Artists Loft Bed and DIY Breakfast - Julian, California

Braden M.

All of the previous reviews hit it on the head. I'm only here to deeply reaffirm them!! I was looking for a beautiful space to escape for a quick weekend...and pop the question to my girlfriend! Naturally - it took quite some searching to find a place close enough to LA (our base) for a quick weekend getaway - but special enough for the moment. I knew I loved Julian - but, I'd always camped around the area - never stayed IN Julian itself - and I was a bit afraid that during a holiday weekend it would be the wrong fit. Too crowded and touristy for our likes. We like to be remote. And quiet. And simple. And then I found the Big Cat Cabin website. Its close enough to Julian to enjoy the quiet mountain town - but remote enough that you can get away from the crowds of the main drag. I watched the short video on the website giving a small tour of the cabins and a quick interview with Chuck and Nan (the owners) and I was fully sold that it was what we were looking for. After a quick call to Nan to book the weekend - I knew my instincts were right. She's just lovely and really takes the time to listen and understand her guests. She knows she has a lovely little piece of heaven up there in those woods - and I think she works hard to make sure the right people find it who will appreciate it and care for it the way she and Chuck do.||||With engagement ring in tow - we ventured south to the cabin. We arrived on a beautiful full moon night - Nan had some gorgeous music playing when we entered the cabin (and - we quickly added the album as one of our favorites on Spotify which we listen to nightly now - it was THAT perfect for the weekend mood we were looking for - well done, Nan!) and it was immediately clear that we were in the exact spot we wanted to be in. Everything is just so quaint and gorgeous. The curation of the cabin is so meticulous and every little piece of furniture, or blanket, or little knick knack is placed with care and thought and one helluva eye for interior decoration! You can tell the whole place was made with true love and joy. The central fireplace (original from 1929!) is just beyond wonderful - and Chuck and Nan left us enough kindling and wood for the weekend. We spent both nights in front of the fireplace with wine and the "TableTopics" card game they left on the table - just relaxing and having great conversations and enjoying the quiet and solitude of the space. In fact - we loved the space so much that it became the place I proposed! We wanted this cabin to be a part of our permanent story and to be a place we gladly return to annually over our life together. ||||As others have said - we had plans to go out and explore - but, that basically evaporated when we got in! We just wanted to stay in the cozy wonder of the cabin all weekend! We went to town just to look around - but then we both wanted to go back and curl up in the creature comforts. The sunset views are spectacular...the front porch and chairs outside are wonderful for sunrise and sunset gazing. The big bay window is a perfect napping/reading space...the king sized bed is so comfortable and the heated blankets are just what you need for a cold mountain night. The cabin stayed very warm and we had the ability to raise the heat ourselves as necessary. It got pretty cold outside the nights we were there in April - so - it was nice to be able to give a little boost of the heater. AND - the throw blankets scattered throughout along with the fireplace helped us feel fully warm and blissed out.||||The bathroom with a claw foot tub and a stone and wood shower stall was just perfect. Great water pressure and heat - always a bonus in the mountains! ||||One thing to note is that there are no curtains on the bedroom windows facing the bed...which - is actually lovely - because it makes you get up and experience the sunrise. BUT - if you want to sleep in and need darkness - then bring an eye-mask along. We woke up both days with the light and watched the sunrise (and were so happy we did!) - but then we went back to bed and lazily read until we dozed off again!||||Again - stressing what others have said - this isn't the "let the maid deal with it" kind of place. If that's your attitude on vacation - I would suggest looking for another spot more suited for your style. This place is like a precious home and needs to be cared for as such!||||AND - as so many others have said - Chuck and Nan themselves are such a wonderful part of the experience. They keep to themselves and allow you your space for the weekend - but they were always available for any question we had. We spoke with them for over an hour as we were leaving - such generous and open and present people. They've lived a great life as artists together and you can see their artistry blooming in every nook and cranny of their property. We will be telling all of our friends about this place and will be returning often. What a wonderful little gem!!

lalfordduran

As a couple, we loved our 3 night stay at the historic Big Cat Cabin. It was quiet, private, and comfortable. There are lots of separate and lovely areas within and without the cabin to linger in and relax - the writer's corner, the window seat and sofa next to the stone fireplace, the sunny dining area, the porch, and the lounge chairs outside the front door. We enjoyed stargazing, birdwatching, and doing some long hikes in the local area. The cabin is surrounded by pines and oaks with expansive views out to the Cuyamaca and Laguna mountains. There were mule deer including a yearling that periodically rested quietly just outside the cabin. We would highly recommend this cabin. Additionally, we would highly recommend Strawberry Hill cabin where we stayed 2 years ago. It's smaller and newer, very beautiful, and has a long, screened in porch. It also has wonderful views of the mountains and trees.

Jonny P.

Out of all the places in the world we have stayed this has to be one of our favourites for its shear peace and tranquility and the care and attention put in to it by Chuck and Nan.||||We spent two wonderful nights in March in Strawberry Hill Cabin. We were greeted on arrival by Nan who showed us where everything was and told us all we needed to know about the area. The cabin is beautifully thought out down to the finest detail and felt instantly homely. It was a joy to escape television and wifi and actually get back to enjoying each others company of an evening. Sitting on the sofa, with a glass of wine, in front of the log burner, was a wonderful way to spend our evenings.||||The kitchen is well equipped and all the essential condiments were provided. ||||The location is beautiful. The views from the deck, across the mountains were stunning. There isn't a huge amount in Julian but it is a charming place with a well stocked store and some delicious apple pie. It is also a very easy drive to Anza Borrego which was the primary reason for our visit.||||I really can't stress enough how much we loved it here. Chuck and Nan were great hosts, the cabin was perfect and spotlessly clean and the location was great. If you want a break from the stresses of everyday life and an escape from the constant bombardment of technology this is definitely the place for you. ||||My only complaint is that we only booked to stay here for 2 nights!

