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Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows

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Exterior
Living area
Room
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Palomar Mountain, CA
  • Place, Palomar Mountain State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, LEGOLAND® California
  • Place, Pechanga Resort & Casino
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪78 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows

If you want PEACE AND QUIET, you have found a unique & enchanting retreat.
For faster service TEXT me 619-871-9354.

The Lilacs was the FIRST VRBO listing on Palomar Mountain in historic Bailey Meadows (near but not part of Bailey Meadow Resort, which is currently closed). We've been on VRBO since 2005 and still open for a romantic getaway, serene encounter with a nature or a quiet, comfy family retreat.
We do have a caretaker living at the back, opposite side of the entry at a lower level, but on the property, so please be respectful and remember the quiet hours 8PM-8AM.

The Lilacs is a beautifully restored, cozy 1920's Redwood cabin on Palomar Mountain just 1:25 minutes from San Diego. The cabin has 1) Master bedroom, 2) a small room with desk/dresser & ladder to the LOFT for the adventurous sleepers, plus 3) a futon sofa-bed in main living room, where there is the original rock hearth. ALSO a large, full-glassed in, sun room, a complete kitchen (new stainless steel stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/drier, cookware and more).

Grandma Bailey's cabin turned 100 in 2024!... and is simply FULL of fun, atmosphere, historic knickknacks and special vibes.

The original Redwood walls and timbers were hand-assembled by craftsmen 100 years ago. I restored it all and worked hard to preserve the original character and charm; including the hand-made cabinets, plank walls & doors. Then I totally upgraded the bathrooms and kitchen.

The cabin is located on the ever-peaceful Evergreen Trail in the Bailey Meadows area, by most accounts the most historic and quaint part of Palomar Mountain (a heavy day of traffic on Evergreen Trail is 2-4 cars a day). Sorry, this is not a place for parties, absolutely none.

Besides relaxing, there is lots of scenic outing and lots to do on Palomar and the surrounding region.

IF YOU ARE FROM SAN DIEGO: Palomar is a piece of High Sierras environment just 1.5 hours from down town. Amazing what SD County has to offer! This Cabin sits on the cozy, shaded side of the mountain. Palomar Mt. State Park is awesome and just 5 minutes away. World-famous Palomar Observatory, Julian (the 1800's quaint Gold mining town) and Anza Borrego State Park, are scenic drives close enough for an outing. We are near to the Bailey's Resort on Palomar, but without the traffic or campers or congestion of Idyllwild, Big Bear, Julian or Lake Arrowhead, and less expensive too.

IF YOUR ARE FROM OUT OF San Diego: There are many activities within an hour of Palomar Mt... Beaches about 1.5 hr away, Safari Park (Wild Animal Park), Lego Land: plus and more. Sea World and Disneyland and Tijuana, Mexico are all doable in less than 2 hr drive.

Keywords:
Unique authentic experience in Bailey Meadow on Palomar Mt.
Grandma Bailey's Historic Mountain Cabin
Full of atmosphere,
Quaint, charming, rustic cabin comforts
Family retreat, for nature lovers.
Mountain get-away & retreat
Feels like the High Sierras with huge Pines and Oaks
Quiet alternative to Casino hotels
Closer than Idyllwild, CA and more privacy
Private & un-congested compared to busy Big Bear
Affordable compared to Lake Arrowhead
Safe, calm and quiet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EN ESPANOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Si quieres paz y tranquilidad, has encontrado un lugar muy especial.
Para un servicio más rápido Communicarse por TEXTO 619-871-9354.

La cabina fue restaurado con amor, acogedora cabaña de 1924 en las Montaña de Palomar sólo una hora, 25 minutos de San Diego. La cabina cuenta con tres dormitorios y dos baños, cocina completa, una chimenea de roca original, y es simplemente lleno de diversión, ambiente y vibraciones especiales.

Las paredes y maderas secoya originales fueron ensamblados a mano por artesanos hace más de 80 años. Hace poco renové todo y trabajé duro para preservar la mayor cantidad de carácter y encanto original; incluyendo hechos a mano armarios, paredes, puertas y ventanas. Entonces estoy totalmente actualizado y spiffed los baños y cocina.

