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Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows

Pala cabin with kitchen

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A wooden deck with a railing, a chair, and a table.
A wooden interior with a loft bed, a ladder, a globe, and a lamp.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden ceiling, a ceiling fan, a black sofa, a patterned rug, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A rustic cabin with a stone chimney, wooden exterior, and red accents.
A wooden-paneled room with a bed, two bedside lamps, a teddy bear, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Palomar Mountain, CA
  • Place, Palomar Mountain State Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Palomar Observatory
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Harrah's Resort Southern California
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪115 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Pala

In Pala .Stay at this Pala cabin and you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Palomar Mountain State Park and 9 miles (15 km) of Palomar Mountain. Lake Henshaw and Harrah's Resort Southern California are within 16 miles (25 km).
View more Cabin Rentals in PalaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palomar Mountain State Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Palomar Observatory - 13 min drive - 8.4 miles
  • Julian Town Hall - 54 min drive - 39.0 miles
  • Harrah's Resort Southern California - 54 min drive - 35.3 miles
  • Casino Pauma - 61 min drive - 39.4 miles

Getting around

  • Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Diamond Lounge @ Harrah's Rincon - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Café - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Jilberto's Taco Shop - ‬22 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows

If you want PEACE AND QUIET, you have found a unique & enchanting retreat.
For faster service TEXT me 619-871-9354.

The Lilacs was the FIRST VRBO listing on Palomar Mountain in historic Bailey Meadows (near but not part of Bailey Meadow Resort, which is currently closed). We've been on VRBO since 2005 and still open for a romantic getaway, serene encounter with a nature or a quiet, comfy family retreat.
We do have a caretaker living at the back, opposite side of the entry at a lower level, but on the property, so please be respectful and remember the quiet hours 8PM-8AM.

The Lilacs is a beautifully restored, cozy 1920's Redwood cabin on Palomar Mountain just 1:25 minutes from San Diego. The cabin has 1) Master bedroom, 2) a small room with desk/dresser & ladder to the LOFT for the adventurous sleepers, plus 3) a futon sofa-bed in main living room, where there is the original rock hearth. ALSO a large, full-glassed in, sun room, a complete kitchen (new stainless steel stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/drier, cookware and more).

Grandma Bailey's cabin turned 100 in 2024!... and is simply FULL of fun, atmosphere, historic knickknacks and special vibes.

The original Redwood walls and timbers were hand-assembled by craftsmen 100 years ago. I restored it all and worked hard to preserve the original character and charm; including the hand-made cabinets, plank walls & doors. Then I totally upgraded the bathrooms and kitchen.

The cabin is located on the ever-peaceful Evergreen Trail in the Bailey Meadows area, by most accounts the most historic and quaint part of Palomar Mountain (a heavy day of traffic on Evergreen Trail is 2-4 cars a day). Sorry, this is not a place for parties, absolutely none.

Besides relaxing, there is lots of scenic outing and lots to do on Palomar and the surrounding region.

IF YOU ARE FROM SAN DIEGO: Palomar is a piece of High Sierras environment just 1.5 hours from down town. Amazing what SD County has to offer! This Cabin sits on the cozy, shaded side of the mountain. Palomar Mt. State Park is awesome and just 5 minutes away. World-famous Palomar Observatory, Julian (the 1800's quaint Gold mining town) and Anza Borrego State Park, are scenic drives close enough for an outing. We are near to the Bailey's Resort on Palomar, but without the traffic or campers or congestion of Idyllwild, Big Bear, Julian or Lake Arrowhead, and less expensive too.

IF YOUR ARE FROM OUT OF San Diego: There are many activities within an hour of Palomar Mt... Beaches about 1.5 hr away, Safari Park (Wild Animal Park), Lego Land: plus and more. Sea World and Disneyland and Tijuana, Mexico are all doable in less than 2 hr drive.

