Artists' Loft and Cabins At Strawberry Hill, Julian

The Cabin at Strawberry Hill is one of several unique cabins run as part of the "Artist's Loft" Bed & Breakfast. My wife and I have been visiting Julian for years, and after nearly a dozen visits to Julian B&Bs, we finally stayed at the Cabin at Strawberry Hill. So far, this is our favorite! The cabin itself is a masterstroke of modern rustic construction. The single large and comfortable room looks more like a design study than a "cabin in the woods". The massive king bed is extremely comfortable and the simple kitchen with vintage range/oven and wood counters is as beautiful as it is fun to cook in. Fresh organic eggs and bread were provided and we enthusiastly prepared our own breakfast on our second day, after opting for Sunday Brunch at the nearby Pine Hills Lodge the day prior. We preferred our results to the brunch! The gas heater would have been more than adequate, but we opted instead to turn it down and build a fire in the cast iron fireplace. Dimming the lights and settling on the couch or bed bathed in firelight is romance at its finest! The clawfoot tub and antique swiss bathroom fixtures complete the equation for a perfect setting for a couple's getaway. The views from the front porch (or through the glass doors when the shades are drawn) are simply breathtaking. We managed to spy a pair of deer working their way past the cabin; a very common sight, apparently. The cabin is close enough (10 minute drive) to Julian to enjoy the restaurants and shopping, but far enough away that staying here is a different sort of experience than staying at one of the "Hotel-style" B&B's in town. The term "quiet" takes on new meaning as the occasional Woodpecker or Blue Jay are the primary noisemakers in the area. When we stayed, the new "Artist's Loft" was nearing completion (rebuilt bigger and better after being lost along with the proprietor's main home during the Firestorm of 2003). Two nights was not enough, to be sure. Our self-organized "tour" of Julian B&Bs may be over, I think we've found our favorite place to visit again and again.