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Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets

Holiday home in Julian with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets

A view of this large house
From the front door, walk up a few steps to arrive at the Living room
Next to the dinning room, you will find this delightful kitchen
another view of this fantastic dinning room
You will meet Sam the Bison and he oversees this house with peaceful contentment

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6246.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Julian Town Hall
  • Place, Julian Historical Society
  • Place, William Heise County Park
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs Master Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Double Futon

Guest Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Master Bedroom

1 Double Futon and 1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets

In 2023/2024, we completed a list of property improvements for this beautiful and charming house:
(1) added mini-split A/C for the upstairs bedroom, living room, and dining/kitchen,
(2) replaced the roof so it is now Energy Star efficient,
(3) added solar panels and backup battery to reduce the property's carbon footprint,
(4) repaired the aging cedar wood siding and improved installation,
(5) completed a plumbing inspection and upgrades,
(5) replaced three sets of balcony doors.


The solar panel and backup batteries will make things easier during SDG&E's "Safety Power Shutoff." This means our guests will be more comfortable in this beautiful house (i.e., warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.) We continue to plant hundreds of daffodils, tall bearded irises, and seeding wildflowers inside and outside the property each year.

We continue to be concerned about your health and safety. Therefore, we disinfect and deep clean our property after each customer visit. You will find a supply of cleaning and disinfecting items under each sink area (i.e., kitchen, upstairs bathroom, and downstairs bathroom). Liquid hand soap is also available at each of these locations.

The most often customer comment is that the property pictures do not do justice to the beauty and scale of this property. We will let you be the judge on this.

This property is best suited for families with children and pets, especially when you and your family are interested in accessing Julian with modern conveniences and comfort. Please note that we are provisioning this property for 6 -persons maximum, and exceptions will require the property owner's approval. For example, a recent guest asked us to support an 18-person family party, which we declined. We do not support large parties of any kind. We strive to have a calm, beautiful, and well-maintained property that can delight all of us.

If you are looking for a property to celebrate elderly parents (i.e., Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.), this may not be your property. We have a 14-step stair connecting the upstairs and downstairs. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are all located upstairs. Alternatively, a gradual garden side walkway leads to the kitchen backdoor to access the upstairs, but this may not work for your elderly parents. In addition, this property is not wheelchair accessible.

Located only 5 minutes (approximately 2 miles) from downtown Julian, Bison Lodge provides couples and families a quiet, romantic getaway. The property was completely remodeled a few years back, with the notion of opening the living spaces to allow for quiet contemplation. The Bison Lodge offers two master-suite bedrooms and a third bedroom located downstairs. These three bedrooms provide privacy and charm. Each room is uniquely decorated with a specific theme and ambiance and tastefully appointed for comfort. In addition, the separately fenced gardens are ideal for children, four-legged kids (with a dog fee), outdoor dining, bird watching, and stargazing.

We love having morning coffee on the balcony and backyard, looking at the distant hills, sky, flowers, and birds in the gardens.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
There's a $100 pet fee - Up to 2 medium size dogs.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please do not strip the bedding from any beds. We have that covered!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
ALL HOLIDAY BOOKINGS ARE 100% NON-REFUNDABLE
There are absolutely no outdoor fires allowed

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number COSD-00063

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Julian

Located in Julian, this holiday home is in the city centre. Milagro Farm Vineyards and Winery and Warner Springs Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Barona Speedway or Anza Borrego Tennis Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Julian, CA

What's nearby

  • Julian Town Hall - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Julian Historical Society - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve - 7 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 8 min drive - 12.3 km
  • William Heise County Park - 9 min drive - 6.4 km

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Julian Beer Co. - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dudley's Bakery & Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Julian Pie Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Julian Cafe & Bakery - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bison Lodge For Quiet Contemplation, Modern Conveniences, AC/Wifi & Pets located?

Located in the heart of Julian, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Julian Town Hall, Julian Historical Society and Julian Pioneer Museum. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and California Wolf Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 162 out of 171 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 171 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 171 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 171 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 171 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bison Lodge is wonderful

Nice area! Bison Lodge had everything our family needed! Enjoyed the neighborhood and town!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

nice property in a nice location

This is a really nice place, very well-appointed and well-decorated. Comfortable beds and couch, nicely fenced yard with plenty of room for fetch, and an awesome deck with tons of birds to watch.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mattie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Julian Stay

Great location for families and their dogs! Clean, secure, beautiful home in a Peaceful and quiet spot , yet close to downtown Julian. Loved the holiday decorations. We will be back. Thank you z
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Nice Home

We have stayed in this home numerous times. It is very well appointed in all areas. Beds are comfortable and cozy, public spaces are spacious, and the kitchen has everything you need for cooking and baking. It is the perfect size for my family.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Julian Bison House

Great location near all the Julian attractions. The updated kitchen was very well equipped and the dining and family rooms were great for family visiting. We also loved how very dog-friendly the property was.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

Wonderful home!

