Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great location!

Guest: Kevin M.
Date of Stay: 04/15/12 Review Submitted: 04/20/12

Amazing property! Great area. Fantastic view. Very cozy house. Beautiful pool and hot tub. We were very pleased with our stay.

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A Warm Memory from a Piece of Mother Nature's Art

Guest: Mike (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

When I arrived, I found that the listing photos didn't fully capture the beauty of it all. This place is by far one of the best spots I've been to. It's a perfect place to have peaceful relaxation and savor the art of mother nature. The experience of it all has found a special place in my memory that will always be with me. I would highly recommend the metaphysical retreat to anyone. I hope to return as soon as possible. Also, the owners are real nice folks. Thanks Laura and Mil.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The pool is magical, the home could use some work.

Guest: Alberta Travellers (Ardrossan, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

We stayed here at the end of July 2011 after wanting for a few years to come and enjoy this place. The pool and view did not disappoint. This is probably the best pool I have ever been in. So relaxing and beautiful, you can spend all day in the pool and reading beside it. Watching the butterflies and lizards and hawks was an all day activity. We did feel that the house is in need of some TLC especially for a property at this price point. Cobwebs in the house and small items that needed repair (crooked kitchen doors, broken shower handle, un-swept leaves etc. around the property) With a little upkeep to this house, this really would be a terrific place to stay.

Owner response:This was great input.. and the first time we have had this input. We take great pride in providing an extraordinary vacation experience, and have replaced the shower handles, and our gardener is instructed to blow away the leaves from the overhanging trees from the walk. UPDATE: New kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops were installed in Feb 2012!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Truly Magical, Romantic, Relaxing and Memorable Vacation!!

Guest: Manda (Carlsbad, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

My boyfriend and I vacationed here in mid April for a weekend getaway from North County San Diego. This place was absolutely perfect and way trumpt all of our expectations! It was beautiful, secluded, private and full of nature. It was so peaceful and relaxing and designed perfectly to fit all of your needs. There was a small one bedroom down stairs and then upstairs by the pool was a second bedroom with a gas fireplace. There were gorgeous views of nature everywhere, candles, full equiped kitchen, movies, flat screen tv's, fire pit, salt water pool and jacuzzi, a cool rain water shower. This was probably the most unique place we have ever stayed at, we were very sad to leave and will definetly be back again! The best part was that it was only an hour from our house too! The only thing I could say that was a little fustrating was that the pool was literally freezing! It was one of the most inviting and beautiful pools I have ever seen so I wanted to get in so bad but then it was like ice. Sooooo luckly there were rafts and my boyfriend and I were able to float around in the pool enjoying it, without having to get to wet in the cold water. The people who own this place really did think of everything you might need to make sure you have a memorable vacation. We both highly recommend this place and are so grateful to have found this oasis :) Thank you Laura.......we will be back

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Stunning.......

Guest: Robin (Portland, Maine)
Date of Stay: 06/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/01/10

A stunningly beautiful retreat. We spent a perfect June weekend here. A more relaxing spot would be hard to find. Very close to San Diego, yet a million miles away........... Owner is thoughtful and accomodating. We loved every minute of our stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Jamul House

Guest: LabGIrl46 (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 04/22/10 Review Submitted: 09/14/10

The pros..the view is unbeatable!! The house clean & well equipped.Unfortunately during our stay towards the end of April it was still too chilly to use the pool. The cons..VERY hard to find at night / owner should mention the very steep driveway..if we had rented a larger SUV it would have impossible to manuver that driveway...we could not get TV in main part of house & owners were not quick to return calls but the most disturbing experience was that my daughter left behind her brand new bathing suit & we made a few attempts to retrieve it but owners NEVER returned phone calls or e-mails :( Life went on but some acknowledgement would have been nice.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

