allowed : ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING OR CANDLE BURNING IS ALLOWED INSIDE THE CABIN
- Activities
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Boating
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- On-site games and toys for children 6 months and up. Includes kids video library and DVDs. Kids have their own TV/VCR in-room. TV in kids room is only for watching VHS only---not connected to Dish Network Historic Gold-Mining Tour in Julian Playstation is provided on request and additional deposit required.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
July 20-Aug 30--$200 a night for weekday stay
$225/night (weeknight T-Th) .. $250/night (F-M weekends and holidays)
$1400/week .............. $3000/month
$250 refundable security deposit. Payment due at time of booking.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, & Easter require a 4-night minimum stay at weekend rate
One night OK for last-minute bookings but have $50 cleaning fee.
Rates subject to change
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2003
We purchased this home in 2003 and a month later the Cedar Fires came roaring through our woods. Most of those trees have been cut down which now creates a view to the mountain vista.
That experience combined with the San Diego fires in 2007 gave me enough motivation to leave 24 years in the film/tv industry and become and insurance agent for Farmers Insurance (note TV in kids' room is from West Wing--one of my Christmas presents from my 3 years on that show). My husband continues to work in TV and is currently on The Mentalist.
We of course don't live anywhere near San Diego with Tom's job but we love taking trips to the cabin. It is the only form of "camping" this city-girl who hates bugs and spiders does!
Why the Owner Chose Julian
I grew up in San Diego and we would take day-trips to Julian as kids. I remember getting fresh baked bread from Dudley's and placing it between my brother and I. We'd make a hole in one side of the bread like mice and eat the inside leaving the crust.
My brother ended up marrying someone who grew up in Julian so our trips from LA to Julian became frequent even in adulthood.
When this property became available around the corner from my brother's house we seized the chance to buy it. We never intended it to be a vacation cabin but when our long-term renters moved we could not find a suitable replacement. Something has to pay the mortgage and we noticed there were no places specifically geared with kids and/or pets in mind. We put off the expensive upgrades knowing the house would take more of a beating but opened up our place to families in our same situation---traveling to Julian with no suitable place to stay.
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
We love this property! My boys have a great time swinging on the rope swings for hours, chasing turkeys, or spotting deer. Even though most of the toys at the cabin were theirs, they seem to have a new-found interest in them when we are there. They have all sorts of adventures on the property within the fence. We even rented a small Quad and rode on the trails Thanksgiving. We have many upgrades in the works but as always our focus will be kid/pet friendly with long-term wear and tear in mind.
We hope your family enjoys our second home as much as we do!
Property Photos
-
- exterior of house and paved driveway - San Diego Rental
-
- half-view of full kitchen - San Diego Rental
-
- large living room with optional sleeping in sofa-bed - San Diego Rental
-
- dining room with pull out table that seats up to 8
-
- upstairs bathroom
-
- kids room with train table, kid table/chairs, trundle bed, TV/VCR, and toys
Traveler Reviews (11)
Surrounded by nature & stunning views at Oak Grove Family Cabin!
Guest: beaglelovers
(San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/22/09
Review Submitted: 07/28/11
The views from this property are incredible, and our childen enjoyed seeing a variety of wildlife throughout our stay (including many deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and more different types of birds than they could ever imagine!). The interior and exterior of the property is very well-maintained, very neat and clean, and offers many ammenties families with younger children will appreciate, as noted in the owner's description of the cabin (note: the outdoor swings and generous room to run and play outdoors were also a big hit with our 2 children, age 7 and 10!). The owner is extremely personable, responsive, and makes every effort to ensure you and your family's stay is an enjoyable one - she was wonderful to work with! We would highly recommend renting this beautiful, relaxing (quiet and private!) property, which is very reasonably priced given the interior and exterior square footage and many extras the property affords!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, age 55+, girls getaway.
marc
Guest: marc
(yuma, arizona)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10
Review Submitted: 10/18/10
we enjoyed the cabin. my family was happy and relaxed with the beutiful scenery and wild animals going thru the property. wish could have stay for a longer time!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, pet owners.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/13/08
Review Submitted: 05/13/08
I stayed at this lovely cabin with some friends and absolutely enjoyed it. It was perfect. We got to escape the hustle of everyday life and relaxed in the beautiful setting that Julian provides. This place is the perfect weekend retreat.
