Situated in the picturesque region of Julian, this secluded property is surrounded by endless hills, national forests, and the best of what southern California has to offer. With Cleveland National Forest and Swartz Canyon County Park to the west and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to the east, this property is just a nine-minute drive south of the town center of Julian, which is easily accessible from Route 79, and just an hour and a half east of San Diego.

This retreat is a four bedroom, two bathroom rental with close to 2200 square feet and is located near Cedar Creek Falls. The getaway sits on almost an acre of land in the exclusive area of Pine Hills, four miles from historic downtown Julian in San Diego's Back Country.

Nestled under majestic oaks, the retreat is just off the main road on a secluded hillside with views of the city and mountains. A wrap-around deck includes a roomy balcony deck with tables and chairs which is a great place to watch sunsets through the trees. A bird feeding plank is installed on the balcony and a wide array of birds can be viewed from inside the living room. At night guests have a full view of the stars. Part of the property is fenced so that kids and dogs are prevented from wandering off and there is even a dog kennel area. Obviously, this is no substitution for supervision and the area does have mountain lions so please don't let kids or dogs wander beyond fence line alone.

Guests can star-gaze from the decks or walk up the main road and view a panoramic vista of the mountains and ocean from Mexico to the Catalina Islands. Sledding is perfect for kids along Oak Grove to the dirt road. Just minutes away are daytime adventures for guests and their family including a Gold Mine tour, fishing, horseback riding, wine tasting, and a stroll through downtown Julian for shopping and a slice of world-famous apple pie.

The first-floor bedroom and bathroom is the master bedroom suite and is the perfect place for a couple with one child. It boasts a huge corner wood-burning fireplace with a flat-screen TV. Beds include a queen-size bed and two-twin daybeds and a bathroom. A small covered patio is located off this bedroom. The bonus room located behind this suite sleeps an additional five guests and has a queen, a full, and a twin bed. The kitchenette contains a coffee/tea area, a microwave, and a toaster oven.

The second floor is the main living area (has its own entrance) containing a large living room with sofa-bed and loveseat, another corner fireplace, a dining room for 12, and a full kitchen. A special closet holds dog essentials. Upstairs bedrooms include a master with a California king-size bed and sliding doors that lead to the balcony. The kids' room has a trundle that pulls out to another king-size bed and is stocked with toys, games, as well as a train table, a farmers market stand with play food, and a kid-sized table and chair.

Wi-Fi, Apple TV with Netflix, forced heating and air conditioning, a kitchen fully stocked with pots, pans, utensils, and spices are all available. Linens are provided at no extra charge.

This single family retreat was built in 1979 and was used as a primary residence until the hosts converted it to a vacation rental in 2005. If guests expect a resort type feel like they get at the new upscale condos and cabins, this is not it. This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly cabin. The hosts have added many upgrades to the getaway including a tankless water heater, a filtration system to filter out the well water, a remote thermostat to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin, clearing the overgrown trees for a better view of the city, a laundry area, updated lighting fixtures, new paint downstairs to lighten the room up, new hardwood floors downstairs, and countless other things done since they have owned the property in 2003.