 "beautiful location, make sure to bring plenty of water as the tap isn't biologically filtered" - Kyle, 5/01/2021 (AirBnB Review)
"Glorious! I had such a restful stay here - and read many of the great selection of books tucked on the bookcase too! It was very special to have such peace and quiet and walking down the road through the forest was absolutely magical - what a privilege to be able to experience this extraordinary little world! Sofanya provides a wonderful and very detailed house manual. For prospective future guests, I’d highlight the key things as: -bring slippers. The floor gets cold! - bring clothing layers. The forest has a totally different climate going on to what you’ll find on the coast. It’s part of the magic, but a sweater, jacket and wooly hat will help you appreciate the magic! - pay attention to your sat nav once you are through CArmel Highlands on the 1. If you drive at night and miss the turn off, as I did, it’s a hair-raising 3 point turn on the coastal road, accompanied by the sounds of the waves of the pacific thrashing against the rocks below, or a LONG drive to a junction where you can turn yourself around. - nearest shops are a 45min round trip away. Pack provisions accordingly. ( I wanted some time away from the bustle of shops and commerce so I brought a lot of food with me) - set your email out of office and voicemail up so other folk know you have found one of the few corners of this world with the blessing of no cell reception or internet, and will contact them when you emerge. Switch off, and enjoy the peace and quiet!!" - Louisa, 4/01/2021 (AirBnB Review)
"It is 25 min drive to get groceries . Get your groceries before you go in" - Elina, 12/01/2020 (AirBnB Review) Yes that's a good plan! Very often once guests arrive they just want to hang out for a while and not have to leave right away. I do advise this in the House Manual as well. I'm so happy you enjoyed your stay and yes definitely to painting session the next time! So sorry we couldn't do that this visit! You're so welcome to come on back! Sofanya
"Loved this place! It was exactly what I needed to get away from the busy city life. My phone didn’t have any service which is how I wanted it to disconnect for a few days. It’s a small place that has all the amenities you’ll need if you choose to spend your whole time in the home. We brought all our groceries and were able to cook all our meals with a full equipped kitchen. It does get quite cold which the wooden stove can take care of that. We enjoyed our time so much that we wished we could have stayed longer. Sofanya is a great host and very friendly. I needed butter to cook and she was so nice to give me some! If I’m ever up for another mini escape, I’ll be happy to stay here again! It’s the perfect romantic getaway!" - Karla, 12/01/2020 (AirBnB Review) You were such lovely perfect guests! I'm just happy I had a stick of butter for you so you didn't have to drive all the way to town for that and could stay home and cook. Please know that you'r so welcome to visit again! Sofanya
"Sofanya was great! She gave us tips for local dining and hiking that were very helpful. Overall, it was an incredible stay. Would definitely return in the future!" - Cory, 11/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
 "We had amazing time at Sofanya's place. It was all that we hoped for and more. It was super cozy and had a well-equipped kitchen. The bed was very comfortable. The painting supplies were a wonderful perk and we enjoyed painting while listening to the rain. The location is stunning and the lack of internet access was a something much needed in order to effectively unplug from the hectic nature or our day to day lives. Also highly recommended if you are looking for a romantic getaway. We would definitely love to come back some day!" - Natalie, 11/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"Had a wonderful stay here; great escape from civilization / internet. Make sure to bring warm clothing, as it can be a bit chilly (there are a few space heaters and a wood-burning stove though). Also be sure to bring ingredients to make s'mores over the fire :) Enjoy your time in the enchanted forest!" - Edward, 11/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"This is a special place for the special traveler looking to disconnect and get in touch - with nature, with themselves, their art, or reconnect with friends and family. A cozy little cabin with a private garden and seating area under the redwoods, a short drive to the coast, beaches, parks and grocery stores. No wifi in the area, but Sofanya provides games, books, dvds and art supplies to keep you entertained, all the firewood you need to keep the stove going, and all the kitchen and house supplies you need to make it feel like home. Head out for day excursions or stay and explore property. Would recommend!" - Vienna, 11/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"This lovely, clean, private cottage in the redwoods had everything we needed to unplug and get away. We spent a wonderful 3-day weekend here. We bought all of our own food and the kitchen was well-stocked to prepare and serve everything. The cottage was warm enough and very private. It was exacly what we were looking for." - Brooke, 10/01/2020 (AirBnB Review) It was a pleasure to host your visit, Brooke & Dave! I look forward to another visit sometime.... Sofanya
"Very cozy forest cottage with an indoor/outdoor vibe situated perfectly between many amazing state parks and hiking trails and also Carmel-by-the-sea/Monterey. Budget some time to savor the beautiful property sprinkled with art and configured to promote relaxation and reflection. The highlight of the trip was returning after a long day of hiking to a warm shower and curling up by the fire in the pot belly stove with a big bowl of veggies and rice made in the well-equipped kitchen." - Natalie, 9/01/2020 (AirBnB Review) Natalie.... It was my joy to host your visit and I'm looking forward to your next visit! Let's plan an art session for that? Stay well....wishing you joy!
