Location: Big Sur, Central Coast, California, USA (12 Miles South of Carmel on Highway 1)
Accommodations: Cabin, 1 Bedroom + Sunroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 3-5)
Keywords: Bungalow
Rustic paradise 12 miles south of Carmel in north Big Sur, less than 1 mile east of Hwy 1. A 5 - 10 minute walk up a steep, zigzag trail through redwoods takes you to a sunny slope with lush gardens and charming, unique multilevel dwellings created by Big Sur artist/carpenter/gardener/owner/resident.
Renew and refresh yourself in a natural environment with spring water, ocean and sage-scented air, and simple amenities. Enchanting hillside gardens provide many places to relax and enjoy the views above the redwood canopy alive with humming- birds, bees and butter flies
Unconventional and without commercial gloss, this is a place to experience the Big Sur lifestyle. Amenities include variable bedding options, towels, cooking utensils, dishware and cookware, a propane burner and water heater, fridge, and complimentary wifi internet access.
Bring good hiking shoes and be prepared to carry your food and personal supplies. It is also recommended that first-time visitors arrive before sundown to navigate the trail and property.
Carmel and all its refinements are only a 15-minute drive away and the Big Sur valley 20 minutes away. Come and enjoy a totally unique, unusual experience in a secluded paradise off the beaten path.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Ocean View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$75 per night for single
$150 per night for 2, $25 for each additional adult
weekly rates $700 + tax for 2
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1969
Don Loui is a carpenter/gardener/artist who has lived in the area for most of his life. He has built and designed a number of homes, cabins, and structures with a unique and environmentally creative flare... He invites you to share the whimsical elements his architectural creations and magical landscaping have to offer.
Why the Owner Chose Big Sur
"Although ,I was born here ,I didn't grow up here. My parents brought me back here when I was 17 and said this would be a good place for me to live. I just started homesteading here and felt so lucky to be here and to build and garden and watch my son, Zack, grow up amid all this beauty. I never dreamed this small acreage would turn out to be such wonderland " ~Don Loui
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
Experience the clean air of the redwood canyon, enjoy the temperate climate of the sea and the smell of sage-covered hills. You can unwind and find inspiration on the meandering trails through subtropical gardens amid the full spectrum of native microclimates --from the deep cool canyon bottom by the creek, to the grassy flat drum circle, through a watery willow glen, and higher up into the sun parched chaparral where a Round House and yoga deck exists for viewing the ocean and surrounding hills.
Property Photos
-
- - Big Sur, Central Coast, CA Cabin with Mountain View, High Speed Internet, Wildlife Viewing and Sightseeing
-
- - Big Sur, Central Coast, CA Cabin with Mountain View, High Speed Internet, Wildlife Viewing and Sightseeing
-
- - Big Sur, Central Coast, CA Cabin with Mountain View, High Speed Internet, Wildlife Viewing and Sightseeing
Traveler Reviews (6)
What an amazing property!
Guest: Jess
(Bloomington)
Date of Stay: 07/22/11
Review Submitted: 12/06/11
I have never seen or experienced anything like this before -- and I don't think I will unless I return! As soon as I saw "hike up" and that the cabins are made of redwood, I knew I just had to stay here! And it was so amazing! Quite romantic too, not in a glitzy way, but in a serene, heartfelt way. The property is located off possibly the most gorgeous stretch of highway in the world, a short 20 minute drive into Carmel, but it's a different world when you arrive at the property itself. The "hike" up to the property is not nearly as difficult as I'd imagined. There are multiple resting spots, two with a bench, and the whole way up is a fragrant treat for your senses! The kitchen was well equipped and the beds were very comfortable! Even in July, it got chilly in the evenings and it was nice to crawl into a comfortable bed with puffy pillows and lots of warm blankets! There is no shower in the Rainbow house -- only a bathtub. But the water is hot as ever! Finally, just FYI, there was no mobile phone service, but the internet was reliable and fast (think: teenagers!). You need a car to be able to get to and from the property. Thank you, Don, for a wonderful place and a wonderful time! Take care!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
mystical hideaway in treelike setting!!!
Guest: Dave and Debbie
(Ontario, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11
Review Submitted: 11/29/11
My husband An I were in awe of the whole place. we stayed in the Dragon house, but Don let us trip around in the Rainbow house too since we were the only guest.The whole place is a colorful mystic wonderland. Treasures everywhere you look. A meditation deck, a yoga tower, ponds, beautiful foliage. A very zen like atmosphere. Don an Zack are two very creative men, and we felt blessed to be able to come stay in their play-land they call home. We wish we could of packed our belonging and just stayed on. There's so much more to experience, but you'll need to come yourself and find the rest of the treasures. This is a place we definitely will be returning to time an time again. Thank you Don for being so generous and sharing your artistic talent with the rest of us. You truly are a remarkable artist and man.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Visit a work of art.
