Nestled just under the Dark Sky Den cabin, sitting among a forest of trees, is a cozy little studio, intimate and dimly lit for ultimate style & relaxation. Private Entry + Patio.
* King Bed
* 450 Square Foot Studio
* Fully Equipped Kitchen
* Island / Dining Seating for 2
* Full Bath w/ Shower
* Private Deck with Incredible Views
* Laid Back w/ Ultimate Ambiance Interior Design
* Forest Views + Volcan Mountain
* Picture Windows Views of Trees
* 5 Min. from Main St. on Paved Roads
Located in the International Dark Sky Community of Julian, just 5 min. from Main St., yet feels miles away. Slow down, unwind & settle into the laid-back life.
The Downstairs Den is the dark and moody alternative to its sister space just above, the 5-Star rated, Guest Favorite Dark Sky Den, and featured in LOCALE Magazine. Relax your senses in this contemporary, nomadic-style studio. The Interior Design is peppered with thoughtfully appointed details, custom and vintage accents, and natural materials and textures, along with dim, low-lit lighting that creates an ambience that feels exceptionally cozy.
Nestled among the trees, the studio sits on a peaceful half-acre filled with black oaks and a full view of Volcan Mountain. With large, picture windows and a private deck, you'll have a ground's eye view of trees, wandering deer, wild turkey and other birds and wildlife.
STUDIO SPACE:
- 450 Square Feet
- 1962 Custom Cabin
- 1/2 Acre filled with Oak & Pine Trees, Woodpeckers, and occasionally Deer and Wild Turkey
- King Bed
- Sleeps 2 max
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Full Bath with Shower & Multi-Spray Showerhead
- Large Picture Windows Facing the Hillside filled with Trees
- Expansive View of Volcan Mountain from all Windows
- Interior Design Style is Laid-Back, Contemporary Nomad with Natural & Collected Elements. Comfortable, cozy, moody and romantic.
- Healthy Home Philosophy with attention to detail in Lighting, Cleaning Products, Furnishings and Simple Living Lifestyle.
- Dark Sky Lighting to support Circadian Rhythm and dimmable, warm bulbs to relax your senses (optional Overhead Lights, as needed)
- Wifi
- Fireplace is for DECORATION ONLY. Thank you for respecting our fire sensitive community.
- Wall Mounted Heater
- Extra Linens and Blankets
- Desk / Table for those creative working nomads
- Private Deck with a Set of Rocking Chairs facing an incredible and peaceful view
- On Site Parking (1 car only) on Gravel Driveway
- Safe and Walkable Neighborhood
- Paved Roads lead to Cabin
- 5 Minutes to Historic Main St.
- 5 Minutes to Wineries & Breweries, Hiking Trails
- 15 Minutes to Wynola & Lake Cuyamaca
BEDROOM
- King Bed with Nest Mattress
- Wardrobe Rack + Hangers
- Vintage Gold Heart Locks and Cabinetry Knob Accents
- Cabinet Storage for Luggage
- (2) Luggage Racks
SEATING AREA
- Custom Design Seating for 2
KITCHEN
- Fully Stocked for Cooking with Pots, Pans & Utensils
- Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper Provided
- Glassware, Dinnerware & Utensils
- Full Refrigerator + Freezer
- Electric Stovetop
- Oven
- Toaster Oven
- Blender
-Tea Kettle
- French Press
- Single Serve Coffee Maker (Filter Free)
- Coffee & Sugar Provided
DINING
- Island Seating for 2
- Rotate Table as Island or Facing Window for Expansive View of Hillside Trees and Volcan Mountain
BATHROOM
- Single Vanity
- Shower Stall with Multi-Spray Showerhead
- Organic Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash Included
- Bath Linens
- Hairdryer
- Views of Hillside filled with Trees & Mountain View
DESK
- Desk / Table with Chair facing expansive Hillside View
- USB Outlets
THE DARK SKY
Julian is one of two accredited Dark Sky Communities in California, and one in thirty overall. The intention of being a Dark Sky Community is to protect the natural night sky by reducing light pollution. This means that outdoor lighting is carefully designed and controlled to minimize glare and unnecessary brightness. By doing this, we can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky, including the stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way! Other than incredible stargazing, having a natural dark sky benefits astronomical research, wildlife preservation and our circadian rhythm. If you're interested, please check out Julian Dark Sky Network.