Recommended for:
Guest: Sandie
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/03/08
Review Submitted: 01/03/08
Hi, and happy new year! Just wanted to let you know that we loved, loved, loved our stay! The cabin is terrific - great amenities, decor, supplies, etc. And a great set-up for the little ones! Also thoroughly enjoyed the constant visits to the water trough by the numerous deer and turkeys! Thought Friday night's rain might turn to snow, but no luck! Other than that one night, the weather was cold, but super. A very relaxing, wonderful time was had by all. And yes we did have some really awesome sunsets!
Recommended for:
Guest: Winter Family1
(San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/10/07
Review Submitted: 08/10/07
What a great visit for us at this cabin! The setting is beautiful and we were instantly relaxed just sitting on the porch watching the birds. Also, it was such a delight to stay someplace where everything we needed was already there - toys, books, kid-friendly cups/dishes, even dog bowls. Not to mention all of the comforts and conveniences for the adults, too. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing visit!
Recommended for:
Guest: Gale C. Ortega
(Alta Loma, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/05/07
Review Submitted: 08/05/07
We had a wonderful weekend at your home and totally enjoyed all the amenities--especially the kids' room as we had a 4 month old and 20 month old. The peace and quiet and the stars at night were the best. Thanks for having a kitchen ready for people who love to cook!
Recommended for:
Guest: David W.
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/05/07
Review Submitted: 07/05/07
I wanted to thank Melisa for renting the Oak Grove family cabin to my family for a week. My wife and I had a very relaxing time, and the kids truly enjoyed all of the toys! This is a perfect rental for a family with young children.
Recommended for:
Guest: Jennifer Albano
(San Pedro, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/06/07
Review Submitted: 06/06/07
The Oak Grove Family Cabin was the perfect setting for our getaway weekend. We were really looking forward to escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and crowds of people on Memorial Day Weekend. Melisa thought of every detail in her home, and gave great instructions on "how-to" and "where to go." My son loved seeing the turkeys and deer everyday, and having his own room that was specifically intended for young children. Thanks for the referral to Kenner Ranch, which was the highlight of our trip!
Recommended for:
Guest: King Bike Store
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/26/07
Review Submitted: 04/26/07
The Oak Grove Family Cabin was a perfect place for a team building retreat that our company had. Its location is stunning and the cabin had all the amenities we were looking for. We especially enjoyed the wildlife. There's nothing like waking up to turkeys garbling!! We can't wait untill next season. Michael Berba Kings Bike Store,inc.
Recommended for:
Guest: GOETZ
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/16/07
Review Submitted: 03/16/07
Hi Melisa, Just wanted to thank you so much for the use of your wonderful home over the holiday weekend. We had such a great time and it was just beautiful in Pine Hills and the Julian area. We needed the down time from our hectic lives and found the area so relaxing and peaceful. You really thought of everything for the house as well, and we were so appreciative of all the little touches that made us feel so at home and comfortable. We watched the sun set through the trees on the back deck, which was a rewarding way to end each great day. Very gorgeous. We loved being able to have Holly with us. Although she is a "people" dog, and mainly likes to stick with us, I could tell she had great fun running around the deck and exploring the large lot. And,with the enclosed yard, we felt safe that if she did happen to see a squirrel or anything else "chaseable," she wouldn't run away and get lost. Thank you for allowing well-behaved dogs and recognizing that they are part of the family! I'm still trying to decide who had more fun, her or us! Anyway, thanks again. We would definitely like to come back for more peaceful relaxation and rest in Pine Hills. You have a very lovely and comfortable house. Your future upgrades sound wonderful too! The Goetz family
Recommended for:
First (10) of (11). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #121670
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - Friday, September 09, 2011
