HOLIDAY DECORATIONS LIGHT UP JAMUL HAVEN HISTORIC INN

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 By Megan McGlamery
 
December 5, 2011 (Jamul) -- Tucked away in the scenic countryside of Jamul, California is the five-star Jamul Haven Inn, an exquisite bed and breakfast featuring a beautiful Victorian farmhouse. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom inn is especially spectacular during the holiday season, when innkeeper Marianne Roetzheim brings the holiday spirit to life with her stunning decorations.

 
Built between 1890 and 1899 by “The Olive King,” Charles Gifford, this Victorian home was used as a stage coach stop for travellers on the Pony Express. The house also featured the community’s first telephone, an item utilized by many neighbors. Later, it served as a home for boys who were court-ordered to work on the farms.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Between 2004 and 2007, William and Marianne Roetzheim completely renovated the Victorian farmhouse, which included installing a beautifully carved 300 year-old front door from a Polish cathedral and a Victorian-era copper ceiling in the kitchen.
 
 Guests can also enjoy an antique piano topped by a miniature Victorian village during the holidays, museum-quality historical memorabilia year-round, and unique lodging ranging from an octagonal Celtic suite to the spacious and elegant Peacock suite.
 
“We used to be retired, but I married a crazy man!” laughs Marianne. “But I really do love living here. I love creating recipes and preparing for the holiday season.”
 
Today, the inn serves as a popular travel destination for many, with peak months between May and October.
 
The innkeepers have also built a separate residence in similar Victorian style, along with a poolside entertainment area and gift shop nestled amid five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. While

guests stay in the Jamul Haven Inn, they are privy to a special breakfast of California Frittatas, Belgian Waffles or Dutch Baby Pancakes, served poolside. 
 
 
During the holidays, this open-air dining area is transformed into the “Nutcracker Suite” complete with exquisite decorations so detailed and beautiful that’s it’s almost as if they’ve been transported to the Nutcracker Ballet.
 
On days when weather is inclement, guests are invited inside the new house to dine in the Gingerbread Room (photo, top), where vibrant reds accentuate patterns of gingerbread men.
 
Yet another dining area is resplendant in gold and silver decor, providing an elegant backdrop for holiday dining. 
 
In the nearby Snowman Kitchen, several decorative snowmen—including some that are animated--set a festive atmosphere. Here, the innkeeper cooks up fare for overnight guests as well as special occasions at the inn, such as Victorian teas and an annual holiday party December 10, which is open to the public by reservation. 
 
 
Tiptoe quietly up the Hallway of Mice (as in “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”) and you’ll be sure to catch one of the inn’s holiday-themed stuffed mice not only stirring, but dancing and singing a Christmas carol!
 
Atop the stairs is the Bear Room, where the cuddly stuffed animals create a cozy environment. Bears of seemingyl every variety cuddle up on leather sofas and window seats.
 
Here, children delight in the Inn's annual party for youngsters, which also features making candy trains and gingerbread houses. 
 
In the innkeepers' private suite, angels stand watch over an elevated four-poster bed adorned in hand-stitched quilting and velvet.
 
A grand piano in the front entry stands as an elegant sentinel in the foyer, serving as a center for entertainment during holiday parties.
 
Downstairs, a private pub is decked out in holiday style, while a spiral staircase sweeps upstairs to a loft with billiards and ping-pong tables.
 
 
In the Santa room, Santa and Mrs. Claus keep watch in this cozy Victorian sitting area.

 
A plethora of games are sure to keep guests entertained for hours in a gameroom adjacent to the Santa Room and pub.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Games include everything from a holiday-themed chessboard with ornately carved figures to checkers--where candy is substituted for game pieces.
 

 “It's fun because even if you lose, you win!” says Marianne cheerfully.
 

The Jamul Haven Inn is truly a hidden gem, with decorations that will no doubt light up anyone’s holiday season.  She and her assistant (photo, right) did all of the decorating--and each holiday season features some new additions along with traditional favorites.
 
For more information about Jamul Haven Inn or to make a reservation, visit http://www.jamulhaven.com or call (619) 669-3100. For questions or inquires, please e-mail info@jamulhaven.com.
 

 
 


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