Nestled in the small neighborhood community of Cowan Heights is Onesimus House. This respite was built on the back property of a home where tall trees line a hilly street. Onesimus House was deliberately constructed away from the main house to give guests a sense of isolation. Yet, on long summer days, the porch affords the guests a bit of a view of a neighbor’s pool area. Because of the hills of Cowan Heights, evening chatter and laughter from neighboring yards can be heard and Gini says the happy sounds often remind her of evenings at Forest Home.
The interior of Onesimus House is cozy. The homey decor of personal knickknacks and soft filtered sunlight catch each guest the moment they enter. The great room offers ample lighting from large windows and ceiling lamps. A large futon couch in front of a stone fireplace is a tempting spot to stretch out for an afternoon nap or watch a DVD on the ceiling flat-screen TV. At night the couch can be converted into a sleeping area for extra family members. Want to fix your own breakfast, lunch, dinner or evening snack? The great room also offers a full kitchen area with all the amenities needed for a creative or simple meal. For early morning risers the kitchen also sports a lovely coffee bar tucked away in a corner. At the far end of the great room is a high table with 4 tall chairs, ideal for an intimate low-lit meal.
In the small hallway leading to the bedroom is a full bathroom with tub/shower. The guests are offered hairdryer/hot curling iron and many personal items for comfort and refreshment. Although small, the bathroom is very efficient and well lit.
The bedroom offers a very comfortable king size or twin size sleeping arrangement depending on the needs of guests. Baby sleeping needs can be provided upon request. The bedroom was spaciously designed allowing guests room to unpack and be at home. There is a special writing desk with ample material and drawers full of games for families with children. A bookshelf stacked with beautiful books, old and new, will inspire and encourage those who enjoy the refreshment of reading. A tall cabinet holds ample bath towels for guests who stay a while. Just as the great room, the bedroom also provides plenty of light from four large windows and ceiling lamps. A lovely bedside lamp can be used in the evening hours to give a cozy glow to the room.
For those that love the outdoors, Onesimus House guests are encouraged to explore the owner's walking trail. It runs down to the lower portion of the property and gives guests an opportunity to check out the fruit trees and the large eucalyptus grove. If a guests follows the walking trail, the chicken pen, home of the owners' Rhode Island Red hens can be seen at the far end. Closer to Onesimus House but hidden from view is the wine cellar. It offers an Italian ambiance with small tables with chairs and wine racks. Adult guests are encouraged to check it out! The backyard of the main house is large with park benches spread out for leisure visiting. Perhaps time away from the property for an adventure would be on a guest's agenda for a quiet afternoon. This could include a hike through the hills of Cowan Heights or the trails of Peters Canyon Wilderness Park. Onesimus House and its surroundings truly offer respite for renewing the physical, emotional and spiritual lives of its guests.
Onesimus House is an offering to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and your stay at Onesimus House is a gift from Him. As such, please treat Onesimus House as a special gift to you and to those that will follow you in this blessing.
Our desire is Onesimus House will fulfill your needs for relaxation, comfort and peace of soul and mind. Keeping in mind this guesthouse will be used by MANY, you can help us a great deal by following some basic house rules. In doing so, each new guest will experience the same fresh and special time at Onesimus House. Guests must read house rules and sign the agreement before receiving key.
Beginning at the front door:
KEY: Your key has been placed on a large ring to make it easier to locate and also to insure you will leave it behind at your final departure. PLEASE leave it on the wooden box inside by the front door. No need to lock door on your final departure. The Walkers will NOT be entering the Onesimus House at any time during your visit (except for an emergency or upon request by guests).
READ STORIES AND INFORMATION IN THE SMALL GUEST BOOK TO LEARN ABOUT SPECIAL FEATURES OF ONESIMUS HOUSE.
LIGHTS AND FANS: Please turn all lights and fans OFF each time you leave. When a guest plans to return, one lamp and porch light can be left on. NO CANDLES are to be used.
APPLIANCE OPERATIONAL MANUALS: All “How To” instructions are in the closet by front door in the plastic container. Please return each manual when finished.
CLEANERS: To avoid marring furnishings please use ONLY the designated cleaners for counter tops, etc. Cleaning supplies are in the closet next to dining table.
USE OF KITCHEN:
FOOD: You are welcome to use ANY food/drink items in refrigerator or cabinets. Any left over items, except drinks, should be stored in the refrigerator. The water in the Brita pitcher is filtered for drinking.
