"A Living Canvas" A home with views you will not forget! Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patt M.

Feb 27, 2025

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

Nov 27, 2023

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

Cammy E.

Nov 28, 2024

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

Tori M.

Dec 21, 2022

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

Caitlyn A.

Apr 16, 2023

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

Mugdha L.

Jul 5, 2023

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

Adriana S.

Jun 14, 2023

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

Heather R.

Dec 5, 2022

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

Frank C.

Nov 13, 2022

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

Mary R.

Oct 2, 2022

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

Cathy S.

Apr 24, 2022

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.

Dec 23, 2021

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.

Jul 20, 2021

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.

May 25, 2021

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

Alison M., San Diego

Jan 11, 2021

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

Roxy C.

Dec 29, 2020

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.

10/10 Excellent

Rachel K.

Dec 8, 2020

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

Wonderful home, amazing views, great host

Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this incredible property. The house felt like home immediately. It has common areas perfect for socializing and three very private bedrooms and bathrooms. The perfectly placed windows and deck allowed us to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The home was outfitted with everything you could need. John even put up a Christmas tree. And John was a wonderful host, communicating with us frequently to help us get through a SDG&E power shutdown, which had only a small impact on us due to the backup generator. Still, it was comforting to know John was on top of everything. Will definitely book again!

10/10 Excellent

Matthew B.

Nov 15, 2020

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

Stunning mountain getaway

The panoramic views of Lake Cuyamaka to the south and San Diego to the west, coupled with the well maintained and well prepared property, allowed us to relax instantly upon arrival. The upstairs is cozy and warm, with plentiful sunshine and an wonderful electronic piano that kept all of us engaged day after day. There is also a stash of toy trains that was a huge hit with our young child. The owner is very attentive and friendly - he put in the effort to ensure that we had a smooth visit. We will return.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth r.

Nov 13, 2020

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

Olga R.

Sep 4, 2020

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

✨Beautiful view✨

Our stay here was nothing less than amazing. John was very attentive since our arrival, checking in to see if we were in need of anything. He kindly left a treat for our family upon arrival. We stayed three nights and enjoyed every single evening. We watched the sunset and have beautiful pictures that I will eventually print for our home. Our kids star gazed at night and truly enjoyed it. For the first time I can say our family truly disconnected from electronics. I did not miss or pick up my phone, there was plenty of space for us to hang out. My husband grilled by the gazebo while listening to the waterfall. This home truly had something to do for kids and adults, no room for boredom. My mom who is disabled spent most of her time at home stated, “by far one of the best places I have ever stayed” John’s place is a true gem and it brings a sense tranquility. Julian, Ca such friendly individuals. We wil definitely come back soon. Thank you John and family ~

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Judith B.

Aug 21, 2020

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

Paul L., San Diego, California

Aug 17, 2020

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

Scott A.

Jul 19, 2020

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

Peaceful getaway

Great property. Fantastic views. The night sky is so clear.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H., San Diego

Jul 12, 2020

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

We had an amazing time at this beautiful home!

This was a 5 star experience. The hosts thought of everything to make the stay comfortable and perfect. The views were absolutely breathtaking! The home was SO clean. The movie room was a blast! It's the kind of place you really never want to leave. We were so content! Thank you! We will come back soon! We LOVED it!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Mar 23, 2020

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

A place with warmth and plenty of views

John and Sarah’s place is one to remember. It brings families together and reminds you of what is important. It’s views are breathtaking the fireplace warms the home and the days are peaceful and tranquil.

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

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