Entire home

You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place.

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Pool
Front of house.Click the video link at the top of our listing to take a tour
Unclassified image, 3 of 45, button
Outdoor dining
1 of 3 shaded patio areas
Reviews
10

Exceptional

5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 14325 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Pool
    PoolPool
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Hot tub
    Hot tubHot tub
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

10:00 AM

Explore the area

Map
Jamul, CA
  • Popular LocationJamul Casino6 min drive
  • Popular LocationSan Diego State University20 min drive
  • Popular LocationSycuan Casino21 min drive
  • AirportSan Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)36 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Queen Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place.

A one of a kind family friendly gathering place. 11 private acres of fruit trees, a look out hilltop gazebo with views to the ocean, and a 1,200 sq ft tropical garden and butterfly house! See and experience the monarch butterfly life cycle up close and personal. A child friendly desert tortoise enclosure invites children and adults' interaction with these marvelous creatures. (FYI. they hibernate in the winter months)

See the video of our property ,the link is located next to our main property photograph on our VRBO web site (Homeaway site does not have video)

Click the video tab in the upper left by the large property photograph on VRBO web site to see a bird's eye view of the entire estate (a must see video!) Homeaway site does not have video.

Gather your own fresh eggs every morning from the 4 hen chicken house. Have the kids pick oranges and squeeze their own juice! Enjoy and relax under multiple, shaded patios or splash in the 33,000 gal swimming pool and adjacent spa. The pool IS NOT heated but the spa is . The pool has a rolling gate to keep little ones safe . Our hill top retreat has something for everyone.

Dog friendly, with a very large enclosed area adjacent to a patio for easy access. An outside patio for family dining that seats up to 14 people with tables, chairs and 5 ft charcoal grill all included. Beach chairs, coolers and umbrellas provided for your day trips to the beaches.
due to fire danger NO outdoor fire pits are allowed .

Where will everyone sleep? The 3,500 sq ft house has a master bedroom with a king size poster bed and full bath with Jacuzzi tub and adjoining glass shower. Sleeping area number 2 is a private guest wing of the house with living (queen sofa sleeper) room, 2 full bathrooms (1 handicap accessible) and 2 separate bedrooms. Bedroom #1 has a queen size bed, bedroom #2 has two double beds. The family room has a queen sofa sleeper with comfortable queen Murphy bed. The large office has two pull down Murphy beds 1 queen,1 full. There's a hallway powder room across from the office. There are 8 beds in all 1 king, 4 queens, 3 fulls and 3 1/2 bathrooms .

The house is the perfect set up for multiple groups offering lots of privacy yet in a family atmosphere . To re-cap we have 5 separate sleeping areas with 1 king bed ,4 queen beds and 3 full/double beds ,8 beds total.

The house is wheelchair accessible both front and back with an accessible toilet (see photo) and accessible roll in shower with movable shower seat and shower wand.

Want to see before you arrive? Click the "must see" video of the entire estate located on a button just to the left of our main photograph.

The house offers a warm, open great room area with eat-in gourmet kitchen, wood burning fire place and family seating area. There's a formal dinning area that seats 8/10 and a formal living room and second fireplace. There are two television viewing areas with Direct TV, Sirius satellite radio, a wine refrigerator and outside patio refrigerator.

The estate has easy access and parking for multiple cars and RV's.There's a nice gym /exercise area in the 2,400 sq ft metal barn .

About the area :
Mary's Hill Top retreat is just inside the Jamul area. We are at the top of a private road and right next door to the old Casi Cielo Farm and Maness Vineyards. That's our only nearby neighbor. There are several wineries very close by on HWY 94. . . We are about 20 minutes due east of downtown San Diego and about 5 minutes from Rancho San Diego shopping area. We can best be described as a private country retreat just 25 minutes from the beaches.There are 3 chain grocery stores ,a 12 plex movie theater and 20 plus restaurants all within 5 miles of our home .

We are 1 mile from the new 200,000 sq ft Jamul Casino"

Important: When requesting availability if you don't have a VRBO profile please tell us something about your group, where you are coming from and the reason for your San Diego visit.
Sorry due to parking constraints we can not accommodate weddings,receptions or events resulting in excess of 20 people. Please do not inquire about those at this time . We keep our cleaning fee to a reasonable $95.00 .

See a video of the property by visiting the video button link provided on this site next to our house photograph !

Property manager

Mary F. Holmes

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are very welcome

Events

No events allowed

Pets

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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Jamul

Located in Jamul, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Pine Creek Wilderness and Mission Trails Regional Park, while Art World Western Heritage Gallery and The Magnolia are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider The Water Conservation Garden and P2K Range. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Jamul, CA

What's nearby

  • Jamul Casino - 6 min drive
  • San Diego State University - 20 min drive
  • Sycuan Casino - 21 min drive
  • Balboa Park - 22 min drive
  • San Diego Zoo - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 24 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tony Gwynn's Sports Pub - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jack In The Box - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is You've just found San Diego's most unique family gathering place. located?

