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"A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!

Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!

Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
A firepit, a garden, and a playground are just a few of the amenities provided at "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with an arcade/game room and laundry facilities.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 14232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Hot Tub
  • Fireplace

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

"A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!

Escape to the picturesque town of Julian and experience the tranquillity of our secluded mountain retreat at Lake Cuyamaca. Nestled in the heart of nature, this vacation rental offers a perfect blend of charm and modern comfort.

Our home exudes a top-of-the-mountain ambience with warm wood interiors, a large fireplace, and comfortable furnishings. Whether enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or stargazing on the deck, the cabin provides a welcoming and intimate atmosphere.

Enjoy the Jacuzzi spa while watching the birds or stars! The views from the spa are remarkable, too!

Wake up to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys & ocean. The property's elevated location offers a stunning panorama that changes with the seasons, from fall foliage to amazing sunsets.

Only a short drive from the historic town of Julian, you have easy access to its charming shops & delicious apple pies. Yet, you'll feel a world away in your private mountain retreat.

Explore nearby hiking trails, visit Lake Cuyamaca for fishing or boating, and discover the area's natural wonders.

Please note for larger groups, we charge per guest, so please enter the correct number of guests when you book. There is a charge to add more guests after booking. The pet fee is per pet per stay. Only Dogs allowed.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Telescope

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways (48 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: $150 fee if smoking on property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • Property located in a resort
  • Reusable tableware
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 2,500 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 28

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 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

Rules

No noise after 10 PM. If excessive you will be asked to leave with no refund Pet fee is per pet

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: prior approval on pets and pet fee is per pet

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed
No parties

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$150 fee if smoking on property

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
Note from host: No parties
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

North Peak Custom Lake View Home "A Living Canvas" House Julian
North Peak Custom Lake View Home "A Living Canvas" House
North Peak Custom Lake View Home "A Living Canvas" Julian
Peak Custom "A Living Canvas"
North Peak Custom Lake View Home "A Living Canvas"

About the neighborhood

Map
Julian, CA

What's nearby

  • Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Santa Ysabel Mission - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Sycuan Casino - 37 min drive - 55.2 km
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park - 64 min drive - 78.8 km

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Julian Beer Co. - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Julian Pie Company - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Julian Cafe & Bakery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mom's Pie House - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is "A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget! located?

This family-friendly Julian vacation home is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness and Lake Cuyamaca. Santa Ysabel Mission and Cuyamaca Meadow Nature Preserve are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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"A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ivy K.

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

Amazing house for vacation

10/10! The house has such a beautiful view to the lake and the mountains. Everything is so clean. The hosts John and Sarah are so welcoming and so friendly, checking in on us a lot and making sure we have everything we need. My family and friends all have a wonderful time staying here this weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patt M.

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

Quiet quiet quiet

Yes the views were spectacular but listening to the quiet was glorious!Host couldn’t have been nicer so our stay always felt like he had our back any time we might need him which fortunately the need didn’t arise.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cecly G., san diego, ca

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

Weekend

We stayed at the living Canvas house and had a great time
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Beautiful views

The house was beautiful and welcoming. The instructions on how to get there were detailed which made it easier to get to the house. Going up the mountain to get to the house was a little scary for me but, after the first time, it wasnt so bad. You get used to the road and know what to expect. The house was fully stocked and labeled which was much appreciated. We didnt have to rummage through everything to find certain items. They had coffeee available which was a plus. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Morning fog over the mountains
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Margaret G.

Solitude & Silence

Wonderful time, wonderful property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Caitlyn A.

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

Amazing

This place is absolutely beautiful , perfect for our stay ! Great fishing nearby , views that will take your breath away . Owner was great with any questions I had ! Would recommend!!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison M., San Diego

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

Incredible views!!

We had a very nice getaway at this home. We appreciated all the cleaning guidelines they are following during Covid. The layout of the house was great and we enjoyed the deck and stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth r.

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

Beautiful views

Snowed in the first few days but the view on day 3 was lovely. Lots of firewood for us to keep warm. House held up fantastic in the high winds. Kids loved the movie area. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mugdha L.

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

Scenic views!

Scenic view from the property. We stayed there for a couple of bights with family and friends and enjoyed the views from the lake to the mountains to the milky way right from the house! Will come back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cammy E.

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

Much needed getaway

My family needed a getaway from the hustle and bustle of our everyday routine and this home provided just what we needed. It’s such a cozy welcoming home in a gorgeous place. The layout of the home is perfect for a large family or group of friends. The views are beautiful and the stargazing is amazing!! The hosts are wonderful. They were communicative and friendly. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

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

BEST Views EVER!

John was absolutely amazing. Very responsive and helpful. The house is in a perfect location and the VIEWS!!! Thank you so much, John and Sara, for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren R.

Another amazing stay

Beautiful house inside and out! I have rented from John several times, and as always, it is a flawless experience from beginning to end. I will continue to rent his properties when I need them for retreats. Thank you again, John.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Awesome views and experience

Very clean and elegant. A/C blows cold and the views are million dollar ones. Sunsets were just amazing and the lake view is unbelievable. Very quiet and easy to access. Very safe and lots to do at Lake Cuyamaca or in the town of Julian which is only 10 minutes away.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

Perfect house for a cozy weekend with friends!

