Why fly all the way to Italy to enjoy the rustic and bucolic charm of Tuscany or the Lake region when you can do it right here in San Diego. Your cabin sits on a property unparalleled in terms of rustic and aesthetic appeal and world-class views. Surrounded by native chaparral and verdant avocado trees, San Diego’s best b & b was masterfully landscaped to include a palette of both native and exotic plants and trees.
The approach. As you drive almost straight up a hill you can almost feel the view you are going to be rewarded with before you even park your car. The walkway leading to the cabin is located under a canopy of towering ponderosa pine trees and the path is naturally padded with a blanket of pine needles that soften each step. One each side of your walkway are specimen agave attenuata’s standing at attention to welcome you like a royal couple on a hideaway weekend free from the paparazzi. As you ’round the bend’ on the path, the lake and hills beyond come into view and almost take your breath away. The cabin now comes into view elevated on it’s own perch to afford the finest in views.
The setting. Artistically arranged natural stone frames the most intimate of hardscapes that appears to have been made centuries ago. Ancient olive trees frame the space that you will call home for the weekend. Ancient history describe the olive leaf as a symbol of abundance, glory and peace and hopefully you will experience some magic throughout the weekend. Orchids and agaves are your visual symphony as they dutifully occupy each space between your cabin, your spa, and your bistro deck. The walkway to your spa deck is lined with ancient Indian grinding stones offering yet another spiritual element of abundance and energy to your stay. At the spa is a stainless steel bucket of bird feed so that you can feed the native covey of quail that will visit you each evening around sunset. Beyond the spa deck is the bistro deck that is perched under an ancient olive tree and offers yet again commanding views of Lake Hodges, the hills of San Marcos and the San Dieguito River Valley all the way to Del Mar (which is more often than not socked in by fog).
The cabin. The cabin itself is a specimen of mid-century modern architecture designed by a renowned architect/engineer in the 1960’s. It’s slanted roof and walls of glass offer spectacular views from any angle. The cabin is outfitted with a decorative gas fireplace that creates a very cozy ambiance no matter how chilly the evening may be. Inside the cabin you will find plenty of candles, Turkish bath robes, luxurious linens and mini-fridge and perhaps many coffee lovers favorite, the Nespresso machine. If you are not familiar with Nespresso and do enjoy rich-tasting coffee we recommend that you do not try the Nespresso capsules as once you do try them you may become instantly addicted. Just outside the cabin is generous elevated deck with low-profile balustrade, beneath this is an elegant Balinese day bed made out of local stone and luxuriously padded with custom cushions. The bathroom is what many describe as a work-of-art, surrounded by natural stone walls and located under the dense canopy of an ancient olive tree, the bathroom recreates the elegance, simplicity, and vitality of a safari or romantic adventure in a far off exotic land. The rain shower remind many that perhaps one of life’s most simple and enjoyable pleasures in showering out of doors with a world class view.
The view. To many, there is nothing more luxurious in life than a view. San Diego bed and breakfast provides a view that is so dramatic in so many ways. To some, it is almost all-consuming where they do not want to leave the bed and breakfast while to others it represents a benefit to the other aesthetic highlights of the property and setting. The view is a complete 180 degrees framed by Bernardo mountain to the south, Del Mar to the west and the hills of San Marcos to the north. The sunrise here is ideal in that the sun rises behind the cabin and affords you the ability to sleep in without penetrating sunlight while you still enjoy the benefit of watching the sun start to illuminate the towering hills in front of you. Oftentimes fog will settle on the lake surface at night and you will be able to watch the sun slowly burn it off in the morning. Layer upon layer of hills come into view as you gaze toward Del Mar, only 12 miles away. This ‘strata’ is only enhanced near sunset when each nook and cranny is filled with colorful hues of orange, red, blue and gray at days end. The faraway view is indeed spectacular but the near view is just as opulent. Olive trees, avocado trees, native oak trees and exotic palm trees present themselves in the near view and give you a feeling that you are in command of a huge park. Lavendar, orchids and agave soften the palette of red native rock and reclaimed concrete stone steps.
The cabin breakfast. To many guests, the cabin breakfast is one of the biggest surprises and fringe benefits of the San Diego bed and breakfast. Though not disclosed the cabin owner was a world-class cook schooled in the art of Oaxacan gastronomy. She has worked with Oaxacan master cooks her entire life, been to Oaxaca more than twenty times and embraces the culture, people, textiles and food with a sincere and energetic passion. The breakfast that you will enjoy is completely handmade with the finest all natural ingredients. The flavor of authentic cuisine is ‘explosive’ as its ingredients have not been denigrated or diluted to serve a larger group or to skimp on cost. Buen provecho, buon appetito and most of all…enjoy!