Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, a collection of single wall buildings, cabins, and a restaurant in Castro Canyon, was one of the first visitor accommodation to offer overnight lodging and meals in Big Sur for California visitors and travelers after the opening of Highway 1 in 1937.

[2][3] Helmuth Deetjen initially built cottages for others in Carmel, and was attracted to the Big Sur coast that reminded him of Norway.

The Inn was closed for a short time after the Soberanes Fire and subsequent winter floods damaged several structures.

Helmuth Deetjen emigrated from Bergen, Norway and arrived in New York City about 1916, where he lived in Brooklyn and worked in construction.

They lived in a tent at first, then Helmuth built a large barn of timbers obtained from an obsolete wharf along Cannery Row in Monterey.

Helmuth made and sold hand-carved candle sticks, bowls, benches, tables, as well as cabinets in a shop next to the restaurant.

[9] The Hayloft Building has a number of historic features, including glass Helmuth made himself in King City and brought over the mountains to Big Sur by mule.