La cabina se encuentra en el Camino Evergreen siempre pacífica en la zona de Bailey Meadows, según la mayoría de la parte más histórica y pintoresca de Palomar Mountain. (Un pesado día de tráfico en Evergreen Trail es 4 coches al día)

Además de relajarse, hay un montón de excursión escénica y hay mucho que hacer en Palomar y la región circundante. Para los enlaces frescas y más información, consulte el sitio web! Vea el enlace al sitio web a continuación. PalomarMountainCabin (punto) com

Palabras clave:
Histórico cabaña de montaña,
Lleno de ambiente clasico de 1920s,
Pintoresco, encantador, rústico, cómodo
Refugio de la familia, para los amantes de la naturaleza.
Un escape en las Montañas

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Sorry, NO loud parties, Keep voices low outside as neighbors will call me to complain if there its noisy. They bought their home for the peace/quiet.
THINGS TO BRING: Bring your own water: (Water system being worked on; Water is safe) Bring your own paper towels, all other TP, napkins etc provided.
LEAVING: Self clean keeps our costs affordable In early AM; ALL sheets, towels in washer/drier Take your foods, garbage bag w you; Our dump closed

Important information

You need to know

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
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

About the area

Pala

Located in Pala, this cabin is in the mountains. Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery and Pala Casino Spa Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Palomar Observatory and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing, ecotours and mountain biking.
View more Cabin rentals in PalaOpens in a new window
Map
Palomar Mountain, CA

What's nearby

  • Palomar Mountain State Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Harrah's Resort Southern California - 22 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Valley View Casino - 32 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Pechanga Resort & Casino - 48 min drive - 47.5 km
  • Galway Downs - 60 min drive - 56.1 km

Getting around

  • Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Diamond Lounge @ Harrah's Rincon - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Café - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Jilberto's Taco Shop - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

As of 16 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows on 18 Apr, 2026 start from S$159, 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 Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Palomar Mountain State Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Palomar Observatory and Palomar Mountain. Harrah's Resort Southern California and Casino Pauma are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 27 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald B.

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

Quiet and Rustic

A great place to get away from it all.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francisco P.

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

Excellent experience

We loved the rustic cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for and what was written on the description. It is located in the forest. It is quiet, calm, with lots of nature all around. Great if you are looking to relax in the outdoors. Our host was excellent and responsive to all our questions. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Spectacular cabin experience! From the moment we arrived, everything was clean, well-stocked, and clearly cared for with love. The peaceful surroundings, crisp mountain air, and towering trees made it feel like we were truly escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. The cabin itself was warm, inviting, and had all the comforts of home, plus a few special touches like board games and a perfect deck to enjoy morning coffee while listening to (and feeding) the woodpeckers. The location is fantastic. Just minutes from amazing hiking trails, yet still secluded enough to feel like a private retreat. Highly recommend this gem for anyone looking to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Thank you, Martin!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Hidden Gem in Palomar

We wish we could have stayed longer. We spent most of our time relaxing in the sunroom enjoying the view of the majestic pines and birds. It was fun just to imagine how life is back then at this location. Lilac is sure not Ritz-Carlton, but we loved it for its charms, coziness and location. Thank you Martin for being such a great host and we look forward to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph F.

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

Hiking and Downtime

Enjoyed the cabin and the downtime and relaxation. The charm of the cabin was appreciated. Wonderful deck to relax on. The variety of birds were a joy to watch. Loved watching the quail with its covey come around in the afternoon. Closeness to Palomar State Park was a plus. Was able to hike early morning and go back and check out the sunset from there. Wish I would've stayed longer
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jul, 2024
I love sharing the "labor of love" which I put into this historic cabin. Joseph is yet another of my wonderful guests who leave the cabin in spotless condition. I am ever so grateful for Joseph's visit... please come again! Martin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen R.

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

Secluded cabin

The cabin is remotely located, a perfect place to go for rest and quiet. The kitchen has a gas stove, microwave and dishwasher, even an instapot. We stayed in July, and it was warm (83 degrees F, 28 degrees C) every day. There's no AC, but open windows and fans kept us cool. The bathroom is tiny, with a shower, no tub, but everything worked fine. I use a rolling walker, and it wouldn't fit in the bathroom or bedroom, but there were enough places to grab onto to stabilize my body and get around. It is a beautiful, rustic place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2024
Appreciate your feedback. Glad you enjoyed your stay in this beautiful, historic cabin! Martin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry S.