One word...Spectacular

Guest: The Green Man (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

We couldn't have found a more perfect place in the whole world. The house is other-worldly in its design. The pool had a few small oak leaves in it but the pool is build around and under this spectacular old California oak that you can swim under, so it just seems natural. The driveway was a little scary going up because of how steep it is and the fact that this place is on top of the world. But once you are up there it is FANTASTIC! The feeling of nature is so overwhelming and stimulating. The house was very well maintained. The beds were to die for. EXTREMELY comfortable. That and the isolation and solitude made me sleep better than I have in years. The stars at night were incredible. We just sat in the hot tub and watched them for hours. We could look straight up into the Milky Way and watch one shooting star after the other. I have had vacations where you return needing a vacation. But this place rejuvenated me like nothing I can compare with it. It's hard to believe it is only 1/2 an hour from downtown San Diego, yet seems so far away from anything. It was weird, time slowed down there and yet it went so fast. We did not want to leave Overall, we found our retreat very spiritually soothing and very grounded in nature. We feel grateful to have experienced this truly one of a kind home and will be back for some more as soon as we are able.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Heights

Guest: Victoriaf (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 02/17/10

This home is fabulous and is very conducive as a getaway where you feel like you are the only one on earth. It sits atop a mountain and has very good positive energy. One of my best memories is standing out on the balcony watching a red-tailed hawk soar only ten feet overhead, it was amazing to be at an altitude that was shared by such a magnificent creature! I will definitely come back in the future!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway.

Birthday retreat getaway

Guest: DawnS (Lakeside)
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

My husband and I spent a romantic birthday retreat up at the property. The pictures do not do it justice. Incredible vistas, red tail hawks soaring, and the pool and house were amazing. Very romantic and unique experience. We will definitely be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Awsome get away home

Guest: soup01 (Poway,Ca)
Date of Stay: 11/06/09 Review Submitted: 02/17/10

The driveway felt like you were going to the top of the world and the view once we arrived was stunning!!! Watching all the birds gliding by during the day, then the spectacular view of the stars while sitting in the hot tub having a few drinks was very relaxing. The sunsets were second to none and watching the fog settle down below the house and burn off the next day was fantastic to watch. The owners took great care to insure our stay was memorable and relaxing. the property was very well maintained and we look forward to our next stay. Kevin and Denise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Views were amazing, but tidiness sub-standard.

Guest: _Disappointed (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 09/20/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

My wife and I spent a week here for our honeymoon. We enjoyed our stay, but we will not be going back. The overall solitude provided at the property was, as advertised, fantastic. The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful, and the property was very well designed. On first inspection, this is an ideal location for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, however, my new wife and I arrived to a property that had fallen into a state of disrepair. The floors and windows were dirty, there were cobwebs all over, the hammock was broken, and the sheets on one of the beds was full of dog hair. It seemed that, on our arrival, the cleaning crew had decided to take a few weeks off. There wasn't even enough toilet paper to last the entire week, and we had to run and get some. To be fair, we brought some of these complaints to the owners, and they did give us a small discount on our stay. We appreciated the discount, but the complaints mentioned above are unacceptable, especially for a rental property in this price point. It is very possible that these issues were an aberration (perhaps the cleaning crew really DID take a few weeks off without the owners' knowledge). If the property was clean and kept up better, I would highly recommend it. And it is not like it was unlivable or anything; we still enjoyed our stay notwithstanding the issues. It is more the fact that we expected more for the price that we paid.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Away from it all

Guest: GG-LV (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 04/17/09 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

My girfriend and I stayed at this awesome place during one of our short getaway weekends in April 2009. After working long-long hours and being tense with stress during the previous 4 months, all it took was one weekend here to take it all away! We enjoyed ourselves in isolation with beautiful scenery, cool and constant breezes, and best of all peace and quiet! Being from San Diego, we have been to many different areas of the county for short trips, but, none compared to this place. It's not a Ritz Carlton or Hyatt Regency, but it was amazing how the material accomodations that we often associated with value became totally irrelevant here. The value we got from staying here came from all of the intangible things that make this place so special! We will definitely be staying here again....

