When driving up the Northern California coast, the breathtaking landscape is truly a sight to behold. The merging of the redwood forest with the ocean creates a stunning view, where sharp cliffs meet beautiful blue waves and it feels like the mountains and the sea are becoming one.
Located in Mendocino, the Brewery Gulch Inn is a local wonder that seamlessly blends into its natural environment, making every visitor feel welcomed and connected to nature.
The inn is situated on the original 10-acre farmstead of Mendocino pioneer, Homer Barton, offering breathtaking views of Smuggler’s Cove. It is also bordered by 48,000 acres of unoccupied meadows and redwoods in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, ensuring a peaceful and tranquil experience. Visitors are surrounded by the beauty of the redwood forest while enjoying a stunning view of the ocean.
From its inception, the inn was designed and built with careful consideration for the environment. The ponds, which are part of wetlands restoration, are kept clean using a natural rock filtration system that requires no chemical additives. Native grasses and wildflowers adorn the wetlands, and secluded benches offer picturesque views of the ponds and the Pacific Ocean.
The inn exudes a storybook charm with its abundant use of wood and cozy atmosphere. Most of the logs used in its construction were eco-salvaged from the nearby Big River, where they had been immersed in water for 100-150 years. The logs have acquired beautiful colors through mineralization. The inn features 10 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms spread across three levels, each offering views of the ocean framed by spruce and pines.
For bird enthusiasts, the inn provides a spotting scope on the deck, allowing visitors to spot distant whales in the water and observe the many bird species that inhabit the property. A bird feeder outside also attracts a variety of birds, catering to the interests of avid birdwatchers.
Recently, the inn has established a partnership with the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology, offering birders the opportunity to explore and learn about the local bird species that reside in and around the property. This collaboration allows guests to connect with the natural world and engage with fellow birdwatchers during their stay.
At the Brewery Gulch Inn, breakfast starts with a hot cup of coffee or tea paired with freshly baked goods prepared by the chef. Guests can enjoy this delightful meal in the main dining area, on the deck, or even in the comfort of their own rooms for those lazy breakfasts in bed.
Wine hour and dinner at the inn are a delightful surprise every night. The chef creates the meals based on what ingredients are available during the season and even takes into account the weather outside. Guests can expect hearty seafood chowder on gloomy, cold days, and lighter fare on bright, sunny days.
For those seeking an added level of privacy and coziness, the Beach Trail Cottage is the newest addition to the Brewery Gulch Inn’s accommodations. Located about a mile south of the inn on a quiet country lane, the cottage is just minutes away from Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa.
The Beach Trail Cottage is a two-story, fully remodeled 150-year-old home featuring luxurious linens, a full kitchen, and an upper-floor master bedroom with breathtaking white water views along the coast and over Van Damme State Beach.
Situated in close proximity to Van Damme State Beach, the cottage offers its own private trail leading to the headlands. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, observe curious sea lions and harbor seals, spot hunting ospreys, and explore the many tidepools just steps from the cottage door.
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