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

Magical

The cabin was definately something special. We didn't expect the beautiful surroundings and morning birdsong to be that perfect. Much bigger than it seems in the photos and everything you could possibly need. Cozy but so much space to move around. Clean and welcoming. Perfect for our couples escape. Recharge and lazy or go wandering on exploration hikes. Seriously magical. We will be back. Bring food n drinks. Everything else youll need is there and the owner is lovely. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun, 2023
Larry so delighted that you fully enjoyed the magic of this soulful cabin celebrating the start of it's 100th year You both were such generous guests, leaving the cabin clean and orderly. You even folded the sheets! It was a joy to see the love and respect you gave this historic place. Please come back this summer for another recharge of good vibes. Let's stay in touch! From my family to yours, Martin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine K.

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

Cozy, rustic Lilac was amazing

Martin’s cabin, the Lilac, was perfect for our weekend away. It was easy to get to and check in was simple. Make sure to read all of the information provided before arrival since there is no cell signal. This cabin was cozy, rustic, and a hidden gem on Palomar Mt. Upon arrivals the cabin was clean and very chilly. After about 30 min with the gas fireplace turned on we were very comfortable in our t shirts. There were lots of movies and games, so we were never bored. About 15 minutes away is the CalTech Palomar Observatory which was very cool to see. Martin was very respondent and helpful when we had questions prior to booking and during our stay. He genuinely cares about the cabin and looks for ways to make your getaway special. We will definitely be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris Z.

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

The Lilacs is perfect for a relaxing mountain stay

Thanks for hosting us at The Lilacs cabin on Mt Palomar. We truly relaxed while staying -- the setting is so peaceful, surrounded and shaded by huge cedars and oaks, and visited closely throughout the day by woodpeckers, jays, pigeons, quail, and other birds. This century old cabin glows with character, from its patchwork quilt-like additions, to its mildly skewed floor, to its eclectic decor items. The cabin reminded us of other homey houses of similar vintage -- it was immediately comfortable. The kitchen / bathroom / laundry are completely modern while still fitting the cabin's vibe. The large deck gives a great view over the forest -- we could only wish the few neighboring cabins were even fewer, but, hey, others like it up here, too. Being only 5 minutes drive from Palomar Mountain State Park, it was easy to go hiking each morning and return to enjoy relaxing in the afternoons. Thanks again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2024
Delighted that you enjoyed the cabin so much. While there are a few cabins 100-150 ft away, one in each direction, only one has residents. All the others are seldom visited by their owners so they are part of the cabin landscape rather than the 'sound-scape'. Your feedback is appreciated and look forward to having you again! Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Peter P.

Snow-capped Mount Palomar vacation

We couldn't get to the cabin the first night our our five-night stay because a blizzard dumped a foot of snow at the top of the mountain. But we made it to the cabin the next day, and the snow made this 100-year-old cabin feel even more remote and cozy. Because of the snow, we couldn't park near the cabin, but we were there for hiking, so it was part of the adventure. I'd summarize this rental as precisely like borrowing the rustic family cabin of some friends. It feels like they stepped out yesterday, very personal in every aspect and decoration. This is a great basecamp for taking some serious (or undemanding, as you prefer) hikes in the very nearby (and highly recommended) Palomar State Park. Once the snow had passed, the views were stupefying--including that most rare of sights, a clear view of Catalina, so near you could reach out to it. Bear and lion tracks, lots of deer sighted, plus wild turkeys and lots of cool birds. Be sure to eat at Mother's (nearby; good vegetarian food; great people watching) and shop next door at the General Store. The cabin is not the Ritz and shouldn't be. But you'll enjoy a genuine wilderness experience if you stay here.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin PS: Bathrooms has been modernizing it. Love to have you back.
Verified

8/10 Good

Joseph L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and peace

We decided to come for 3 days break during July 4th and it was a delighrful experience. We enjoyed to be in the cabin because it broughr us to a rustic, simple and yet family connection. Martin was of a great help. Very much accessible and attentive to our needs. We enjoyed a lot having our breakfast with the birds on the porch. We're definitely willing to return and have a wonderful family vacation. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

6/10 Okay

Sheldon N.

