I’ve styled the house with family friendly furniture so if your kids do a ninja flip over our couches, they probably won’t damage anything. It’s turn-key and pretty much like walking into someone’s stocked house; I keep spices and pantry basics like flour, sugar, etc in the cabinets. And condiments in the fridge.
You can see stars and meteor showers from the property- we are part of a Dark Sky Community
In consideration of our wildlife, only biodegradable water-balloons are allowed.
Bedroom 2 with 2 Queen beds is only available for bookings of more than 8 guests
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: all of Julian is a rural location. As much as we try to provide modern conveniences, there are times when things happen outside of our control.
THE HOUSE Our single family home was built in 1979, just 4 miles from historic downtown Julian in San Diego's Back Country. 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. Two floor to ceiling fireplaces with Heatilators (fans that blow the hot air in) help you keep warm on cold nights. The downstairs fireplace has been converted to an electric fireplace.
This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly cabin. It’s perfect for people who want to chill and not worry if someone puts their feet up on the coffee table. The house is fully prepared for people traveling as a family or a group, and with dogs. The kitchen is stocked with all the cooking essentials except the actual food although there is a good amount of condiments in the fridge and dry food in the pantry . Some spices are stocked in the cabinets. Dog bowls, treats, and other supplies in pantry.
There is a dedicated kids' room with age-appropriate toys, a train table, farmers market stand with play food, kid-sized table and chairs, dollhouse, and a TV monitor with Apple TV and DVD player. I’m in the process of replacing the floors, the flooring at the stair landing is uneven bc I have the flooring under the carpet. Just be aware it’s uneven.
UNTIL WE REPLACE THE BALCONY DECK- please do not use. I have moved the furniture to the back deck where the BBQ is.
NUMBER OF GUESTS: Be honest with number of guests. If you have more than what you booked the extra guest charge will be $25/per person per night instead of the price when you book. The back bonus room with the 2 Queen beds and kitchenette will only be open for parties of 8 or more
THE AREA- DISCLOSURE This place IS truly a beautiful and magical spot where wildlife is attracted to our front door. That said, I do want to point out that THIS IS A RUSTIC OLDER CABIN IN THE WOODS AND BUILT INTO A HILL AND UNDER A CANOPY OF TREES . While that makes being upstairs akin to being in a giant tree house, it also means that you get what comes with trees and the mountains—leaves on the decks, ants, spiders, birds, squirrels, field mice, raccoons, spider webs, and an interesting variety of other bugs and other wildlife. We spray the outside perimeter and every window for bugs regularly but…. It’s a cabin in the woods. Yes it’s normal for spider webs to form on the window sills hours after they are removed. That’s what happens. Leaves, acorns, tassels, etc will litter the deck when wind blows. We cannot control nature. Let me say this again, there will be spider webs outside under the balcony and along the eaves, and maybe the window sills inside. The spiders eat the bugs. We like spiders. If you are expecting the palatial second home mansions like in Lake Arrowhead, or Big Bear, this isn’t it. While there are many things I have improved and many more I would like to change and improve, I do it as I can afford. If you are super picky then just don't book my place because you will not be happy. Ours is a unique TREE HOUSE experience. It is a place where many spiritual, church, yoga, family reunions and retreats happen and where many happy memories are made. Embrace the area vs expecting a “city experience in the mountains” and enjoy the deer, turkey, and variety of birds, and magical sunset views, right from the living room couch. The place is cleaned the day before your stay but we have strong winds which may cause dust and things onto the back deck as well as spider webs in the corners.
WHAT WE STOCK WE PROVIDE LINENS AND TOWELS AS WELL AS SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER and SHOWER GEL. All other amenities are not guaranteed. WiFi is 50 mbps
Turn-key cabin stocked with everything down to spices & kitchen pantry items, one that has items for traveling with your furry companions, essentials in the bathroom including stuff you may have forgotten, all the basics for traveling with baby or young kids, a dedicated play room for said kids, hang out by a fire pit with a bench the size of our deck under giant oak trees, a giant bird plank feeder for daily living room bird watching, deer and turkey from the windows, rope and tire swings for the kids, afternoon relaxation watching amazing sunsets from a westward facing balcony, then this IS the place for you.
BRING- extra TP (that is septic safe), paper towels, Aim and Flame or some lighter for firepit and fire place, Tupperware, foil, ziplock bags, plastic wrap, bottled water if you don’t want to use our Britta, coffee, toothbrush/toothpaste, lotion (it’s really dry up there), food, and bug spray in spring and summer. I have some To-Go type containers that can be used to store and take your food but I never know what is there.
CABIN MANUAL: We have a cabin manual for guests at the cabin in a binder as well as downstairs by the front door.
Please read our disclosures for more info
CHECK OUT PROCEDURES- Please leave the beds you used UNMADE SO WE KNOW TO CLEAN THOSE and leave any other linens ON THE BEDS NOT THE FLOOR. Towels should be placed on floor in front of washer/dryer.
