Big Sur · Castro Canyon, Highway 1
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
Helmuth Deetjen's Castro Canyon inn, begun in 1936 with used redwood from Monterey's canneries; single-wall rooms, and breakfast daily.
- Built
- 1936–41Helmuth Deetjen built the first building (from used cannery redwood) in 1936; the five historic buildings were in place by 1940-41.
- Style
- Norwegian-influenced rustic vernacular
- Architect
- Helmuth Deetjen (designer-builder)
- Type
- Inn
- Area
- Castro Canyon, Highway 1
- Credentials
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The story
Norwegian immigrant Helmuth ‘Grandpa’ Deetjen built his first building in Castro Canyon in 1936 from used redwood from Monterey’s fish canneries. From 1939 English widow Barbara Blake leased part of the property and, with Deetjen, added guest buildings and turned the barn into a restaurant; by 1940 the inn was operating. Deetjen bequeathed the property in 1972 so guests could keep using it, and it was listed on the National Register in 1990.
Good to know
- Breakfast: available
- No pets
- Address: 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.