Rustic-an accurate description

We just stayed there for one night. Directions were easy, just follow the signs posted when you get to Bailey's and you can't really miss it. The cabin itself is very quaint, you can tell it is a very old structure with lots of period decorations that make you feel like it was trapped in time. They have lots of games and old DVD's to keep you busy if you don't want to just hang out on the deck and listen to the woodpeckers. Kitchen and bathroom facilities were nothing fancy, but perfect for what we needed. There was no firewood around, so we had to fire up the propane heater inside. Kind of wanted to enjoy the fire-pit outside, maybe next time. The place could use a little TLC, just a good cleaning and a little paint here and there. The bathroom ceiling is moldy from moisture. We didn't use the pillows because they had this crinkly plastic cover on them that made them pretty much unusable. Woke up at about 3AM to squirrels running across the bedroom ceiling which continued for about an hour, guess they're getting ready for winter too. With a little bit of work this place could be much better while still maintaining it's character.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
Sheldon, We have made thousand of dollars of upgrades since last you stayed as the photos will show. We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Amazing time

My fiancee and I stayed here in July and had the most relaxing time. I loved the old charm of the cabin and the solitude was just what we were looking for. We were so happy we could bring our dog with us it made the trip even more perfect. I can't wait to go back. The owner was so nice and helpful. He even called us the first day to make sure we got there ok and to make sure we had everything we needed. The cabin is almost 100 years old so you have to expect not everything is going to be perfect. I love this place and cant wait to return. I will be renting it for a friends wedding next July and hopefully will return sooner then that!
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2022
THANK YOU Cindi Wonderful to hear of you and the pup joyed in this cabin. Fabulous that you appreciated the 100-year old creature comforts. I call it FOUR STAR rustic. Look forwarding to having you up again! Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lovely

One word describes the Lilacs...FANTASTIC! After looking at the pictures on this site for a month, during a drive home from work I got a wild hair and decided to try to book a night or two on a whim. Martin was VERY easy to work with. We made all of the arrangements on my drive home, I executed the documents an hour later, and three hours later checked in. The cabin is perfect. It's very rustic, full of character making it one in a million. The place was very clean. I did not notice any pet hair as the previous poster indicated. The BBQ was filled with gas. We immediately threw on a couple of steaks, opened a bottle of red, got the fireplace blazing & candles lit, no cell phone, no Internet. Need I say more? In the morning we were greeted with stunning views. Beautiful, colorful birds everywhere & a deer grazing down by the pond. We opted for a brisk morning hike, then down to Doane pond for the rest of the afternoon. This place is perfect & we will be frequenting The Lilacs as often as possible.
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2022
Thank you Dani for your gracious comments after a couple of unexpected poor reviews. 98% want what you experienced in this cabin. I do not spray with insecticide so the country critters are will leave some webs that may at times make it look neglected, but we totally clean after each guest. Thanks for the warm glow left behind.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Experience!

Had a great experience! The cabin has everything you need to getaway from a fast city life.. Everything was in good working condition Lots of attention to detail My favorite part was the authentic fireplace which made it a real cabin in the woods experience. Took my dog and she was safe and enjoyed relaxing on the deck @ back. I liked dealing directly with the Owner who was very helpful and made sure I found the cabin Plus gave me lots of tips on what to do during my stay @ Palimar Mtn. I would stay there again without hesitation Thanks Martin!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

2/10 Terrible

wendy h.

Beware!

