Spectacular view over San Diego County to Mt. Laguna, downtown, Catalina Island.
Please note, 3 night minimums for Tgiving, Xmas, New Year's.
Private cabin in the trees built in the early 1900s has been upgraded but retains all its rustic original charm. Watch eagles fly at eye level, clouds roll in, sunsets and moonsets in the ocean. Bobcats, wild turkeys, and deer regularly walk through the property. Decorated by owner with antiques and comfortable furniture (not all in pristine, new condition!) , large view deck for grilling and sitting in the sun, sauna. Dramatic infinity deck on mountain edge for sunset cocktails, morning yoga. Fully equipped kitchen, propane grill, tv, dvd player. Three bedrooms each with a queen or full bed, two couches could accommodate kids. Short drive from hiking, the Palomar Observatory, fishing at Lake Henshaw, entertainment at Harrah's Rincon Casino. Wonderful place to spend a snowy weekend, but 4 wheel drive and chains are needed on the few occasions when snow is deep. Some guest complaints: cluttered [cluttered with board games, coloring materials, telescopes, astronomy, bird, Palomar history books, maybe cluttered just a little]; cobwebs [if you search, you can probably find one or two, cleaned thoroughly after every guest]; feels like we're housesitting [hmmmm- this is a complaint?]. Best guest comment ever: 'It's clearly a well-loved and special place.' BINGO. Thanks, Emily. No dishwasher, I'm afraid.
Note: 3 night minimum for Xmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.
CONTACT OWNER FOR EXTENDED STAY (more than 3 nights) RATES.
WINTER BOOKING ADVISORY!!!
Winter is snow time, which is good and bad. Caltrans has a station up on the mountain and they start plowing the paved roads very quickly when snow starts. Unfortunately, there is nobody up on the mountain who plows private drives, and my cabin is about 500 feet up a dirt branch road that is not plowed. If you plan to be there at a time when snow is predicted, your options are to park near the paved road (but be sure not to park right on side of the road where your car will interfere with plowing or be covered by snow pushed aside by the plow), or plan a long day of shoveling yourself out by hand. I’ve done this shoveling myself before, and it takes a good while. One guest last winter took 8 hours to do this, and they were not happy campers by the end of the day. If you have long time existing reservations and there is a massive storm predicted to hit just before or during your stay, I will of course promise a no penalty cancellation if you chose not to go. Being up there with snow is a wonderful experience, as long as you have supplies and can relax and enjoy.
House rules: treat this old place with courtesy and common sense: recycle, clean up reasonably after yourself, turn off lights and cooling/heating when not needed and on departure, close and lock doors and windows when leaving- sometimes I don't get up to clean for several days.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events
No events allowed
No parties or events.
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Pets
Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Well behaved dogs ok. Big deck has gates.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside or out.
3 night min major holiday weekends. Cleaning fee included in price, 6 or fewer. $100 supplemental cleaning fee for parties larger than 6.
Treat this old house with respect- leave kitchen, house, grill in reasonably clean shape. Consolidate trash and leave in large bin on back deck.
Be green- outside lights off in the daytime, use provided recycling bins, use sauna, heat, ac in moderation, responsibly.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 853189
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or events.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Palomar Mountain
Located in Pauma Valley, this vacation home is near theme parks and near a water park. Palomar Mountain State Park and Palomar Mountain reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Palomar Observatory and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Palomar Mountain State Park - 5 min drive - 6.0 km
Palomar Observatory - 12 min drive - 12.7 km
Lake Henshaw - 22 min drive - 23.8 km
Harrah's Resort Southern California - 50 min drive - 52.7 km
Valley View Casino - 60 min drive - 60.9 km
Getting around
Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 85 min drive
Restaurants
Jilberto's Taco Shop - 21 min drive
Mother's Kitchen - 4 min drive
LA Jolla 76 Roadside Grill - 20 min drive
Otans BURGER - 29 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Spectacular view over San Diego County to Mt. Laguna, downtown, Catalina Island. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Spectacular view over San Diego County to Mt. Laguna, downtown, Catalina Island.?
As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spectacular view over San Diego County to Mt. Laguna, downtown, Catalina Island. on May 10, 2026 start from $317, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
Where is Spectacular view over San Diego County to Mt. Laguna, downtown, Catalina Island. located?
