Cabin
PREMIUM TREE HOUSE 1.14-Acres Hot Tub Panoramic Lake Forest Mountain View
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Julian, CA
- Place, Lake Cuyamaca12 min walk
- Place, Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness14 min walk
- Place, Santa Ysabel Mission19 min walk
- Airport, San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)59 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Queen Bed
Office 1
1 Single Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
About this property
PREMIUM TREE HOUSE 1.14-Acres Hot Tub Panoramic Lake Forest Mountain View
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9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (18 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Julian
Located in Julian, this cabin is in the mountains. Julian Town Hall and Julian Historical Society are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Menghini Winery and Milagro Farm Vineyards and Winery. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Julian, CA
What's nearby
- Lake Cuyamaca - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
- Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
- Santa Ysabel Mission - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
- Cuyamaca Meadow Nature Preserve - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park - 27 min drive - 35.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Julian Beer Co. - 16 min drive
- Julian Pie Company - 16 min drive
- Julian Cafe & Bakery - 16 min drive
- Julian Pit Stop - 14 min drive
- Mom's Pie House - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
26 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nadya M.
5 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nadya M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Chris A.
21 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chris A.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl W.
4 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cheryl W.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Janice B.
5 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Janice B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carlyn A.
5 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carlyn A.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Austin S.
7 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Austin S.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elliot E.
22 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Elliot E.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gabriel A.
11 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gabriel A.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rosanne Odom
19 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication



Rosanne Odom
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lisa R.
24 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lisa R.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joseph D.
29 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Joseph D.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Catherine B.
11 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Catherine B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Robin N.
19 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful view
Robin N.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Laura M.
3 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family get together
Laura M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Zachary W.
2 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy




Zachary W.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Clay H.
12 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clay H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carol A.
23 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway
Carol A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Donna & Sam (Todd) L.
31 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
Donna & Sam (Todd) L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tom K.
10 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quick getaway
Tom K.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joanne B.
11 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Getaway
Joanne B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michael K.
16 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil
Michael K.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Derek G.
20 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another Perfect Visit
Derek G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Matthew C.
25 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent Getaway
Matthew C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Scott W.
3 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful don’t miss the sunrise or the sunset
Scott W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Rick
Rick Dyer is an inventor. Probably best known as the creator of the hit video game 'Dragon’s Lair'. Dyer is a licensed REALTOR® and Licensed Real Estate Agent. Rick was a twenty (25) year resident in Julian, California; and considers it a great privilege to live in such a beautiful place... I live in Julian to unwind, relieve stress and center myself. Our family fell in love with the peace and tranquility of the Mountains, the magnificent location and coziness of our house. For me, it is a magical place, and I love it as much as the first time I discovered Julian. When I travel up the mountain from San Diego, only a 60 minute drive or so, I can physically feel the layers of stress peel off. By the time I get there I am already in a renewed and relaxed state. Most noticeable is the lack of traffic and sirens, just the quiet sounds of nature. I love the four seasons, each for their own unique character. I originally thought this was a winter resort, but actually it is popular all seasons, and especially summer with Lake Cuyamaca only nine minutes away. I am located on a private lane, away from the highways, surrounded by trees and spectacular Mountain views. I enjoy relaxing on my deck taking in the Mountains, valley, the changing cloud formations in the distance and listening to birds and the wind blowing through the pine trees.
Why they chose this property
CHRISTMAS comes to Julian every year in an old-fashioned way-like a Norman Rockwell painting which reflects small-town American life and brings the spirit of the holidays to heart. Holiday time in Julian gets closer to that dream than most spots in Southern California where you'll feel a nip in the fresh mountain air, stroll through a quaint, festive town, and maybe catch a glimpse of snow capped mountains. The holiday season in Julian also offers an opportunity to shop at small boutiques and craft shows, From one-of-a-kind gifts, antiques and collectibles to jewelry, home décor plus, old fashioned candy and treats, Julian offers a wide variety of unique treasures to discover.
