Review of the Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma County, California

Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

I began my day at the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, California, indulging in a lavender-infused soak in a grand tub. Arriving early, I took advantage of a quiet morning while my husband and son still slept, using the luxurious bath products I had chosen from the lobby. Sinking into the warm water under large windows that overlooked a spacious private deck was a peaceful start to the day. By the time my family stirred, a delicious breakfast of cheesy scrambled eggs and coffee awaited us by the double-sided fireplace.

Out of the various hotels I explored in Napa and Sonoma, Farmhouse Inn distinctly embodies the spirit of Sonoma. The 25 rooms come with carefully curated wine lists, and each day at 4:30 p.m., guests can participate in complimentary wine tastings beside cozy firepits. During my visit, I savored the Croix Estate’s Ruxton Sands rosé while enjoying a casual atmosphere with other guests in their relaxed attire.

Farmhouse Inn

The hotel features an on-site spa that provides massages, facials, private yoga, and therapeutic soaking baths. Partnering with 25 local wineries, Farmhouse Inn offers guests complimentary tastings. Daily wine tastings followed by gourmet s’mores are also a delightful feature, along with freshly baked cookies delivered to each room nightly. Nestled on a six-acre estate with only 25 rooms, the property is operated by local owners and is conveniently located near Santa Rosa Airport, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and downtown Healdsburg.

Originally a rundown bed-and-breakfast, the hotel has been meticulously transformed into a luxury destination since 2001. The spa utilizes herbs grown on-site in its treatments, enhancing the wellness experience. While it has lost its Michelin star, the main restaurant remains renowned for its lavish seven-course dinners. Additionally, the back garden hosts a chicken coop that captivated my six-month-old son, making our stay all the more memorable.

The ambiance of Farmhouse Inn captures a luxurious yet unpretentious Sonoma lifestyle. With Sonoma’s reputation as a prime wine region, the hotel’s access to several wineries is a significant draw. Given the 19 American Viticultural Areas in Sonoma County, having an insider’s connection to 25 partner wineries simplifies planning for visits. When we arrived, a quick inquiry led us to Chalk Hill Vineyards and Winery, where the welcoming staff treated us to a delightful Chardonnay and personalized service.

Here is my comprehensive review of Farmhouse Inn located in Forestville, California.

The Rooms

A cozy fire is lit in one of the inn’s guest rooms.

Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

The inn offers a variety of accommodations, featuring 25 rooms that vary from intimate 200-square-foot options to more expansive 850-square-foot barn suites. During my stay in a one-bedroom barn suite, I enjoyed an inviting atmosphere with a see-through wood-burning fireplace, a spacious bathroom complete with a soaking tub, and a large balcony. Tucked away at the back of the property, the suite provided a sense of seclusion and comfort for my family.

A soaking tub inside a guest room bathroom.

Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

A minor drawback of the barn suites is their accessibility; they require navigating a steep staircase, which turned into a bit of a workout for my husband and me as we managed our son’s stroller up and down.

Food and Drink

The dining options at Farmhouse Inn include a main restaurant offering daily breakfast and fine dining. A highlight of breakfast was the fresh-squeezed orange juice enjoyed by the fireplace. Although children are not permitted during dinner service, I previously had an unforgettable tasting menu experience in 2021, and the restaurant remains a favorite among locals, often hosting sold-out wine dinners.

Glasses of wine and tables set up for al fresco dining.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

On our first evening, my husband and I opted for an in-room dining experience, dressed comfortably in bathrobes. With a pre-ordered, exquisite three-course meal, we enjoyed dishes like pasta with mushrooms, black cod in a sweet-and-sour sauce, and lamb chops, topped off with a matcha chamomile tart for dessert. All of this was anchored by the glow of our fireplace.

For more casual dining, the Farmstand provides a menu filled with burgers, sandwiches, and soups, including a delicious potato and leek option. The inviting outdoor patio is perfect for family dining, where we enjoyed meals on two occasions.

Experiences and Amenities

Guest’s lounging and sitting pool side.

Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

One of the key benefits of staying at Farmhouse Inn is the unique partner winery program that offers guests exclusive access to complimentary tastings across 25 vineyards. Furthermore, the hotel hosts daily wine tastings at 4:30 p.m. followed by s’mores made by the on-site pastry chef, enhancing the communal ambiance of the evenings.

The grounds are beautiful, featuring a large main pool, a hot tub, and expansive lawns perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine or enjoying the soothing sounds of a nearby fountain. Some of my favorite amenities included the bath cart stocked with therapeutic products and the delightful nightly delivery of chocolate chip cookies.

The Spa

A treatment room at the Inn’s spa.

Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn

Nestled within the inn, the wellness barn creates a serene environment for therapies like massages, facials, private yoga, and herbal baths. After enjoying a thorough 90-minute massage from my therapist, I relaxed by the fireplace with herbal tea—a calming blend of lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, and calendula.

Family-friendly Offerings

Despite not being traditionally viewed as a children-friendly destination, Sonoma offers a variety of outdoor adventures that families can enjoy. Located a mere 15 minutes from the enchanting Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, families can explore hiking trails and witness century-old trees, including Colonel Armstrong. Additionally, the nearby Russian River provides opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, with the hotel’s concierge available to assist in making arrangements. Downtown Healdsburg also presents several family-oriented dining options, and we particularly enjoyed a casual evening at Roof 106, featuring pizza and cocktails.

Our experience at Farmhouse Inn was incredibly family-friendly, with staff readily engaging with my son and providing a pack-and-play for our convenience. One memorable breakfast saw a server singing joyfully to entertain my son, truly enhancing our stay.

The Location

Conveniently situated, Farmhouse Inn is a quick 10-minute drive from Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa and about an hour and a half from San Francisco International Airport. A vehicle is essential for exploration, and the hotel offers the option to use house Volvos, although many guests opt for car rentals.

Healdsburg is approximately a 20-minute drive away, featuring a variety of wineries and eateries. Among my recommendations are Flowers Winery & Vineyards for wonderful chardonnays and pinot noirs, J Vineyards & Winery for sparkling wines, and Dry Creek Kitchen for classic steakhouse options. The three Michelin-starred SingleThread is also within reach, offering a dining experience that’s hard to match.

Although farther than other destinations at about an hour’s drive, Downtown Sonoma is worth visiting for its vibrant culinary scene and numerous tasting rooms. For a memorable meal, try Enclos’ 10-course tasting menu prepared with locally sourced ingredients, a dining experience that stands out as one of the best in recent years.

Guerneville, a charming area along the Russian River, is just a 15-minute drive from the inn and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and outdoor adventures.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The inn is equipped with one ADA-compliant room, providing essential accommodations. In line with sustainability efforts, the hotel minimizes single-use plastics, promotes recycling, and offers composting along with electric vehicle charging stations. They also partner with Sonoma County Open Space Conservation, ensuring that some areas of nature remain untouched. Furthermore, the inn uses kitchen waste to feed their flock of hens that supply fresh eggs for the hotel, with a focus on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in their culinary practices.

How to Get the Most of Value Out of Your Stay

While Farmhouse Inn does not participate in a traditional hotel loyalty program, it is included in the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts portfolio. Guests booking with their Amex Platinum card can enjoy benefits like a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, complimentary breakfast for two, and a $100 hotel credit.

Nightly rates at Farmhouse Inn start at approximately $919, and reservations can be made at farmhouseinn.com.

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www.travelandleisure.com