Notes from the host
The Starlit Hidden Gem
◆ peace & quiet ◆ rest & relaxation ◆ gorgeous mountain views ◆ wine country ◆ nature escape ◆ 5 min walk to trails, accessed from backyard ◆ surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature ◆ hiker's paradise ◆ entire home + 1/2 acre yard
♢ Howdy and thanks for checking out our page! The wise Einstein said “look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” We agree. Looking deep into nature, we've come to understand and appreciate the feeling and meaning of home.
♢ We both got caught up in life’s inevitable grind and have lived & worked throughout most of San Diego county - the coast, downtown, central hub, urban districts, South Bay - and we've experienced what they've had to offer. We then ventured out to the majestic countryside in Ramona and it's here we found San Diego's hidden gem. We've felt no greater happiness than here, so if home is where the heart is, THIS is home. We've been captivated by the beautiful landscapes and fell in love with the peace & quiet that comes with nature as your neighbor and we're excited to share that with you!
♢ Our corner of the world is where the harmonious blend of modern comforts and convenience, interlaced with old world culture, intersect with the sights & sounds of Mother Nature. We’re close enough to wineries, coffee shops, and grocery stores, yet far enough to see wild turkeys roaming, bunnies scurrying, and hear birds chirping and coyotes howling. This blends the very best of both worlds, where you appreciate the majestic landscape and organic calm the country brings, while still within reach of all that San Diego offers. Don’t be surprised if time spent in the country -- away from the crowds, congestion, noise, stimulation -- is what your body and mind crave -- the much needed time, space, and privacy to decompress, reset, and reconnect.
♢ Exploration awaits nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts! Our backyard faces an amazing natural preserve, where a leisurely walk across our half acre yard will lead you to the 1,574 acre Mt. Gower Preserve; here you can experience San Diego’s backcountry as it was centuries ago. Immerse yourself in the beautiful views at Mt. Gower & in Ramona's numerous trails, including Cedar Creek Falls, 3 Sisters Waterfall, Mt. Woodson/Potato Chip Rock, Iron Mountain & more.
♢ Wine lovers? Us too! :) With over 30 wineries, you'll have plenty of vino to appreciate in our ever-growing wine region. Within a 5 min drive you can sit back and savor delicious local wine in the heart of San Diego County among numerous family-owned wineries & vineyards, with La Finquita, Turtle Rock Ridge, and Vineyard Grant James being the closest, and so many others located within a 5-10 mile radius. Nearby you’ll also find a camel dairy farm, local shops and artisans, craft brewery, restaurants, antique shops, coffee shops, farm stands, and more. After returning from your adventures, head out at night to our backyard for stargazing - on a clear evening, the view of the stars are mesmerizing!
♢ The Starlit Hidden Gem's nearly 2,200 sq ft two-story open floor plan comfortably sleeps up to 8 in 3 bedrooms & 2.5 bathrooms and has plenty of comfortable space indoors & out for lounging & gathering with family & friends for meals, drinks, and games. Enjoy the comforts of home w/ AC & heating, free wifi, stocked kitchen, 3 couches, 3 smart TVs, washer & dryer, private driveway, spacious backyard & more.
♢The entire upper level features an oversized master suite, spacious king bed, queen size convertible sofa bed, dining table for 4, generously sized walk-in closet, own private bathroom w/ bathtub & separate shower, and balcony. Downstairs you'll find another bathroom along with 2 bedrooms, each with its own queen bed, plus an additional 1/2 bathroom in the garage.
Have fun nearby exploring:
◆ Mt Gower Nature Preserve - faces backyard, no neighbors behind, exit from our back fence
◆ Hiking Trails - within a 5 min walk
◆ Local Wineries & Vineyards - starting within 2 miles
◆ Local Parks - starting within 3 miles
◆ San Vicente Golf Course - 3 miles
◆ Smoking Cannon Brewery - 5 miles
◆ Downtown Ramona/Antique Shops - 5 miles
◆ Velocity Paintball & Airsoft Playing Park - 6 miles
◆ Oasis Camel Dairy - 7 miles
◆ Barona Casino - 11 miles
◆ Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary - 12 miles
◆ Mt Woodson Golf Course/Potato Chip Rock Hike - 12 miles
◆ San Diego Safari Park - 17 miles
◆ Julian (historic gold mining town, famous apple pies)
♢One of the wonderful benefits of living alongside Mother Nature is getting to see and hear the surrounding birds, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, rabbits, mule deer & more, along with immersing yourself in the beautiful mountain backdrop with its gorgeous sunrises & sunsets. What a treat! Also, when we moved into our home, we added a layer of protection and installed a snake fence around and partially underneath our entire yard; in over 5 wonderful years here, we haven't had any rattlesnakes on our property. Woohoo!
♢Our mountainside retreat is your home away from home where we aim to create a warm and welcoming stay for you. We know every guest is different so we'll leave the level of interaction in your hands and what you prefer. We're very approachable, so if there's anything you need, we're here for you.
♢Our quiet, peaceful neighborhood is nestled within a picturesque valley resort featuring family-friendly recreational activities & parks. As our guest you get access to our community pool, tennis & pickle ball courts, equestrian center, and more. Please note tennis & pickle ball are by reservation only. The San Vicente Golf Course is within our HOA community, fees apply, reservations required.
♢We absolutely adore our house, neighborhood and community, which is filled with laid-back, respectful, & friendly neighbors. Folks regularly walk, hike, bike, and ride horses in the area. Join them!
♢Shop local: Old Town Ramona is 10 min away, located on the Main Street blocks East of 10th St. The areas along Main Street are filled w/ lovely family-owned shops, boutiques, eateries, the Pamo Valley wine tasting room, Smoking Cannon Brewery, natural grocery store, local coffee shop, and more. Additional grocery stores (Albertsons, Stater Bros), Starbucks, restaurants, and other local businesses conveniently located within 15 minutes.
♢ When you book your stay at The Starlit Hidden Gem, our entire home and yard is privately and exclusively yours. While our garages aren't accessible for parking, there is plenty of parking available on our private driveway along with ample street parking.
♢ We aim to create a relaxing and peaceful stay at The Starlit Hidden Gem. We're approachable, so if there's anything you need, feel free to reach out - we’re here for you!