 "Wonderful cabin in the woods! About an 8 minute drive off Route 1 takes you to a wonderful, secluded wooded oasis with rustic charm, and Sofanya was a wonderful host!" - Marshall, 9/01/2020 (AirBnB Review) It was a pleasure to host your visit Marshall! You are most welcome to return any time as you were an awesome guest! Sofanya
"Was a relaxing and quiet weekend!" - Brett, 8/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"This was my second time staying at the Calla Lily cottage, and I loved it more than ever. Last trip was in 2015. Sofanya has created a magical space that is perfect for unplugging and reconnecting with the world around you. Time seems to stand still here- you’ll leave rested and refreshed. It’s location is perfect for exploring the Big Sur coast, or you could just spend all day reading or painting. Had everything we needed and more. Highly recommended!" - Kim, 7/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"Romantic and rustic" - Erin, 3/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"This cabin was a great trip away from SF. It was stocked with supplies for cooking and painting, nestled at the feet of redwoods. Sofanya was a gracious and accommodating host. Definitely be back soon!" - Joseph, 3/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
 "A great place and a magical environment, and a conscientious host." - Robert, 2/01/2020 (AirBnB Review)
"This is an adorable cottage deep in a redwood forest. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed staying here, we both hung out at the cottage and explored the area. Sofanya is a very kind host." - Patrick, 12/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"It's so peaceful and quiet and cozy! The cottage was just what we expected. The owner's manual was super helpful! Thank you for providing the firewood, too. We would have been really cold without all the lovely fires in the stove!" - Kelly, 12/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Sofanya's cabins are a nice experience for those who want to visit Carmel and Big Sur and have a more rural experience. I wouldn't advise that anyone stay at this particular cabin who is over 6 feet tall or who does not have experience with heating rooms using a wood-burning stove." - Wesley, 11/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Very much enjoyed my stay at the cabin. Took advantage of the wood-burning stove and painting supplies during my little retreat there. Very close to great hiking and beautiful views in Big Sur." - Maria, 11/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
 "Super cute little cottage. A perfect place to disconnect from city life and enjoy the peace and quiet." - Cindy, 11/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Had a great time at calla lily. Sofanya greeted us when we first arrived and gave us the low down on the property. Everything worked and the place was very clean. The drive in to the cabin was a pleasant surprise and garrapatta park nearby is great for a hike. Sofanya was a great host and super understanding/communicative. Would totally stay here again!" - Sean, 9/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"We had a wonderful Big Sur experience at the Jewel In The Woods. It was great to not have cell or WiFi and be out of touch for a few days. It's way back in the woods and very cozy. Plenty of firewood to burn in the wood stove for heat and well supplied with ground coffee, fresh drinking water, and a very comfortable bed. You will enjoy this artisan's get away and Sofanya's hospitality." - Eric, 9/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Eric thank you for your stay here and for being amazing, kind and thoughtful guests. I welcome you back any time! Sofanya
"Sofanya is a great host, very genuine. We very much enjoyed our stay." - Carmela, 8/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Carmela was a wonderful guest and I would welcome her to visit again any time!
