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Cabin

Custom Built by the Littlehale Family

Family-friendly cabin in Julian

Photo gallery for Custom Built by the Littlehale Family

Interior
Exterior
Private kitchen
Interior
Room

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61603.8 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Julian Town Hall
  • Place, Julian Historical Society
  • Place, William Heise County Park
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Common spaces

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Custom Built by the Littlehale Family

Enjoy our spacious, beautifully-crafted open cabin with stunning views across our valley through two-story windows: an instant feeling of retreat! You can also feel good about your retreat knowing that 100% of the energy used during your stay will be powered by the sun using our solar water and solar electric systems.
We also own a three-bedroom house across the street, "The Wildflower." As our family has grown we use the two houses together so there's space for everyone; you could, too.

The spacious kitchen, outfitted with new stainless steel appliances and plenty of cooking tools, lets you enjoy meal preparations without missing out on any of what's going on. The generously-sized island makes both a great work area and a good place to hang out. The kitchen includes a microwave, two full-size ovens and plenty of gadgets for your culinary adventures.

Curl up on the loft couch or downstairs in front of the fire for a restful getaway. Get a group together to play board games or put together a puzzle from our collection. Gather in our front room to watch a favorite movie on our 47' flat screen t.v. with Blu-Ray/DVD player. Spend a morning reading in the teak swing hanging in the oak tree just outside the kitchen window.

The two similar bedrooms feature queen beds, with luxurious and cozy linens (and the same goes for the pull-out sofas downstairs). The cabin is perfect for a family get-away, and includes a pack-and-play crib for the little ones.

Modern rustic tile in the bathrooms and showers compliments reclaimed antique vanities. The downstairs bath includes a spacious shower; the upstairs bath has a shower/tub.

A generously-sized balcony/deck spans the back of the house, accessed through two french doors. Teak patio furniture lets you enjoy this extra outdoor living space--perfect for morning coffee, outdoor dining, and stargazing at night.

The house features stunning custom work, including a rustic and elegant railing made from oak trees that grew on our property; solar water heating continues our commitment to eco-friendly choices. Whether you enjoy being outside hiking and exploring Julian or just want to stay indoors for a weekend of rest and relaxation, this house offers an experience of mountain retreat as soon as you walk inside!

Our home is located about 2 miles south of Julian's town center, and about 5 miles north of Lake Cuyamaca. On a beautiful hillside, it is a gorgeous vantage point for watching the seasons in Julian and has easy access to town and to outdoor adventures. We apologize this home is not pet-friendly.


Keywords: cabin, family, retreat, rustic, elegant, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting

Please park in the pullout in front of the house ensuring that there is plenty of room for our neighbors to get by.

We also own and rent a three-bedroom house across the street, "The Wildflower." As our family has grown, we are grateful to have been able to add this cabin that was lovingly built by friends of our grandparents. When we're able, we use the two houses together so there's space for everyone; you could, too.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Please do not strip the beds. Our cleaner will take care of that for you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Julian

Located in Julian, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Milagro Farm Vineyards and Winery and Warner Springs Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit California Wolf Center and Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Barona Speedway or Anza Borrego Tennis Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Julian, CA

What's nearby

  • Julian Town Hall - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Julian Historical Society - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 7 min drive - 11.6 km
  • William Heise County Park - 7 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve - 8 min drive - 6.7 km

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Julian Beer Co. - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Julian Pie Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Julian Cafe & Bakery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Nickel Beer Company - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Custom Built by the Littlehale Family pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Custom Built by the Littlehale Family?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Custom Built by the Littlehale Family?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Custom Built by the Littlehale Family located?

This family-friendly Julian cabin is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Julian Town Hall, Julian Historical Society and Julian Pioneer Museum. California Wolf Center and Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 137 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean quiet and comfortable

Loved the house - very well appointed
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ivan De La

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful and serene.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very enjoyable home

Wonderfully bright, clean and comfortable home. Quiet neighborhood which is close, but not too close to Julian. Would without hesitation stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, peaceful get away

Efficient and comfortable property perfect for senior family get together and visiting in a beautiful spot. Ample apple pie in Julian a plus! Attentive property manager and terrific house cleaner assured quick recovery from unexpected issues.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

misty m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property

This house is situated in a beautiful quiet neighborhood. The view is spectacular. The house itself is well equipped and set up nicely Family gatherings or just a simple weekend getaway. Can highly recommend this property
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F., Lake Goodwin, Washington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cabin

