0 Hot Springs Canyon Road #26 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
UPDATED:
Key Details
Property Type Single Family Home
Sub Type Cabin
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 1,100 sqft
Price per Sqft $381
Subdivision Hot Springs Canyon
MLS Listing ID OC25233628
Bedrooms 3
Half Baths 1
Three Quarter Bath 1
Construction Status Fixer,Repairs Cosmetic
HOA Y/N No
Land Lease Amount 2300.0
Year Built 1926
Lot Size 49299.441 Acres
Property Sub-Type Cabin
Property Description
This 1926 creekside cabin is part of a rare gated Forest Service retreat in the Santa Ana Mountains, just 12 miles from San Juan Capistrano along the scenic Ortega Highway. One of only 14,000 remaining in the U.S., it's part of America's first Recreation Residence Program—established by Congress and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1915 to provide families with recreational experiences in our National Forests. The cabin and its improvements are privately owned, while the land is permitted through the U.S. Forest Service.
Set within the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest and bordered by picturesque Hot Springs Creek, this unique retreat offers a tranquil, back-to-nature experience only minutes from downtown San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Dana Point.
Inside the approximately 1,100 sq. ft. cabin, vintage charm meets thoughtful updates. Features include an Oregon wood-burning stove, thermostat-controlled gas heat, in-wall air conditioning, skylights, and clerestory windows that fill the living spaces with natural light. The primary bedroom's 16-foot bay window overlooks the creek in both directions, while a stained-glass window casts a warm glow across the smaller bathroom each morning. Three additional rooms provide flexible use as guest rooms, office, or storage.
Modern comforts include the availability of satellite internet, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a propane-powered backup generator—all while preserving the authentic 1920s cabin style. The current Forest Service permit is valid through 2028, with renewal approved through 2048.
Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this small community of just fourteen cabins enjoys privacy, shared stewardship, and an enduring connection to nature. No additional cabins will ever be built here—ensuring peace, quiet, and unobstructed forest views for generations to come.
Watch red-tailed hawks soar by day and listen to the owls hoot at night. Hike nearby trails, explore the creek, and experience a living piece of California's natural and cultural history. Cash only sale. No financing currently available for Forest Service cabins. Listing has supplements. Please read.
Location
State CA
County Orange
Area Or - Ortega/Orange County
Rooms
Main Level Bedrooms 3
Interior
Interior Features Beamed Ceilings, Ceiling Fan(s), High Ceilings, Country Kitchen, Storage, Unfurnished, Wood Product Walls, All Bedrooms Down, Bedroom on Main Level, Galley Kitchen, Main Level Primary
Heating Wood Stove, Wall Furnace
Cooling Wall/Window Unit(s)
Flooring Wood
Fireplaces Type Insert, Living Room, Wood Burning Stove
Inclusions Propane Tanks, Propane Generator, Utility Trailer, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Outdoor Work/Storage Bench with electric outlets.
Equipment Satellite Dish
Fireplace Yes
Appliance Electric Range, Range Hood, Water Heater, Dryer, Washer
Laundry Washer Hookup, Gas Dryer Hookup, Laundry Closet
Exterior
Exterior Feature Barbecue
Parking Features No Driveway, On Site, One Space, Uncovered, Unpaved
Fence None
Pool None
Community Features Biking, Foothills, Hiking, Mountainous, Near National Forest, Preserve/Public Land, Rural, Ravine
Utilities Available Cable Not Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Not Available, Propane, Phone Available, Sewer Not Available, Water Connected
Waterfront Description Creek
View Y/N Yes
View Hills, Meadow, Rocks, Creek/Stream, Valley, Trees/Woods
Roof Type Composition,Shingle
Accessibility Grab Bars, No Stairs
Porch Covered, Deck, Glass Enclosed, Porch, Stone, Wood
Private Pool No
Building
Lot Description Trees
Dwelling Type Cabin
Story 1
Entry Level One
Foundation Raised, Stone
Sewer Septic Type Unknown
Water Shared Well
Architectural Style Cottage
Level or Stories One
New Construction No
Construction Status Fixer,Repairs Cosmetic
Schools
School District Capistrano Unified
Others
Senior Community No
Tax ID 98801690
Security Features Fire Detection System,Smoke Detector(s)
Acceptable Financing Cash
Listing Terms Cash
Special Listing Condition Standard
Virtual Tour https://www.wellcomemat.com/mls/5avt95e1d8e71mdeh
Land Lease Amount 2300.0
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