Sonoma might well be California’s most eclectic county. From forested mountains to verdant vineyards to the Pacific Ocean’s edge, this diverse landscape meets the varied desires of all travelers. As does the area’s array of overnight accommodations, ranging from rustic to refined. You will find a combination of the two at Farmhouse Inn.
Undeniably on the refined end of the curve, this boutique hotel in the Russian River Valley’s bohemian enclave of Forestville serves as a sumptuous yet casual home base for area exploration. Siblings Joe and Catherine Bartolomei grew up here, and together they have created a six-acre gem that reflects the relaxed elegance of the bucolic Sonoma County surroundings.
Featuring 25 farmhouse-chic rooms (each with above-and-beyond amenities), Farmhouse Inn and its sylvan gardens promote the ultimate in rest and recuperation. The pampering begins with the offer of a glass of wine at check-in and continues through the duration of each stay, thanks to thoughtful service and indulgent extras.
- Sonoma County is known for its outstanding wines, and Farmhouse Inn provides a proper introduction with the offer of a glass of local red or white upon check-in. This theme is further emphasized within each guest room, where a mini wine fridge proffers for purchase a selection of six different full-sized varietals from nearby wineries, and in excursions, like sommelier-led tasting and tour.
- The minibar snacks (artisan crackers, cashews and organic tortilla chips) are yours for the taking, and don’t forget to peek in the mini-fridge for accompaniments such as cheese and tapenade. The sodas and sparkling water are also gratis.
- Farmhouse Inn Restaurant is a destination at the property. Chef Steve Litke shines a light on local ingredients — many of which come from the hotel owners' ranch — in multicourse menus.
- The inn’s lobby features a “bath bar” with serve-yourself selections of brown sugar scrub, bath salts and large blocks of organic soap. Cut yourself a slice, tuck it in the provided wax paper bag and use it back in your room or take it home as a souvenir.
- Don’t bypass the lobby’s gourmet s’mores bar, which carries all the artisanal makings for the gooey treat. Two poolside fire pits provide a convivial space in which to roast, construct and enjoy.
- The boutique hotel is tranquil and romantic and not especially child friendly, though well-behaved young ones are welcome.
- While the inn does not have a gym, it does provide complimentary passes to the Parkpoint Health Club in nearby Healdsburg so that you can still get in a workout.
- Save room for dessert — turndown service includes the delivery of delicious, freshly baked and gluten-free (you’d never know) chocolate chip cookies. Wash them down with the carton of milk found in your mini-fridge.
- Join other guests daily from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for a complimentary wine tasting held in the inn’s newest meeting space, The Grange. Local vintners take turns pouring their best while sharing their vinous histories.
- The sound of trickling water from the property’s collection of garden fountains helps to counteract slight roadway noise. Rooms at the back of the premises are the quietest.
- The Sonoma hotel features 25 rooms in five categories, from cozy Farmhouse King accommodations above the property’s original 19th-century farmhouse to sumptuously large King Luxury Suites with barn-door-divided sitting areas. Each whitewashed space is designed with upscale, farmhouse-chic flair, including fresh flowers.
- All rooms come with gas or wood-burning fireplaces, several of which are double-sided for both interior and patio enjoyment.
- Bathrooms are reason alone for a stay. Large, jetted soaking tubs overlook oak-tree-studded hillsides; heated floors provide soothing comfort; steam showers soothe aching muscles; and a few rooms feature dry saunas.
- A personalized chalkboard greeting welcomes each guest upon arrival — a small yet significant special touch that illustrates the inn’s level of individual care and service.
- Textural stacked stone walls line the central heated pool and hot tub where sun-poised comfy chaise lounges are perched upon a wooden deck.
- Strollable gravel paths are fronted with roses, espaliered fruit trees and vegetable-filled raised beds. The produce and herbs found across the grounds are utilized in the spa’s farm-to-spa-table menu of treatments.
- A farmer at heart, owner Joe Bartolomei has created an onsite coop for chickens (a posted photo guide identifies each by name) that provide the inn’s stellar restaurant with eggs.
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