Easy check in and beautiful cabin. Everything you could need for cooking a gourmet meal. Plenty of games to play to keep you entertained. Enjoyed the peaceful deck for meals and relaxing!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sherwin S., Jersey City

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and Relaxing

Our family of five had a wonderful stay. We also got to explore Julian. Perfect place to relax and recuperate from our busy lives. We loved hanging out in the living room with cathedral ceilings which looked over the trees in the valley below.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SD 100 Miler

Thank you for a wonderful stay at your very welcoming home! We loved learning about your family history and enjoyed the surrounding good vibe of love.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Julie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice with some TLC

The property could use some TLC. The property was unkept on the outside and needs some updated bedding and bathroom towels. One of the walls looked like someone smeared something on the wall that was never cleaned. It was near our wedding in Julian which was nice and had a nice view out the back windows. The property would be nice with some updated emenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vaishnavi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Juliannnnn

Loved the property. Beautiful house. Clean and well kept. The large windows are a plus point. It was nice to read about the family. Only thing that was missing were soaps and shampoo. We had to go to the town to get them. But all in all we had a very good time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stacia C.

Spiritual Retreat

My companion and I had an amazing time in this beautiful cabin. There was no internet, no cable/satellite service and hardly any cellular reception...EXACTLY what we were looking for! Being "unplugged" for the entire weekend allowed for us to focus on our reading, our journaling and the beautiful star gazing from the deck. The kitchen was huge - to include two ovens - and was fully stocked with all amenities needed to cook up a feast (I love to cook). The small city of Julian was only a mile and a half away, making it an easy trip to collect a slice of their reputable apple pie! Hoping to stay here again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an amazing home!

Everything was perfect about our stay at the custom built home by the Littlehale family. First off, the home is gorgeous and has a great view. We decided to stay there rather than camping on a very cold weekend in Julian. What a good decision that was! It was warm and cozy and had all of the amenities one needs. My kids especially loved the added board games, cards, etc., along with the comfy TV room. And what fun it was to read about the Littlehales family history, and the process of building their beautiful home. So here’s a big shout out to the family and the property managers for a job well done. Thank you so much for the opportunity to stay there. Hoping to return in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home

We had a smashing week at the house. It certainly lived up to the photos and description. It was warm, comfortable, quiet with a great, well equiped, workable kitchen. We loved listening to and watching the birds in the area from the deck. Julian itself was a great little town and there was lots for us to explore and do in the area. Although I didn't reduce the communication star rating, we did have a big hiccup. We arrived late in the afternoon but when we tried to access the house found we had been sent the wrong address and entry code. As Brits, we had no mobile access and it was thanks to the wonderful staff at the Wolf Centre we were able to phone the managing company!!!! However, the manager Barbara sorted the problem. She met us at the house and made certain all was ok. Alls well that ends well!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Kristin B.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

ANTS, ANTS, ANTS EVERYWHERE

Ants crawling on my hands as I prepared a salad on the first night. Ants in my toothbrush cover by the time we left. Manager encouraged us to put down bait traps which according to the box would have drawn MORE ants for 2-3 days with no real end in sight during our week's stay. You just can't get rid of that kind of infestation that quickly. Spiders followed the ants. In the words of the property manager, “seasonally the ants do appear in all homes out in this region and they certainly made an appearance during your stay”. Compensation offered by Julian Homes and Happenings for the lost food, constant zip-locking, wiping, and washing was less than laughable. Because we were polite and understanding and failed to contact VRBO directly while on premises, we were swindled at this "luxury mountain home."
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Diana L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
My husband, 1 yo daughter and I stayed for three nights, and everything was great 99% of the time, but we had a significant security/privacy incident. When we returned to the house after a morning out, we noticed a work truck in the parking spot out front. We had already been staying at the house for a couple days, so we had all of our personal belongings around the house. My husband went to check it out, and a man was working on the A/C unit on the side of the house. He asked what was going on, and the A/C technician said he was scheduled by the homeowner, but he was aware it was an occupied rental. The A/C technician said he had already gone INSIDE the house. He told us he was let in by the homeowner remotely (there is a smart lock on the front door with a code, but it can be opened remotely from a phone application). When the A/C technician asked the homeowner over the phone if anyone was home, the homeowner asked him to check the driveway. When he told the homeowner there were no cars in the driveway, the homeowner let him in. We were given no notice whatsoever, and the homeowner knew this. We saw the A/C tech make a phone call, and we were called by the property manager shortly after who called to "let us know an AC guy would be coming later". We told her he had already been here for about an hour, and he was let in remotely by the homeowner. She was apologetic but really had no solution to the problem aside from changing our door code.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kati O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing time

