The Petite Cuisine, part of the hayloft building completed by Helmuth Deetjen in 1938, is a charmingly small room steeped in history. Its name, which translates to “small kitchen,” hints at its possible original function as a tiny kitchen space. A simple sink remains as a nod to its past, adding to the room’s unique character. Now designed for solo travelers, the Petite Cuisine room features a single bed and provides a tranquil, intimate setting amidst the serene surroundings of the Inn.

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, nestled among the towering redwoods of California’s coast, has long been a haven for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Since its establishment as an inn, guests have contributed to a series of journals that are now part of the Inn’s rich tapestry.

These journals, filled with personal reflections, stories, and expressions of gratitude, capture the intimate and transformative experiences of visitors. They document moments of solace, inspiration, and renewal. Each entry serves as a testament to the Inn’s profound impact, weaving together a collective narrative of respite and rejuvenation. Guests often find comfort in reading the thoughts of those who came before them, creating a shared sense of community and continuity. The act of writing in these journals allows visitors to engage deeply with their surroundings and reflect on their lives, adding to the Inn's magical ambiance.

In the Petite Cuisine room located in the Hayloft Hostel, a quaint tradition adds to the Inn’s charm and mystique of journal writing: guests write notes and place them in a teapot. These heartfelt messages echo the Inn’s long-standing journal writing tradition. The teapot, brimming with these intimate reflections, serves as a microcosm of the Inn’s larger narrative, where visitors contribute to a collective memory that spans generations.