LIGHTING
The Den incorporates dark sky lighting inside the cabin too, which creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere while supporting your circadian rhythm.
The soft illumination creates a sense of intimacy and relaxation, while also allowing your eyes to adjust to the natural darkness outside. It's the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day or spending quality time with loved ones. With the use of dimmers, warm light bulbs and minimal overhead lighting, you control how bright or dim you want the space to be.
One of the best benefits of dark sky lighting at home is how it affects our circadian rhythm, which is our internal body clock that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Now, here's the thing: exposure to bright or blue-rich light in the evening can mess with our circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep.
Bright lights, especially at night, triggers our brain into thinking we should be awake as if it's the middle of the day. Whereas dimly lit, downward facing amber or red lights (similar to a campfire), promote melatonin production which tells our body that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Wake up in the morning naturally with the morning sun and feel refreshed!
I would encourage you to bring the idea of Dark Sky Lighting back with you into your own homes and see how you feel.
THINGS TO NOTE:
- FIREPLACE FOR DECORATION ONLY, and is non-operational. There are (2) wall mounted heaters that pump out heat on those chilly nights, and a space heater. Plenty of extra blankets are also available.
- NO SHOES INDOORS. Kick off your shoes and take it easy. This not only keeps the home free of excess dirt, grime and toxins, but it protects the floors from tiny rocks that scratch, and you'll have a bit of reflexology when you walk around barefoot.
- SEPTIC. Please only use the provided toilet paper to flush, and nothing else. Otherwise, Houston, we might have a problem.
- NO A/C. In warm summer months, with all windows open and 3 fans blowing, the cross breeze helps to cool the house. Happily, the sun sets earlier and cools off in the evening - perfect for gazing up under the stars.
- ALL ELECTRIC. Take note when using the stove and keep temps around Medium and avoid High Heat on the pans.
- HIGH WINDS. We're up in the mountains and the winds can kick up to around 20 mph. Bring clothes to layer, especially after the sun sets.
- WATER CONSCIOUS. Julian relies on only 3 wells in the areas, which makes water a precious resource. Please turn off water while brushing your teeth, be brief while hand washing dishes, and try to keep showers brief.
- UPSTAIRS GUESTS. The studio is located directly below the deck and partial interior of the main cabin, the Dark Sky Den (which sleeps up to 4 people). You may hear the occasional walking above if the space is booked. Please respect their privacy on the upper deck, as they will respect yours on the lower patio. You may see people as you come and go. Give a wave and feel free to say hi, if you like.
- YOU ARE IN NATURE. There will be sounds like Woodpeckers hammering on trees, Blue Jays calling out to nearby friends, or gusty winds blowing through the trees. In the evening, you may even hear acorns or rain drops falling on the roof above you, or the occasional small animal climbing up a tree outside your window. You may see a deer or two, a fox or even a wild turkey. And please remember, there are also things like spiders, ants, flies, skunks, raccoons or wild cats.
- NO PETS. We are located on a hill, without a lot of spots for animals to roam comfortably to do their business. Coyotes and other Mountain Friends are frequent visitors to the area. Thank you for understanding.
Interior Design by Sara Plaisted at Nook Creative Co.
It's been a dream to design and host a vacation retreat space as a place to decompress from everyday stresses and relax back into a natural way of being. A spot that's close enough to major areas in Southern California, yet feels like you've been completely transported away from it all. Julian is where it's at!
After getting sick with cancer over a decade ago, health and happiness became a priority. There's no better health hack than getting back to basics with non-toxic living, being surrounded by nature, trees, animals and breeze.
And most importantly, creating experiences that make you just feel good. I hope to offer you a space to create memories and to leave feeling better than you when you arrived.
