Villa
De Valor Bed and Breakfast: Come for the Ambience…Come
Back for the Cuisine
by
Stacey Montgomery
Photos
courtesy Villa de Valor
Gold
was first discovered in Julian, California
in 1869. More than $15 million worth of
gold was mined in the 1870s. When gold became
scarce, Julian residents grew apple and
pear trees. Today, Julian is a small and
picturesque mountain village that has retained
its historic charm and has become famous
for its apples. On a recent visit to Julian,
I was fortunate to have discovered that
gold is still available in Julian--in the
form of Villa De Valor, a new bed and breakfast
that offers the quiet, comfort and serenity
that is often so scarce that it is like
discovering gold when it is found!!
Julian is located high in the Cuyamaca Mountains,
tucked within the Cleveland National Forest
about 80 miles northeast of San Diego. It
has about 3000 residents including artists,
writers, craftspeople, gallery owners, restaurateurs
and innkeepers such as Valorie Ashley, owner
of Villa De Valor Bed and Breakfast. When
Valorie grew tired of the corporate world,
she evaluated her talents and asked herself,
"what will make me happy?" Focusing
on her love of decorating, cooking, and
entertaining and her event-planning background,
along with her desire to move away from
the hustle of the city, Valorie decided
to establish an inn and add her personal
style to it.
The soft beat of classic jazz and aroma
of potpourri greeted us as we walked in
the front door. I immediately felt relaxed
and at the same time excited-I knew I would
enjoy Villa De Valor. Villa De Valor offers
2 romantic suites and a quaint cottage.
All rooms are decorated in a Victorian style
with a perfect combination of home style-comfort
and classic romance. Valorie, who has a
degree in multicultural studies, also added
quirky touches of different cultures in
her décor. There are African masks,
Asian art and The World's Best Yiddish
Dirty Jokes on the bookshelf. There
are also pieces from Valorie's personal
collection such as her own pencil drawings
that reflect her African American and Native
American roots.
Gold
was first discovered in Julian, California
in 1869. More than $15 million worth of
gold was mined in the 1870s. When gold became
scarce, Julian residents grew apple and
pear trees. Today, Julian is a small and
picturesque mountain village that has retained
its historic charm and has become famous
for its apples. On a recent visit to Julian,
I was fortunate to have discovered that
gold is still available in Julian--in the
form of Villa De Valor, a new bed and breakfast
that offers the quiet, comfort and serenity
that is often so scarce that it is like
discovering gold when it is found!!