Maybe June was a bad month, but I TOTALLY agree with Paul's review. Martin was a nice guy, but NO info was given about check in procedure. I assumed the 'care taker' ( I use the term loosely since it appeared no care had been taken of this place) would be there, but she wasn't! We had to drive half way down the mountain since there is no reception at the cabin and thank goodness I was able to contact Martin because it was 8 PM and we had very tired cranky kids! We finally got in and were severely disappointed! It. Was. Dirty. Really. Really. Dirty. I have kids, so I am by no means used to spotless! but it honestly looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in quite some time. We were told to 'leave things at least as nice as we found them' when we left. It would appear that is all the cleaning that gets done here. The fridge had some strange pellet looking things in the drawer and we never figured out what it was. We had to clean lots of cobwebs up. The floor was so slanted my 2 year old nephew lost his balance and hit his head on the wall. Also, don't make the mistake of asking the guy at the first house once you hit the dirt road where the cabin is (remember we got NO instructions for check in and that included no directions). He was literally the rudest person we've ever had the dis pleasure of running into. My husband, who is the nicest person you'll ever meet nearly punched this man when he began insulting his mother. In the end, my sister and brother in law left a day early. Once they left, we decided to go to the Marriott and try to redeem this vacation. I really do hate to leave such negative feedback, but t was truly the dirtiest, most disappointing place we've ever stayed!
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2022
{From 2014} I wish you had read the detailed instructions... So sorry to hear of your frustration, with hungry kids is especially difficulty... * When you receive the KEY CODE you also had the opportunity (on the same attachment) to print out complete DRIVING instructions WITH THE KEY CODE also. *The rental contract you signed explains that no one will meet you there. *Sue lives 5 minutes away if you have a problem and need help. The cabin has a land line to call me (and Wi-Fi calling) ... or be called by your friends. Floors are not flat, but 100% SAFE & SOLID!. Yes, this 90-year old historic cabin has normal 1920s irregularities, but been TOTALLY safe for 100 years. * I can understand the neighbors... if you knock on their door after dark at pajama time, when the road signs on Evergreen trail clearly say "Lilacs Cabin 130 yards ahead". I wish you had called me immediately rather than fighting with my dear neighbors, that is hard to repair. A bit preparation on your part would have made for a wonderful experience as all the other guests have had. Never the less I am truly sorry for anyone who has less than a serene and joyous experience in nature.
Archival

2/10 Terrible

Paul R.

Really Rustic!!!

My wife and I spent two nights in this not so 'cozy romantic cabin, in June 2014. We spent the first afternoon cleaning the kitchen in order to eat without having the fear of becoming sick. The refrigerator had a fowl odor obviously from left over foods and really needed cleaning. The cabin floor is sloped downhill giving one the sensation that the structure is about to fall over the cliff. The floors were covered with debris and an abundance of animal hair of various colors and lengths. After one evening in the cabin, our socks were totally soiled and full of animal hair. Cobwebs along with dust decorated the windows, walls and ceilings. It appeared that fallen leaves had not been removed from the balcony in weeks.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2022
In this case I plead guilty. [ We no longer accept pets and do sanitize the kitchen, bought a stainless steel stove, new microwave, sanitized frig.] (In this case in 2014:) The rugs were not ready for prime time. Wish you'd called me immediately, when you were out hiking we could have solved the main issues. We'd had a guest who rented for 8 months and left quickly. He had a dog... While we vacuumed, we did not have time to steam clean after he left and things were not totally ready as I want to guarantee to all future guests. it was a unique turn-over after our only long-term rental with pet. Has been steam cleaned regularly since then.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A Peaceful Retreat

We loved our weekend at the cabin! There is great hiking trails nearby and a good restaurant down the road. The bed was very comfortable and we got to bring our dog along. We sat on the patio and the temperature was nice and cool. I liked it much better than big bear or Idyllwild. Martin the owner called to see how our stay was going. The fireplace was super cozy!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mountain Retreat - Fresh Air and Quiet

We loved our stay at the Lilacs cabin. It's a great getaway from urban chaos. It's quiet, and the air is clean and fresh, and the drinking water is fantastic. We loved the peace and tranquility of the area. Sue, the resident caretaker, was both helpful and unobtrusive. We found the cabin clean and welcoming upon our arrival. This is more of a destination cabin - Palomar is quiet and relaxed. We visited both the Palomar Observatory and the state park nearby, but the best part of our stay was just kicking back at the cabin and enjoying the many birds and the fresh air. We were able to bring our dog, something we really appreciated.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

8/10 Good

Laura A.

