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 Villa
De Valor Bed and Breakfast: Come for the Ambience…Come Back
for the Cuisine
- by Elizabeth
Montgomery
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.
Villa De Valor is located on a small estate, affectionately known
as Hildreth House-named after Dr. Warren Hildreth. Dr. Hildreth
moved into the house in the 1920s and served as the town physician
for many years. However, originally the town sheriff built the
house as a bordello. Fortunately, it has become a much more romantic
destination!! In addition, it has retained the elegance and prestige
of the Hildreth era.
The names of the suites bring to mind rest and relaxation. Each
room has distinctive features, making it difficult to choose.
I settled on Suite Harmony. The queen size bed was one of the
most comfortable I have ever experienced.  Although
the suite is part of the main house, it has its own private entrance
that opens to one of those beautiful front porches that typify
the homes of our southern relatives. In Suite Harmony's sitting
room, which is also the Villa's library, there is a sweet little
love seat in front of an armoire containing a television and
VCR with a collection of classic videos such as The Fabulous
Dorseys (1947), Made for Each Other (1939), and My
Man Godfrey (1936).
Suite Peace has a very unique bed. The full-size bed is elevated
and framed with the original banisters from the old U.S. Grant
Hotel that was built in San Diego in 1910. The banisters give
the bed a crib-like feeling, affording a sense of comfort and
security. The private entrance to Suite Peace is in the garden
area and the sitting room has a view of the garden, fountain
and gazebo.
Suite Serenity is in a separate cottage in the garden, near the
gazebo and fountain. In addition to the comfy queen-size brass
bed, fireplace and sitting area, Suite Serenity has a loft where
guests can view starlit nights through two skylights.
After returning from dinner, Valorie surprised us with dessert--
homemade peach cobbler!! The peach cobbler was a mere preview
of Valorie's amazing cooking skills.
 The next morning was just as relaxing
as the previous evening. We woke up and found Valorie preparing
breakfast. One guest started a fire in the fireplace in the dining
area. We then lazed around the kitchen and chatted with Valorie
as she peeled apples, shredded cheese, kneaded dough and cracked
eggs. Portions of this feast were prepared in an old 1926 GE
Hotpoint oven. Although I knew that breakfast would be good,
I was not prepared for the cheese blintz egg soufflé topped
with homemade salsa, biscuits made from scratch, candied fried
apples, bacon and boysenberry apple cider from a local cider
mill. It has been 2 months since I had that breakfast and I am
still savoring it!! In addition to Valorie's exceptional culinary
skills, the key to this soulful eating experience is that everything
is fresh. Valorie does not make anything the night before. The
vegetables are freshly chopped, the apples freshly peeled.
All in all, the combination of a gracious hostess and relaxing
accommodations resulted in the peaceful, pampering experience
I needed.
-
- Essentials:
African-American owned and operated
Address: 2020 Third Street, Hildreth House, Julian, CA 92036--
located in the heart of town!!
- Mailing
Address:
PO Box 2020, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: 760-765-3865; 877-968-4552
E-mail: stay@villadevalor.com
Website: http://www.villadevalor.com
Rates: $160 to $180, plus
TOT Tax
Amenities: Each suite has a private bathroom, sitting
area, fireplace, TV, VCR, and private entrance.
Meals: Included are full gourmet breakfasts in dining
parlor and a dessert on Saturday evening. The gourmet breakfast
includes potatoes, an egg specialty, fruit, meat and bread---
all prepared with a soulful touch.
Policies: No smoking; accommodations not suitable for
children or pets; 2 night minimum stay on weekends; accepts cash,
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Travelers checks, and personal
checks.
Nearby Attractions and Activities: Antique and crafts
shopping, lake, museum, picnic area, wineries, horseback riding,
golfing, cross-country skiing, gold mine tour, hiking, and carriage
rides.
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- April 28,
2001
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