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<\/p>\nA century-old mountain lodge just outside Julian is about to feel brand new. The Dempsey opens this October in Pine Hills, transforming the historic 1912 Pine Hills Lodge into a design-forward retreat that\u2019s unlike anything else in the area.<\/p>\n
The property pairs original architectural character with a bold, modern point of view, and about an hour from San Diego, it\u2019s giving locals the perfect excuse to plan a mountain escape.<\/p>\n
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A Historic Lodge Reimagined<\/p>\n
Originally built in 1912 and designed by noted San Diego architect Richard Requa, Pine Hills Lodge has long been part of the Julian area\u2019s mountain history.<\/p>\n
Now, a new ownership group, including the family behind award-winning firm Nakhshab Development & Design, is writing its next chapter. <\/p>\n
Soheil Nakhshab led the design, preserving original oak flooring, fireplaces, and mullioned windows while layering in custom tile, stone, polished metal, and one-of-a-kind furniture, with pops of green and pink and Gio Ponti-inspired lighting playing off the Lodge\u2019s rustic Craftsman exterior.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw the potential in the bones of the property and wanted to bring it back to life with modern infrastructure and custom finishes,\u201d said Soheil Nakhshab of Nakhshab Development & Design. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal was to give people a different kind of mountain experience, with layers of materials, color and detail they would not expect from a traditional lodge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fifteen Suites, One Sprawling Property<\/p>\n
Spread across eight terraced acres among pines, oaks, and manzanitas, The Dempsey offers 15 individually designed suites and private cabins, sleeping up to 54 people at once. <\/p>\n
At the center of it all is The Lodge, anchored by a reception lounge with an original stone fireplace, a separate lounge and bar with its own fireplace and shuffleboard, and a dining room that seats up to 100.<\/p>\n
Outside, a swimming pool surrounded by mature trees and mountain views, a spa with sauna and steam room, and expansive grounds round out the property, giving everyone plenty of ways to spend a lazy afternoon.<\/p>\n
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Where Big Moments Happen<\/p>\n
The property\u2019s dedicated Event Hall, complete with integrated AV and a private getting-ready suite, makes The Dempsey a natural fit for weddings, corporate retreats, and multi-day celebrations. <\/p>\n
Couples can hold a ceremony on The Lawn, celebrate in the Event Hall, and gather for cocktails and dinner in The Lodge, all without ever leaving the property.<\/p>\n
Full-property buyouts take it a step further, turning the entire retreat into a private mountain destination for the length of a stay.<\/p>\n
A Different Kind of Mountain Stay<\/p>\n
Beyond private events, The Dempsey will also open its doors for a limited collection of curated stays, offering an immersive way to take in the property and the surrounding mountains. <\/p>\n
The goal is simple: give everyone a place to trade city noise for wind through the trees, whether that means lounging by the pool, gathering around a fireplace, or heading out to hike, horseback ride, or explore Julian\u2019s wine and cider scene.<\/p>\n
Coffee, Wine, and What\u2019s Next<\/p>\n
Down the road, The Dempsey plans to open its doors for limited public hours too, with mornings bringing caf\u00e9 service featuring coffee, pastries, and light breakfast bites.<\/p>\n
Evenings in the Lounge will offer charcuterie, olives, and other wine-friendly bites alongside a curated wine list and full bar. Timing details are still to come, but it\u2019s a welcome sign you won\u2019t need an overnight stay to get a taste of The Dempsey.<\/p>\n
Wine, Cider, and Trails Just Down the Road<\/p>\n
Despite feeling worlds away, The Dempsey sits just four miles from Julian\u2019s historic town center and about an hour from downtown San Diego. <\/p>\n
That proximity means Julian\u2019s wineries, cideries, orchards, and hiking trails are all within easy reach, making it simple to turn a single night into a full weekend exploring the surrounding backcountry.<\/p>\n
See you there!<\/p>\n
With a century of history behind it and a bold new identity ahead, The Dempsey is bringing a whole new kind of mountain getaway to the Julian area.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd 2960 La Posada Way, Julian See you there, San Diego!<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\u2139\ufe0f Follow along on Instagram<\/a> for updates<\/p>\n