Charming and Spacious Cabin, with one flaw

This would be a 5 star review for a really fantastic experience, but there was one issue. I rented the cabin for a girl's weekend away. It was an great process to work out the rental agreement, and I felt confident we could get to the cabin and find the keys. All my questions were answered in a timely manner. Sue greeted our first car of girls and was very helpful showing us the lay of the land and helping us find the parking down the hill. The cabin itself was really charming and surprisingly spacious. The sun room was where we spent most of our time and it was so comfortable and had a great view. The beds were great for a cabin, all the rooms were nice and clean, there were tons of blankets, the loft was great and really, everything met or exceeded our expectations. However, we were a group of 10. So while we were prepare to clean up after ourselves, we weren't really prepared to do ALL of our own dishes. When we had finished our first meal and I went to load the dishwasher, I discovered a post-it on the inside telling me it was broken. If I'd been informed of this in advance I might not have been so caught off guard and bothered. We manned up and did all our dishes and left things as we found them, but it was bothersome to me enough that it bumped it down to 4 stars. So, if you care, ask if the dishwasher has been fixed when you go to rent. Other than that, this place really was AWESOME. And our group is seriously thinking about making this a yearly destination.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin Hope you come again. Dishwasher will be working!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

A perfect cabin-in-the-woods weekend!

At the last minute I decided to surprise my husband with a little weekend getaway for our anniversary. I booked our stay only a couple of days in advance, which wasn't a problem. We live in Los Angeles, so the goal was to go someplace green and quiet. This cabin was exactly what we were looking for - cozy, charming, and rustic. We stayed two nights, cooked all our meals in the kitchen (and on the grill), and played cards together on the couch at night. Our eight-month-old son came with us and he was happy as a clam. We loved seeing the starry sky at night and falling asleep to the sound of frogs and crickets. Part of what keeps the prices so reasonable is that you're asked to wash your sheets and towels in the washer prior to leaving. An easy request and we were happy to do so. We would certainly come back and stay here again. One note - the curtains in the bedroom are rather lightweight and do not do well at keeping out the morning sun (a must for our easy-to-wake eight-month-old). Thankfully we planned ahead, just in case, and brought heavy fabric panels that we hung over the windows. It did the trick!
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2023
We are open for the summer rentals if you would like to consider another visit! Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The perfect weekend

We just got home from an amazing weekend at the Lilac's. There were 8 of us and the cabin had more than enough space to accomidate our group. The cabin itself is like going back in time. It is filled with wonderful pieces of history that give it a warm feeling that reminds me of my grandparents cabin in Colorado. It has such a homey feel that you are immediatly comfortable. There is a great loft for the kids and a place outside where you can sit around the fire in th evening. During the day you can hear woodpeckers and at night you can hear the owls. The cabin itself sits on a hillside and the views are incredible. Martin was kind and patient with me during the reservation process and always got back to me promptly when I had questions. There is a guestbook filled with wonderful comments from past campers sharing their experiences.
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2022
Thank you ever so much for your warm and generous review. I lived in Colorado for 15 years so part of what I love about Palomar's High Sierra environment is that it reminds me of the wonderful mountains above Boulder and the front range. See you back soon and I will thank you at booking time too.
Archival

2/10 Terrible

Thanksgiving in Hell.

