BIG SUR CABIN RETREATS

We've stayed in all three of Chad and Kati's cabins on several different occasions and have always had superb experiences! The cabins are charmingly and lovingly decorated. Our most recent visit was Aug, 2010. The owners are very accommodating; offering helpful advice on travel, sightseeing opportunities and local restaurants, timely security deposit refunds -- if you follow their check out instructions, and they offer details ab how to fully utilize the cabins including Big Sur books for hiking, etc. My only complaint would be that their photos aren't updated and don't show many of the improvements they have made to the properties -- like adding pavers around the two properties, a HUGH improvement to Charlie Cabin which had been hard to access but is now totally driveable. The two cabin sites, Driftwood and Sandpiper and then Charlie Cabin, are far enough apart and separated by dense trees and foliage to afford total privacy. In fact, one of the features my husband and I enjoy about the cabins is their outdoor totally private showers. We never use the indoor showers while staying at the property and we aren't exhibitionists -- they are just that private. Both properties have lovely potted flowers and greenery that provide a "homey" feel. The properties are at the end of a 1/2 mile long steep but accessible dirt road -- so you don't have any traffic driving by (the dirt road is accessible without 4-wheel drive and totally navigatable by night after dining in Big Sur.) You are right in the heart of Big Sur within easy driving distance to beaches, fine dining and local music. I would advise shopping for major grocery items before arriving in Big Sur (great Safeway in Carmel if you're driving S to Big Sur) but there are small local stores for items you've forgotten. Don't miss the Big Sur Bakery (our favorite), splurge on dinner at the Post Ranch Inn (they don't offer reservations at prime time for non-guests but you can go early and watch the sunset and drink at the bar until your table is ready), lunch at Ventana for the views, Deetjens has a great b'fast and dinner, check out what's going on at the Henry Miller Library, the Fernwood Bar for music and the Spirit Garden, and don't forget McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns St Park. Pfeiffer Beach is NOT to be missed but you'll have to be careful not to miss the turn because there's NO SIGN even though it is a St. Park! Cell phone coverage is spotty and WiFI would be a GREAT addition to the cabins!