Keywords:
Unique authentic experience in Bailey Meadow on Palomar Mt.
Grandma Bailey's Historic Mountain Cabin
Full of atmosphere,
Quaint, charming, rustic cabin comforts
Family retreat, for nature lovers.
Mountain get-away & retreat
Feels like the High Sierras with huge Pines and Oaks
Quiet alternative to Casino hotels
Closer than Idyllwild, CA and more privacy
Private & un-congested compared to busy Big Bear
Affordable compared to Lake Arrowhead
Safe, calm and quiet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EN ESPANOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Si quieres paz y tranquilidad, has encontrado un lugar muy especial.
Para un servicio más rápido Communicarse por TEXTO 619-871-9354.

La cabina fue restaurado con amor, acogedora cabaña de 1924 en las Montaña de Palomar sólo una hora, 25 minutos de San Diego. La cabina cuenta con tres dormitorios y dos baños, cocina completa, una chimenea de roca original, y es simplemente lleno de diversión, ambiente y vibraciones especiales.

Las paredes y maderas secoya originales fueron ensamblados a mano por artesanos hace más de 80 años. Hace poco renové todo y trabajé duro para preservar la mayor cantidad de carácter y encanto original; incluyendo hechos a mano armarios, paredes, puertas y ventanas. Entonces estoy totalmente actualizado y spiffed los baños y cocina.

La cabina se encuentra en el Camino Evergreen siempre pacífica en la zona de Bailey Meadows, según la mayoría de la parte más histórica y pintoresca de Palomar Mountain. (Un pesado día de tráfico en Evergreen Trail es 4 coches al día)

Además de relajarse, hay un montón de excursión escénica y hay mucho que hacer en Palomar y la región circundante. Para los enlaces frescas y más información, consulte el sitio web! Vea el enlace al sitio web a continuación. PalomarMountainCabin (punto) com

Palabras clave:
Histórico cabaña de montaña,
Lleno de ambiente clasico de 1920s,
Pintoresco, encantador, rústico, cómodo
Refugio de la familia, para los amantes de la naturaleza.
Un escape en las Montañas

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Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Sorry, NO loud parties, Keep voices low outside as neighbors will call me to complain if there its noisy. They bought their home for the peace/quiet.
THINGS TO BRING: Bring your own water: (Water system being worked on; Water is safe) Bring your own paper towels, all other TP, napkins etc provided.
LEAVING: Self clean keeps our costs affordable In early AM; ALL sheets, towels in washer/drier Take your foods, garbage bag w you; Our dump closed

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows to the airport?

This cabin is 47.4 mi (80-min drive) away from the Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cabin.

Does Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows offer free breakfast?

This cabin does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

No, there is no casino at this cabin, but Harrah's Resort Southern California (24-min drive) and Casino Pauma (30-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows?

Free parking is not available at this cabin.

Does Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows have a pool?

This cabin does not have a pool.

Does Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cabin.

How close is Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows to downtown Pala?

This cabin is 0.1 mi away from Palomar Mountain.

Peaceful 1920s Cozy Cabin snuggled in 100 ft Pines -Palomar Mt, Bailey Meadows Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 27 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald B.

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

Quiet and Rustic

A great place to get away from it all.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francisco P.

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

Excellent experience

We loved the rustic cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for and what was written on the description. It is located in the forest. It is quiet, calm, with lots of nature all around. Great if you are looking to relax in the outdoors. Our host was excellent and responsive to all our questions. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Hidden Gem in Palomar

We wish we could have stayed longer. We spent most of our time relaxing in the sunroom enjoying the view of the majestic pines and birds. It was fun just to imagine how life is back then at this location. Lilac is sure not Ritz-Carlton, but we loved it for its charms, coziness and location. Thank you Martin for being such a great host and we look forward to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph F.

