(Art/ 3-D Photos by Sandy Zimmerman with photos by Farmhouse Inn as indicated.)
Suddenly as you see the entrance of the Farmhouse Inn, the beauty of the historic building, flowers and large trees are startling. This is the original classic Farmhouse built in 1873 with a 600 acre farm. It has been the Farmhouse Inn since Joe and CatherineBartolomei purchased the property 12 years ago.
As a city gal, I have never stayed on a farm before and thought the Farmhouse Inn would be a great experience. To my surprise the Farmhouse Inn is a luxury, first class resort with a farm theme.
I hesitated when the bellhop said he was taking me to the barn but although the outside looked like a barn, inside were some of the most beautiful luxury suites with exciting features and amenities. The barn was built three years ago.
Even the bathroom was interesting! First the heated bathroom floor was so pleasant and unexpected. Guests had the choice of the couple’s Jacuzzi or separate shower in the bathroom. The couple’s Jacuzzi offered a windowed view of the private porch and forest while they bathe. There were more choices in the shower with either steam, or a regular shower, or both at the same time.
The fireplace worked either in the bedroom or on the private porch for romantic evenings. My suite had a weather vane on the dresser, farm implements and other interesting decorations. I was happy to see their television brought all of my favorite programs even though I was busy with so much to do around the area.
There is something soothing about being in the country surrounded by the forest while time seems to stop. Catherine Bartolomei felt, “We wanted to remind our guests they are in the country and for them to feel comfy and farmy. Guests from urban areas don’t have private decks tucked into the woods with double sided fireplaces. Our rooms are playful and campy.”
Joe Bartolomei explained, “We have a total of 18 cottages, main house rooms and barn suites on our six acre property. Our guests really get personal attention with six concierges and three bellmen for the 18 rooms.
We are 20 minutes from Sonoma and 30 minutes from Napa with over 310 wineries with 150 wineries even closer. There’s plenty of wine tasting here!
The Farmhouse Inn is 30 minutes from the coast for whale watching, beaches or other activities and near the Redwood Tree State Park. There is also canoeing and picnicking along the Russian River. Other activities include ballooning, horseback riding, golf and hiking.”
For information, call (800)-464-6642. The Farmhouse Inn is located in Forestville, California, minutes from California Highway 101, and just 2 hours north of San Francisco. www.farmhouseinn.com
VISIT CALIFORNIA
I am always amazed every time I visit California because they have so much to offer with something for everyone! This was my first time in Northern California and enjoyed the Coast Highway with such beautiful views of the ocean, beaches, unique rock formations, and cliffs.
Visit California would be happy to assist you in planning your California trip whether it is for families, couples, honeymoons, unique settings for weddings, business, or whatever reason. They really know California and can suggest the perfect accommodations, restaurants, attractions, tours, meeting facilities, theme vacations, eco-trips, adventure getaways, beaches, and more.
My flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco was a quick one hour and fifteen minutes which is great if you want to stop in San Francisco before or after driving north. There are also daily direct flights from Las Vegas to Santa Rosa.
Contact Visit California: www.visitcalifornia.com