Yes, I'm new here, but please feel free to reach out with any questions. Also check out @DarkSkyDen on insta, and look for this listing and reviews on the other ABB platform website to help put your mind at ease.
An all-natural escape, perfect for ultimate relaxation. Located in the internationally recognized Dark Sky Community of Julian. 5 min from Main St yet feels heavens away. Relax, unwind & settle in to the simple life.
The Den's incredibly cozy interior has a laid-back, yet elevated contemporary style, perfectly complementing the natural beauty & ambiance of Julian.
But the real star is the peaceful, panoramic view of Volcan Mountain, seen from the spacious deck & every room in the cabin.
The most picturesque aspect of the home is the sweeping 180 degree mountain views seen from the moment you park the car and walk towards the door. The Oak Trees and Volcan Mountain can be seen from the expansive deck and windows in every space from the Living Room to the Breakfast Nook to the Sitting Room.
The Den has 2 bedrooms and 1 full size bathroom, sleeps up to 4 adults, a couple and a child, or as a spacious retreat for two. No more than 4 guests allowed.
This custom-built, cozy 800 square foot cabin was built in 1962 and has had a couple of revisions along the way. It comes with some cool features and a handful of quirks. That's what keeps life interesting, right?
Throughout the home you'll see beautiful, high pitched wood ceilings, along with continuous flooring in every room. The walls are a clean warm white, and black accents provide a grounding element alongside the wood and natural woven elements. The space is intentionally designed to reflect a natural and casual lifestyle, blending the elements of wood, metal, stone, earth, air and fire. A combination of vintage, custom, hand-made and previously owned furniture pieces create a feeling of both old and new. Dark Sky Lighting inside the cabin creates a warm and inviting ambiance that makes you feel cozy and comfortable as you ease into a relaxing night at home.
Let me tell you more about the Den...
LIVING ROOM
The minute you walk in the door, you'll see Volcan Mountain just behind the tops of Black Oak Trees, seen through a wall-to-wall picture window. A (non-operable) fireplace in the corner is surrounded by large stone walls and a pair of Selenite crystals. There is comfortable seating for 4 with a small sofa and 2 side chairs. The Entry Table doubles as a Desk for anyone interested in working remotely. Although I would encourage you to unplug from devices and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and nature, there is a TV with Netflix and high-speed internet available.
KITCHEN
The Kitchen is cute and compact, with plenty of creative spaces. Feel free to bring plenty of food and snacks. There is a full size refrigerator and freezer, an electric range (stove and oven), and a small dishwasher. For extra counter space, there's a pop up cutting board. All glasses and extra kitchen supplies are located in the two slide out drawers at either side of the custom mural, painted by a good friend. Coffee and Tea are provided. There is a kettle and French Press along with a petite coffee maker. Simple cooking supplies are provided, such as electric cookware, utensils, plates and bowls, along with salt, pepper, olive oil and red pepper flakes. Also a small crock pot, toaster and full size blender are available.
BANQUETTE DINING
One of my favorite sweet spots in the house, with windows on all 3 sides that allow a slight breeze in through the gauzy cafe curtains. 2 bistro tables easily accommodate seating for 4.
SITTING ROOM
Located between the Living Room and First Bedroom is the Sitting Room. I find myself hanging out in here often. Maybe it's the double doors that open on to the deck with views of Volcan, or the ambient lighting at night. Whether it's to have a slow start to the day and enjoy a morning coffee, or to relax in the afternoon and take in the colors of the sunset, this is a very tranquil room. The 2 Lounge Chairs fold up and can be moved to accommodate more space if you'd like to stretch or simply need more free space.
BEDROOM 1
The King Size bed faces a modest window overlooking the hillside of oak trees and a mountain landscape. A second window offers a close up view of a Coulter Pine Tree used as acorn storage for the Woodpeckers. You'll recognize them as the black and white birds with a striking red cap. Decorative elements include small business artisan touches like the black and white woven wall tapestry above the bed, and the touch turn-on ceramic wall sconces that cascade light and shadow onto the walls, creating a starlight experience.