The house was perfect for our weekend getaway for a local wedding. It had everything we needed and Barbara was always in touch with us making sure we had a great time. Also loved the welcome basket of goodies and bottle of wine upon arrival, will stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Keri M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving Fun

This is our favorite property to stay at in Julian. It is so comfortable and clean. We always have the best time here. We look forward to our next time in 2024!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Julian Relaxing Retreat

Relaxing retreat. Spacious home with all the amenities. Enjoyable relaxing garden sitting areas and wrap around deck.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

JEFF P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

Beautiful large property with modern conveniences and furnishings. Nice details like bird feeders on the porch and wonderful welcome snack tray!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Julian get away

We loved the property. The lay out was perfect for our family,
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Richard S.

Wedding Stay

Stayed here while attending a wedding due to the limited number of hotel rooms in Julian. Very nice home located just outside the town. Fantastic kitchen, tv room and deck! Very quiet area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy holiday getaway

Check-In was quick, home was immaculate. Kitchen was well furnished with everything needed to cook. Manager very responsive to minor queries.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chad J., San Diego, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean home and great location

We always stay here when we visit Julian. It's always absolutely spotless and it just smells clean. The homeowner puts a lot of thought and attention into decorating and truly thinks of everything anyone would need while on vacation. The snack basket is such a treat. We'll be back for sure, we just love it here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robert R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

We were very comfortable and couldn't be happier. Location is perfect just a 5 min drive to downtown Julian. House was super clean, and the Hosts were extremely Attentive. Everything was as Advertised. I will definitely choose the Bison Lodge again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Albert C., Long Beach, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Holiday Getaway

We visit Julian every 4th of July to get away from the constant barrage of fireworks in the LA area. This place was perfect for 2 couples with dogs. Everything was premium and well thought out. We appreciated that dogs were allowed and welcomed! The house is located in a quiet neighborhood less than 2 miles away from Julian. Close enough to grab a quick bite, but secluded enough to enjoy the peace and quiet that we were seeking. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing House!

This house is even more amazing in person! Our group was 3 couples celebrating my sisters 40th birthday. The bedrooms are huge, the bathrooms are beautiful and the kitchen was a blast to cook in! It was extremely clean and we had everything we needed. They even left some goodies on the kitchen counter :) don’t hesitate to book this property! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful and serene!

This home is absolutely beautiful! The pictures don't do it justice. This home is beautifully maintained, decorated and clean. When they say they have everything you need, they mean it. We had planned on doing some adventures but this home was so comfortable we decided to just enjoy the home relaxing together. Thank you for such an amazing time disconnecting from the hustle and bustle. We will be coming back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Craig t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter break getaway

Loved the property, being inclosed for our dog was nice. Lots of wildlife including 4 good sized turkeys. All the beds were comfortable and the snack and coffee for us was really appreciated. 5 stars. Would return. One note would becto have a frying pan, there wete lots of pots and bakeware including utensils. But the kitchen was really nice to cook in. Thank you. Ps the wood stove really warmed up the cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rocio T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for families with small children and pets

We booked this place for a weekend getaway and our party included elderly parents and young kids. There was ample room for us to congregate as a group and separate if needed. The kids enjoyed the decor of everything from the bison to the stepping stones. The gates were also a pleasant surprise to ensure our family dog remained safe and secure during our outings. In addition the house was well organized and maintained. Overall the family loved staying here and would definitely stay again if we ever return. Thank you for all the little details!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This Vegetarian Loves Bison

This was our first VRBO rental and it did not disappoint. Property was large and well equipped with everything, seriously everything, don't bring anything but your clothes and food. House was clean and the bathrooms are beautiful, I took 4 baths in 3 days of being there! We spent most of our time in the kitchen cooking , drinking and playing games. The welcome bottle of wine was a lovely touch. Don't hesitate on this one, reserve it for yourself soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H., Long Beach, California

WONDERFUL!!!

BEAUTIFUL home in a quiet & peaceful area not too far from the town of Julian. Very roomy, GREAT kitchen & upstairs master bedroom. The living room was very comfortable with a big screen TV & two electric, reclining chairs connected to a large, angler sofa. Very spacious outside deck. I loved taking my dog for a morning & early evening walk in the BEAUTIFUL & peaceful surroundings. I would rate this home A- 1, five stars, first class!!! Jeff H.

10/10 Excellent

Kait D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Would definitely book here again!