Kitchen should be left relatively clean- Please load the dishwasher, throw a dishwasher pod in, and turn it on. If you leave the kitchen like the aftermath of an Iron Chef competition you will be charged $25/hour more for cleaning. If I’m stating it here it’s because someone did it.
Kids’ room should be picked up not left a complete disaster.
All garbage should be bagged in large white trash bags located in the kitchen. Please place inside the trash cans outside (they are sometimes up by the street). Recycling goes loose in blue bin. TRASH IS PICKED UP EVERY MONDAY BETWEEN 6-7AM. PLEASE WHEEL UP TRASH EVERY SUNDAY unless you check out Saturday then wheel it up Saturday. If this is unclear MESSAGE US. Leaving me 20 yard trash bags full of trash will result in a $50 charge as we will have to pay to take to a dump. Remember if I’m mentioning it here, it’s because someone did it.
Take any perishable item with you. You can leave spices and condiments or dry food in pantry and frozen items that are unopened. Please toss out half eaten containers of ice cream.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Julian Farmhouse/Fenced 2 acres with spa, right outside Julian. Pet Friendly!
Julian
Julian Farmhouse/Fenced 2 acres with spa, right outside Julian. Pet Friendly!
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Approved events are allowed. "Parties" are not
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 4 total)
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
ONLY OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM HOUSE OR ANY BRUSH
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Wheel trash cans to the top of the road where you drove in
You can leave condiments, spices, and dried goods. Please take perishables with you.
Leave beds UNMADE do not strip the beds and do not make them all pretty like.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Location used for filming of any kind not allowed without approval and proof of production insurance. After instant booking- traveler must be willing
The tire swing tree is on common property. The dirt road past that is not. Nor is the vacant land going down the hill. See below
The vacant land directly in front of the house and driveway going down the hill is privately owned. DO NOT TRESPASS
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Approved events are allowed. "Parties" are not
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number COSD-00727
Frequently asked questions
Is Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 4 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods ?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods on 21 Jun 2026 start from £195, 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 at Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-out at Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Pet/Family Treehouse style cabin in woods located?
Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of William Heise County Park, Julian Historical Society, and Julian Town Hall. California Wolf Center and Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The location is nice and quiet but easy to get into Julian. The cabin and property are rustic but that was as described so we were expecting that. Everything we needed was available and the owner responded very quickly when we had a question.
The place was as described. I was rustic, but that is what we like. The place was clean, and there were a ton of toys for our grand child. There was plenty of blankets and towels and tons of plates and cups and utensils. Very nice for a big family get together.
Mike
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
Thank you Mike- guess I missed the window to review you. Sorry. Great to host you. So glad your family had a great time
Great quiet location...
Close to bike trails. House was clean. Deck needs some work. Deer and wild turkeys out front. Nice.
Lou S.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
Thank you Lou,
I want to clarify that the back deck where the fire pit is located is completely new. The balcony deck is going to be entirely redone, but has been delayed because of costs (I was out of work for 13 months) and contractor scheduling issues related to Covid.
We decided to stay here to celebrate my mom's 76th birthday. There were 6 of us with plenty of room for more. The place was quant, quiet and just want we needed for a long weekend. The cabin was close to Julian but far enough away that you felt the quiet that nature has to offer. Amazing sunsets and loads of turkeys to entertain us all, especially the dogs!
Melisa was a great host and made us feel very welcome. I'd definitely recommend her place and will stay here again
It was a great cabin. The owner's communication was awesome and very helpful in all my questions i had.
The nature outside was great with all the deer passing by on the property. We had everything we needed in the cabin.
The only thing i would say is seeing the cabin online was not what i thought. I thought their was an extra bedroom. Because it had different bedspreads on the room, so I thought there were two bedrooms like that instead of just one. The latch on the oven broke when we pulled it open but we did fix that and made the screw tighter.
Kathleen V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
We are sorry for any confusion. We try to be as clear as possible; we put the photos side by side and describe as "downstairs room winter bedding" and "downstairs room summer bedding." I can certainly add "SAME ROOM- summer bedding" if that helps. We also sent the actual floor plan as an attachment thru VRBO so I didn't know there was still confusion about the layout of the house because I know you had some concerns. Sorry about that.
The house was very cozy and prefect for our group. We have dogs and they loved the yard and we didn't have to worry as the fencing was great. The host was easy and very easy to get ahold of as we had a question for her. the group voted we would definitely go back there.
We absolutely loved staying here! The house was spacious, and the area was quite and peaceful with amazing views from the top balcony! Very comfortable beds! The owner is extremely friendly and responsive! Will definitely book again in the future!
We enjoyed our stay here. Host Melisa is very responsive and accommodating. It is an old cabin so if you are expecting ritz and glam - don’t bother booking here. If you want a nice quiet comfortable place to stay that is off the beaten path, but still close to some fun things to do - this is the place for you.