This family-friendly Jamul holiday home is located in a rural location, 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Jamul Casino, and within 6 mi (10 km) of The Water Conservation Garden and P2K Range. Steele Canyon Golf Club and Cuyamaca College are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 160 out of 161 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 161 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 161 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 161 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 161 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Good location. Beautiful property. Good sleeping arrangements.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving celebration
Owners were awesome. property was fantastic. Close enough to all San Diego had to offer. Very well stocked house. Loved the fresh eggs and fruit. Grandkids wanted us to buy the place!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
A really wonderful place to stay. Grandkids loved everything! Chickens butterflies, tortoises, pool. Could not have been a better choice for our family.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Butterfly House. An Amazing Gift
Mary's home was absolutely amazing..It was of Upmost beauty..Much more than we expected. So relaxing I personally could have cared if I left. I was truly blessed in finding this property.. Thank you so very much Mary in allowing us to enjoy your home.. Dottie and Geoff Taylor Marshfield Massachusetts 💞
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jamul paradise
We had an extended stay at Mary's BEAUTIFUL home and loved every single minute! From the tortoises, chickens and butterflies to the wonderful pool, we couldn't get enough!! Miss Mary and Dana were fantastic hosts and became fast new friends. My three girls absolutely loved Miss Mary and tending to all of the animals with her. We have stayed at many VRBO's and this is, by far, the best yet!! Thank you Mary for everything!!!
Stayed 33 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

MaryChristine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jamul 2023
Mary's property is such a magical place! We are so grateful to have been able to return for a third time and look forward to future summers here. It has certainly become an annual summer tradition for our families.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique Property
This was a multigenerational stay. One person in a wheelchair. Accessibility is good for manual wheelchair. 30 inch door leading to bedroom with a tight turn if Murphy bed is down. En-suite bathroom totally accessible. Everyone visited the butterfly sanctuary many times. Lots of places to sit and enjoy the property. Relaxing gardens, lots of games, toys, the tortoises loved the attention. The pool area is a great gathering place. Unusual to find such a unique property. Really suited us well.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable time
Our family had a wonderful time staying at this property. It worked well for my disabled husband. Mary was a very accommodating and delightful person to work with. We would definitely recommend it to others.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family time
The property was well maintained. It was a great place to reconnect with family. So many great amenities that come with the house. Ms. Mary is a great host. Looking forward to making this our annual trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emma M., Victoria, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect family property
We are a family of 6 (kids 13, 11, 11 and 10) plus grandparents. This was our second visit to Mary’s property and we had another fabulous time. The kids made orange juice from oranges picked on the property, fed the tortoises, made omelettes from the chicken eggs and played in the pool from dawn till dusk. The home and property are perfectly organized to accommodate large families: from the poolside table for 8 to the many bedrooms, bathrooms and quiet spaces. And Mary is the ideal host - she has thought of absolutely everything to make your stay perfection and when we had a question, she answered immediately. We will be back again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Salvador B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Memorable Vacation
Coming home and visiting family, enjoying what San Diego had to offer such as dining, activities, the beaches and beautiful sunny weather was something my family had been looking forward to for the past year and a half. We did all that but what surprised us the most in such as wonderful way was staying at "Mary's Retreat". My son aptly put it by saying, "There is no need to go anywhere. Staying at "Mary's Retreat" is like staying at a resort." Large beautiful 5 bedroom house, 31/2 bathrooms was plenty of space for our group of 8 and also able to accommodate our large San Diego family who came to visit. Gorgeous pool and abundant fruit trees. We picked oranges each morning and had fresh squeezed orange juice. We also picked and enjoyed mangoes, avocados and limes. From the chicken coop, we had fresh eggs each morning. Our host Mary, her husband Dana and her son Matt were absolutely wonderful. Already making plans for next year at Mary's Retreat.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexis D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the San Diego Getaway You've Been Looking For
This house has it all - gorgeous pool, sunset views, ample comfortable outdoor seating, beautifully decorated and spacious interior (the pictures don't do it justice), fruit trees, butterfly garden, farm fresh eggs, and tortoises. It is charming, comfortable, huge, and super convenient to San Diego (literally every place you'll want to go is ~30 minutes drive). We were 2 families (8 people) and from adults to the teens everybody adored Mary's house. It has everything you need - just bring clothes and enjoy your wonderful vacation. Without a doubt if we ever head back this way again we would absolutely stay here. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dianne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful paradise in the mountains of San Diego County
exceptional property for all ages off the beaten path within thirty minutes of downtown San Diego and more
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Look No Further, This Is The Place!
From start to finish our experience was unquestionably positive. Mary takes extra care with each of her guests and goes out of her way to make sure needs are taken care of. The house is amazing just by itself. But, the turtles, butterflies and chickens add to the experience. The bedrooms are comfortable and the pantry already had items in it that were open for us to use. Other guests had left condiments, beverages and pancake mixes so we didn’t have to buy as much on our own. The house had scooters and toys for the little ones and a very nice pool and spa to use. We used the gas grill quite a bit. Overall, it’s the perfect place for a large group or multi-family vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glen M., Irvine