My family and I wanted to stay in a cabin for Thanksgiving this year, relaxing away from the city. We booked our stay at the Lilacs cabin in September. Upon our arrival, the caretaker of the cabin was very surprised to see us; she had no idea we were coming. The owner had actually double booked the cabin. The caretaker told us a family of 15 had arrived earlier that day and left an hour before we showed up. She admitted to us that the family had left early because the place was filthy. If they had not left, what would we have done? Share the cabin with them?? The cabin was very dirty, spider webs everywhere you looked, dust on everything, mice droppings all over the floor and later that night we found out there was even mice droppings on the bed in the master bedroom. When we showed up we were immediately disappointed but we decided to try and make it work since it took us 2 hours to get here...It was Thanksgiving day and we had to start cooking. We were looking forward to the loft that was described oh so nicely, but we were let down. It just had an old mattress with some dirty looking sheets and blankets. The bed wasn't made. Their were huge spiders in the kitchen pots and pans, hair tangled in the shower drains, dead bugs and mice droppings on the bed and between the "cleaner" sheets. We were afraid to sleep there, it was disgusting. I thought about sleeping in the car, but it was freezing outside. The bathroom floor mats were slippery and could be dangerous. The photos listed here are not accurate and we would never recommend this property to any of our family or friends. My family and I were supposed to stay for 3 days....we left after one night.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2022
Janet, Justin, [ Nov. 2011 ] YOUR YOUNG SON BOOKED, paid & SIGNED A LEASE FOR DATES IN SEPTEMBER.... NOT THANKSGIVING!! Wow! CHECK and read OUR RENTAL AGREEMENT!! YOU ARE INCORRECT AND GIVE ME ONE STAR FOR A MISTAKE YOUR SON MADE I am sorry for your unexpected surprise, but I did not double book. No party of 15 is allowed in this cozy cabin. YES, YOU HAD NOT RESERVED THESE DATES: Of course we were not ready and the place was NOT Ready for you. It was Not reserved for you. We were cleaning the cabin up after other guests left. The housekeeper was surprised and also misinformed about who left and why as well as unaware of the reservations made. She had no idea who you were and assumed that you had paid for these dates. The mistake was NOT our mistake as the signed rental lease states clearly. TRUE: We were not expecting you this weekend. You did neither requested this weekend nor paid for this weekend. Additionally your contract stated clearly that your were renting a weekend in September NOT Thanksgiving weekend! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Your young son made the reservation received the following communications from us: Sep 2, 2011 Justin, Sept. 23-25...at the Lilacs; Palomar Mountain Cabin Justin, Here is the reservation for Sept. 23-25...at the Lilacs; Palomar Mountain Cabin. You will have access to upstairs and one bedroom downstairs ... Martin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Janet, Justin, I can understand your frustration, but you must check your facts before trashing this beautiful cabin in your review. How did you get the idea that you were renting on Thanksgiving when: 1) not one of your communications or my communications had mentioned November or Thanksgiving 2) The contract your signed gave the check-in date as September 23 3) not one of my communications had mentioned November or Thanksgiving. My email confirmation stated a September 23 weekend date and rate. 4) The Pay Pal payment stated the September 23 date as your use date. How did you come up the mountain without reading the contract or without contacting me or reading your mail or checking the dates? I apologize for the misunderstanding, but as I look at every communication, each one is clear about the date of your visit. Martin
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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The Lilacs is an eclectic...

The Lilacs is an eclectic, cozy, and comfortable home away from home. It is located on a fairly secluded road surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. But it is also exactly centered between the corner general store and restaurant and the entrance to the State Park, so you never feel too far away from anything. My favorite part was sitting in front of that beautiful fireplace with some music and a bottle of fantastic red wine. The owner is also a pleasure to deal with. No need to look anywhere else on Palomar Mtn - you will love this cabin, guaranteed! We will be back!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

This is the ultimate peac...

This is the ultimate peaceful place. Warm, cozy, homey, and very comfortable house and setting. My husband was very tired and not feeling well from our long drive to the cabin, when we entered he said "This is just what I need Deb." We loved it and will be back.

About the host

Hosted by Martin Eder

Host profile image
I am a retired teacher. Restoring this historic Lilacs cabin on beloved Palomar Mt. has been a labor of love. I believe you will feel the spirit of the universe's vortex - a special place which local Native Americans cherished for thousands of years when they journeyed up from the deserts and as far away as the Pacific coast. This precious environment has began attracting city dwellers from LA and San Diego beginning in the 1800s to seek communion with the natural world.
Are you ready to make this pilgrimage too? This cabin is designated for peace and quiet, absolutely no parties.

Why they chose this property

I love the lush greenery and the mountain air. I love the experience the seasonal changes. This cabin satisfies my longing for nature and some solitude. Within minutes of arriving I am a better person forgetting the frenzy of city life. This is a place to worship peace and Mother Nature.

What makes this property unique

With 2 living rooms upstairs, there is room to spread out. Balcony off the back feels like you are in the treetops.
There are good vibes in this cabin - a wonderful place for family gatherings or reunions with friends. This can be a place for healing and growing enduring relationships.
Please be aware that this cabin has an upstairs/with a lower level on the back side. You enter on ground-level, drive up to the front door. You rent the main floor, upstairs of the cabin. You share no facilities, it is all yours.
On the back side of the property at the lower level is a 1 bedroom apt for the caretaker. You may not hear them, but we ask you to respect the peace and quiet of the cabin. Quiet hours are 8PM to 8AM. Keep music, TV and voice low, even outside even though it feels isolated, but voices carry in the valley and people come to Palomar for peace and quiet.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

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