The Gnome Home at Shadow Mountain Ranch!

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Entire home

Come in and enjoy the mountain magic in our most iconic room

You're unique adventure is just this way!

Open the large handcrafted door for an unforgettable stay

Enjoy a movie and the breathtaking scenery in a private sitting room

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

Parking available
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view

Explore the area

Julian, CA

William Heise County Park
‪5 min drive‬
Julian Town Hall
‪6 min drive‬
Lake Cuyamaca
‪17 min drive‬
Borrego Springs, CA (BXS-Borrego Valley)
‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Dining Area

About this property

Looking for a whimsical mountain retreat? Our iconic Gnome Home has you covered. The unique forest gnome motif was inspired by artist and sculptor Tom Clark. Step into this mushroom-shaped abode to discover a charming seating area with panoramic views, a quaint bedroom, and a one of a kind bathroom. The interior of the room contains authentic stonework with breathtaking detailing.

The Gnome Home is one of four lovely rooms located at Shadow Mountain Ranch. It has been a favorite of many guests and continues to be the most requested room after many years. If you are interested in seeing our other unique rooms, please visit our website: shadowmountainranch.net.

Property manager

Shadow Mountain Ranch

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Mountain view

Parking available

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Outdoor space
Parking available
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Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets 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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Julian

Located in Julian, this cottage is in a rural area. Menghini Winery and Milagro Farm Vineyards and Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit California Wolf Center and Viejas Bowl. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Julian, CA

What's nearby

William Heise County Park - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
Julian Pioneer Museum - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
Julian Town Hall - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
California Wolf Center - 13 min drive - 13.1 km
Lake Cuyamaca - 17 min drive - 18.9 km

Getting around

San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

‪Lake Cuyamaca - ‬17 min drive
‪Julian Brewing Company - ‬6 min drive
‪Julian Pie - ‬12 min drive
‪Julian Pie Company - ‬6 min drive
‪Dudley's Bakery & Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Gnome Home at Shadow Mountain Ranch! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Gnome Home at Shadow Mountain Ranch!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Gnome Home at Shadow Mountain Ranch!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Gnome Home at Shadow Mountain Ranch! located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from William Heise County Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Julian Pioneer Museum and Julian Historical Society. Julian Town Hall and Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

2/10 Terrible

Dennis C.

21 Feb, 2025

Liked: Location

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Big let down

arrive at check in time. No e-mail from property owner with check in instructions. could not fine anyone on property trybwe had no phone number and had to Google the number first number was local and it was no longer in service the other phone number we called was a out state number in Oregon who helps with the property and she gave us the door code and where to park. we book the gnome house. while taking a shower the room flooded so another call to Oregon and had to load everything up and move to another room witch was on the other side of the property, the whole property looks and was run down. we did not see another person the whole time we were there

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Rob H.

24 Jan, 2025

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Gnome Home

Cute place, but needs a refresh. Can tell carpet and upholstry old, needs painting inside and out.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

James M.

16 Nov, 2024

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

Cute

It was cool

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Sharon L.

8 Nov, 2024

Liked: Communication

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Referral

After being unable to get into the property because the number I had was ineffective, we got an immediate new code and we entered into rooms that were still not cleaned! There are no instructions on using the stove/fireplace. So I had to text the company again. As it turns out it was controlled by a remote. All in all a very uncomfortable stay. We will not refer this place.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy O.

2 Oct, 2024

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

Quiet and peaceful

A great place to go to get away!

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

natalie e.

9 Jun, 2024

Liked: Check-in

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Not available

We were contacted 45 minutes before check in via text that the gnome home was unavailable but another room would be available. We had selected the gnome home for the curiosity and wonder 2 months prior and would have made other arrangements had the owners been honest about the unavailability. Seems like they met the rules of VRBO by offering us another room but this was not the vacation we had hoped for. On arrival it was apparent the gnome home was not in good condition from the exterior views. Had they been honest we could have made more suitable arrangements.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth B.

11 May, 2024

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

I like what you’re trying to do

The gnome home was a very unique experience for us. It would have been much better if just some minor improvements were done. For instance, there was a dvd player with some great movies available but we found the dvd player was not plugged in or connected to the tv. We wanted to make coffee and when we opened the lid to add water we saw that it had not been cleaned in a long time. So bad we chose not to use it. On our final day there it rained and the drip from the roof was landing right on the bed, it was not a bad leak but we thought we would place one of the bowls that were supplied. We then noticed the bowl had rust in it and also had not been cleaned. Exterior had some wear and tear as well. Carpet could be replaced and sofa cushions were worn. I’m taking the time to share this because it seems if just some minimal attention was given, our experience could have been so much better. We would definitely come again if these issues were addressed.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur S.

9 May, 2024

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

Perfect Little Spot

The property was very well maintained and the house itself is very creatively constructed. The waterfall shower put you in a different world. It is exactly what you think a gnome house would be. I highly recommend this property. Only minutes from julian and 12 minutes from 3 sister falls. The wildlife is every where roaming free. Turkeys, birds, squirrels, cows, etc. Quiet nights. It was an amazing experience. Will definitely be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

2/10 Terrible

Steven P.

21 Apr, 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication

Disliked: Cleanliness

Gnome Home

Ants on bed and poor ventilation. The listing photo is of the Gnome Home years ago probably. In person it looks rundown. Upside is the internet works well, the shower is super cool, and the Property Manager communicates well. Wish it would have been a better stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Eli P.