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Charles Russell (Arvada, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 07/20/08

One of a kinda, there is a magic to this house that you feel the second you get out of your car. beautiful, peaceful, amazing. you will not regret it

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Wonderful

Guest: Lozza (London)
Date of Stay: 06/25/08 Review Submitted: 07/12/08

This place really is something special. It's on it's own mountain away from everything apart from the nature that surrounds it. We had 10 days in heaven at the Metaphysical Retreat, perfect for couples who want a break from it all. The pool is built around the original rocks in the mountain which is fantastic. There isn't anywhere like this place, you really do feel on top of the world up there. The hawks soaring over you during the day and soaking in the hot tub at night staring up at the stars speaks for itself. We came all the way from England and we're glad we did!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Mike and Jo (Pumphrey)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/21/08

What a magical place!! Days spent lounging poolside and evenings spent stargazing around the fire. Gourmet meals prepped in the nifty kitchen. Restful nights in gorgeous bedrooms, waking up to sunrise above you and cloud cover below you. A perfect vacation! And as a vacation home owner myself, I completely agree with post below regarding the attention to detail by the owner. Never once did I feel like I was in a rental place - it felt like my own private resort. PS As we flew in to San Diego my husband saw the house from the plane - that's how unique and interesting it is!! It got us very excited days before we arrived!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/09/08

There is the obvious: unparalleled views, powerful, healing energy, mountaintop isolation, fantastic pool and jacuzzi, and a bonding with nature that will settle in nicely to remind you of who you are.(In case you have forgotten). But being a veteran of vacation home rental usage, I would like to comment on the items that further separate this from other properties, and they rest squarely in the owner's attention to details. Whether it be the high quality beds with nice bedding, super-fluffy towels, well-appointed kitchen, bathroom stocked with the basics, guest basket with chocolates and coffee, a bottle of wine in the rack, the home being immaculately clean, and everything working as it should, there is a pride of ownership and desire to have a happy guest that one does not always find in a property that could trade on its views and location alone. I cannot recommend this property enough.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/08/08

This little vacation home has a special place in our hearts. Very private and beautiful, yet also accessible to civilization. We had a wonderful adventure! The only con is that the pool wasn't cleaned when we arrived, but the pool man Ray came over and helped us. He was very nice.

Owner response:In January 2008 we had the pool replastered and converted to salt water. It is brand new and professional pool service is every Tuesday.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Brian_HAC73501 (Dana Point, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/15/07

Words cannot describe this place! The views are amazing and at night you can see every star, downtown San Diego and Tiajuana and the ocean beyond. Very comfortable and private. Took some wonderful nature walks and we leave rested and rejuvinated. Thank-you!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: debra_HAC54629 (california)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/25/06

The home is in a great spot, beautiful views. The negative part was our dog getting a rattlesnake bite to her face while walking down the driveway---be very careful.

Owner response:Fortunately this has been our only incident on the property, but certainly San Diego is in rattlesnake country, and you must always be very mindful of this when you venture into a wilderness retreat. If you bring a dog, we recommend having a leash. You will be happy to know that Debra's dog has recovered fully.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Eileen & Brian_HAC46592 (Folsom, CA.)
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/15/06

It is hard to find words to describe the time we spent in this incredible house in the clouds. It was restful, inspiring, invigorating and healing. It was like being part of the earth yet looking down at the world with awe. The only bad part was having to leave.

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Guest: Laura and Milt
Date of Stay: 02/22/06 Review Submitted: 02/21/06

We discovered Jamul in April 2004 after we lost our home in the 2003 Cedar fires. Being in Jamul healed our spirits in such a powerful way, and made us remember the magick and wonder in everything around us. The mountain is covered with oak trees and boulders, and the energy is intense. When you visit Jamul, you are in for an experience.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/22/06

This Jamul property is unexpectedly enchanting and works its way into your heart moments after arriving. Looking down to see hawks riding the wind currents, experiencing a 360 degree view of the sunrise and sunset takes your breath away, sitting around the outdoor fire-ring to count the stars... all nature's way of filling the interior of your heart with peace and beauty at the majesty of creation. Time spent in Jamul gently restores the soul and leaves you wanting to plan a return trip to soak in its healing power. The perfect place to reflect, rest, and let your guard down. One of my favorite places on the planet.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Marie & Johan_HAC45066 (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/21/06

We stayed at this beautiful home twice last year and so look forward to our next rejuvenating visit. The energy and peacefulness hits you immediately -and the unsurpassed beauty atop your own magical mountain is indescribable. It will be an experience you'll want to repeat over and over.

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