KITCHEN CABINETS: Check these out for dishes and supplies available for your use during your visit. The miniature cup/saucer and teapot on wall over table are decoration items and NOT FOR USE.
TRASH AND GARBAGE: The Walkers have provided two large trash bins behind the Onesimus House (between garage and Onesimus House). One is marked recycle and the other will be for all other trash. PLEASE secure the lid on food garbage due to rodents and small animals in the area.
DISHWASHER: Please leave the Walkers a note if you leave dirty dishes in dishwasher. DO NOT USE the optional setting cycles. Normal Only.
CUTTING FOOD AND HOT FOOD ITEMS: Please use the cutting boards and ceramic hot plates on counter to protect countertop. The cutting boards are dishwasher safe. Mittens & Pads to handle hot food are stored in cabinet above stove.
TABLE: Please use the placemats and beverage coasters to protect the table from hot/cold and water. Additional tablecloths, linen and cutlery are in the closet next to table where cleaning supplies are kept.
FURNITURE IN “GREAT ROOM” - If you need to move any furniture pieces please pick them up and carry. To avoid scratching the wood floor please do not push pieces about.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: The bed in bedroom can be made as a king size or twin size. The Walkers will set this up according to your request. The couch in the “great room” can be made into a futon full size bed for children or extra family members. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ON COUCH. The Walkers will demonstrate set-up for futon bed and provide the bed linen for this bed upon request. Please DO NOT use the pillows on the couch for nighttime pillows. Extra pillows are in the bedroom closet. A baby size bed is available to borrow from the Walkers
BATHROOM AND BATH LINEN: Please DO NOT flush tampons or paper hand towels in toilet. Extra towels are in the tall cabinet in bedroom. There are two sets for each style. The Walkers will provide “maid service” for guests who stay longer than a weekend. A laundry bag is hanging in bedroom closet. This bag is to be used for used bed linen and used towels. Maid service includes washing bedding and towels, but not making of beds in bedroom.
For guests who stay longer than a weekend, the Walkers request guests use the squeegee on shower walls. PLEASE DO NOT HANG ANY WET TOWELS ON WOOD FURNITURE. The bottom drawer of the vanity has soaps and toiletry items for guests to use.
HEATER: The heater control is on the wall near the closet. The thermostat has been programmed to operate at recommended levels. If you need to modify the temperature settings, use the up and down arrows for temporary changes.
FIREPLACE: The fireplace is wood-burning with a log lighter. The control for the log lighter is to the left of the fireplace opening. To start a fire, place a couple logs on the grate, open the chimney by moving the lever just above the fireplace screen to the right, light the igniter, and then turn the gas control for the log lighter slightly counterclockwise. After the log lighter has ignited, adjust the flame until it is touching the logs. After the logs have begun to burn, please turn the log lighter off. When all coals have extinguished in the fire, please close the chimney by pushing the lever to the left. If you use the fireplace significantly, please see the Walkers about getting cleaning equipment.
AUDIO/VISUAL AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT: The television monitor is mounted on a movable bracket to allow the screen to be moved for best viewing. To move the monitor, gently pull the monitor away from the wall and set the position. At this time, there is no television service available. A DVD player is located at the bottom of the TV monitor. Insert the DVD into the player and then use the remote controls for the player and TV monitor to control operation. If you desire to display images from your portable computer onto the TV monitor, you may plug into the modular plug beneath the rug in the Great Room and then use the TV monitor to select the RGB input.
INTERNET: Wireless networking is available in Onesmus House. Select the connection options on your computer and connect to the "default" network. You do not need a password. If you do not have a wireless option on your computer or if your wireless option is not working, please see The Walkers for assistance.
CHILDREN: The Walkers request that ADULTS ONLY open windows/window coverings, work the fireplace, kitchen appliances, audio/visual equipment, and turn room fans on and off. Waterproof bedding is available for futon bed. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, including the wine cellar and chicken pen. The BBQ is available upon request. Children under 12 must be supervised outdoors.
PETS: There shall be no pets in the Onesimus House at any time. Violation of this rule will result in the right to use Onesimus House to be immediately terminated.
SMOKING: There shall be no smoking in or around Onesimus House. This is very important both for health reasons and because this area is in a Special Fire Protection Area. If you must smoke during your stay, please use the large driveway in front of the garage. Violation of this rule will result in the right to use Onesimus House to be immediately terminated.
WASHING YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS: The Walker’s washer and dryer are available upon request for guests staying longer than a weekend. Details for use of these appliances will be discussed with these guests.
