About The Heart of Julian
Every Place Has a Story
Every Story Has A Beginning
A Butterfly, A Beginning
Long before The Heart of Julian became a vacation rental, wedding venue, retreat space and gathering destination, it was simply a vision - one that emerged during a season of rebuilding, growth and discovery.
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In March 2018, I discovered this property and knew I had found something special. While others may have seen an aging home in need of attention, I saw potential, beauty, and a place where memories could be made. Before I even took ownership, my realtor asked what I would call it. My answer was immediate: The Heart of Julian—because that's exactly what this place felt like from the very beginning.
It is more than a home.
It is a place where stories begin.
Then...
...and now
The Transformation
In 2020, I stepped away from my career and made a decision that many would have considered risky—I invested a portion of my retirement into transforming this property. As the world slowed during COVID, reservations disappeared, but I saw an opportunity. With contractors available and time on my side, I personally designed the improvements, hired the trades directly, and managed the project from concept to completion. I began reimagining what The Heart of Julian could become.
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What started as overgrown spaces, unfinished pathways, and unused corners slowly transformed into gathering places designed for connection, celebration, and unforgettable experiences.
The Heart of Julian Comes to Life
A house can be renovated with lumber, stone, and paint. But some places become something more.
Over the years, I discovered something unexpected. Guests often shared stories that had little to do with the house itself. They would talk about memories it awakened, conversations they had forgotten they needed, or the sense of peace they felt while sitting beneath the trees.
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During a recent visit, a videographer paused and said, "This house reminds me of my mom." He wasn't talking about the décor or layout. He was talking about a feeling—a memory the home had brought back to life.
I understand exactly what he meant.
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During some of life's most difficult seasons, I would block time on the calendar and retreat to Julian for a few days. I'd hike the trails, sit quietly beneath the stars, and simply reconnect with myself. There is a restorative quality here that is difficult to explain but easy to feel.
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Perhaps that's why so many guests describe similar experiences.
The Heart of Julian was built as a business, but somewhere along the journey it became something more—a place where people reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with the people they love.
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The home embraces people. She shows love.