"We had a wonderful time at this tranquil little spot in the woods!" - Leah, 8/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
 "Sofanya’s home is absolutely lovely, the Calla Lilly Cottage is a peaceful spot, it has a beautiful garden right outside its door and is surrounded by Redwood trees. It’s centrally located between Carmel and Big Sur. Sofanya was a wonderful host, she provided thorough instructions that were easy to follow and very helpful. Her space is clean, included all necessary kitchen tools for cooking, she provided firewood for the wood stove, the bed and pillows were very comfortable. This place is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet and peaceful experience. I will absolutely return! Thank you, Sofanya!" - Ian, 7/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"We loved our stay at the Calla Lily Cottage. It's a serene and beautiful location, the cottage is charming, and the hostess is gracious and helpful. We will definitely return!" - Anne, 7/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"My friend and I stayed here for a wedding weekend in Big Sur. The cottage is a well appointed, peaceful spot in the middle of the forest. It's a lovely spot to go off the grid, read a book, play a board game, and get a good night of sleep. Thanks, Sofanya!" - Hailey, 6/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"The pace is quiet and remote and VERY rustic! The beds are comfortable and kitchen is well equipped. It Be aware that the window panes and skylight are single panes and fixed. Lots of paint blotches everywhere and looks like an artist's loft. I enjoyed seeing the stars through the skylights, but some people may not like having the light come in so early in the morning. Also, that people expecting quiet or who are sensitive to refrigerator noise ought to be forewarned when using the sofa bed. All doable but good to know in advance. Big Sur coast is lovely and the hikes close to this place were less crowded and enjoyable in particular Garapatta Park. Sent from my iPadThe" - Niseema, 6/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Expect a long drive, a beautiful time of relaxation, and don't forget to bring food with you!" - Derrick, 5/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Derrick....Good idea to bring food! You may not want to leave once you're here. I hope you enjoyed and will be back! Sofanya
 "Sofanya's cottage was a lovely place to relax and get away from the city. I've never been anywhere quite like it! Would highly recommend staying here." - Kristopher, 5/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Thank you Kristopher! Yes the Calla Lilly Cottage is so sweet and restful.... I look forward to hosting your next visit!
"Charming cabin in the woods! Sofanya was amazing (communicative, friendly, helpful, etc.). Great place for a quiet escape and quick access to all the coastline has to offer. We’ll be back!" - Lisa, 5/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Lisa I'm so pleased that you enjoyed being here! I so appreciate your presence here and for being such a lovely guest. Please come stay here again soon! Sofanya
"Where should I start? The beautiful ride to the entrance, the cute garden just before you enter a cozy charming cabin, the awesome fireplace, the little touches that make you want to curl up on the sofa and spend some quality time with your significant other? Sofanya has created such an amazing place because she is an amazing host and a talented artist! Highly recommend this place." - Gevork, 5/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Thank you Gevork! You were awesome guests and I so appreciate you. Please come back soon.....and stay a little longer if you can! Warmly, Sofanya
"I don't even know where to begin. Sofanya is wonderful. My oldest granddaughter, my sister, niece and I stayed in the cozy Calla Lily Cottage. Although it is a funky old cabin with a wood stove and may not be everybody's cup of tea, we found it comfortable and charming! In fact, the entire premises is enchanting tucked away as it is up a winding road in a Redwood forest. The location was perfect and just a short drive north to Carmel or south to Big Sur, with mile after mile of the most gorgeous CA coastline between! Even though the weather was cold, rainy, windy and muddy much of the time, we had a wonderful visit and I can't wait to go back with my other granddaughter. Maybe the best thing about the place is Sofanya herself. She is warm, welcoming and simply delightful. Her artwork is as enchanting as she is. My granddaughter and I are both artists and took a 2 hour art session with Sofanya. It was so much fun and I know my other granddaughter, also an artist, will love it as much as we did. I can't wait to go back again to Sofanya's magical world!" - Kathleen, 5/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Kathleen and her beautiful Grand Daughter were such amazing guests. From the moment we said hello it felt like an instant friendship. We had some wonderful discussion and a painting session where they both made the most vibrant brilliant art! I'm looking forward to their next visit and of course recommend them as guests! They were so respectful, kind and left the cottage in perfect shape.