We stayed when it was hot - and the ac was fabulous.
What a great cabin. Just as described and a terrific owner. If you like nature and incredible sunsets, you will love this cabin. If you sit quietly on the deck, wild turkey, deer will walk right by. Also saw incredible California Condors floating in the sky.
Had a wedding in Julian and housed some of the bridal party here! It was absolutely perfect for the weekend. The location was super close to the venue and went with the rustic, fall vibe so wonderfully. The host was super accommodating and very quick to respond to the few questions we had along the way!
We rented this house to accommodate my parents, my adult daughters, my husband and myself. Everyone had there own space and was roomy. We were attending my sons wedding at a winery about 20 minutes away. Was a great fit for us but is a distance away from most things.
Julie D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Verified
6/10 Okay
Dorinda B.
21 Aug 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Nice place
We enjoyed our stay. The house was very comfortable. The only complaint I have is every window, door, and bathroom had way too many cobwebs with lots of little flies in them. You could tell they had been there awhile.
Dorinda B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
We absolutely have some well-fed spiders in Julian. Even with a monthly exterminator contract, and my cleaner wiping the sills and the eaves outside, it is a never ending battle. The house is literally under a bunch of trees and the doors get left open by guests. I have removed webs on the sills and a day later they are back. My cleaner comes Wednesday mornings so by Friday night when you check in there is a chance there will be cob webs in the sills with whatever was let in before and made its way to the windows. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We had a fantastic weekend. Melisa was just the best host ever in many ways. The cabin less than 10 minutes from town and the drive in/out was easy and gorgeous. Quiet place, with a ton of room and a few special treats/thoughts left behind from Melisa. Thank you and we will be back!
I wanted to surprise my girlfriend for her birthday by taking her up to Julian and then having our friends come up as well, all without her knowing. We were 4 couples total and had 3 dogs between us so that is very difficult logistically to find a place that would accommodate both. Melissa had the perfect place with a very spacious 4 bed cabin and an amazing location in the woods outside of Julian. Melissa was extremely responsive, the cabin was exactly what she described and even went to far as to have a birthday cake waiting for my girlfriend when we arrived. The dogs loved the space to run around, we loved the quiet and nature of the woods. It was an incredible stay and Melissa is an incredible host!
Tobi O.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
Thanks Tobi- so glad we helped you make her birthday special. Come back anytime
Love the view and air. It is on top of mountain and a very quiet place to stay. House is ok a little Old but clean and nice, a little cracker here and there. Overall we love it.
Alan C.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2023
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes, the house is old. It was built in 1979 and has not been fully remodeled. I do disclose that in the listing. We like to think the age gives it character, like the owner.
Thanks for staying!
Our group enjoyed our stay tremendously. Outstanding view right out the main windows!
The cabin was well equipped and we had everything we needed. We could tell that the owner had put a lot of thought into making guests’ experience magical.
Definitely read the owner’s description before booking. It is very detailed and also accurate. The house has its quirks and you need to read closely and be able to follow directions for the best experience, so keep that in mind before you decide. It worked well for us.
The owner was very available whenever we had a question or needed to find something. It snowed the weekend we went, which was a last minute flip of the script. But I feel like she communicated with us so well that we were able to switch gears and prepare for the snow (buy chains, pack in duraflames, pack differently and take a different route, etc) due to her messages. In fact, she stood by and stayed in contact as we checked in to make sure we made it safely inside with the snow, which made all the difference.
In summary, a great stay in a beautiful location. I cannot overstate the view out of the living room wall of windows! And the touches of hospitality all around were evidence that we were wished a wonderful time. (Go yourself see what I mean!)
We enjoyed our weekend In Julian. The cabin has a rustic feel to it and the property is big. The kids enjoyed playing outside especially on the tire swing. Close to downtown Julian. Which made it easy to go shopping and buy some delicious apple pies! Yum! Melissa’s was an excellent communicator and answered all my questions promptly. We would definitely stay again!
We made so many wonderful family Christmas memories. The fact I was able to bring our 3 dogs made the experience extra special! The 3 morning sunrises with my coffee, beautiful colors, and view were amazing. The last morning we had rain and 7 deer. Everyday the wild turkeys would drop by as well as the deer! Mr. Squirrel would drop by throughout the day! The red woodpecker was a treat! My morning walks with my dogs in the neighborhood with all the mountain views were breathtaking! The Cabin/Home was very roomy for the 10 of us. We had nice hot showers and a fire in the fire place everyday & night!
ANN K.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
About the host
Hosted by Melisa Sanchez
I 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. I work in the film industry in Los Angeles and love coming up to the cabin to relax and be part of the nature while having all the comforts of a home.
Why they chose this property
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. We had family living in Julian so when this property became available we seized it. We find the experience being there like no other.....
What makes this property unique
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!