Situated in Pauma Valley, this vacation home is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Palomar Mountain State Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Palomar Observatory and Palomar Mountain. Harrah's Resort Southern California and Casino Pauma are also within 20 mi (32 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Everything was great. Brought my telescope and got some great astrophotos from the deck, and the sunsets and views were also very nice. Nice place to get away from the city.
We walked in and the place felt so comfortable. The view is spectacular as are the visiting birds.The bedrooms are comfortable with eclectic decor and an amazing library of old and new books. Our two dogs enjoyed their time as well.
Our family of 4 plus 2 dogs in the cabin was awesome. Communication with the owner was easy, informational, and super responsive. The views and location are unbeatable. We had lots of adventures hiking and fishing at Doane pond and Lake Henshaw. We saw lots of unique birds from the cabin deck. And we even saw a bald eagle at the lake. It was a great place to reconnect with nature.
It’s difficult to guess what this guest based his 4 star review on since he decided to cancel and received a $100% refund of his payment, and never visited the place, to my knowledge. Glad he seemed to kind of like it anyway???
We had a great time at this cozy home. Chuck was very communicative and helpful. The property was clean and the views were beautiful. We loved how homey the place felt with extra blankets, chairs, books, memoirs, and unique features all over. The place very safe and everyone slept well. We loved sitting on the deck and feeding/watching the birds. We would love to come stay again! Thanks for sharing your home with us.
This is the perfect place to retreat and collect yourself. It would be difficult to NOT feel recharged after returning from a stay at this lovely cabin.
Zoia neglected to mention in her review that they were unable to make the first night of their stay at the last minute, so I allowed them to stay an extra unscheduled night at no cost. You're welcome, Zoia!
We had a great time staying in this little cabinet at the top of the hill. We had two adults and two kids and the kids had lots of time to play in the dirt and we and joyed the peace and quiet immensely.
This is a special cabin with a spectacular view. Easy to relax and dream.
Chris H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 6, 2025
Chris very graciously skipped the part about the mouse infestation and the furnace breakdown. (Both resolved, or nearly). Must be special for 5 stars after all that. Hope to host you many more times.
The views were spectacular from this home in the mountains . Wish we could have stayed longer; due to a safety concern we cut the trip short, and Vrbo/Chuck Black graciously refunded our payment!
Linda J.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 9, 2024
The ‘safety concern’ of this guest was a LONG obsolete telephone land line that a limb had fallen on. Strange that the guest made no attempt to contact me before she had used the cabin (including lights which she left on!) for the afternoon, and had left the mountain. I suspect another real reason. Whatever, she got a complete refund.
Such a great place to be. No spoilers, you’ll love it there.
Björn Eike B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie H.
Feb 21, 2017
Spacious cabin, beautiful view, well stocked, fun, feels like home
Owner keeps this property well stocked. The rustic decor inside & beautiful outdoors are the perfect recipe for memories with your family "up at the cabin."
Stephanie H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
Wind, rain, snow, sun, tarantula puzzle- who could ask for anything more? Thanks folks, please come back and make more memories! Chuck
My wife and I wanted to get away from town for a weekend, go hiking, and stargaze a bit. The cabin was perfect, with amazing views during all times of the day and plenty of hiking nearby.
Views are amazing. Enjoyed our stay. Nature all around and a lot of pine trees. Very cozy. Host was fantastic!
Lisa G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on May 17, 2023
Like it when the host gets a good review as well as the property! Lisa didn't mention that they saw a bobcat within minutes of checking. in. I told her bobcat sighting was no extra charge! HAHA
The place was rustic. It had some nice features though. Fireplace was nice with plenty of wood. Birds came to deck and eat bird food from the feeder and the views were stunning.
We had a lovely January stay full of hikes, sunsets, hawks, and rain. We'll be back again.
Rick W.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
About the host
Hosted by Chuck Black
Biologist in San Diego.
Why they chose this property
Poor old cabin was falling down.... but with incredible view, nestled in big green trees. See the scrapbook of the 2+ years it took to bring back from near-death. Upgraded, but kept as much of the old feel and charm as possible.
What makes this property unique
Clouds and view are always changing. Santa Ana nights after storms, you can see the waves breaking on Catalina Island in the full moon. Moonless nights, you can see the Milky Way even with all the city lights below. Great place to take kids for their first snow. As many as 20 hummingbirds fight over porch feeder, acorn woodpeckers and band tailed pigeons common at deck feeder.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests