Entire home

Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego

Photo gallery for Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego

View from property
Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
TV, DVD player, books, music library
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Mountain viewMountain viewMountain view

Explore the area

Map
Julian, CA
  • Popular LocationAnza Borrego Desert State Park4 min drive
  • Popular LocationJulian Town Hall22 min drive
  • Popular LocationLake Cuyamaca28 min drive
  • AirportSan Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)100 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

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

Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego

The property is situated in the midst of the Anza Borrego Desert
State Park approx. 2400ft above sea level. At this elevation the
magnificent pines of Julian give way to a High Chaparral landscape
with native Junipers, Desert Willows and mixed with Agave, Cacti
and Creosote Bush giving the abundant wildlife cover from heat and
cold.
The Main Highway is the Great Overland Stage Route of 1849, from
where a private drive takes you to a secluded cottage in Adobe Style
and dedicated to the Native Indian Kokopelli figure, the flute
player who brings luck, charm and mischief.

Julian, the Gold Mining Town, beckons to be explored just 20
minutes to the west, Borrego Springs, 20 minutes to the north east,
offers the desert ambience with golf courses, club houses and
restaurants. To the south you might try a dip in the Agua Caliente
Hot Springs, or experience the freedom of soaring with a sailplane
from Warner Springs Sail Plane Airport 25 minutes to the northwest.

For the R&R enthusiast there are many books to read, movies to
watch, a private access to the Pacific Crest Hiking Trail and the
Mountain in back of the property to be climbed.

You might enjoy the attached patio with a perfect view of the most magnificent sunsets, dipping the mountain ranges into the bluest blue of nature's palette. It might
even inspire you to bring your painting easel, camera or sketch pad
and record these moments on paper or film.
At night you are in Dark Sky Country and the Milky Way offers spectacular picture-taking possibilities. We cater to professional photographers who bring their own telescopes.

If you are a private pilot you might try taking a picture of your
plane, tied down next to the airstrip, bathed in the gold of the
setting sun, you might even spot a coyote exploring its tires.

A quiet spot in the High Desert just under two hours from downtown
San Diego and 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles.

Property manager

Reni Cordell

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking outside on patio w/ comfortable seating

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming 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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 600 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: No pets inside

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Parental control at all times

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
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
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

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Julian

Located in Julian, this cottage is in a rural area. Julian Historical Society and Julian Pioneer Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Menghini Winery and Anza Borrego Tennis Center. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cave exploring and cycling.

What's nearby

  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park - 4 min drive
  • Julian Town Hall - 22 min drive
  • California Wolf Center - 27 min drive
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 28 min drive
  • William Heise County Park - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 83 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego located?

This family-friendly Julian cottage is located in a rural location, 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and Yaqui Well. Santa Ysabel Preserve and Julian Town Hall are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

janice h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Art, hiking, relaxing under the stars in Julian/Anza Borrego
Beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet M., Pennsylvania, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
A Gem
Reni's casita just outside Anza Borrego State Park is a gem. Reni was a gracious and accommodating host who made us feel welcome. The little cottage was warm and full of color and interesting art, exactly as shown in the photos. Everything was immaculate and in good working order with all you would need to either cook or bring in your meals. I hope we will be able to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great
Two day stay, perfect acccomodation for what i was looking for. Very clean and neat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nita H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best trip ever!
Great location and very comfortable for two.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick R M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to Decompress
The accomodations are perfect for people who can unplug from their electronics, read a book, take a nap, hike, enjoy peace and quiet, view the night sky, etc. A short drive to Julian or Anza for a change of scenery, or to the wineries makes this a perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donald S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heavenly
Beautiful, beautiful, peaceful, friendly, can't wait to come back
Stayed 16 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
We absolutely loved our stay. We wanted a location that where we could step outside and be in the desert and be able to see stars at night, and Kokopelli’s Hideaway checked all the boxes. We could walk out into the desert, observe desert flora and fauna, and access the Pacific Crest Trail. The house is clean and comfortable and beautifully decorated in a southwestern theme. Reni was a gracious host and provided us with a lot of information about the area. We hope to return for a longer stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerald P.

