Having 'grown up' in the spectacular San Jacinto Mountain area....as well as both worked and played there....this year, I wanted to sort of go 'home' for the New Year. Normally, my husband and I stick home- avoided the crowds and assorted diversions of what the clanging of the New Year bell might bring. My impulse left me with countless 'no rooms available' answers- until I happened upon the Heritage House. This establishment, formally known as the Cedar Street Inn, fortunately had a two night opening for New Year's due to a cancellation.

Let me begin by saying I was leary...as I had read some reviews on the ups and downs of stays here. My husband and I had stayed previously at a separate cabin on this property known as the Hobbit House for two of our anniversaries....wonderful stays- but prior to some of the questionable reviews I had recently read. The cabin was awesome...with a redwood hot tub AND sauna in the cabin....Come to find out, the health dept has regulations regarding rentals and jacuzzis and did a wide sweep 'shut down'...which included the Hobbit House (which is no longer owned/managed by the Heritage House...but can still be rented minus the hot tub from a different owner). In the process of talking to the now owners of the Heritage House...the entire property had been sold previously- and revamped just recently.

The room available was the Lily Rock Terrace. What an amazing surprise. Very large suite. This room has an upstairs entrance that connects to the owner's home. Do not be disillusioned....privacy is still yours. The front room has a sitting area with electric fireplace and secondary loft sleeping area....Then a large bedroom is attached with television/vcr and tons of closet space. A bathroom attaches itself to the bedding area and has electric wall heaters for those more than cold exits from the bath/shower combo. Two sinks- and a small refrigerator with coffee/tea fixings are provided as well as numerous thoughtful snacks and grooming items (even razors...never seen that in at an inn). Outside there is wonderful patio area- this is where my husband and I toasted each other with champagne on New Year's eve while star gazing to perfectly clear skies.

This is a comfy country inn....located within steps from Idyllwild shopping and eateries. My husband and I had New Year's dinner at the Gastrognome- excellent atmosphere, food, and service. We ate breakfast at the Red Kettle...small home town ambiance- large portioned food. We painted ceramics at the Fort ceramic shop- a quaint upstairs shop that allows you to choose a piece, paint it, and then have it fired before you leave town the next day- so fun, it completes your artistic adventure into this crafty mountain gem....(and...they allow you to bring a bottle of wine to compliment your excursion if you so choose...).

The owners recaptured this Inn from what was sure to be sudden failure according to trip advisor reviews...a very smart move on their part. What I got from my conversation with them was a feeling of pride in what this place had been...and what they wished for it to remain..after the fall out. Lovely. If I had the cash...I'd buy it in a heart beat- not only for my own sort of captured dream- but also because I understand their vision and I am a child of the mountain:) My happiest New Year ever.

My suggestion to the owners might be to offer a morning 'toast bar'....and evening happy hour on weekends....and perhaps a simple possible soup and bread dinner for those who might choose. Games and videos are always welcomed inclusions....as would be an outside hot tub.