La Palapa

Rustic Strawbale Vacation Cabin

Petfriendy !


           

                                                                               view over patio.jpg (32843 bytes)La Palapa is located on a small ranch east of San Diego, in the picturesque mountain community of Descanso which borders on Cuyamaca State Park. Descanso literally means "place of rest " and historically served as the winter camp for the local Indians for several hundreds of years because of the weather, the abundant water and oaks they harvested acorns from. Artists Lane McClelland and Laurie Roberts made it their permanent camp in 1990 along with their menagerie of cats, dogs , mules, donkeys, and birds. On it is an old storybook stone house, guesthouse and barn. In the beginning, to make ends meet, Lane and Laurie rented out the main houses and lived in a tipi which Laurie sewed up in the living room before the new tenant moved in. The following year, they renovated the barn where they now live. In 1992, they built a curious and cozy little round house out of strawbales they called a "Haylapa" which was used for reading, meditation and out of town guests. It wasn't long before people were requesting to see it or spend the night, so they decided to remodel and make it a vacation retreat. It has been featured on TV, in magazines and books about strawbale buildings and unusual architecture. The property is now owned by Meredith MacCracken who has continued operating it as a pet friendly vacation rental.The sense one gets upon entering La Palapa is that it's time to mellow out, reflect and relax and enjoy the diversity of the San Diego backcountry.

 

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             Accommodations  

      The  La Palapa  is one large open room, with a palapa ceiling made from   recycled tipi poles and willow twig.  It is furnished with a queensize bed ,  a futon couch, furnishings and art made by the owners,   TV, VCR, DVD and free internet connection.  The kitchen is fully equipped  .  The countertops and night stands are made from pine killed in the Cedars fire.  The sunken bathroom has a  large clawfoot tub and "rain" shower  with a  view of Cuyamaca Peak .  The private patio has a view of the surrounding mountains,  an outdoor fireplace made from local stone, a pizza oven, and  is securely fenced for your pets.  For those of you staying longer than a few days, there are full laundry facilities available.  It is ideal for two people looking for a private retreat.

If you need two bedrooms,  you may like our other cabin rental at http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p165955

                                                      tour the haylapa

 

Dining

We are a "bed but get your own damn breakfast" establishment but we encourage you to try our outdoor pizza oven.  Just bring your favorite pizza dough and toppings and follow our written tutorial  .  You won't believe  how good they taste.....and dining under the stars in front of a warm fire on a clear night is beyond words.  We suggest making a few extras for the next day.....please let us know you want to use it as it is not always avaialble during fire season  If pizza's not your thing, there are several good restaurants in Alpine, Pine Valley or the Viejas Casino and Outlet which has a good buffet.

 

 

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Pets and Equines 

      Horses and dogs are welcome, but the fencing is not cat proof.  In addition to the fenced patio, the Haylapa is sited in a fenced 2 1/2 acre compound of oaks, boulders and trails and is secure for your pets to play and explore.  If you want to take a long hike with your dog, there is a trailhead nearby  that accesses a expansive wilderness area that has no leash requirements.   It is also a great place to horseback ride.   If you    want to bring your horses, we have corrals, a large pasture area (.25 acre) under the oaks for them to run and a place to park your trailer.   We do not have hook-ups but if you are staying in the Palapa and would like to have friends with rigs join you, they may park down by the corrals for an additional fee.                             

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Things To  Do

    There are fabulous trails awaiting the equestrian, hiker or mountain biker including one that allows unleashed dogs. Sightseers will enjoy a jaunt to the  old mining town of  Julian where they can shop, eat some of  their famous apple pie, or go  winetasting .  Just over the hill from Julian is Santa Ysabel which has a wonderful gallery which features local artists, the Weavers Guild,  Dudleys Bakery and the old  picturesque   Santa Ysabel Mission.  Animal  lovers will enjoy visiting the awesome California Wolf Center or perhaps Lions, Tigers and Bears Animal Sanctuary .  A drive over to Borrego Desert is always enjoyable, especially in the winter for hiking or visiting the Interpretive Center.  For you out-of-towners who would like to visit San Diego's  beaches, we are just 45 minutes away from the coast.  If you want to experience a bit of Mexico's charms, we are 45 minutes from the quaint town of Tecate which has great food, shopping and pharmacies.  If a spa is more to your liking, you can head over to Jacumba Hot Springs Resort  which is a  low key place with pools, sauna, natural hotsprings , masseuses, restaurant and bar.  It makes a nice stop after a high desert ride or hike.  On your way back from Jacumba, you must stop at the tiny  Wisteria Candy Cottage which makes the best homemade chocolates and sweets you'll ever taste and has been in the same location for over 75 years.  .  For you gamblers and shoppers, the Viejas Casino and Outlet is a 15 minute drive west and has great restaurants and stores.  If you like good beer, stop at the Alpine Brewery on your way up the hill to pick up a jug to enjoy with your pizza.    Equestrians and motorcyclists will   find McClintocks Saddles a worthwhile stop for custom leather accessories and tack.  Anyone who loves wood or cooking will be amazed by a visit to Trynn Spoons, owned by artist Bill Chapelow, who makes fine art spoons, utensils and jewelry from exotic woods.  If you would like to go trail riding and don't own a horse, you can reserve one at Kenner Stables near Julian.  The quaint mexican town of Tecate   is 40 minutes away and is a fun  place to have a taste of south of the border experience.

 

Weather

We are  located at an elevation of  3400' and get one or two light snows per year.  You can expect chilly nights in the winter.  Mid summer temps can get into the 100's.  Most of the year, we enjoy excellent weather and often are able to ride in T-shirts New Years Day !  Check weather.com to see our local forecast.

 

Rates (two night minimum stay)

$155 based on double occupancy.  Add $10 per extra person  up to four maximum.  If you call at the last minute and we have availability, one night may be possible.                                                                                      

Horses ...............................$10 per animal with your feed in large pasture just for your group.  Parking for 2 trailers.

You must call to request info regarding pizza oven firing....not always available.  Guests must provide their own dough and toppings.  .

Cleaning fee ....$30 if staying less than 4 nights

Major credit cards accepted.  Call or e-mail for reservations.

Cancellations :  If you cancel prior to 30 days of your stay, full refund.   Less than 30 days full refund if I am able to rent the days you reserved. 

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For   more  backcountry retreat  photos click here     

Availability Calender & guest comments

Reservations   and  info   email Meredith at merimac99@yahoo.com

Visit our other Vacation Cabin    http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p165955

To See More of Our Rustic Creations For Your Home and Garden Visit  Http://www.1888twigman.com

 

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