You can greet Santa a couple of times during the season, indulge in a Victorian Christmas tea, sing carols with costumed holiday carolers, sip a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider. And you can watch the annual Living Nativity scene, cuddle under a blanket while riding down Main Street in a carriage, stay in a cozy bed & breakfast that's all decked out in holiday finery, or even stroll down a quiet country lane. You can enjoy Julian's holiday through early January.
You can greet Santa a couple of times during the season, indulge in a Victorian Christmas tea, sing carols with costumed holiday carolers, sip a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider. And you can watch the annual Living Nativity scene, cuddle under a blanket while riding down Main Street in a carriage, stay in a cozy bed & breakfast that's all decked out in holiday finery, or even stroll down a quiet country lane. You can enjoy Julian's holiday through early January.
What makes this property unique
INTO THE WOODS - A HUNDRED YEARS AGO...
The dam at Cuyamaca Lake was completed in 1888 making it the 2nd oldest dam in California today.
Our treehouse overlooks Lake Cuyamaca. It was first purchased in 1920 by Don & Loie Gifford-Smedley. The Gifford's built their 1st cabin in 1920. It was affectionately named “Shack-De-Giff”
Over years this Cabin was upgraded multiple times. The family used a 1920 wood-burning stove to cook meals. Meal preparation was a huge part of each day. Their Children and grand children were sent outside to forage each day and find small pieces of wood in order to heat the stove’s fire-combustion chamber. The stove heated their cabin and was how they cooked their meals.
Notice the 100 year old California Redwood tree next to house. It was originally planted by the Gifford family as a seedling
After 95 years and five generations, the Giffard/Smedley family decided to sell this property.
In 2015 Rick and Jan Dyer became current owners. After careful consideration “Shack-De-Giff” was re-named, “INTO THE WOODS.”
On November 22, 2015, the 1st family to stay at our Treehouse after changing ownership was the Giffard/Smedley family (it’s prior owners). Below are comments from original family owners who stayed overnight after remodel was complete:
- Merilee: “As I sit here on the porch, I’m thankful that the sparkling lake view is never-changing… When I close my eyes and listen to the wind whistle through the trees, I’m thankful that much that we love remains. Thank you for your ethic of preservation.”
- Nico: “THANKS for keeping our cabin alive for us! There’s a lot of history here that would really be a shame to lose. We miss this place but it’s great to know it’s still here, and even better to know others are able to enjoy it!”
- Ben: “Thanks for preserving our family’s memories at this place. There’s old magic that will always be here.”
Please be our Guest and enjoy your get-away at this special place INTO THE WOODS.
The dam at Cuyamaca Lake was completed in 1888 making it the 2nd oldest dam in California today.
Our treehouse overlooks Lake Cuyamaca. It was first purchased in 1920 by Don & Loie Gifford-Smedley. The Gifford's built their 1st cabin in 1920. It was affectionately named “Shack-De-Giff”
Over years this Cabin was upgraded multiple times. The family used a 1920 wood-burning stove to cook meals. Meal preparation was a huge part of each day. Their Children and grand children were sent outside to forage each day and find small pieces of wood in order to heat the stove’s fire-combustion chamber. The stove heated their cabin and was how they cooked their meals.
Notice the 100 year old California Redwood tree next to house. It was originally planted by the Gifford family as a seedling
After 95 years and five generations, the Giffard/Smedley family decided to sell this property.
In 2015 Rick and Jan Dyer became current owners. After careful consideration “Shack-De-Giff” was re-named, “INTO THE WOODS.”
On November 22, 2015, the 1st family to stay at our Treehouse after changing ownership was the Giffard/Smedley family (it’s prior owners). Below are comments from original family owners who stayed overnight after remodel was complete:
- Merilee: “As I sit here on the porch, I’m thankful that the sparkling lake view is never-changing… When I close my eyes and listen to the wind whistle through the trees, I’m thankful that much that we love remains. Thank you for your ethic of preservation.”
- Nico: “THANKS for keeping our cabin alive for us! There’s a lot of history here that would really be a shame to lose. We miss this place but it’s great to know it’s still here, and even better to know others are able to enjoy it!”
- Ben: “Thanks for preserving our family’s memories at this place. There’s old magic that will always be here.”
Please be our Guest and enjoy your get-away at this special place INTO THE WOODS.
Languages:
English, Spanish
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