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home with us! We were 3 families with young kids and this was a great house for our weekend away. Aside from some minor difficulty with the gate code, things could not have gone smoother. The house was clean, comfortable, and as pictured. The views truly are remarkable. Thank you so much and we hope to come back sometime!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Adriana S.

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

Landscape Artist of the Year

We watch a show called Landscape Artist of the Year and even though the landscapes painted are mostly in England, we think this property's views would qualify to be portrayed! Absolutely beautiful views! And the star gazing was awesome! The response and attentiveness of the host, John, was exceptional! Thanks John!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul L., San Diego, California

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

Fantastic property and host

We had very high expectations and the property did not disappoint. Spectacular views (lake, mountains, sunrise, sunset), well maintained and clean, spacious rooms, good family layout, and a well appointed kitchen for a rental. There are lots of things to do in the area, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, photography, visiting Julian, and just relaxing and soaking it all in. John was a wonderful host and was quick to respond to inquiries. He was determined to make sure we had a wonderful stay at 'Living Canvas'. Thanks for sharing your getaway, we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Heather R.

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

50th bday weekend

My friends and our adult daughters thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in the mountains to celebrate my 50th bday (10 ppl the first night, 13 the second). The views were spectacular, the beds were comfy, the fireplace was cozy, the kitchen was well-stocked with pot, pans, utensils, etc. We made the short drive to the Cushi-Pi (Stonewall Peak) trail and it was a great hike to the top. The instructions for checki-in/check-out and driving directions were clear, questions to the owner were answered quickly, and all communication was friendly. We definitely want to come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judith B.

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

Magical Family Gathering

This place is truly magical. The house itself has all the comforts, with three nicely separated bedrooms all with comfortable beds with high quality bedding. The views from every side inside and out are incredible and ever changing. Our nights were spent outside watching the sunset and then the endless array of stars, planets and meteors(!), all accompanied by music from the incredible turntable and sound system generously provided by the hosts. There was a large selection of tables and chairs to choose from on the deck, and they were easy to arrange into different groupings for different activities. We also loved eating dinner at the table up past the waterfall next to the large grill, which turned out great meals for us night after night, capped off with the Julian apple pie that was left for us by the hosts. That area also has a fire pit surrounded by comfortable chairs that we would love to try next time we visit. The outside was so breathtaking that we spent very little time in the media room, but we were very impressed by the large screen tv with a broad array of streaming services available, along with a nice selection of movie candy, another generous touch in a house full of them. We took some great hikes in the surrounding area, but other than those outings no one wanted to leave the property for anything; nothing else could compete with the comfort inside and the beauty outside.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tori M.

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

Great views

What a great place to stay! The view is amazing and the open layout of the living room and kitchen invites everyone to gather together for quality time. John was very responsive and explained everything we needed to know. I would definitely come back again with my family!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frank C.

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

Amazing views!

This home has amazing views of the mountains and lake from every room! The home is clean and comfortable and great for families. The owner went the extra mile to bring in an additional wheel chair ramp to accommodate our three family members who needed wheel chair access. That being said, I would caution anyone needing total wheel chair access that the walkway leading to the wheel chair accessible door is very steep and is very difficult to negotiate if the wheel chair person weighs more than about 170 lbs. Above that weight, you really need two people to safely push anyone up the walkway.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

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

Wonderful place

Very nicely kept home with lots of space. We had 8 adults and 4 kids and were very comfortable. Beautiful views and great night skies! Close to Lake Cuyamaca where we hiked & fished. Plus, the Pub at the lake had awesome food and fabulous employees! Loved it and will be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yessenia B.

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

Start of a new tradition!

We came here to start our first tradition of getting together with friends and family before Christmas and this place was the perfect home to begin it! The views were unbelievable, we did not want to miss not one sunrise or sunset. We enjoyed the amenities and supplies provided to us by the hosts. The host was amazing in communicating with us before and during our trip. Also enjoyed the pie they left us! Just the sweetest. This trip will be one for us to always remember! <3
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tom t.

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

Amazing View!

The place is great and the view is incredible. John was very easy to deal with and everything went smoothly. 5 stars
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennie P.

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

Nature at it's finest...BEST Mountain sunset ever! And lake view too the other direction! HEAVENLY

This property is very inviting with so many locations to enjoy expansive views! The sunset bench is a stunning mountain view with numerous mountains and vista galore! My (7 year old) son said watching the sunset on a big rock there was a trip highlight and exploring the hill/property. Our youngest son (5) woke up and asked Grandma, "Can we please buy this house?" We used the grill, rented a pontoon boat for the date (lake is 5 min away), my husband have a smore's lesson at the firepit. The house was clean and cozy! Lots of space and really felt like your own mountain home. We will be back!

10/10 Excellent

Roxy C.

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

Christmas In Julian!

John and Sarah's cabin was just what our family needed this holiday season. The view was so pretty from their cabin off the patio. We can't wait to come back in the near future.