•  Philo CA •

THE KNOTTY OAK: Built in 1888 by Cornelius Prather, the oldest and most historic house in Philo. And a real log cabin 100 years younger behind it. Just behind the cabin is The Schoolhouse, which was part of the old Unicorn Boys School, our adjacent property, where there are 26 acres of hiking trails, glamping meadows, and Indian Creek Amphitheater. Follies, nooks, and private corners. Experience the history of Philo in a historic setting updated for modern times. Lovingly restored with period fixtures - nearly all salvaged materials (nothing goes to waste here - reuse and upcycle!), and modern upgrades like custom ice makers, wireless audio systems, and heated bathroom floors. Over 200 turn of the last century pre-prohibition bottles were uncovered, two that had some moonshine still in them (!), newspapers on the walls from 1915-1920 found hidden under sheetrock, and the famous Blow Hole, in the original gun cabinet from when a shotgun accidentally went off blowing a hole through the roof. Bringing this beautiful land and original pioneer house back to life has been a gift and will never really be done. There are always more treasures to find, and salvage to incorporate and hidden easter eggs to discover.