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

Hiking and Downtime

Enjoyed the cabin and the downtime and relaxation. The charm of the cabin was appreciated. Wonderful deck to relax on. The variety of birds were a joy to watch. Loved watching the quail with its covey come around in the afternoon. Closeness to Palomar State Park was a plus. Was able to hike early morning and go back and check out the sunset from there. Wish I would've stayed longer
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Spectacular cabin experience! From the moment we arrived, everything was clean, well-stocked, and clearly cared for with love. The peaceful surroundings, crisp mountain air, and towering trees made it feel like we were truly escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. The cabin itself was warm, inviting, and had all the comforts of home, plus a few special touches like board games and a perfect deck to enjoy morning coffee while listening to (and feeding) the woodpeckers. The location is fantastic. Just minutes from amazing hiking trails, yet still secluded enough to feel like a private retreat. Highly recommend this gem for anyone looking to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Thank you, Martin!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen R.

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

Secluded cabin

The cabin is remotely located, a perfect place to go for rest and quiet. The kitchen has a gas stove, microwave and dishwasher, even an instapot. We stayed in July, and it was warm (83 degrees F, 28 degrees C) every day. There's no AC, but open windows and fans kept us cool. The bathroom is tiny, with a shower, no tub, but everything worked fine. I use a rolling walker, and it wouldn't fit in the bathroom or bedroom, but there were enough places to grab onto to stabilize my body and get around. It is a beautiful, rustic place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry S.

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

Magical

The cabin was definately something special. We didn't expect the beautiful surroundings and morning birdsong to be that perfect. Much bigger than it seems in the photos and everything you could possibly need. Cozy but so much space to move around. Clean and welcoming. Perfect for our couples escape. Recharge and lazy or go wandering on exploration hikes. Seriously magical. We will be back. Bring food n drinks. Everything else youll need is there and the owner is lovely. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine K.

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

Cozy, rustic Lilac was amazing

Martin’s cabin, the Lilac, was perfect for our weekend away. It was easy to get to and check in was simple. Make sure to read all of the information provided before arrival since there is no cell signal. This cabin was cozy, rustic, and a hidden gem on Palomar Mt. Upon arrivals the cabin was clean and very chilly. After about 30 min with the gas fireplace turned on we were very comfortable in our t shirts. There were lots of movies and games, so we were never bored. About 15 minutes away is the CalTech Palomar Observatory which was very cool to see. Martin was very respondent and helpful when we had questions prior to booking and during our stay. He genuinely cares about the cabin and looks for ways to make your getaway special. We will definitely be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris Z.

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

The Lilacs is perfect for a relaxing mountain stay

Thanks for hosting us at The Lilacs cabin on Mt Palomar. We truly relaxed while staying -- the setting is so peaceful, surrounded and shaded by huge cedars and oaks, and visited closely throughout the day by woodpeckers, jays, pigeons, quail, and other birds. This century old cabin glows with character, from its patchwork quilt-like additions, to its mildly skewed floor, to its eclectic decor items. The cabin reminded us of other homey houses of similar vintage -- it was immediately comfortable. The kitchen / bathroom / laundry are completely modern while still fitting the cabin's vibe. The large deck gives a great view over the forest -- we could only wish the few neighboring cabins were even fewer, but, hey, others like it up here, too. Being only 5 minutes drive from Palomar Mountain State Park, it was easy to go hiking each morning and return to enjoy relaxing in the afternoons. Thanks again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Peter P.

Snow-capped Mount Palomar vacation

We couldn't get to the cabin the first night our our five-night stay because a blizzard dumped a foot of snow at the top of the mountain. But we made it to the cabin the next day, and the snow made this 100-year-old cabin feel even more remote and cozy. Because of the snow, we couldn't park near the cabin, but we were there for hiking, so it was part of the adventure. I'd summarize this rental as precisely like borrowing the rustic family cabin of some friends. It feels like they stepped out yesterday, very personal in every aspect and decoration. This is a great basecamp for taking some serious (or undemanding, as you prefer) hikes in the very nearby (and highly recommended) Palomar State Park. Once the snow had passed, the views were stupefying--including that most rare of sights, a clear view of Catalina, so near you could reach out to it. Bear and lion tracks, lots of deer sighted, plus wild turkeys and lots of cool birds. Be sure to eat at Mother's (nearby; good vegetarian food; great people watching) and shop next door at the General Store. The cabin is not the Ritz and shouldn't be. But you'll enjoy a genuine wilderness experience if you stay here.
Verified