Guest: Judith
(Missouri)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 10/16/11
This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I felt like my childhood dreams of living in a tree house had come true. The gardens are brillant with fountains and detail. Everywhere you look you see beauty. Don is one of the nicest and amazing people you will meet. He is very helpful with any questions you have. His lising is accurate and the photos reflect the property. Nepenthe.is a fun place to hang out the more views. The Fernwood Resort is the place for dinner and drinks. They have a live music on Saturday nights and you will meet some cool people. I had a great time. I would recommend the trip to my friends and family. I hope to visit Don and the Fernwood again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.
More than a cabin in the woods; it's an experience!
Guest: Ingrid
(Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
So... I was all packed with a suitcase for this "Mystery Place" that Bill was taking me to for our 33rd anniversary, when I happened to walk into the bedroom & saw TWO big hiking backpacks. Not the day backpacks mind you, but full-on backpacking backpacks where you carry all your food & clothes & sleeping bag...uh oh...where is he taking me?? He was obviously enjoying the surprise aspect as I repacked... it's different tossing things in a suitcase & packing stuff you're carrying on your back. The next morning, all Bill told me was that we had a minimum of 1 hour drive and a maximum of 4 hrs; he was REALLY enjoying keeping me in suspense. Two hours later, this is where we ended up! The five photos in the ad don't do it justice but it does give you a tease as to what awaited us at the RAINBOW HOUSE! Very Bohemian! I felt like I was back in the late 60s when Hippies ruled the world! The ad says sleeps 3-5 but I can count enough beds for 10, plus another 4 could sleep on the 3rd level deck to sleep under the stars. So, though it COULD sleep 14, it would be ideal for 2 couples because there's one room that we're calling the Tree House that's on its own level & separated from the rest of the house. So quirky...some parts admittedly showing wear but if you just let go & enjoy the experience, it's very COOL! Bill said it's not meant to be a 5-star hotel but it’s much more than a rustic cabin in the woods. The first day, we just drank in the quiet & BBQ’d a great steak dinner. Playing guitar in the canyon provided its own amplification. The next day, we hiked behind the house, found the yoga/massage hexagon, then further on a funny shrine, a triangular meditation spot, a swing, benches & chairs tucked into plant filled corners, hidden handmade water-tricklers, at least three ponds, a drum circle, apple/orange/nectarine trees and garden spots everywhere. Very steep & tough on my back & knees but loved finding new treasures around every turn. On the way back home, we explored Point Lobos, one of our favorite places for land-to-sea rejuvenation. Two days later, Don emailed me to say he found my sunglasses & shipped them to me. A wonderfully relaxing experience & will definitely be back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Honeymooners' Delight
Guest: Rachael & Adam
(Chico, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10
Review Submitted: 09/09/10
We are outdoor enthusiasts who love Big Sur and knew we were in for a treat, but we couldn't have adequately anticipated all of the treasures & hidden gems at Don Loui's Hike-in Garden Retreat... The trail up the hill was steep, but very manageable (Took us no more than 5 mins. If necessary, the zigzag pattern & well-placed bench provide plateaus to catch your breath). It was the perfect transition into our week-long adventure and couldn't have been more worth it! Make no mistake, the hillside "multi-level dwellings" on the property are NOT vacation homes; they are the authentic, stair-cased creations of the artist & caretaker, Don Loui and his equally-hospitable (also artistically-oriented) son, Zack. We were all instant friends and the two of them are just as inviting as the botanical & architectural wonders they've designed. The trails & gardens throughout the property were an unexpected bonus for exploration, and our brightly-colored, uniquely-crafted bungalow provided a private, rejuvenating, restorative, and reflective space for us. There were also several "communal" areas worth mentioning -- beautiful gardens with flowing water, a sundeck above for morning yoga or watching the evening sunset, a flat firepit area ideal for BBQ, and with the help of our host, an impromptu drum circle). When we weren't exploring or socializing with other guests, we enjoyed reading/writing, drawing, cooking, photography, bathing (and yes, a little wi-fi) -- all from the comfort of our hillside perch. Each day, we found ourselves hesitant to leave & excited to return. Although it was beyond relaxing, we also found it was an idea factory for the creative, crafty, and witty spirit in each of us! (Helpful Tips for an Enjoyable Stay: Good hiking shoes and a headlamp or flashlight... I packed a week's worth of clothing in a large bag, but brought along a smaller pack for easier transfer from the car to our hillside bungalow -- my husband was wishing he had done the same! Since we were there for a week, we also planned and packed portable bags with staples & a few meals in mind, but wined & dined a bit at Big Sur restaurants and in Carmel as well. Although Don Loui is available to help haul up/haul off just about anything, we minimized our waste and packed out our recyclables... We were happy to make good use of his compost pile!) We know we'll be back to escape convention for just a bit and enjoy this enchanted place again soon. Next time with friends. Well, maybe!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Little hidden rustic gem!
Guest: Nicole
(gruen)
Date of Stay: 07/15/08
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
I love the energy of this place. It is rustic, but that does make it even more romantic. The place is beautiful and well maintained. It is a steep hike to the house. If you are looking for a quiet, authentic place in big sur, this is it!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
First (6) of (6). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #237068
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Friday, September 02, 2011
