Lilac Ridge Cabin
San Diego Backcountry Retreat
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Lilac Ridge Cabin is located on a small ranch east
of San Diego, in the picturesque mountain community of Descanso
which borders on Cuyamaca State Park. Descanso literally means "place
of rest "and historically served as the winter camp for the
indigenious people for several hundreds of years . On this 5 acre
ranch is an old, storybook stone house built in the 20's and
called "Lilac Ridge Cabin" because of its location at the base
of a wild lilac covered mountain . Its early history include it being
a stage stop for wagons coming and going to the Julian Goldmines and a Bed
and Breakfast in the 40's. The property owners are artists/craftsmen Laurie Roberts and Lane McClelland who reside in a rennovated barn on a separate level of the ranch. As hosts, they feel their guests should be afforded as much privacy as they desire but make themselves available if needed. If you want even greater seclusion, please look at our rustic strawbale cottage "The Haylapa House" located on the upper part of the property. |
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Accommodations
The cabin has 2 bedrooms ...one has a stone fireplace
and hand hewn queen size log bed and wall to wall carpet. The other
bedroom/study has a very comfortable queensize sleeper couch, widescreen TV,
and wood stove with glass door. Both have views of the
mountainside and or oak trees. The recently remodeled "vintage"
bathroom has large clawfoot tub , pedestal sink and lovely artwork. The
living roomand the alcove dining room with turn of the century plantation
table and church pew bench seating share a view of the lovely old stone
fireplace and look out on to the garden. A large
kitchen just off the living room area has ample counters and cabinets for
preparing meals for family gatherings , complete with dishwasher, microwave,
coffeemaker , full size fridge, dishes and glasses. Hardwood floors are
throughout and the furnishings are a collection of primitive antiques
and western art from all over the world. . It is rustic enough to
feel "country comfortable" yet decorated in a style that you feel
spoiled........ Click to
tour cabin and location
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Dining
. There are several restaurants within 10
minutes drive as well as a local deli, pizza place, coffee shops and grocery
stores. The patio has a BBQ and willow dining set
with view of the garden and can't be beat for a romantic meal al fresco.
Lunch in Julian or having a picnic at one of the wineries a few miles up the
road is also guaranteed a good time. If you like buffet, Viejas Casino,
a few miles west is always a good bet as well as Le Mediterraneo Bistro or
Janets Cafe in Alpine.
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Pets and Equines
We are pet friendly and if you have really active, large dogs,
you may want to consider renting our "Haylapa House"
which is on it's own 2 1/2 acre compound and is located on the upper part of the
property. The yard of Lilac Cabin has a 3' tall fence.
There are several places nearby for hiking with your dogs (some
leashfree) as well as numerous trailheads for horseback riding and
we can often put up a couple horses.........call for details. Another
option is that Descanso Feed Store can often board your horse a
few nights ($10 per)and is just across the street from the Merrigan Ranch
trailhead which is 3 minutes drive from our ranch . Cuyamaca State
Park, known for its trails and riding is 10 minute drive from here . Click to meet our furry residents
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Things To
Do There
are fabulous trails
awaiting the equestrian, hiker or mountain biker including one that allows unleashed
dogs. Sightseers will enjoy a jaunt to the old mining town of Julian where they can shop, eat some
of their famous apple pie, or go winetasting .
Just over the hill from Julian is Santa Ysabel which has a wonderful gallery which
features local artists, the Weavers Guild, Dudleys Bakery and the old
picturesque Santa Ysabel Mission. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting one of the 3
awesome animal sanctuaries in the area :
Sky Hunters is a Raptor education and rehabilitation
center where you can be given a personal tour ….this is a must do if
you have an interest in wildlife ! Call 619 445-6565 for
appt. Also within a 10 minute
drive is the Lions, Tigers and Bears Animal Sanctuary and within a 30 minute drive is the California Wolf Center.
Appts. are necessary for these as well and the Wolf sanctuary is only
open to the public on Saturdays. These places need advanced notice for tours so call a few weeks
ahead to arrange. A drive over to Borrego Desert is always enjoyable,
especially in the winter for hiking or visiting the Interpretive Center.
For you out-of-towners who would like to visit San Diego's beaches, we
are just 45 minutes away from the coast. If you want to experience a
bit of Mexico's charms, we are 45 minutes from the quaint town of Tecate
which has great food, shopping and pharmacies. If a spa is more to your
liking, you can head over to Jacumba Hot Springs Resort
which is a low key place with pools, sauna, natural hotsprings , masseuses,
restaurant and bar. It makes a nice stop after a high desert ride or
hike. On your way back from Jacumba, you must stop at the tiny Wisteria Candy Cottage which makes the
best homemade chocolates and sweets you'll ever taste and has been in the
same location for over 75 years. . For you gamblers and shoppers,
the Viejas Casino and Outlet is a 15
minute drive west and has great restaurants and stores. If you like
good beer, stop at the Alpine Brewery on
your way up the hill to pick up a jug to enjoy with your
pizza. Equestrians and motorcyclists will find McClintocks Saddles a worthwhile
stop for custom leather accessories and tack. Anyone who loves wood or
cooking will be amazed by a visit to Trynn Spoons,
owned by artist Bill Chapelow, who makes fine art spoons, utensils and jewelry
from exotic woods. If you would like to go trail riding and don't own a
horse, you can reserve one at Kenner
Stables near Julian. The quaint mexican town of Tecate is 40 minutes away and is a
fun place to have a taste of south of the border experience. |
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Weather We are located at an
elevation of 3600' and get one or two light snows per year. You
can expect chilly nights in the winter. Mid summer temps can get into
the 100's. Most of the year, we enjoy excellent weather and often are
able to ride in T-shirts New Years Day ! Check weather.com
to see our local forecast. |
Rates ( two night minimum stay )
$175 per night for two persons and $10 per nite per extra
person with a max. of five . $950 per week for 2 people. Checkin 3:00 Checkout
12:00 Major credit cards accepted. Call or e-mail for reservations.
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Availability Calendar
and Guest Comments
Contact Us laurie@haylapa.com
Reservations 619 445-1899
To See More of Our Rustic Creations For Your Home and Garden Visit Http://www.1888twigman.com
Member
The Southern California
Equestrian Directory