16 Jan, 2024

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

Take The Gnome Pill

Despite having stayed there for three nights, I still can barely believe this place exists. The property is full of whimsical detail and beautiful, custom-woodwork furnishings. It's in a fantastic location, under 15 minutes from Julian and popular hiking trails. We did not have any trouble with the cold, as some previous reviewers did, despite overnight lows around 30 degrees. The only major issue we encountered was that the stunning waterfall shower drained poorly, and we had to mop up some minor overflow. We contacted the property manager and let her know about the issue, so hopefully it may be resolved in the future, but realistically, only sub-5-minute showers were possible without risking flooding in the shower's present state. I recommend asking about this before booking. One other thing to know is that the single bathroom is separated from the bedroom only by a pair of saloon-style swinging doors. Needless to say, anyone in the bedroom will get to fully experience the bathroom soundscape when it is in use. Plan accordingly.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Denise P.

9 Jan, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique

Such an interesting property and a very quaint town with great shops and restaurants.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven R.

29 Nov, 2023

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

There's no place like Gnome.

The owners are nice, and this was a beautiful place to stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff A.

16 Nov, 2023

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

Delightful cottage

Gnome Home was an absolute delight. The exterior looks like something from the Hobbit. The building has 2 sections with a mushroom on top of each one. The interior has 2 main rooms, connected by a slightly sloping hallway. You have the feeling that your are underground. The living room and hallway have green carpeting, like grass, and the bedroom has a floor that looks like rock. The consistency is quite impressive. The decor is loaded with gnomes: on top of furniture, carved into doors, everywhere. And there is a towel rack with a leaf design, and a bench with back and arms that look like branches of a tree, and rustic chairs. The sink appears to be made of rock. But the highlight of the cottage is the shower, where water comes pouring out onto a "rock" ledge and then comes down as a waterfall. We loved our stay at Gnome Home!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kyle D.

9 Oct, 2023

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

Charming, One-of-a-Kind Home

This property is positively magical. From the waterfall shower, to the custom woodwork, to the plentiful plaster mushrooms, I cannot wait to return to this beautiful slice of cottage-core!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ed T.

25 Sept, 2023

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

Gnome Home

The Gnome Home is super cute. The accommodations were as advertised. Quaint, cozy and welcoming. Had an enjoyable stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

walter v.

15 Sept, 2023

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

So cozy!

Just the right amount of space for the right price with an ambiance that appealed to both of us. We loved staying here! The waterfall shower is amazing. We saw wildlife and had great weather for stargazing. Very private and quiet. And well-guarded by gnomes!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Susan L.

5 Sept, 2023

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

Wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

So cozy & quiet! Our stay was exactly what we needed to rest & relax.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

21 Jul, 2023

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

Wonderfully Whimsical!

What a delightfully unique place to stay. Perfect for two people for a quiet getaway. The location was a short drive to Julian. Now I'm curious about the other cottages on the property.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Nicole B.

26 Jun, 2023

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

Gnome Home

This quirky little place is adorable, comfortable and affordable!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Heather W.

21 May, 2023

Liked: Check-in, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Fun theme but needs a refresh

This is a cute idea for a themed place, and the hand-carved woodwork through out is beautiful. Unfortunately the place has fallen into a bit of disrepair, plaster has fallen off in a lot of places outside, and inside is very musty and dusty. There were a lot of bugs inside, the carpet and upholstery needs to be deep cleaned or replaced. There are no hangers in the closet space, so bring your own hanger if you want to hang anything. The large standing fan doesnt work so we had trouble getting airflow into the bedroom area. The wifi is very weak and spotty, we had to ask to get the password and then it barely worked. There is a charm to this place, but it needs some serious work.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

maritza p., Chula Vista ca.

22 Apr, 2023

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

😊 cute

This is our third stay at this gnome house. It is just so cute in quiet.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chatsuda T.

17 Apr, 2023

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

Charming place to stay

Great place to stay. Very nice and quiet. Close to Julian. Enjoyed staying there very much.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott T.

17 Apr, 2023

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

great

love this place

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

JB H.

17 Apr, 2023

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

Very Neat

Unique and fun little place to stay. I loved the shower. Plus, near by Julian had plenty to checkout during our weekend. We had a really enjoyable time.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

David M.

4 Apr, 2023

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

Desert Wildflower Bloom Vacation

This was one of the most unique places I have ever stayed. I would like to say thank you the host they were very responsive to our call, and they were super nice, the rating system only gives 5 stars I would of given it 10 stars, I cannot wait for our next adventure to the desert I will book this place again for sure. Thanks again for the wonderful experience and sharing your gnome home with us. David and Tammy Markin from Eureka California.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

About the host

Hosted by Shadow Mountain Ranch

'FIND A NEED AND FILL IT has been a guiding principle for both Loretta, my wife of 65 years, and myself. When I retired from my career as a teacher and school administrator and she retired from her career as a nurse, rather then have me drive her to work and play golf until time to bring her home, we looked around to see what needs we could find. Loretta quickly saw a need for overnight housing since Julian was rapidly becoming a center for tourism. Bed-and-breakfast was such a new concept in California that our friends asked if we were going to serve breakfast in bed. Nobody knew much about how to proceed so we just opened our doors and started. To say that it was an instant success would be an understatement. There was a very real need, and both of us, having spent most of our lives in professions that served people, were ideally suited to it.

Why they chose this property

This rental has everything one is looking for when searching for a unique getaway. Being situated on ten acres allows for seclusion and privacy, along with the tranquility we often seek. The marvelous details of the room ensures that our guests will receive a remarkable experience.

What makes this property unique

The creative details of this property is what sets it apart from the rest. Our most requested room never disappoints guests with new surprises at every turn. Find peace, serenity, and relaxation at this scenic ranch. When feeling adventurous, embark on various adventures in our nearby towns to see what the country life is about. We invite you to find your dream mountain vacation at Shadow Mountain Ranch.