We had a great weekend celebrating my sisters 40th birthday. This house was was perfect. We loved everything about it, especially the big windows! We loved learning the story behind the home and the Littlehale family. It was the perfect get away. Would definitely stay at this home again in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet cabin near Julian

The open feel in the living / dining area with the wall of windows was incredible. Lots of games, books and puzzles to enjoy. Short drive to Julian and Lake Cuyamaca.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

I-Chun C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing home away from home

We drove from San Diego and had exactly what we were looking for: a relaxing Memorial Day weekend away from crowds. The home was lovely, quiet and spacious so that our teen boys were able to find their own nooks. The craft kits were fun and made for nice souvenirs of our trip. We saw birds every day while sitting at the outside deck. The location was convenient, just a short drive from historic downtown Julian (thanks for the restaurant recommendations). We have already recommended this place to our friends!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Tradition

We celebrate our December birthdays in Julian almost every year. This was the first house we stayed at with a Christmas 🎄 tree to greet us. We enjoy Romanos, Warm Hearth, Julian Cafe and Julian Cider Mill. Its so cozy to be in this house when the wind is howling outside.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlyn W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

The house was very close to Main Street (less than a ten-minute drive). The property was clean and spacious. The kitchen was very well equipped and the large dining table was great for playing board games.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Charles D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Wedding trip stay

House was decent but could use a good deep clean.. Couldn't lock front door upon exit to the wedding we were attending, which made us late. Door just kept beeping upon code entry. You could lock it from the inside to sleep but we were unable to lock and secure the house when we left. Left a phone message that evening to Barbara and a message on VRBO and never heard back…
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frieda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Julian 2023

We came to get a mountain experience with our grandsons. It was everything we thought it would be. The cabin was spacious, yet cozy. We enjoyed the patio/deck. We even got up early to enjoy the meteor showers!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard C., Stevenson Ranch, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Lovely Home in the Mountains

This was our first visit to Julian and to this beautiful home. There was plenty of space for our family of five and we truly felt at home in this lovely getaway. The home is well stocked with everything you could possibly need to prepare dinners, play games or just relax. We did a lot of all three!! My favorite part of the home is the large back deck that has an incredible view. And of course, the tall ceilings and windows which gives the place a very open, light and spacious feel. The deck is perfect to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and is shaded in the evening for dinners on the family size table. There is also a gas grill with provided propane for a BBQ. We loved being able to stargaze at night. There is one neighbor to the west (right side when looking out) that leaves their back porch light on all night which causes some light pollution, but there is still plenty of darkness to see hundreds of stars. The location is perfect, just two miles from town. Just far enough away to feel isolated, but close enough to make quick trips for dining out, shopping, or to pick up groceries. We were all very sad to leave, but I promised we’d return to make more family memories. You can definitely feel the love in the home and we are looking forward to returning again soon. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us! The Cope Family
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend

Great place for a weekend getaway. Nice views, lovely house!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing !

This was a rare find. Beautiful location, super quiet with stunning views. It was the perfect home to chill out after a day of hiking and visiting the shops in Julian. The owners were very responsive and extremely helpful in their communications. I highly recommend this home for your next getaway.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Schor

Host profile image
We're a family of four generations. Grandpa and Grandma moved to San Diego with the Navy, and have enjoyed it ever since. Mom and Dad are retired now, too, and the kids and their kids try to fit weekends in Julian in between their other commitments!

Why they chose this property

This cabin is a beloved part of our family, since our grandparents built here in the 70s; after the original house burned in the Cedar Fire of 2003, we've rebuilt it ourselves as a place to enjoy the mountains and each other!

What makes this property unique

We love using the house as a place to relax and hang out, as a place to work on projects, and as a setting for family meals and cooking together. The back deck is a fabulous place to sit and stargaze at night or soak in sunlight during the day. Plus, it's a great base for exploring the fun things in the area. We like hiking, GeoCaching, and shopping in town, and love the pie at the Julian Pie Shop. (If you go there, tell Tim the Littlehales say hi.) :)

Languages:

English
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