Liked: Cleanliness
ver cool and yurt spot
loved this little spot out in the desert. so perfect and quiet. the stars and blue skies are gorgeous. hostess was awesome and so helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marta B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway!
If you love to see any meteor shower and you enjoy a bit of relaxing solitude...this is the place to come! Reni has created a little oasis in the middle of the desert. The place is cozy, well equipped and fiull of charm. Reni, our host is welcoming and very sweet. We can't wait to come back soon. It's one of our new favorite spots
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

denise a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything you need for a peaceful time!
Very clean. It has everything you need in the kitchen and bathroom. There’s Heating and cooling and fans so it was great! Overall, the place itself is beautiful and the surroundings breathtaking!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

John C., Long Beach

Liked: Cleanliness
Better than advertised
Our first impression of the property was that it was unique and peaceful. Reni gave us a tour of all the features and amenities. The property exceeded our expectations. Reni recommended various places or interest, restaurants, and even which way to orient our seats to get the clearest view of the stars. The property was clean, well kept, and shows pride of ownership. The property owner is incredibly personable and welcoming. We are looking forward to returning during a meteor shower or when we need some true peace and quiet. 10/10 would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erik R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kokopelli's calling
Kokopelli's hideaway is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The casita is beautifully decorated and fully equipped, as advertised. The records and VHS tapes are either an adventure awaiting you, or a gentle reminder that you are there for the beauty of the desert - not the technology you may be trying to take a break from. Seeing the milky way from the porch of the casita- 5 stars! Reni was a fabulous host, and genuinely warm person. We are looking forward to returning to this desert magic in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy h.

Liked: Cleanliness
adorable cottage, scenic location
We enjoyed the location about midway between Julian and Borrego Springs. The cottage is absolutely darling, and is sparkling clean. Kitchen is well stocked. The size would be perfect for a couple. For two adults not-coupled it's a bit small, and the hide-a-bed is merely adequate IMHO.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

William W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Anza Borrego delight
Well equipped, comfortable and peaceful property, good location to explore Anza Borrego State Park and all the local history.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna M., Lake oswego

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular
The place is delightful. Reni is a character and very knowledgeable host. The setting is clean se to both Julian and Borrego Springs. Great fun
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy stay in the high desert
We arrived at the beginning of the great blizzard of 2023 in the Southern California mountains. Our host, Leni, reached out to us on the morning we departed from San Diego, and gave us step by step instructions for an alternate route as snow had closed the main road over the mountains. As the rain and wind lashed the casita that day, we stayed cozy and warm inside. The next day, we awoke to spectacular views of the snow covered peaks. The nearby hikes in Anza Borrego are beautiful. With plentiful spring rains, we saw many wildflowers. We loved the quiet and peacefulness of the casita and surrounding property. Thank you, Leni, for your kind attentiveness to making our stay comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

doug w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Desert retreat
Clean, comfortable enough. Close to trailheads. Quiet outdoors. A small noisy heater ran most of the time to warm the leaky apartment. Manager was helpful and frequently onsite.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness
An oasis in the desert
The host is very gracious and the Casita is inviting and filled with great art and artifacts. We were surprised to find that the temperature at the Casita is about 10 degrees cooler than the valley of Borrego Springs but we were prepared because the host warned us that it had been cold and put a duvet on the bed which kept us toasty at night .
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jinsun H., Irvine, California USA

Liked: Cleanliness
quiet and well organized
We stayed comfortably and restfully. The house was clean and well organized and was built very good. It was rainy and windy day but I couldn't hear noise that much. I was glad that we stayed there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
Artistic house, stunning views, great host!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Domingo C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway off the beaten path
Great communication….place was clean. If you are looking for a quiet place to stay outside of Julian, this is it.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruby G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfy home base for exploring in the desert
Well designed and lovely little cottage in the Anza Borrego Desert. Small kitchen with a real gas stove top and a wonderful air fryer that allows you to broil, bake, toast, essentially anything else you would want to do in making meals in the kitchen. Reni, the host, is very together and super responsive to questions and requests and very accommodating without ever making you feel bad for asking questions or for what you need. The area is just stunning and full of wonders. This is the perfect home base from which to explore. Bonus is the flotation bed that I thought I would hate but ended up missing as soon as I got home. Like falling asleep on a raft in a
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elaine I., New Hampshire

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage in a beautiful location
My aunt and I wanted to explore the San Diego desert, and found this charming rental, with the bonus that it's a great location for astrophotography. The place was spotless and beautifully decorated. The owner provided lots of information as well as a friendly welcome. The room arrangement is less ideal for people who aren't sharing the main bed, but we were comfortable and certainly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Naomi H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Art in the high chaparral
Kokopelli is a charming casita nestled in the high chaparral in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, filled with art, artifacts, and finds from the natural world. It’s a convenient, comfortable place to stay while exploring the expanses of this vast and varied park.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

esther m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway for 2
Great location and very quiet. The waterbed is huge, and we found it comfortable to sleep on. Reni is a fantastic host, very welcoming and ready to answer questions about the area. She did a great job with this guest house and decoration/art. Thick walls kept us very warm on a cold winter weekend. Very clean and comfortable. Kitchen well stocked and we cooked all our meals here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021