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LODGINGS
Artists' Loft / 2*
481 I PINE RIDGE AVE, JULIAN; 760/765-0765
For those weary of country-kitschy B&Bs, the Artists' Loft is a breath
of fresh air. Owner-artists Nanessence and Chuck Kimball's serene 11-acre
oasis outside the town of Julian is just the place to kick back and listen
to the wind rustle through the manzanita trees. Two rooms in the main
house are decorated with carefully chosen rustic antiques, Persian rugs,
eclectic objets d'art and, of course, the Kimballs' own artwork. The Manzanita
Room is a cozy retreat, complete with a working antique parlor stove to
chase away the evening chill. The Gallery Room is a spa-
cious, cheerful, yellow-hued hideaway. For added privacy, reserve one
of the two separate cabins. The Cabin at Strawberry Hill, named for the
wild strawberries that surround it, was hand-built by the Kimballs. You
can't miss its delightful blue-tin roof. Inside, it boasts every comfort—an
inviting couch, a wood-burning stove, a king-size bed, and a fully equipped
kitchen. The cabin's huge screened porch is a special treat on warm summer
evenings. The Kimballs' latest acquisition is the 70-year-old Big Cat
Cabin, named for a mountain lion that hides nearby. They've lavishly remodeled
this one-bedroom gem, which features a massive stone fireplace, fully
equipped kitchen with countertops made of local oak, and a bathroom with
a wood-paneled shower and a vintage cast-iron tub. You'll drift to sleep
in an antique Balinese wedding bed, and the bed room's screened study
area is the ideal spot to curl up with a book or start working on that
novel you always meant to write. $$; MC, V; checks OK; www.artistsloft.com;
at Pine Ridge Wy.
Orchard Hill Country Inn / 3*
2502 WASHINGTON ST, JULIAN; 760/765-1700 OR 800/716-7242
Upscale and elegant. Orchard Hill Country Inn offers an ideal combination
of privacy and proximity to Julian's shops and restaurants. The inn opened
in 1994 and is a loving reproduction of a California Craftsman lodge.
There are 10 delightful rooms in the main lodge—all decorated
with genteel country flair—but the best rooms are the 12 cottage
suites.
Each is named for an apple variety and has its own theme. You can delight
in the soft, feminine pinks of the Sweet Bough cottage or relax among
the warm plaids of Mclntosh. The Cortland suite is a romantic refuge of
blue toile fabric. Some rooms have a fireplace and/or whirlpool
tub. Owners Pat and Darrell Staube attend to every detail—room amenities
include a half-bottle of local merlot, a mason jar filled with fresh-baked
oatmeal cookies, and luxuriously soft robes. They also thoughtfully provide
magazines, board games, and a terrific video library of classic movies.
While you'll be reluctant to venture away from your room, the inn's four
acres have plenty of private benches and hammocks—perfect for dozing
with a book or gazing at the stars. $$$; AE, MC, V; checks OK; www.orchardhill.com;
at Main St.
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