"The JITF is an incredible property that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a comfortable space." - Alex, 4/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Thank you for your loving appreciation....lots of thankfulness around here! Please know you're very welcome here....a home away from home! Sofanya
 "Sofanya is an amazing host and her Jewel in the Forest is truly that - a secluded, special place deep in the woods surrounded by redwood trees, ferns and (of course) calla lillies! The Calla Lilly cottage is perfect for a couple looking for a unique place to retreat and reflect by the fire after taking in all the beauty of Big Sur. The secluded courtyard also offered a nice private place to have a glass of wine and tune into nature. Travelers will definitely want to print and bring the house rules in the car with them and have the address ready to go a few hours away in your GPS as the home is well off the beaten path and even the winding CA-1 roads leading in lack service. Thank you Sonfanya - We hope to return someday soon!" - Katie, 4/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"fantastic location and hospitality. plenty of extra touches most air bb owners leave out. tucked in the redwoods close to the ocean. primitive and rustic with charm and love in every corner." - Martin, 4/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Thank you Martin for being such a wonderful guest and for your kind appreciation for all we do our best to offer. Please feel welcome to return! Sofanya
"incredible place!" - Marcin, 4/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) Yayyy!!! Thank you....visit again please! Sofanya
"Sofanya has a great little cottage in a redwood grove right outside of Carmel. The cottage has a ton of character and rustic charm. The location is also great to launch activities from as it is 20 minutes from Carmel and 20 minutes from Big Sur. Would definitely stay here again." - George, 3/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Sofanya is a wonderful host and the cottage was so perfect for our weekend getaway. Waking up in the redwoods was just as magical as the other reviews suggest and the cottage had everything we needed to prepare some meals and stay warm! We definitely hope to be back here for another stay sometime soon!" - Benjamin, 3/01/2019 (AirBnB Review) I'm so blessed to meet and have guests like you Ben! Please visit again any time! Sofanya
 "A truly special place." - Ari, 2/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Sofanya was super nice and helpful! My favorite touch were the art supplies -- we had great fun painting. Thank you again for such a good experience. I hope to make another such trip in the near future :)" - Yuliana, 2/01/2019 (AirBnB Review)
"Wonderful place if you want to disconnect a few days from society and technology" - Philip, 12/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
"A great place to retreat and relax. The house was equipped with everything we needed, and more. We would definitely stay there again." - Gabriela, 12/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
"The character and charm of this rustic historic property make it a real neat place to stay. The price is high for the condition of the accommodations (very rustic/basic) but the Big Sur location and the charm make it an enjoyable experience. To get the full experience be sure to make use of the wood stove (even cook on it) and do some painting. Also the outdoor area has a stage for kids to perform their magic. The drive up the valley is super cool too!!" - Jeffrey, 12/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
 "A hidden gem within the woods. Sofanya's hospitality is fantastic, she's communicative, and very helpful. Come here if you want to relax and get away from the technology that consumes our daily lives. Plus, very close to all the fun stops in Big Sur and Carmel." - Alex, 12/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
"Beautiful and remote. The feeling inside looking up through the skylights at night with the fire going ... hard to get better than that." - Kelly, 11/01/2018 (AirBnB Review) I'm so happy you were able to enjoy the skylights.....I know it's quite an experience to watch the moon and stars from there! Please visit again! Sofanya
"This cabin was really a unique spot tucked away in the woods, just what we were looking for in terms of quiet and beauty. The only thing we weren't prepared for was how cold the space was. There isn't any flooring or wall insulation, so our feet were really cold. Be sure to bring slippers with you. We absolutely loved the wood burning stove in the living area and had ample fire wood for our stay, but we did have to move around the space heaters to supplement a bit. Otherwise Sofanya was really sweet and accommodating, we'd definitely recommend visiting her cabins!" - Dawn, 11/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
"This place is a gem. We wish we could’ve stayed longer." - Donna, 11/01/2018 (AirBnB Review)
"Sofanya gave us a beautiful escape in the woods. Would definitely recommend this to other people to escape!" - Aron, 10/01/2018 (AirBnB Review) Aron you were great perfect and wonderful guests.....thank you! You're welcome here any time!
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