Adrian V.

My wife, 12-year-old child and I spent a wonderful weekend at the Artists’ Loft Cabin in Julian. The cabin is spacious yet cozy. Full of all those small details that make such a big difference down to the two pairs of binoculars to help you enjoy bird-watching. Wooden floor, cozy furniture, wood-oven and astounding views. The couple that owns the cabin is fabulous! Caring and warm. They make you feel welcomed. Highly recommend.

wzounes

If you need to get away from everyday stress and become a happy positive person again then this is the place to go. The "New" Artist Loft is an incredible experience from the moment you walk in to the time you leave. Nestled in Pine Hills and surrounded by a mix of pine trees, oaks, and other chaparral vegetation the cottage is great place to escape for the weekend or week. Designed and rebuilt with excellent craftsmanship and furnished with antiques to modern amenities, the cottage is warm and inviting. I can write an entire book describing the décor, but take my word it’s amazing. The cottage has a huge porch with views of Mt. Cuyamaca and other mountains to the west and chairs to just sit and think of nothing . Or you can site by the wood burning stove and enjoy a fire inside. Very spacious living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom. Bathroom has jet bathtub. Great hiking trails three miles away at William Heist County park and the town of Julian just four miles away. The cottage is exceptionally clean and the host, Chuck and Nan are very friendly and very willing to answer question and attend to your needs. We will be coming back here for years.||Will and Arwa

Adriane S.

I came to Big Cat Cabin seeking somewhere quiet to finish my manuscript, and what I found was pure magic. ||||I wouldn't typically describe myself as a spiritual person, however walking into Big Cat, I was overwhelmed with the sense that I had arrived at a very special place. Yes it is incredibly beautiful, (nestled in the woods with no other buildings in sight, dappled light spilling through its windows, stunning mountain vistas at the door, gorgeous photographs that adorn the walls and exquisitely furnished with carefully curated antiques), but more than that, Big Cat Cabin has soul.||||If you are lucky enough to stay at Big Cat, put away your phone and don't watch TV on your laptop. Treasure your time here. Draw a bath, sit by the fire, read, notice each unique view of every window, have a cup of tea on the porch and watch the sun set, behold the creatures that pitter patter around you (deer, squirrels, woodpeckers and blue jays), then read some more. ||||Chuck and Nan were incredible hosts. They are as magical as the cabin itself. When I arrived the house was warm, gentle music was playing and there was a cake for me in the kitchen (along with delicious coffee beans, eggs, butter and a jug of cream). Chuck welcomed me with a fascinating tour. When I needed more wood, Nan slipped in when I was out and replenished the pile. Like a magical woodland fairy, she also lit the house cozily, put on some lovely music and left out a little bowl of chocolates on the table. ||||I couldn't be more grateful for my nurturing and restorative stay at Big Cat Cabin. I look forward to a reunion soon! ||||PS: For anyone curious, yes I did complete the manuscript!

Kathy C.

Big Cat Cabin is our favorite mountain get-a-way. We have been staying here 15+ years & it has never lost it's charm. Big Cat is in a beautiful, peaceful forest setting. The cabin itself is very large, open concept, vaulted ceilings, wood beams, floor to ceiling wood burning fire place, spotlessly clean & has so many large windows in every room that it brings the outdoors inside. You know you are in the middle of the forest no matter which room you're in. We like to sit in the living room & watch the deer steal bird food from the hanging bird feeder. For those who love nature-this is the place. Deer walk through the property several times a day & even just hang out. The cabin is on the route that some wild turkeys (I counted 28) take a couple times a day. Watching the wildlife, including birds, squirrels & chipmunks can be a full time job.||Nan & Chuck are gracious hosts and have made this place very special. It's enjoyable to be in any room. The furnishings are woodsy, unique and even whimsical . . . like the little twinkle lights along the bed headboard & above the large window seat in the living room. The kitchen has the charm of being old fashion (i.e. antique stove) & is fully functional. The bedroom is large including a sitting area with a love seat & writing desk. And yes-the king bed is very comfortable. The comfy couch in front of the fire place or 2 people window seat in the living room are perfect for reading. There are lots of homey touches like throws to wrap up in, coasters, place mats, wine glasses . . . The cabin is very private, the area is quiet.||Lots of little thoughtful extras - board games, large selection of CD's & books, bottled water, different teas to choose from, specialty bath soap made in Julian as well as a delicious loaf cake. Add the coffee, brown eggs & juice to the buttered loaf cake (all provided) to enjoy breakfast. There's a variety of condiments in the frig like jams, jellies, mayo, mustard etc.||The historical town of Julian is quaint with neat shops and good restaurants.Don't miss out on visiting town. It's only about a 10 minute drive from the cabin. ||This is a wonderful place to visit for rest, relaxation, to rejuvenate & recharge. I truly can't imagine anyone coming here & not wishing to return. So treat yourself & your special someone.

Mike H.

My wife and I have stayed with Chuck and Nan on multiple occasions. The various cabin offerings at the Artist's Loft are simple, wonderful retreats for a weekend or extended stay.

Everything about the experience helps you focus on your time and the people you're with. No TVs, no dining hall or restaurant. Prepare a simple meal in the quaint but capable kitchen, read a book or play a game. Have a good long sit on the porch and cap it with a sunset.

Our favorite is the one-room "Cabin at Strawberry Hill", but the Big Cat cabin is also wonderful. I'll stay there again the next time I'm feeling the need to do a good bit of writing, the view from the desk is superb.