ONESIMUS WARMTH

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.