BEDROOM 2
Just through the back hallway sits a cozy little room with a full size bed. Perfect for one, or for those who love to cuddle. A woven light pendant hangs in the corner, casting shadows and decorative light against the walls.
BATHROOM
The spa-like bathroom is covered in wall to wall stone tiles for the ultimate retreat space. Enjoy the combination shower and tub, pedestal sink and 2 open shelf bookcases to hold all your toiletries and bathroom needs.
PATIO DECK
Spend your days AND nights on the deck, surrounded by trees, birds, easy breezes, and star filled skies. With over 180 degrees of breathtaking views, there is an outdoor dining table for 4, lounge chairs and soon a propane fire pit. Also available is a small propane BBQ.
THE DARK SKY
Julian is one of two accredited Dark Sky Communities in California, and one in thirty overall. The intention of being a Dark Sky Community is to protect the natural night sky by reducing light pollution. This means that outdoor lighting is carefully designed and controlled to minimize glare and unnecessary brightness. By doing this, we can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky, including the stars, constellations, and even the Milkey Way! Other than incredible stargazing, having a natural dark sky benefits astronomical research, wildlife preservation and our circadian rhythm. If you're interested, please check out Julian Dark Sky Network.
Imagine stepping outside on a clear night and being able to see a breathtaking display of stars stretching across the sky. That's the kind of experience you can have at the Dark Sky Den. It's like having your own personal planetarium.
So, whether you're an avid stargazer, a lover of nature, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a starlit sky, Julian is the place to be.
LIGHTING
The Den incorporates dark sky lighting inside the cabin too, which creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere while supporting your circadian rhythm.
The soft illumination creates a sense of intimacy and relaxation, while also allowing your eyes to adjust to the natural darkness outside. It's the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day or spending quality time with loved ones. With the use of dimmers, warm light bulbs and minimal overhead lighting, you control how bright or dim you want the space to be.
One of the best benefits of dark sky lighting at home is how it affects our circadian rhythm, which is our internal body clock that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Now, here's the thing: exposure to bright or blue-rich light in the evening can mess with our circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep.
Bright lights, especially at night, triggers our brain into thinking we should be awake as if it's the middle of the day. Whereas dimly lit, downward facing amber or red lights (similar to a campfire), promote melatonin production which tells our body that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Wake up in the morning naturally with the morning sun and feel refreshed!
I would encourage you to bring the idea of Dark Sky Lighting back with you into your own homes and see how you feel.
THINGS TO NOTE:
- The indoor Fireplace is currently for Decoration Only, and non-operational. There are (2) wall mounted heaters that pump out heat on those chilly nights. Plenty of extra blankets are also available.
- No Shoes Indoors. Kick off your shoes and take it easy. This not only keeps the home free of excess dirt, grime and toxins, but it protects the floors from tiny rocks that scratch, and you'll have a bit of reflexology when you walk around barefoot.
- Septic. Please only use the provided toilet paper to flush, and nothing else. Otherwise, Houston, we might have a problem.
- No A/C. In warm summer months, with all windows open and 3 fans blowing, the cross breeze helps to cool the house. Happily, the sun sets earlier and cools off in the evening - perfect for gazing up under the stars.
- All Electric. Take note when using the stove and keep temps around Medium and avoid High Heat on the pans.
- Be Water Cautious. Julian relies on only 3 wells in the areas, which makes water a precious resource. Please turn off water while brushing your teeth, be brief while hand washing dishes, and try to keep showers brief.
- You Are in Nature. There will be sounds like Woodpeckers hammering on trees, Blue Jays calling out to nearby friends, or gusty winds blowing through the trees. In the evening, you may even hear acorns or rain drops falling on the roof above you, or the occasional small animal climbing up a tree outside your window. You may see a deer or two, a fox or even a wild turkey. And please remember, there are also things like spiders, ants, flies, skunks, raccoons or wild cats.
- No Pets or Support Animals.
- No Parties, Events, Filming or Photography without permission.