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Family Vacation Spo
This house was a great place for my family vacation with the grandkids. They enjoyed visiting the turtles, butterflies and chickens. Feeding the turtles and gathering chicken eggs everyday was their favorite activity. The pool was also very nice with plenty of seating. Mary was a very responsive hostess and the house has everything a family will need. Thanks Mary, Glen
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The ideal location!
This property is spacious and well maintained. The location is ideal for sightseeing and visiting attractions in San Diego; no more than a 30 - 35 minute drive to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, the ocean beaches, and anyplace else in the San Diego area. Far enough away in Jamul to enjoy the peace and quiet of a rural community. All the amenities of home were on-site. We were only a text message away from a response by the owners and they always responded within five minutes of our initial text. The pool was immaculate and well furnished with pool toys, lounging furniture and tables to enjoy lunch or dinner. The chickens provided fresh eggs every day! The gazebo at the top of the hill provided for viewing beautiful sunsets every evening! Trails for hiking were literally out the back door and numerous lakes and recreation areas were close by. We stayed for eight wonderful relaxing days and plan to return again! You just need to bring your clothes and food - everything else is on site!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

shellie h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Get Together
What a wonderful place to stay with family! Our hosts were wonderful and we would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas get away with family
Great place for a family gathering/vacation! Mary was an exceptional hostess and we especially loved the kids toys and fresh fruit!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jessica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely reunion spot
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mary's property. From feeding the chickens in the morning to relaxing in the hot tub and cozy living room in the evenings, it was an ideal stay for our family holiday gathering!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anne J., Stockton CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas House ‘21
This home was a perfect fit for our family we all had a great time making memories this past weekend. Mary added many thoughtful touches for our children that were appreciated. Look forward to perhaps coming back! Maybe in the summer to use the pool!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
WONDERFUL!
Amazing property, amazing hospitality, amazing experience. Mary Holmes is a very lovely lady. Planning to come back in summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charita M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Perfect Spot
It was nothing less than breathtaking, relaxing and inspiring. My family and I really enjoyed every bit of Ms. Mary's home. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ebone C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay
Mary is a jewel and so is her property. She was as sweet as pie and did whatever she could to assist us. The accommodations were awesome as we lived in her place comfortably embodying all that it has to offer. The property had several quirks however the quirks simply added character to this beautiful property. It is evident how much this property means to Mary and rightfully so as we all felt it’s “specialness” too… in a good way. Mary was a wonderful host unlike any other I’ve ever experienced. Thanks for your beautiful generosity and kind spirit. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stumbled into a gem
We couldn't have requested a better place to stay for a family of 9 adults in San Diego for a wedding. We were looking for a place in the city and stumbled across this one. Mary has a great place and she couldn't have been more hospitable. We highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C., Aurora, CO

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place to rejuvenate!
This was our second stay at this beautiful home, and hopefully not our last. The property as a whole gives such a feeling of peace, with the beautiful views and multiple areas to relax and unwind. We loved the hot tub, the pool, feeding the tortoises and gold fish, fetching eggs from the chicken coop and so much more. The home is spacious and welcoming. There is so much to take in! It has everything you need to relax and unwind, while still being close enough to San Diego to easily enjoy activities there. Mary is an amazing host, and I am grateful our family has had these opportunities to enjoy her home!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Mary F. Holmes

Host profile image
Mary Holmes is a recently retired professor emeritus of Child Development and a mother of 3, grandmother to 7, She has a life long devotion to children's interaction with nature and believes that is the basis for healthy child development. Born into a large Appalachian family, Mary enjoys entertaining family and friends, traveling and spending time developing the butterfly vivarium along with other outdoor projects. Inviting others to share in her special hilltop retreat is another way she hopes to support families spending time together.

Why they chose this property

Jamul is a great area, country quite yet city close. Jamul is San Diego county's closest rural commute. Most folks don't know about Jamul and don't realize it's only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego.

See a complete aerial video of the property right here on our site.The video button is located next to the main house photograph on our VRBO website >

What makes this property unique

Folks will enjoy the many unique aspects of this family retreat, whether it's all the green trees, nearby wildlife, distant views of San Diego or the one of a kind butterfly enclosure. Convenience ,comfort and value we have it all.

Watch the video here and on our VRBO web site see the complete 11 acre country estate just 20 minutes from down town San Diego.

We are 1 mile from the new Jamul Casino

We're sorry, but due to parking constraints we can not accommodate weddings, receptions or events resulting in excess of 20 people. The pool IS NOT heated but the spa is .

Languages:

English
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