Meet The Dempsey, Your Stylish New Mountain Escape Near Julian

A 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’s unlike anything else in the area.

The property pairs original architectural character with a bold, modern point of view, and about an hour from San Diego, it’s giving locals the perfect excuse to plan a mountain escape.

The Dempsey's reimagined lodge exterior in Pine Hills

A Historic Lodge Reimagined

Originally built in 1912 and designed by noted San Diego architect Richard Requa, Pine Hills Lodge has long been part of the Julian area’s mountain history.

Now, a new ownership group, including the family behind award-winning firm Nakhshab Development & Design, is writing its next chapter.

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’s rustic Craftsman exterior.

“We saw the potential in the bones of the property and wanted to bring it back to life with modern infrastructure and custom finishes,” said Soheil Nakhshab of Nakhshab Development & Design.

“The 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.”

Fifteen Suites, One Sprawling Property

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.

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.

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.

The Dempsey's lounge and bar with original architectural details

Where Big Moments Happen

The property’s 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.

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.

Full-property buyouts take it a step further, turning the entire retreat into a private mountain destination for the length of a stay.

A Different Kind of Mountain Stay

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.

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’s wine and cider scene.

Coffee, Wine, and What’s Next

Down the road, The Dempsey plans to open its doors for limited public hours too, with mornings bringing café service featuring coffee, pastries, and light breakfast bites.

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’s a welcome sign you won’t need an overnight stay to get a taste of The Dempsey.

Wine, Cider, and Trails Just Down the Road

Despite feeling worlds away, The Dempsey sits just four miles from Julian’s historic town center and about an hour from downtown San Diego.

That proximity means Julian’s 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.