8/10 Good

Joseph L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and peace

We decided to come for 3 days break during July 4th and it was a delighrful experience. We enjoyed to be in the cabin because it broughr us to a rustic, simple and yet family connection. Martin was of a great help. Very much accessible and attentive to our needs. We enjoyed a lot having our breakfast with the birds on the porch. We're definitely willing to return and have a wonderful family vacation. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Archival

6/10 Okay

Sheldon N.

Rustic-an accurate description

We just stayed there for one night. Directions were easy, just follow the signs posted when you get to Bailey's and you can't really miss it. The cabin itself is very quaint, you can tell it is a very old structure with lots of period decorations that make you feel like it was trapped in time. They have lots of games and old DVD's to keep you busy if you don't want to just hang out on the deck and listen to the woodpeckers. Kitchen and bathroom facilities were nothing fancy, but perfect for what we needed. There was no firewood around, so we had to fire up the propane heater inside. Kind of wanted to enjoy the fire-pit outside, maybe next time. The place could use a little TLC, just a good cleaning and a little paint here and there. The bathroom ceiling is moldy from moisture. We didn't use the pillows because they had this crinkly plastic cover on them that made them pretty much unusable. Woke up at about 3AM to squirrels running across the bedroom ceiling which continued for about an hour, guess they're getting ready for winter too. With a little bit of work this place could be much better while still maintaining it's character.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Amazing time

My fiancee and I stayed here in July and had the most relaxing time. I loved the old charm of the cabin and the solitude was just what we were looking for. We were so happy we could bring our dog with us it made the trip even more perfect. I can't wait to go back. The owner was so nice and helpful. He even called us the first day to make sure we got there ok and to make sure we had everything we needed. The cabin is almost 100 years old so you have to expect not everything is going to be perfect. I love this place and cant wait to return. I will be renting it for a friends wedding next July and hopefully will return sooner then that!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lovely

One word describes the Lilacs...FANTASTIC! After looking at the pictures on this site for a month, during a drive home from work I got a wild hair and decided to try to book a night or two on a whim. Martin was VERY easy to work with. We made all of the arrangements on my drive home, I executed the documents an hour later, and three hours later checked in. The cabin is perfect. It's very rustic, full of character making it one in a million. The place was very clean. I did not notice any pet hair as the previous poster indicated. The BBQ was filled with gas. We immediately threw on a couple of steaks, opened a bottle of red, got the fireplace blazing & candles lit, no cell phone, no Internet. Need I say more? In the morning we were greeted with stunning views. Beautiful, colorful birds everywhere & a deer grazing down by the pond. We opted for a brisk morning hike, then down to Doane pond for the rest of the afternoon. This place is perfect & we will be frequenting The Lilacs as often as possible.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Experience!

Had a great experience! The cabin has everything you need to getaway from a fast city life.. Everything was in good working condition Lots of attention to detail My favorite part was the authentic fireplace which made it a real cabin in the woods experience. Took my dog and she was safe and enjoyed relaxing on the deck @ back. I liked dealing directly with the Owner who was very helpful and made sure I found the cabin Plus gave me lots of tips on what to do during my stay @ Palimar Mtn. I would stay there again without hesitation Thanks Martin!
Archival

2/10 Terrible

wendy h.

Beware!

