Weekend Cabin: Big Sur, California

Richard Wagnoe runs a salvage lumber mill for reclaimed redwoods tucked into the hills of Big Sur, California, literally across California 1 from the Esalen Institute, and when workers aren’t staying in his cabins and old Airstreams, he rents them to guests. Across his 54 acres you will find trees, fog, cool air at night, chickens that supply eggy breakfast, and views of migrating whales and playful dolphins. Power is solar. There’s a pinpoint of land where you might get a cell signal. In other words, there’s nothing to get between you and your thoughts.

It’s perhaps better described in Richard’s words:

NOTE: These Off-the-grid accommodations – Airstreams Rentals are the perfect guest house type accomodations for someone looking to get lost in nature. Your Eco Adventure begins by meeting your host at the gate – and traversing the rugged (less than 1 mile driveway) terrain to your secluded destination. You’ll be leaving your car at the property gate and loading your gear into the small Jeep for the journey. It’s a five minute walk back down to your car. And steep climb back up – so it’s best to pack light – so we can get everything up in 1 trip. Head over to the Checking In – & Out page for more details.

Big Sur Cabins For Rent is NOT for sissies. Off the Grid – is just that. It’s more rugged than hoteling but not quite ruffing it like camping. The trailers are warm, dry and lovingly restored. You can enjoy the view, the high thread count sheets, outdoor (and indoor) showers, all the utensils you’ll need to create a gourmet meal. All my trailers have working stoves, heaters, and lights. Beautiful bath house provides luxurious amenities.

As the owner of this land – I have lived in the wilds of Big Sur & off-grid since 1991. I am by trade a master Stone Mason, Builder, and Carpenter and skilled hoticulturalist. I’ve created terraces and planted fruit trees, wisteria, vegetables, and keep chickens for fresh eggs. The places I’ve come to love and create are gracious spacious and comfortable. A hot shower – or bath – overlooking an incredible view a place to cook an amazing meal, a warm, dry, quiet and peaceful place to sleep.

Accommodations are $350 for two people for two nights. Contact Big Sur Cabin Rentals at 831.601.7974.

Photos graciously provided by Jay Carroll, who has an awesome blog called One Trip Pass, where you can read about his experience at BSCR, and by Richard Wagnoe.

Weekend Cabin isn’t necessarily about the weekend, or cabins. It’s about the longing for a sense of place, for shelter set in a landscape…for something that speaks to refuge and distance from the everyday. Nostalgic and wistful, it’s about how people create structure in ways to consider the earth and sky and their place in them. It’s not concerned with ownership or real estate, but what people build to fulfill their dreams of escape. The very time-shortened notion of “weekend” reminds that it’s a temporary respite.