My husband and I wanted a get-away for New Year's Eve and our anniversary. I like the mountains and have always favored Julian over the better-known communities in Riverside and San Bernadino mountains.
I shopped around on-line and found Butterfield, which sounded like what we wanted. The Rosebud Cottage offered comfortable room for lounging and watching the rose parade, football, etc. And just enough country decor to make it romantic, too. It is about 1 mile from the 4 way stop in downtown. So...close enough to get there quick, but away from the crowds, and far enough out to be in the trees and get that "mountain" feel. Lastly, the price was reasonable for that type of lodging.
I called first, and Ed was helpful and gave more details about their style of service, etc.
We made sure to be there before dark, which I recommend. The streets are wide and easy to drive the /13 mile off the highway, but daylight still helps. The "neighborhood" is a typical mountain area--curvy roads and houses above and below. But the streets were wide, so it was easy. I just think darkness would have made it difficult. These type areas aren't noted for bright street lights, right? I did miss the driveway on my first attempt, but there is a turn-around just past it, so no-problem.
Ed and Dawn greeted us and showed us the "main house". There was a guest playing the piano, and his friend listening. The fireplace was going, and it was all country cozy and warm. Hot drinks of various varieties available, plus brownies! A whole library of videos, DVDs, CDs and books available to peruse, or take back to your room. Our room had a refrigerator for our champagne, but there was one available for the other guests use. Also, apples and oranges available.
The Rosebud cottage was all we wanted. Lots of room. Definitely a "mountain cabin" feel, yet with a "cottage romantic" feel to it. Very comfortable and matched the description given. Except maybe not as "fancy" or "luxurious" as the pictures had looked. That would be the only reason I don't give it 5 stars. Some would equate 5 stars with luxury. This is comfort, lots of comfort, but not "high-class elegance". The bed was very comfortable, the bath/dressing area convenient. We didn't use the private patio, but it would be nice for summer. Nicer if it had a hot-tub, though! Oh!--It even had a small Christmas tree all lit up! I loved that touch!
The only other thing to cover is breakfast. Yumm! There were 5 couples, and we all sat around one big table. There is one seating time, and Ed and Dawn serve--no buffet. And I liked it that way. The food was good, plenty, and beautifully presented. Cooking is my passion, and breakfast my favorite meal--and I could find no fault in their breakfast! It was good and pretty. It took a few minutes for the guests to warm to each other, but pretty soon we were all exchanging stories about our NYE dinner experience.
Which, BTW--Ed and Dawn helped by sending out an email with several suggestions about things going on in Julian. They are very knowledgeable about the town, the restaurants, the special events, etc. They made the conversation interesting, yet allowed the guests to carry it and enjoy one another. Very hospitable people.
I recommend this B&B to anyone who enjoys the mountain small communities. Unfortunately, Julian has become so popular, the crowds stole much of the pleasure of the town. I recommend trying to find an "off" weekend or weekday as opposed to a holiday. But definitly trh the Butterfield!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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