Maybe June was a bad month, but I TOTALLY agree with Paul's review. Martin was a nice guy, but NO info was given about check in procedure. I assumed the 'care taker' ( I use the term loosely since it appeared no care had been taken of this place) would be there, but she wasn't! We had to drive half way down the mountain since there is no reception at the cabin and thank goodness I was able to contact Martin because it was 8 PM and we had very tired cranky kids! We finally got in and were severely disappointed! It. Was. Dirty. Really. Really. Dirty. I have kids, so I am by no means used to spotless! but it honestly looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in quite some time. We were told to 'leave things at least as nice as we found them' when we left. It would appear that is all the cleaning that gets done here. The fridge had some strange pellet looking things in the drawer and we never figured out what it was. We had to clean lots of cobwebs up. The floor was so slanted my 2 year old nephew lost his balance and hit his head on the wall. Also, don't make the mistake of asking the guy at the first house once you hit the dirt road where the cabin is (remember we got NO instructions for check in and that included no directions). He was literally the rudest person we've ever had the dis pleasure of running into. My husband, who is the nicest person you'll ever meet nearly punched this man when he began insulting his mother. In the end, my sister and brother in law left a day early. Once they left, we decided to go to the Marriott and try to redeem this vacation. I really do hate to leave such negative feedback, but t was truly the dirtiest, most disappointing place we've ever stayed!
Archival

2/10 Terrible

Paul R.

Really Rustic!!!

My wife and I spent two nights in this not so 'cozy romantic cabin, in June 2014. We spent the first afternoon cleaning the kitchen in order to eat without having the fear of becoming sick. The refrigerator had a fowl odor obviously from left over foods and really needed cleaning. The cabin floor is sloped downhill giving one the sensation that the structure is about to fall over the cliff. The floors were covered with debris and an abundance of animal hair of various colors and lengths. After one evening in the cabin, our socks were totally soiled and full of animal hair. Cobwebs along with dust decorated the windows, walls and ceilings. It appeared that fallen leaves had not been removed from the balcony in weeks.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A Peaceful Retreat

We loved our weekend at the cabin! There is great hiking trails nearby and a good restaurant down the road. The bed was very comfortable and we got to bring our dog along. We sat on the patio and the temperature was nice and cool. I liked it much better than big bear or Idyllwild. Martin the owner called to see how our stay was going. The fireplace was super cozy!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mountain Retreat - Fresh Air and Quiet

We loved our stay at the Lilacs cabin. It's a great getaway from urban chaos. It's quiet, and the air is clean and fresh, and the drinking water is fantastic. We loved the peace and tranquility of the area. Sue, the resident caretaker, was both helpful and unobtrusive. We found the cabin clean and welcoming upon our arrival. This is more of a destination cabin - Palomar is quiet and relaxed. We visited both the Palomar Observatory and the state park nearby, but the best part of our stay was just kicking back at the cabin and enjoying the many birds and the fresh air. We were able to bring our dog, something we really appreciated.
Archival

8/10 Good

Laura A.

Charming and Spacious Cabin, with one flaw

This would be a 5 star review for a really fantastic experience, but there was one issue. I rented the cabin for a girl's weekend away. It was an great process to work out the rental agreement, and I felt confident we could get to the cabin and find the keys. All my questions were answered in a timely manner. Sue greeted our first car of girls and was very helpful showing us the lay of the land and helping us find the parking down the hill. The cabin itself was really charming and surprisingly spacious. The sun room was where we spent most of our time and it was so comfortable and had a great view. The beds were great for a cabin, all the rooms were nice and clean, there were tons of blankets, the loft was great and really, everything met or exceeded our expectations. However, we were a group of 10. So while we were prepare to clean up after ourselves, we weren't really prepared to do ALL of our own dishes. When we had finished our first meal and I went to load the dishwasher, I discovered a post-it on the inside telling me it was broken. If I'd been informed of this in advance I might not have been so caught off guard and bothered. We manned up and did all our dishes and left things as we found them, but it was bothersome to me enough that it bumped it down to 4 stars. So, if you care, ask if the dishwasher has been fixed when you go to rent. Other than that, this place really was AWESOME. And our group is seriously thinking about making this a yearly destination.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

A perfect cabin-in-the-woods weekend!