We just finished our stay at this beautiful cabin and I wish we were able to stay longer. The grounds are very well maintained. Firewood was included which was great because it snowed while we were there. The house was nice a toasty upstairs and the two downstairs rooms are equipped with Dyson heaters that work very well. The beds were very comfortable and my son enjoyed the futon couch in the master bedroom. The kitchen is fully stocked with really great quality cookware. I loved the gardens filled with dafodils this time of year and there are separate fenced sections of the yard which is nice too. The house is beautiful just beautiful! Thank you Barbera for answering all of our questions and for being a fantastic property manager!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This was our 8th, but certainly not our last, stay at the Bison Lodge!

We bring our two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with us to this wonderful home regularly because it's comfortable, quiet, just about 3 minutes from Julian's downtown, and the yard is safe (a dog-safe fence surrounds the property) and FUN for our puppies. Inside the home looks like the photos one sees in Sunset Magazine of homes nestled in the woods. The bedrooms are large and there are two great walk-in showers and a terrific bathtub with bubblers in the main bedroom's bath. I enjoy cooking and the kitchen is well appointed, big, and easy to work in. All the pots, pans, and utensils anyone needs are provided. We debated purchasing a getaway home but decided this one can't be matched!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

Way beyond our expectations!

The photographs do not do justice to this beautiful, peaceful, and spotless home. The kitchen alone is worth the stay (I have food allergies and rarely eat out, so a workable kitchen is important to me). The owners generously allow guests to enjoy their array of exotic spices and every pot, pan, or utensil you could possibly need to cook or bake is supplied (bring your own foil and plastic wrap). The house is very spacious and if your world revolves around your dogs (as ours does), they will love playing in the fully fenced outdoors. We have rented homes in Cambria for years but have never stayed in one we enjoyed as much as this one in Julian. This is the perfect home for you if you want a quiet getaway and would also like to explore the city of Julian.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Denise p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of my Favorite Rentals Ever!

We were lucky enough to be able to stay at the Bison Lodge over Thanksgiving. Everything about this property was amazing. First of all, there was a welcome basket and bottle of wine upon arrival which made us feel special. This vacation home is modern yet has a cozy cabin feel. The kitchen is beautiful and well stocked with everything you need. The decor in the bedrooms is gorgeous and the beds were very comfy. I loved all the art! We enjoyed playing games around the dining room table while the fire in the potbelly stove kept us warm and cozy. Seriously, the pictures don't do this home justice. The backyard was so fun for our dog to run around in and we knew she was safe because it is fully fenced. And the icing on the cake is that we got 6-8 inches of snow while were there and the kids got to build snowmen and have a snowball fight. We couldn't have been happier with this vacation rental. We hope to be back next Thanksgiving, if not sooner. If you are looking for a vacation rental in or around Julian, look no further.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Schor

Host profile image
After years of working out of home, George and Caroline purchased this home so they could have room to breathe. We currently live in San Diego with our two dogs. We have managed to sneak their pictures into the photos. Long-Tail is NOT a bird-loving JRT. Ginger is a sweet terrier mix. Both of them are rescue dogs. The Bison Lodge is perfectly designed for our dogs.

Why they chose this property

This is a beautiful house. If you are looking for a place to restore your energy and perspective, this is the place to be. The balcony will put you at treetops, perfect for bird-watching. We are frequented by bluejays, hummingbirds, oriels, finches, and more. The balcony has bird-feeding stations for these visitors. The house is open, spacious, and up-to-date. If you can't leave your work alone, the WiFi will provide you access to the outside world. Just a few minutes away, you have access to downtown Julian with shops, restaurants, and all the activities. The restaurants in town often feature their unique apple pies. Please try them. The exact history of Sam the bison is not clear. We understand he may be a lady bison due to her small size. Sam was already living in the house when we made the house purchase. Sam was not for sale. After the prior owners moved to their new home, they learned that their new house did not have sufficient ceiling height for Sam to be comfortable. This is how George and I got Sam. We just love this cabin. This cabin is built with cedar wood planks inside and out. With the tasteful furnishing, beautiful artwork, and a balcony putting you among the trees, you will be transported to a calming place. We hope you will enjoy this house as much as we do. By the way, the sofa has three electrical recliners. You will find one on either end of the sofa. The third is located on the far side of the beverage holder. You must run your hand on the right side of the sofa seam. You can watch all the birds from this position.

What makes this property unique

This is a property with a solid construction, perfect for family gatherings. Some seldom-seen posters/prints on display were collected from European museums. In 2019, we added more South American artworks to the house. The feeding stations on the Balcony draw many feathered visitors. In the morning, you can put a line of peanuts on the balcony railing, and the bluejays will thank you. You will find the bird food in the living room by the doors to the balcony. The new chirping machine on the balcony was installed after discovering the extensive damage woodpecker introduced to the house.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests