Julian Bed and Breakfast Guide Members will Hold Annual Spring Tour on May 17
By Bobbi Zane

Artists' Loft and Cabins will open its doors to the public at the Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild Spring Tour.

Ever wondered what the local bed and breakfast inns are really like? If so, members of the Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild will give you an opportunity to see for yourself during the annual B&B Spring Tour set for Thursday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour offers a chance to see inside four of the guild's member properties, including the Artists' Loft and Cabins in Pine Hills, a portion of which has been rebuilt following the Cedar Fire. Others include Butterfield Bed and Breakfast, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located in town; and Villa de Valor-Hildreth House, the historic home that belonged to Julian's first doctor.

This is the fifth spring the Bed and Breakfast Guild has offered the tour, according to Ed Glass, owner/innkeeper of the Butterfield B&B. Glass says, "the tour is designed to introduce the community to these wonderful accommodations. All are unique, and each owner/ innkeeper is passionate about what they do…providing warm personal service, comfortable accommodations and a chance to sample life in our small community."

Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast will be one of the guild members participating in the spring tour .

Built in 1934 as a single-family home, Butterfield was reborn in 1987 as a 5-room inn, some with fireplaces and private outdoor sitting areas. It's located in the Whispering Pines area of Julian near the townsite. Extensive gardens surround the inn, with paths for strolling and countless benches and swings for relaxing.

Artists' Loft and Cabins includes three very unique lodgings. The new Artists' Loft accommodates up to four people. It was influenced by the Craftsman styling of the historic 1929 Big Cat Cabin, on a nearby parcel. Completing the trio is Cabin at Strawberry Hill. All three have full kitchens for the enjoyment of the guests. Grand views extend to the Pacific Ocean.

Rounding out this year's tour are two B&B's within the historic townsite, Eaglenest and Villa De Valor. Both are within easy walking distance to Julian's shops and restaurants.

Villa de Valor, Serenity room.

The 4-room Eaglenest B&B offers a swimming pool surrounded with redwood decks, private hot tubs, and some rooms with fireplaces and private patios. The innkeepers' friendly Golden Retrievers are the special ambassadors at Eaglenest. Views from the decks of the inn are among the most spectacular in the townsite.

Villa De Valor's history began in 1898; many decades ago it was the home and office of the town doctor. There are three rooms decorated with a Victorian flair, in keeping with its 19th century styling. An old-fashioned wicker-furnished front porch and a sauna in the rear garden are popular with guests. Villa De Valor also specializes in small, intimate customized weddings.

Expect some delicious snacks as part of the tour. Each innkeeper has established a local reputation as an accomplished chef.

Maps to the participating Guild members are available for $10 a car/group at the Julian Town Hall. For more information about these Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild properties as well as additional properties please visit www.julianbnbguild.com or contact the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857.

Stanza Italia room at Butterfield.