At the last minute I decided to surprise my husband with a little weekend getaway for our anniversary. I booked our stay only a couple of days in advance, which wasn't a problem. We live in Los Angeles, so the goal was to go someplace green and quiet. This cabin was exactly what we were looking for - cozy, charming, and rustic. We stayed two nights, cooked all our meals in the kitchen (and on the grill), and played cards together on the couch at night. Our eight-month-old son came with us and he was happy as a clam. We loved seeing the starry sky at night and falling asleep to the sound of frogs and crickets. Part of what keeps the prices so reasonable is that you're asked to wash your sheets and towels in the washer prior to leaving. An easy request and we were happy to do so. We would certainly come back and stay here again. One note - the curtains in the bedroom are rather lightweight and do not do well at keeping out the morning sun (a must for our easy-to-wake eight-month-old). Thankfully we planned ahead, just in case, and brought heavy fabric panels that we hung over the windows. It did the trick!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The perfect weekend

We just got home from an amazing weekend at the Lilac's. There were 8 of us and the cabin had more than enough space to accomidate our group. The cabin itself is like going back in time. It is filled with wonderful pieces of history that give it a warm feeling that reminds me of my grandparents cabin in Colorado. It has such a homey feel that you are immediatly comfortable. There is a great loft for the kids and a place outside where you can sit around the fire in th evening. During the day you can hear woodpeckers and at night you can hear the owls. The cabin itself sits on a hillside and the views are incredible. Martin was kind and patient with me during the reservation process and always got back to me promptly when I had questions. There is a guestbook filled with wonderful comments from past campers sharing their experiences.
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2/10 Terrible

Thanksgiving in Hell.

My family and I wanted to stay in a cabin for Thanksgiving this year, relaxing away from the city. We booked our stay at the Lilacs cabin in September. Upon our arrival, the caretaker of the cabin was very surprised to see us; she had no idea we were coming. The owner had actually double booked the cabin. The caretaker told us a family of 15 had arrived earlier that day and left an hour before we showed up. She admitted to us that the family had left early because the place was filthy. If they had not left, what would we have done? Share the cabin with them?? The cabin was very dirty, spider webs everywhere you looked, dust on everything, mice droppings all over the floor and later that night we found out there was even mice droppings on the bed in the master bedroom. When we showed up we were immediately disappointed but we decided to try and make it work since it took us 2 hours to get here...It was Thanksgiving day and we had to start cooking. We were looking forward to the loft that was described oh so nicely, but we were let down. It just had an old mattress with some dirty looking sheets and blankets. The bed wasn't made. Their were huge spiders in the kitchen pots and pans, hair tangled in the shower drains, dead bugs and mice droppings on the bed and between the "cleaner" sheets. We were afraid to sleep there, it was disgusting. I thought about sleeping in the car, but it was freezing outside. The bathroom floor mats were slippery and could be dangerous. The photos listed here are not accurate and we would never recommend this property to any of our family or friends. My family and I were supposed to stay for 3 days....we left after one night.
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10/10 Excellent

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The Lilacs is an eclectic...

The Lilacs is an eclectic, cozy, and comfortable home away from home. It is located on a fairly secluded road surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. But it is also exactly centered between the corner general store and restaurant and the entrance to the State Park, so you never feel too far away from anything. My favorite part was sitting in front of that beautiful fireplace with some music and a bottle of fantastic red wine. The owner is also a pleasure to deal with. No need to look anywhere else on Palomar Mtn - you will love this cabin, guaranteed! We will be back!
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10/10 Excellent

This is the ultimate peac...

This is the ultimate peaceful place. Warm, cozy, homey, and very comfortable house and setting. My husband was very tired and not feeling well from our long drive to the cabin, when we entered he said "This is just what I need Deb." We loved it and will be back.